History Was Made: Andy Murray Won Wimbledon

Many of you know I attended Wimbledon and wrote the article for The Virginian Review.  For those of you who have not seen it, I hope you enjoy it!  The article is one of my top two favorites I've written to date.

Photo of the article in the paper!

7/12/2013 2:24:00 PM
Richardson Enjoys Wimbledon History

Editor's Note:
Virginian Review writer Kirsten Richardson witnessed tennis history when she attended Sunday's Wimbledon championship during her recent trip to England.

BY KIRSTEN
RICHARDSON
Staff Writer

LONDON, England - After a 77-year drought, a British man won the Wimbledon Championship Sunday afternoon.

Scotsman Andy Murray fought physically and mentally to trump number one player Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

Crowds swarmed around The All England Club, waiting for the start of the most anticipated match, possibly of the season. Fans joined in the traditional consumption of Kentish strawberries with cream, Pimms and lemonade, and champagne with gusto, whether sitting on Henman Hill (unofficially named "Murray Mound") or inside Centre Court.

"Novak Djokovic to serve. Ready. Play." Chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani announced the commencement of the 2013 Gentlemen's Singles Final at the Wimbledon Championship.

Murray's frequently used slice, barely passing over the net tape, caused gasps to echo around Centre Court, as well as sighs of disappointment when the ball failed to catch quite enough air.

Game one of the first set of the match seemed an easy win for Murray, but at its completion, Djokovic was ahead.

Neither player lessening their fight, they battled to break each other. Murray finally passed Djokovic, winning the first set 6-4.

Djokovic, despite several tumbles, did not take runner up for lack of ability. During the second set, he fell immediately after returning a shot from Murray. Murray strained to reach the ball after the first bounce, but the placement was too well executed, pushing the score to 5-4.

Murray continued to fight, taking the second set 7-5.

Each finalist had supporters in the crowd. However, after a yell of encouragement for Djokovic, a British accent was always ready to cry, "Let's go, Andy!" The tit-for-tat banter continued through all three sets, causing ripples of laughter.

As the sets wore on, the excitement and tension levels rose. During breaks in play, tennis etiquette was replaced with deafening cheering and chanting, rivalling that of a soccer match.

The final game of the third set was excruciating. One end of the stadium started to cheer, thinking Murray had won, only to hush quickly when it was obvious he had not. Deuce, ad, deuce, ad, but it finally came to an end with Andy Murray beating Novak Djokovic in the third set 6-4.

Centre Court cheered thunderously, waving flags, pumping fists, and soaking in the emotional moment of Britain winning their own championship.

Walking toward the score board, Murray responded with an awed shock. Novak Djokovic, always a gentleman and good sportsman, walked around the net to congratulate Murray with a hug.

Crouching on the court, Murray soaked in the win before rising, crawling through fans, and standing on one of the boxes to hug his team, kiss his girlfriend and receive an emotional embrace from his mother, who he nearly passed over.

The court quickly transformed into a stage. Ball girls and boys lined the carpet where each player was interviewed. The Duke of Kent, president of The All England Club, awarded the trophies.

Sue Barker opened her interview with Djokovic saying, "Novak, you threw everything at him." His tired, but good natured, response was, "But it wasn't enough." He went on to congratulate Murray, his team, and the entire country, acknowledging how much it meant to everyone.

When the grand slam champion came up, Barker asked him, "I don't know if you realize what you've done, but how does it feel to hold that trophy now?" Murray's response caused laughter in the arena. "It feels slightly different to last year."

Barker described the last game and match point as being "tortuous to watch." Murray quipped, "Imagine playing it."

Murray congratulated Djokovic on his excellent game, saying he would go down in history as one of the great players.

He also added, regarding nearly forgetting to hug his mother, "I did forget her. I just heard her squealing when I went to get down."

The Wimbledon Men's Championship Final was attended by thousands. The stands held Prime Minister David Cameron, British sports players and celebrities, as well as loyal British fans. All shared a joy in seeing a citizen of Great Britain win the Wimbledon title.

Now, everyone awaits Andy Murray's next goal: to defend his U.S. Open title.

In a Nutshell

England is magnificent.

The first week was busy, but things are slowing dow now (yay!).

In a nutshell, I've visited Bristol, stayed with Mary, Tim, Jude, and Julia, traveled to Paris, visited Uncle Gavin's for dinner, visited the University of Oxford, seen Jude and Julia's school, and spent some time relaxing and visiting.

It's a wonderful, semi-short visit.

It's incredible how much difference experience and two and a half years makes.

But, it's funny the insecurities that arise in an environment other than the one in which you've grown up.

I'm sitting at the kitchen table, glancing periodically out to the garden, sipping a cup of tea.

One of the many things I love about England, is when you go to someone's home, typically they will offer you tea.

Anyway, today I go to Stevenage to visit lovely family.

As I was thinking about it this morning, I became very excited.

When I get back to the USA, I will post pictures and share more detailed accounts.

Until then, watch for me at Centre Court during the Men's Wimbledon Finals!

Who do you think will be there?

P.S. Any guesses when the Royal baby will arrive?

Rows of Marmite...Am I In Heaven?

Maltesers...Marmite...Marmalade
Tea...Cider...Hobnobs...
British Cheddar Cheese...
...and so much more.

Grocery shopping in England is a treat.
It makes me happy.
The food in England is so much better than in America.

Anyway, have you guessed where I am (if you are one of the people who doesn't already know)?
I'm in ENGLAND!

After a car ride, flight, several trains, and another car, I arrived at Grampaw's.
He greeted me with the offer of a cup of tea.
I love being in a country where tea is held in such esteem.

I fell asleep on the train for a few minutes...only to be awakened by the conductor asking to see my ticket.
Then, I fell asleep and woke up just as we pulled into Reading (which is good, as I might have ended up in Oxford).
Later, Grampaw asked if I wanted to take a nap.
I declined, only to decide that my hurt and needed a rest.
But, I told Grampaw I wouldn't fall asleep.
He retorted, "Those are famous last words."
Um...I don't know how much later...I woke up.

Anyway, except for those little snoozes, I finally went to bed after being awake for about 33 hours.
After eating the yummiest pizza I've eaten in a while.
In the greatest little hole in the wall.

Today was amazing.
Grandma Sue, Claire, Ed, and my newest cousin, Daisy, came to visit.
We drank tea, Skyped with Daddy, went out to eat, and had a lovely time.
Thanks to Claire, Daddy and I now have two jars of Marmite Gold.
And, Daisy is precious!!! (pictures to follow)

Then...
*drum roll*
I took a picture with CARY GRANT!
Yes, you read correctly.
One of my favorite actors was born and raised in Bristol.
There is a statue of him in centre of Bristol.
So, in the rain, I asked a nice passerby (after analysing whether I thought he would run off with my camera) if he would take a picture.
He did.
And gave me the camera back.

Oh, did I mention all the Wimbledon Grampaw and I have watched?
And, may we freak out together about Federer losing??!!
I guess I won't be seeing him at the finals.
So sad.

Tomorrow Grampaw and I are off to the bookshop (ummm, a mini-heaven?).
I'll get lost in the classics room while Grampaw works.

Tomorrow I'm off to London in the afternoon.
It feels a little like I'm going home...to one of my many homes.

Photos may be posted before I get home in two weeks...
But, then again, they may not.

Dear Friday: Teacher Appreciation, Chocolate, and Girl's Night in a Boutique

Yay for subbing on Friday of Teacher Appreciation Week!

Dear Friday, it's 11:11 and today is great.
Dear School, I don't want you to end...what will I do without my students for the summer?
Dear Sunshine, thank you for two days of you!  The rain was nice, but I'm glad you're back.
Dear Teacher Appreciation Week Inventor, you are awesome.  Chocolate fondue, strawberries, pineapple, cookies, brownies, chocolate covered pretzels, and so much more...yuuum!
Dear Jamison, we need to have girl's night more often!  Talking, chick flicks, chocolate, tea...and all in a fabulous boutique.  Yes.  The best.
Dear Life, you are still complicated, beautiful, sad, happy, and all around...wonderful and busy.
Dear England, I'm coming.
Dear Wimbledon, best birthday ever....I'm anticipating you excitedly!
Dear Weekend, I'm ready for you.

I've Always Been Told I'm a Dreamer...

Life continues.
3,000 miles away my dad, brother, and step-mom are at the beach, my mom is in VA, and I am in London.
It's ok.  I am having a wonderful and blessed time!  God has been doing wonderful things!

I have been having the gift of getting to know my England family better!  It is so nice to not feel rushed.  I know I will see them even when we say goodbye!

This past weekend I went to Stevenage to visit Auntie Michele and family.  After a few hours I made it.  During those hours Murray lost and Nadal became a Wimbledon finalist!  I arrived and began to say hi and settle in.  We ate dinner, walked the dogs, and watched 27 Dresses (a good chick flick : ) )!  The next day was a busy one full of cleaning, going out, getting ready, and finally a BIRTHDAY PARTY/Graduation Party!!!  Jess, Iain, and I have birthdays within 11 days of each other and BEx just finished Secondary school!  I was a bit nervous (ok, a little more than a bit) because everyone had invited guests (except for myself, of course) and I was worried I would end up feeling left out.  Well, it was a little uncomfortable for the first 30 minutes or so and then Jess, Jamie (Jess' boyfriend), and I chatted and then her friends began to arrive! They were SO nice!  The totally included me and it was great fun getting to know them!  I greatly look forward to seeing them again!

The night included me being the "american", the one whose brother looks like Zac Efron, telling about America, answering questions, just talking : ), setting off lighting Chinese Lanterns to fly away and in the process thought I was going to catch the tree, the table, and the roof on fire, and doing a fairy dance with and directed by a four year old with my Aunt, Cousin, and cousin's friend.  Oh, and, I tried Irish Cream.  Ew. No thanks.  At first it tasted good, then it kinda burned a little and tasted kinda ick.  After two sips I decided it was too sweet and would taste better in coffee.  After three sips....I kinda wanted to throw up.  I am still holding out for the Pink Champagne = )

Jess and I went to bed...which then led to talking until 1:30!  It was really great...except we had to get up between 8 and 8:30 to go to WIMBLEDON!!!!  So, 8:35 or 8:37 I think I finally rolled out of bed and got ready.  We left the house at 9:15, went to the train station, bought our tickets, and off we went on our adventure!  The train trip was SO fast compared to my trip there!  We took the tube to Victoria Tube Station where we waited for the Wimbledon tube!  The whole time I was trying to guess who was going based on clothes and conversations : )  We finally make it and begin walking to the grounds!  We were given free strawberries that were scrumptious and then this guy asked us something that all ran together.  Well, I replied with, "no" which is what I do if I don't understand someone.  Or I smile.  Well, he got kind of annoyed and was like you need to go this way.  Well, good thing he spoke up.  Turns out he said, "are you a ticket holder?" Since we were not (this time!!) we had to go a different way to queue up.  It really was not that long and we had a fabulous time!  We walked around and then headed off to Wimbledon Village for a picnic.  The gentleman we asked about supermarkets said, this is Wimbledon.  Well, I am sorry, but for what we paid TOTAL we would have been able to buy two hamburger meals and no strawberries.  I was pleased. Oh, and we got Starbucks.....so we saved money : )  In the process we planned our next trip to Wimbledon two years from now (hopefully).  Hello, graduation present to ourselves!  Parents are welcome to chip in if they so desire ; )  Although, we decided we would rather have a car from them than help with Wimbledon. Haha. Anyway, next time:
-December Tickets
-Summer Dresses
-Sun Hats
-Cute Shoes (duh)
-Either, a taxi or a private car (okok let me dream)
-Strawberries and Champagne : )
-Oh, and eating on top of Centre Court!

So, we planned this while walking to and from Wimbledon Village.
We got back to the grounds and the hill was PACKED!  Literally, we walked all the way around and then through and finally hit an almost dead end.  Some guy who I was standing in front of looked up and asked if I knew where I was going.  I looked at him and said, "I have no clue!"  Well, thankfully, we ended up with good seats and space to breathe!  Two cartons of Strawberries later and a win from Nadal and a few clothing criticisms later we packed up, went to the Wimbledon shop, took more photos around, and left = ) What a day!!!!!

I WENT TO WIMBLEDON, PEOPLE!!!!!!!
It was such a wonderful time!  Alas, I did not see Nadal.  Oh well, next time : )
God was so good allowing this to all fall into place!  I can't wait to see what He has planned for my first time in Centre Court!

God has blessed me so much over the past 18 years, 364 days and 5 minutes!!! Wow. One year left to be a teenager : )
I cannot wait to see what happens this year!
My parents always say, I am a dreamer......

One Reason I Love England : )

One of the MANY reasons I love England....
I am either one hour off or in the time zone of two grand slam tennis matches as well as several other tournaments = )

What does this mean?

Well, in layman's terms...I didn't miss the men's finals due to church : )

So, yesterday I have a lovely afternoon watching Nadal beat Soderling in one of the best tennis matches I have ever seen: )

This week is the Queens tournament which is a lovely thirty minutes away : )
THEN....one more tournament
AND...*drum roll*
WIMBLEDON! Yes, if you cannot tell I am SOOO excited!  As in...what most of the world is feeling about the World Cup I am feeling about Wimbledon : ) Although...for the World Cup, GO ENGLAND!

I am looking forward to a wonderful Cousin and Wimbledon Picnic Date!

*sigh* I cannot even believe I am going to be there.....This is such a gift from God : )

THEN I FINALLY got to watch the movie I have been waiting ages to see : )
That definitely put me in a mood...

Now, the week of routine begins : )  I am thankful for routine!  I need some!

Prayer.....I need strength.  I am not sure what God is teaching me through this. Pray for understanding.
Thank you!

P.S. 1 Month till Daddy's and my Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Family Time!

Yesterday I FINALLY got to see family members!  Let me tell you, I was pretty excited!  The kids and I had a lovely morning singing christmas songs around the breakfast table (you know me : ) ) and then Mary made Banana Bread Muffins....deliciousness!!!

THEN Uncle Gavin arrived and whisked me away to Starbucks (mmmm yuuuummy)!  However, we made a quick stop at the Marks and Spencer so I could pick up my perfume I have been out of (IT SMELLS DIFFERENT!).  I then drank my Starbucks Hot Chocolate out of a glass mug (it is standard in England : ) ) and discussed the many differences between English Starbucks and American Starbucks.  We discussed plans and life and the wedding in August (my aunts) and all sorts of stuff.  Then we had to make a dash and pick up Auntie Lisa (we were late) and went home where a delicious meal almost awaited us : ) It was soooo good! 

Anyway, we just had a good time chatting and laughing.  Then Uncle Gavin and I took Rex (the dog) for a walk.  However, we have to drive to the place we walk him and guess who gets to ride up front? Yep, not me, the "pampered pooch."  So, we had a nice little walk minus the dog almost getting hit.  We chatted about family and drove by the house they all used to live in as kids where Daddy carved his name in the block : )

When we got back to the house I got to try the XO (extra old) marmite and then Uncle Gavin and I just hung out.  We looked up cricket (yup, planning to go to a match : ) ), talked about Grandma and family, and just really bonded which was awesome because I really don't know my English family THAT well!  

All in all a GREAT day!

Then I was debating about Wimbledon....well the verdict is in....*dun dun dun*

Wimbledon.  Men's Finals.  Grounds Tickets.  Picnic with Jess (aka Cousin Date).  How fantastic?!  The only thing better would obviously be to actually be IN the arena!!!!

Well, au revaderci!