Who Needs A Guide?

We all spend a lot of time thinking. We ponder eventualities and we try to find out the reasons behind all that happens and all that goes on around us all the time. Hopefully, most of us in society have good intentions and our musings are in good humour. We have desires and ambitions. Sometimes, or perhaps all too often, we struggle a little to get down to it and actually put into practice what we spend so much time longing for or thinking about.

I do not think that it is laziness. It is more likely that we lack confidence in ourselves or it may be a negative attitude that we harbour towards the ways of society in general and a failure to believe that anything will ever come of our efforts. Do we ever get our just rewards? Those who succeed, whether they be writers, film-makers, athletes or whatever, have all been given a hefty helping hand up the ladder – haven't they?

I believe we all intend to put into practice our plans at some point. We have always wanted to be something but for some reason or another we have not got down to it.

It is interesting to reflect. Thoughts, aims and feelings swill around in minds all the time. The world has existed for a long time and something tells me not a lot has changed. Maybe I will be surprised. There is a lot I have not yet seen.

What can we do today? What can we do now?

Bodies and minds function with nature and with the seasons. When it is Spring, finally it is warming up and the days are clearer, brighter and getting longer. It feels like spring and we feel like Spring. Energetic, clear and new. That is a feeling we have in Spring. Do we have the right to feel that clear and happy, that alert? Of course we, do so why with all the advances in time, thought and technology, do we not feel it all the time?

When it is winter and cold and damp and dark and miserable, it gets to late in the evening and there is nothing to do and nowhere to go. There is little other than empty entertainment on the TV. If you resist watching rubbish on the television, you go to bed. You go to bed early and even if you are an early riser, you find yourself getting up a little later each day. It is dark outside, so even with the best intentions, why get up? It seems logical so far. However, as a kid, I always thought that if I were to be granted one wish then I would wish to never have to sleep. There was a clause to that wish in that I could sleep if I wanted – but I would never actually need to. My reasoning was that I would be able to get so much done. So, why now as adults with a big wide world out there do we allow ourselves to remain, “zonked” for such large periods of the year.

I guarantee I will not find the answer, but I am interested in trying to do so. I can feel this is an important and interesting time in my life now, as it should be in everybody's. I have been working, but I cannot for the life of me fathom why, as it is such a mind-numbing, brickwall-butting occupation. Who am I kidding? I did it for the money and for the holidays. Even so, I am moving beyond it in a fashion that I believe is destiny taking a hand. I was never destined to work. Some people are and believe me, some souls out there are doing an amazing job and I have so much respect for them - a respect that I did not to the same degree before.

I have been amazed at some of the things I have encountered and found. Briefly, how thick so many people are and how little qualifications actually seem to count, despite what we are led to believe as children. It can be incredibly difficult to even get what may be regarded as a “numpty” job these days and yet we are supposedly all impelled to spend our life's energies and efforts into securing that pitiful and pointless existence. However, what I have seen and discovered is how much there actually is out there, how much help there is on offer and how many people are willing to provide warmth and assistance.

It all steels me to stop resting and to stop accepting. I do not want to sleep any more. Now is the time to open up to destiny and to relish it and it cannot start anywhere else but here.

Our aim should be to transfer our desires as we want them and in our time, so as to truly reflect our thought processes and intentions. In that way, we can be more interesting to ourselves and more interesting to a companion or observer.  Unquestionably, we will at least be more meaningful and poignant within ourselves. If we edit our dreams in order that some elements are better explained or make more sense or perhaps reflect ourselves in a better light, it would be false and fundamentally uninteresting.

It is not necessary to set ourselves up as some form of genius or expert in philosophy. If we we say or do something stupid, then remember it. Let's look at it, read about it, laugh about it, be shocked by it or cry about. Equally, let us refrain from explaining every situation. There are times when how you got there, why you got there, what you did before, or who exactly someone is, is not important. Some gaps can provide a little intrigue and can invite a little imaginative thought. Those gaps can easily be filled in our minds and musing, just as we wish.

Give it a go.

Rural Radio

I have work commitments for three weeks that require me to commute a reasonable distance, basically equating to two hours of driving per day.

The route that I take is reasonably interesting, as it is in a rural setting, but it can be quite tedious and boring to do twice daily and on a regular basis. In order to offset the boredom, I listen to the radio.

I have a very basic radio in the car which combined with the rural location means I am very limited in terms of the choice of station.

As a result, I am listening to a radio station that I would not necessarily have chosen given more options. It is quite illuminating as to the interests and thought processes of many people and of things that are going on to which I was quite comfortably oblivious.

In order to briefly summarise, the morning show is relatively entertaining. The host does a good job with a good sense of humour. All in all, it is good company. Similarly, the programme to accompany the drive home is not too bad either. The music choices vary but there are some good songs played, albeit alongside a fair amount of drivel.

My annoyance and gripe comes in between the two. I failed to mention above that I also spend some of my lunch-break in the car and consequently, I put the radio on. The discussions aired at that time of the day are insane. The host is a 'berk.' He has an annoying voice, he makes stupid comments and clearly has an inflated opinion of himself.

Furthermore, the topics considered are mind-numbing at best. I cannot seem to grasp the purpose of the programme at all. It is not intelligent conversation that is entered into, neither is it humorous nor helpful. I realise that an element of impartial debate is that there is no bias and that all angles are considered. However, I do not think this happens at all.

The presenter appears to be deliberately awkward with the guests or callers for no apparent reason. The only impression I can make is that he does actually think he is clever, or that he is making an insightful observation. Frankly, he never does. He is a complete imbecile.

Many of the listeners are little better. It is baffling what reward they gain from contributing to the show. Nevertheless, they still feel compelled to do so.

I have not named the radio station, nor the programme and I have no desire to do so. It is not my intention to launch an attack on a named individual. I am merely 'blogging' away to ease my own boredom. Neither am I fully equipped to criticize something that I have only recently and briefly tuned into.

In fact, the main reason for this rambling is that I am on my lunch-break and I have switched the radio off because the incessant drone of the faceless voice is too annoying. As is the negativity that stems from discussion about suicide, corrupt politicians and homophobia.

Heavens above, what happened to a bit of banter and good-time music? The last song that was played was some 'bozo' singing about Charlie Brown.

Well, there is consolation in that whatever is 'airing' during the drive home can only be an improvement. Ultimately, I will be glad when these three weeks are over. No lengthy rural drive will mean no dreary radio and three weeks pay will give me the option of upgrading my equipment.

I bet I don't upgrade though. I would have nothing to moan and blog about!

Reading and Writing

The topic being discussed on the radio, as I listen to it commuting to work, is “Reading and Writing.” Specifically, it revolves around a scheme being launched today to encourage children to read more and to engage in and experiment with writing.

The discussion is following the usual format of a radio show. Lots of advice is being offered from expert, professional and interested parties regarding how best to go about the process of engaging young people in books.

It is being suggested that parents should actively enthuse their children through reading to them, buying them books to read and taking them to the library on a regular basis. It is also mentioned that contemporary culture, interests and habits war with the basic concept of concentrating for long periods of time on one particular item.

Time constraints have been referenced, along with the prevalent existence of modern technology, personal interests and indeed abilities. Undoubtedly, as with many issues, “Reading and Writing” is a worthy topic for discussion.

In my opinion, the burden of responsibility fundamentally falls on the parents, especially when considering children of a very young age.

As a child, I was certainly actively encouraged to read. My parents had masses of books on an array of subjects and I also received plenty of books myself as gifts for birthdays or as Christmas presents. I also went on to study languages and other areas of literature at an advanced level.

Over the years, I have certainly read an awful lot and in many languages. However, I hesitate to say whether I actually enjoy reading. I suppose I must do, as I have read things, such as the entire collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, from cover to cover on more than one occasion. I have even read stuff like Dante's - “Divina Comedia,” in the original Italian, although I have to admit that was a little beyond me.

"Beyond me..."

If asked what my favourite book is, I would struggle to answer, but then again, I would be the same if asked for a film or a song. I suppose, I know what I like and what I do not like, but I do not really have any desire to choose a favourite. I have read books covering a huge variety of genres, from Asterix to Shakespeare, but I actually prefer biographies.

To return to the point about today's discussion, despite all my reading over the years, I rarely read now. Well, that is to say that I rarely sit down and read a novel. Of course, I read the news and I look things up and read information so as to learn about different things, but I do not sit down and read purely for entertainment.

Neither do I really have any books in the house. I still have a load at my parents house but I do not possess my own collection. For one thing, I do not really like the clutter.

On the radio, they are making the link between reading and writing. It is argued that a good writer ought to improve his/her skills by reading and vice-versa. I also enjoy writing. I used to write a lot more than I do now, in a similar way to reading.

Equally, when it comes to writing, I have never viewed myself as imaginative or creative, not in terms of the subject matter. I have never tended to make up a story. I can be imaginative, creative and colourful with the language I use, or through observations, angles or perceptions, but all based on observations founded in fact.

I must use all the skills honed over the years through reading and writing. I assume I use them now in the way I learn and play music. I have reams of material that in a way map my technical progress and also my thought processes over various courses of time.

It is absolutely indisputable that reading and writing are vitally important for young people. They are not only necessary core academic skills, but they also serve a vital purpose when considering all round well-being and in particular, mental health.

Ultimately, I do find it strange how many people appear at their wit's end when contemplating how best to get a child to engage in reading and writing. What is the best book to read? How often should they read? When should they read?

From a personal perspective, it comes down to interest. Let them read what they like. I would ensure there are options aplenty and that literature is readily accessible, but it is futile to encourage to the point of pressure and exhaustion.

Encourage through example, good intentions and support. That is about all you can do really. Things have a funny way of working out, but when it comes down to it, people do what they want.

Friday

It is Friday today which is a welcome relief. It has been a relatively busy week in that I have worked five full-days since Monday, which is not something that has been that common for me for a while.

It is lunch-time now so I only have a short afternoon to go. It ought not to be a bad afternoon either. Then, it will be back home, get the heating on, sort out the “Friday Follows” and settle into a good Friday night

I am happy to admit that I have really taken to Twitter. It is somewhat bizarre, as I have never been into that sort of thing before but I really do have a great deal of fun with it.

Some of the aspects that I particularly enjoy include the fact that people within my circles are so encouraging and supportive. I genuinely gain a lot of inspiration from different characters, either through what they have been doing or something that they tweet.

Cheers Tweeps!

It is amazing but it does support all those theories and sayings that the little things really do count. The tiniest of compliments or mentions is very warmly received and appreciated.

I mention that it is bizarre and in essence, it is exactly that. Why on earth would I post messages, images, comments to people that I have only met via the internet, especially when considering it is viewable by anybody in the world? There are items that are posted that could be frowned upon, or worse, by a potential employer, but I do it anyway.

I think that fundamentally, it comes down to both human nature and the current global situation. I believe a lot of people have reached the point whereby they could quite frankly not care less about what the supposed hierarchy may think, they are going to do it anyway.

From a personal perspective, as mentioned, I gain such a lot from using Twitter. I am reasonably careful with what I tweet or post online and my interests have led me to some truly inspirational, friendly and fascinating people. Others may not have had such luck because there are undoubtedly some imbeciles who tweet, in the same way as there are buffoons everywhere in society.

Contrastingly, the whole online social networking arena could be construed as fairly 'sad'. Would it not be better to go out in the local area and meet like-minded people with whom I could interact in a similar fashion to that done via Twitter?

The concept is an obvious one and undoubtedly attractive. However, the reality is again different. Once more, the global economy determines that a night in with a few home-prepared drinks and my Twitter community is significantly cheaper than a night out at the pub or in town.

Furthermore, were I to venture into town, would I find like-minded people? I very much doubt it. My interests are obvious if you view my Twitter companions and yet if I were to venture into town tonight, what would I encounter? It does not bare thinking about really, but suffice is to say that the majority of night-spots would be packed out with school kids, at best.

All in all, I am content with my plans for the evening. I will set myself up with my guitar, a few drinks. I will pop the TV on in the background and I will keep my Twitter Timeline in my eye-line. Hopefully, I will keep up with the “Friday Follows” and I will refrain from tweeting anything too daft as the night draws on.

Enjoy your Friday!

☺ Keep Smiling ☺

I Am Pumped

I really need to do something. I am bouncing as a result of some sort of energy waves at the moment. I am getting stimulation from all kinds of weird things. My mind is spinning with activity and I feel inspired by even the tiniest of incidents. I hardly eat, I rarely sleep, I still consume alcohol and yet, I am pumped!

Perhaps it is some strange high-octane combination of the truncated sleep patterns, dietary deficiency and ethanol, but if this keeps up, everyone should try it. At least it is a natural high.

I do not take drugs. I never have done. I have a huge aversion to chemicals and pills of any form. I do not even take paracetamol/aspirin. I have always believed if you start making use of medication to alter physical or mental ailments, you are taking away the natural role of the body.

Once you have done that, you lose the natural equilibrium, without which, you never know where you are. Eventually, you correct everything with something, which is fundamentally heading in the wrong direction. What you ought to do is get back to your inner core.

I must make it clear I have absolutely no authority, training, nor credentials to make these assertions, other than this is my blog, so I can write whatever I like. Furthermore, I am a physically fit, intelligent and seriously jacked up son of a bitch, who feels like he is going to shoot up into the stratosphere and save the universe. So, who doesn't want to feel like me?

I am going to do something. There is a high energy out there. If you look for it, you will find it. It might not be obvious. You might have to search through the gloomy crowds and into the darker corners. Maybe it is up in the air, high in the sky, or perhaps it is right in your lap.

That energy. That raw fuel. That unadulterated inspiration is lurking somewhere and it is a fire-fighting, pile-driving, baby-bouncing gift from God.

Maybe it is an over-hyped intelligence, an elevated IQ or a maniacal tendency that explains this unrelenting, incessant and insatiable brain train, or maybe I am just taking the piss.

I have to use this energy. I need to focus it to ensure it is appreciated to its full potential.

I am not being confrontational. I do not want to bang heads. I want to be useful, helpful and positively outstanding.

Now is the time. The time is right. It is time to do it. I am ready. I am pumped. I have got the energy. Is there anyone out there who wants a piece of this energy? Who wants to share this fuel? Who wants to partake in this phenomenon?

All you have to do is ask.

This is no rage against the machine. I AM the machine!!!

Bring it on!

☺ Keep Smiling ☺

Tagliatelle and Meatballs

I enjoy cooking. I learnt a lot from my parents as a child. The evening meal was always a family focal point and I spent hours over the years in the kitchen watching, helping and eventually, cooking by myself.

I have also studied languages and have studied abroad, albeit only in Europe. I have lived and worked in France and Italy so have picked up on a few things.

I particularly like Mediterranean cuisine – lots of tomatoes, peppers, olives etc. A dish like Paella is ideal.

I have also long had an affinity with Italy and for years as a kid, lasagna was my favourite dish. I used to do some mean desserts as well, such as Tiramisù (until I checked the nutritional values).

An Italian dish that is always a hit is meatballs. It can be served with anything you like really but spaghetti works well and I prefer tagliatelle.

“Tagliatelle and meatballs” is the dish I am going to describe here. This dish is a guide, not an exact recipe. It is more the style, influence and flavour that I wish to convey.

Ingredients: (you choose the quantities) Mince (beef), onion, garlic, black pepper, herbs (basil and oregano), passata, tomato purée, red wine, mushrooms.

To make the meatballs:

Finely dice some of the onion (not too much), garlic, black pepper and herbs. Ensure the mince is chilled. Combine everything by hand. When done, separate into equal pieces. (Keep the meatballs fairly small).

Oil you hands (olive oil). Squeeze, roll and shape the pieces of mince mixture individually to form meatballs. The coldness of the mince will ensure the mixture holds together (no need for egg, breadcrumbs etc) and the oil on your hands will prevent the meat from sticking.

When all the meatballs are made, fry them in a pan and set aside.

For the sauce:

Use a good sized casserole dish and introduce the ingredients as you would for any normal tomato-based sauce – ie. onions, garlic, seasoning, tomatoes...

Then add the wine. Make sure to use plenty of tomato and initially, the consistency will be thin.

Leave to simmer extremely gently for as long as possible. The richness of the sauce will depend upon this. Even add water, to ensure it simmers for long enough before reaching the ideal consistency.

The sauce can be left and re-heated or used when ready.

At around 10–20 minutes before serving, add the meatballs and heat everything through. Correct the thickness with tomato purée as you wish.

Serve with tagliatelle and freshly grated parmesan (ideally, Parmigiano Reggiano).

You can vary this dish in all sorts of ways, depending on taste-buds, whims and budgets. Peppers and a bit of heat work well. Balsamic vinegar can replace wine and you can try different meats.

NB – Do not forget the oil on your hands and do not use egg, breadcrumb or flour.

Buon Appetito!

☺ Keep Smiling ☺

Plans

I have been blogging quite a lot recently. There are a number of reasons for that. Reasons, such as: a blog ought to be kept up to date; it does not take long if you are in the right frame of mind; and I enjoy writing (equally, when I am in the right frame of mind).

Furthermore, I never like to leave one of my 'inspirational moments' flagged up for too long at the top of the list as “latest blog.” Don't tell anyone, but I like to conceal them in the annals. My 'moments' are not hidden but while I am sharing and revealing pieces of me, I do not want people to make too many assumptions. I prefer a 'scattering.'

Today, I will reveal my plans. Nothing earth-shattering once more, just my plans for the day.

I did weights this morning – just free-weights at home. I tweaked my back a little, which was careless but it will pass. Obviously, I am now writing my blog and then I will have a quick scoot through the 'form' for the horse racing, which will be on the TV later. I will probably record that on the DVR.

I am not very good at the 'form' any more. I used to be but I do not spend enough time on it these days. I only put a couple of quid on, merely to maintain an interest. I am not a gambler. Gambling is a mug's game. I only bet what I am prepared to lose.

After that, I will have a bit of lunch. I am going to try to cut down on the portions a little bit. I am in decent shape but there is always room for improvement. Actually, I have always been pretty good with my diet, although I ought to drink a little less.

The weather is not bad today, so I will probably fit in a bit of golf, although it does get dark early. The membership fees are due at the end of the month. I am undecided as to whether I will renew. I enjoy my golf, but it is a lot of money and as always I still hope that I will have buggered off somewhere, sometime soon, so I would not be around here to use it.

The main focus of the day will be the guitar. I always play for a few hours and I go over and over the songs that I know. I do it while I have the TV on, or while I am having a snifter or following Twitter, but I would quite like to concentrate on something specific and new today – either a song or a solo. I learn them from Licklibrary DVD's and they do not take me long any more.

All that should take me into the evening, when I will be able to drift away into the night.

That should do it.

Those are my plans. Enjoy your day!

(Editorial note: By "snifter," I mean “drink” ☺)

☺ Keep Smiling ☺