This is a distopian future idea I got from watching the adverts for the new Peanuts movie.
I'm in Love With the Little Red-Haired Girl
Picture this. I stand at the bar starring into the face that is on the screen. I wonder if the round faced man with the scruffy chin and sunken eyes is real or if some nerdy kid has finally worked out the way to program emotion like true empathy and the ability to calculate life and its choices. I am determined to test the face and see. He has just asked me what I want to eat and whether I need a drink. The voice seems real, the face truthfully uncaring, just like any real life barkeep.
"I'm in love with the red-haired girl!" I reply.
The eyebrows of the face rise as if in shock. I watch the eyes themselves, they are grey and white on the colourless screen but I can detect a flicker of human interest. I smile innocently and try to make my own eyes twinkle, begging the face to ask for more from me.
The face on the screen does ask, but its not what I expected.
"Ma'am, seriously I get paid less than a slice of pitence... If you're hungry or thirst please push my buttons and feed the cash into the machine."
'Wish someone would push my buttons,' I consider saying, but instead I push the man's buttons and feed in the ridiculous amount of money I owe for a cheese burger and cola.
As I walk away from the vendor and the next pair step up I hear a repeat of the commercial speil.
"Welcome to Generica... My name is Mal, what can I getcha?"
I stroll away sipping my beverage thinking what I'd told Mal was kind of the truth.
I'm fiercly Cancarian at a time when nobody else cares. We can't see the stars no more with all the unnatural clouds in the sky. Grey and stinking they are an inheritance from my parents' parents' parents' past. When you've stuffed up Earth and everyone is off to another planet sadly there is little to no reason to reverse your poor decisions. Then when the first migration to Mars ends in a fiery inferno it is suddenly all too late. But for me it is all about the past, the good bits anyway. Total Cancer! There might be generic cola and fastfood from Generica vending everywhere now, I want to taste a Wopper from Burger King or a MacDonalds hashbrown, or Chinese food or traditional Mexican... For that mater I want China and Mexico back, not the twenty five sectors we've split the world we live in now.
A car flies over my head, I'm amazed someone can afford fuel these days. In the year of 2160 I long for 80s music (1980s not 2080s... that decade between 2080 and 2090 was so NOT what I'd consider music) 90s fashion (1990s and 2090s were both pretty much the same for clothes) and the comics from the 50s and 60s (old school stuff done by hand from after the second World War in my mind was all pretty cool). I love Charlie Brown and it was his obsession with and longing for the little red-haired girl that I channeled when I told old face on the screen I was in love. In reality though it was half true. I am not in love with some ten year old cartoon character. The red-haired girl that I have fallen for is not so little and not so young. She flies jets for RedBull and she gives the boys a run for their money. The last time I saw her she invited me to drop by and see her at pit lane. I've snuck in with the mechanics prior to race day though and the red-haired girl is nowhere in sight. Noone has heard of her and strangely there is no sign of her team.
"I'm in love with the red-haired girl from Team RedBull," I blurt out to a marshal, he shrugs his shoulders in reply.
My search continues on and on throughout the day until the race meet is complete. No sign of the RedBull team and definitely no sign of the girl I am seeking.
Maybe she will be at the next meet. Maybe she was never real at all...
Wednesday 30 December 2015
Dream a little dream...
Last night I dreamt the strangest dream. I stood upon a great stone wall. Over my shoulder as I looked behind me I could see the whole of 2015 stretching across a space a whole year long, another similar stone wall marked the end of 2014 and the beginning of the year just past. Beyond that wall was another and another year of my past. As I looked along the path I had travelled I saw many high points, none of them easily reached, but all of them marked by a flag with a great green T emblazoned across. There were pitfalls too, low points from the year, some lower than others. I noticed as I looked out that there were high points from the year gone by that I could have reached but didn't. There were low points too, paths that lead to deep falls, maybe too deep to climb out of. I was thankful that I had not chosen to walk that way.
As I turned my thoughts away from the year that had been I had a chance to gaze out at what lay ahead. There were so many paths that I could take. I could see some challenging terrain already set before me, things relating to my new role at work which if I did them right would lead to a great peak where I could satisfactorily place my flag. This same terrain though also lead toward twisty and turny paths only a mountain goat could hope to follow safely.
I saw far off the possibility of some travel overseas, more challenges, more peaks and just as many troughs. I saw fun filled moments with my family and my friends and patches where I felt lost and alone. The more paths I followed the more they joined and drifted apart. I realised then that this dream was not a guide to the year ahead. It was as much that as a Gypsy's prophecy from a Tarot deck. Everything will happen if and when it happens. There is nothing set in stone and it was up to me to make 2016 the year I wanted and needed it to be. Then again it was only a dream...
When I awoke it was the morning of New Year's Eve. I saw the last step to the wall was a step in the upward direction. Which way I step off the wall is totally up to me...
As I turned my thoughts away from the year that had been I had a chance to gaze out at what lay ahead. There were so many paths that I could take. I could see some challenging terrain already set before me, things relating to my new role at work which if I did them right would lead to a great peak where I could satisfactorily place my flag. This same terrain though also lead toward twisty and turny paths only a mountain goat could hope to follow safely.
I saw far off the possibility of some travel overseas, more challenges, more peaks and just as many troughs. I saw fun filled moments with my family and my friends and patches where I felt lost and alone. The more paths I followed the more they joined and drifted apart. I realised then that this dream was not a guide to the year ahead. It was as much that as a Gypsy's prophecy from a Tarot deck. Everything will happen if and when it happens. There is nothing set in stone and it was up to me to make 2016 the year I wanted and needed it to be. Then again it was only a dream...
When I awoke it was the morning of New Year's Eve. I saw the last step to the wall was a step in the upward direction. Which way I step off the wall is totally up to me...
Sunday 27 December 2015
This Is How...
The music pumps, the DJ blasting the latest tracks so loudly that each beat of the baseline causes your heart to quicken. You sip expensive cocktails with colours that delight your mind, tastes that peak your curiosity and names that make you and your friends giggle. Your favourite song begins to play and you drag your girlfriends after you onto the glowing dance floor to show off your moves. As the five of you head away from your table leaving the two guys in your group to watch possessions your train of determination weaves its way towards the boom of the upbeat track and the flashing dance floor. A group of guys cut across the tracks and almost derail you with rudeness. There is one amongst them though who pauses and looks you in the eyes as he waves you and your friends past, mouthing an apology for his mates that you cannot hear but definitely see. Your heart quickens again, but this time it has nothing to do with the tunes.
A half an hour later and a tray of coloured cocktails is delivered with a couple of beers as well. The guy stands there awkwardly looking straight at you with a air of nervous hopefulness.
"Can I join you?" he asks, unsure of your response, and there is a moment where anything is possible and everything could happen.
Your glad you chose tonight to wear that top that looks so much better on you then it does on your sister and you smile as you remember buying that killer skirt yesterday afternoon specifically for tonight. You are not so glad though that you said yes to bringing your brother and his mate along.
"Leave the drinks and push off mate," your brother forcefully suggests.
His best mate Dale has already taken a sip from one of the glasses of amber fluid.
"Let him sit, he's bought us drinks," you reply, giving the two boys a dangerous look they know only too well.
"Fine!" grumbles your over protective brother and he drags a chair over from another table and plants it purposefully in between Dale and himself.
By the end of the night the two boys have a new best mate. The looks this new guys has been giving you all night though is telling you he is less interested in them and more interested in you.
"I need to grab some cash for a taxi," you shout in the ear of one of the girls. "I'm sure the boys have spent all their cash on buying us drinks."
You friend nods. As you rise so does Dale and this new arrival.
"Need some company?" both boys ask at once.
"Sure," you say, to both of them.
The ATM is just outside the club and the cool air of the early morning is refreshing.
"Did your mates ditch you?" you ask the new guy.
"They were headed for a different kind of club and someone at this one caught my eye," replies the young man.
In the street light glow you notice the way this guy smiles everytime you speak or even look his way. Dale meanwhile is busy reading the instructions on the ATM. Worthy of a chance you grab a pen from your handbag and scribble your number on the guys hand.
'This only happens in the movies,' you think to yourself.
"I'll call you," the guy promises.
A week later you are suprised to discover he does.
"It's me from the other night," the guy says, that nervousness you remember as a sweet trait is still there.
He invites you out for lunch, which turns into a meal and movie date. He does everything right; pays for the meal, lets you choose the movie and then drives you home. On your door step he tells you he had fun and kisses you gently on the cheek.
One date turns into a few more. The first time that he truly kisses you all of the nervousness is gone, replaced by a gentle passion as your lips meld perfectly together. There is a mutual hunger as your lips meet again, but now is not the time nor the place to take your relationship that leap forward.
That special night he takes you to the theatre to see your favourite film converted to stage. That song from the club that brought you both together plays and in that moment his hand slips into yours and squeezes. The play is everything you hoped for the the night even more. He is gentle but hungry at the same time. He drives you wild, the intensity of that passionate lustful embrace from that first true kiss is magnified. You both lay in the darkness feeling completely loved.
The years pass and these passionate moments of pure pleasure are fewer, but even more special when they happen, as they happen. You have found that special someone with whom you can enjoy the experiences of life.
This is how it happens, or maybe how it should happen, or perhaps it is how it will happen... My only wish is that it will happen for everyone...
A half an hour later and a tray of coloured cocktails is delivered with a couple of beers as well. The guy stands there awkwardly looking straight at you with a air of nervous hopefulness.
"Can I join you?" he asks, unsure of your response, and there is a moment where anything is possible and everything could happen.
Your glad you chose tonight to wear that top that looks so much better on you then it does on your sister and you smile as you remember buying that killer skirt yesterday afternoon specifically for tonight. You are not so glad though that you said yes to bringing your brother and his mate along.
"Leave the drinks and push off mate," your brother forcefully suggests.
His best mate Dale has already taken a sip from one of the glasses of amber fluid.
"Let him sit, he's bought us drinks," you reply, giving the two boys a dangerous look they know only too well.
"Fine!" grumbles your over protective brother and he drags a chair over from another table and plants it purposefully in between Dale and himself.
By the end of the night the two boys have a new best mate. The looks this new guys has been giving you all night though is telling you he is less interested in them and more interested in you.
"I need to grab some cash for a taxi," you shout in the ear of one of the girls. "I'm sure the boys have spent all their cash on buying us drinks."
You friend nods. As you rise so does Dale and this new arrival.
"Need some company?" both boys ask at once.
"Sure," you say, to both of them.
The ATM is just outside the club and the cool air of the early morning is refreshing.
"Did your mates ditch you?" you ask the new guy.
"They were headed for a different kind of club and someone at this one caught my eye," replies the young man.
In the street light glow you notice the way this guy smiles everytime you speak or even look his way. Dale meanwhile is busy reading the instructions on the ATM. Worthy of a chance you grab a pen from your handbag and scribble your number on the guys hand.
'This only happens in the movies,' you think to yourself.
"I'll call you," the guy promises.
A week later you are suprised to discover he does.
"It's me from the other night," the guy says, that nervousness you remember as a sweet trait is still there.
He invites you out for lunch, which turns into a meal and movie date. He does everything right; pays for the meal, lets you choose the movie and then drives you home. On your door step he tells you he had fun and kisses you gently on the cheek.
One date turns into a few more. The first time that he truly kisses you all of the nervousness is gone, replaced by a gentle passion as your lips meld perfectly together. There is a mutual hunger as your lips meet again, but now is not the time nor the place to take your relationship that leap forward.
That special night he takes you to the theatre to see your favourite film converted to stage. That song from the club that brought you both together plays and in that moment his hand slips into yours and squeezes. The play is everything you hoped for the the night even more. He is gentle but hungry at the same time. He drives you wild, the intensity of that passionate lustful embrace from that first true kiss is magnified. You both lay in the darkness feeling completely loved.
The years pass and these passionate moments of pure pleasure are fewer, but even more special when they happen, as they happen. You have found that special someone with whom you can enjoy the experiences of life.
This is how it happens, or maybe how it should happen, or perhaps it is how it will happen... My only wish is that it will happen for everyone...
Faith Restored
First of all I have two HUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGEEEEEE thank yous I need to announce... A thank you to my sweet, beautiful, thoughtful wife who got me for Christmas five movie tickets so I could shout the lads a movie and have a boys day out. I love how you surprise me like that darling, those simple thoughtful moments that make me fall even deeper in love with you...
The second thanks needs to go out to Disney... My faith in the Star Wars movie franchise has officially been restored. The condition linked to the present of the tickets was that I go and see The Force Unleashed, Episode VII of Star Wars (a movie my gorgeous girl flatly refuses to watch having never seen any of the Star Wars films ever and not likely to see any of them ever (never ever... so don't even try...)) So this will not be a post spoiling any of the amazing scenes or that moment that occurred that made everyone in the cinema gasp... This post is just one to note how I held my breath when the Lucas Arts symbol appeared on screen and those very words followed straight after... A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far Away...
This latest addition to the Star Wars story goes back to those great films that started it all... The humour was right, the tension was there, good was truly good and evil was dastardly... There were gimmicks yes but they were not the be all and end all... And the new characters were well woven into the fabric... Nothing seemed out of place... I now cannot wait to see just what else Disney has planned for Star Wars fans old and new...
Four and a half pieces of space junk for a film that left me fulfilled and yet looking forward to more...
Well done Disney!
The second thanks needs to go out to Disney... My faith in the Star Wars movie franchise has officially been restored. The condition linked to the present of the tickets was that I go and see The Force Unleashed, Episode VII of Star Wars (a movie my gorgeous girl flatly refuses to watch having never seen any of the Star Wars films ever and not likely to see any of them ever (never ever... so don't even try...)) So this will not be a post spoiling any of the amazing scenes or that moment that occurred that made everyone in the cinema gasp... This post is just one to note how I held my breath when the Lucas Arts symbol appeared on screen and those very words followed straight after... A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far Away...
This latest addition to the Star Wars story goes back to those great films that started it all... The humour was right, the tension was there, good was truly good and evil was dastardly... There were gimmicks yes but they were not the be all and end all... And the new characters were well woven into the fabric... Nothing seemed out of place... I now cannot wait to see just what else Disney has planned for Star Wars fans old and new...
Four and a half pieces of space junk for a film that left me fulfilled and yet looking forward to more...
Well done Disney!
Friday 25 December 2015
Child of an Ancient City... One of the BEST stories I have read in a while...
I have been reading a great recommendation, a shortish novella (80 pages including some amazing illustrations) by Tad Williams. Many many years back my cousin James got me onto Tad and a brilliant series this man wrote called Memory, Sorrow and Thorn... If you are a fan of layered, interesting high fantasy with imaginative characters, politics, twists and turns and something that is just enjoyable and engaging to read then you must read this series... Start with The Dragonbone Chair... You will NOT be disappointed...
I am finding the same with Child of an Ancient City. It is written by Tad Williams and Nina Kiriki Hoffman and has all of the same quality as M, S + T but with a great horror twist... This time the characters are all from the East and have an ancient Muslim background...
I cannot wait to read the remaining two chapters and epilogue I have left to devour just to see how it all turns out...
Another brilliant read by Mr Tad Williams...
So far 5 out of 5! Possibly will be 7 out of 5 with a killer ending...
I am finding the same with Child of an Ancient City. It is written by Tad Williams and Nina Kiriki Hoffman and has all of the same quality as M, S + T but with a great horror twist... This time the characters are all from the East and have an ancient Muslim background...
I cannot wait to read the remaining two chapters and epilogue I have left to devour just to see how it all turns out...
Another brilliant read by Mr Tad Williams...
So far 5 out of 5! Possibly will be 7 out of 5 with a killer ending...
Christmas is for family...
To all,
I hope that Christmas 2015 was everything you hoped it would be and that Santa came for all of you on account of your impeccable behaviour... For us Christmas was a joy being able to catch up with my dad and my two brothers and their wives and fiances... My eldest has been very under the weather and so unfortunately it could only be me with the two girls... Some delicious food, a lovely drop of red from Margaret River (Xanadoo I think it was) and some wonderful company... Got the girls home just in time for the start of the Gallasch Christmas festivities... So many kids, or so it seems even with just our three and the two nieces (Ben and I can act real kids sometimes too so I guess we should be counted in that mix)... It was just so wonderful to be able to spend some quality time with my wife's mum and especially her dad... It really has been a super stressful end to this year, in a similar vein to the way the year began and so it was just such a peaceful, thankful vibe to the Gallasch bash... Cannot wait next month to kick on with the Christmas spirit when we join the remained of this clan (Marks x2 and their families)... There will be even MORE kids running around then with Ben and I surely mixed in amongst them...
Winners are grinners... Christmas Eve we had a staff show thanks to the higher powers that be... The few members of the library team who were there cleaned up in the staff raffle... Beers, novelty toys and plenty of other humerous prizes... Who won the ham though? Yep! Yours truly just hamming it up!! Taking away the top prize and wondering how the heck we are going to eat it all...
Today (Dec 26) has been more of a peaceful, relaxing day... Tidying up... Taking Pa Gallasch around to see a great friend of his... Just this arvo I took my little Noo around to visit Oma (we miss you like crazy Mum!), my Grandma Peg the kids cousin Bernadette and went looking for my Nanny Bridget (never look for the Irish if you don't know the way)... A few tears, lots of songs and flowers, sticks and stones left at the graves...
Now it is just great to see the three little ones all playing together sharing new pressies and some special experiences... If only everyday could be like today...
All the best to you for a HUGE New Years Eve and hopefully the troubles of 2016 will be small and the triumphs epically large,
Some Call Me Tim
I hope that Christmas 2015 was everything you hoped it would be and that Santa came for all of you on account of your impeccable behaviour... For us Christmas was a joy being able to catch up with my dad and my two brothers and their wives and fiances... My eldest has been very under the weather and so unfortunately it could only be me with the two girls... Some delicious food, a lovely drop of red from Margaret River (Xanadoo I think it was) and some wonderful company... Got the girls home just in time for the start of the Gallasch Christmas festivities... So many kids, or so it seems even with just our three and the two nieces (Ben and I can act real kids sometimes too so I guess we should be counted in that mix)... It was just so wonderful to be able to spend some quality time with my wife's mum and especially her dad... It really has been a super stressful end to this year, in a similar vein to the way the year began and so it was just such a peaceful, thankful vibe to the Gallasch bash... Cannot wait next month to kick on with the Christmas spirit when we join the remained of this clan (Marks x2 and their families)... There will be even MORE kids running around then with Ben and I surely mixed in amongst them...
Winners are grinners... Christmas Eve we had a staff show thanks to the higher powers that be... The few members of the library team who were there cleaned up in the staff raffle... Beers, novelty toys and plenty of other humerous prizes... Who won the ham though? Yep! Yours truly just hamming it up!! Taking away the top prize and wondering how the heck we are going to eat it all...
Today (Dec 26) has been more of a peaceful, relaxing day... Tidying up... Taking Pa Gallasch around to see a great friend of his... Just this arvo I took my little Noo around to visit Oma (we miss you like crazy Mum!), my Grandma Peg the kids cousin Bernadette and went looking for my Nanny Bridget (never look for the Irish if you don't know the way)... A few tears, lots of songs and flowers, sticks and stones left at the graves...
Now it is just great to see the three little ones all playing together sharing new pressies and some special experiences... If only everyday could be like today...
All the best to you for a HUGE New Years Eve and hopefully the troubles of 2016 will be small and the triumphs epically large,
Some Call Me Tim
Phantasmagoria
Here is one I prepared earlier in the year... Once again only the beginnings of a story... The story is based on a story played out by a character I played during my Uni days in an online RPG called Paths to Immortality (P2I), a great game that always had some interesting presents given to the characters each Christmas by the Dungeon Master playing Santa Claus (reading back over that last sentence just sounds wrong...) I plan to flesh out the rest of this tale as a part of my compelation of short stories to be titled (funnily enough) In Short Supply... I hope you enjoy...
I've been in a real mood for writing lately, lots of random stuff... This one is based on a classic horror with a fantasy twist... Please tell me what you think...
Title - The House Amongst the Vines
My name is Xarra, I am a paladin, a warrior whose faith in the glorious Dawn Goddess Ursha grants me special powers. Together with my friends we saved Red Cove Bay, my home of sixteen years and this part of my tale begins as the city of Red Cove prepares for a great feast to honour the heroes of Red Cove.
The hammer of the blacksmith guided me and my two closest friends onwards through the twisting maze of the city's streets as we searched for Old Mick. I had a job for him.
"What do you even see in that shell of metal?" Asked Samuell Heartsthief, a bard, an elf and all-round trouble maker. "What I meant to ask was... Why the big hunk of ugly metal, my lady?" Sam added quickly after I gave him a narrow-eyed look with my ice blue eyes. The bard had romantically proposed only last night and already I was starting to regret my hastily given "YES!!"
"The cleric that brought all those poor citizens back from the grave wore this hunk of metal... It bears the symbols from the deity of fear, death and undeath and yet..." I began in explanation.
"Sammy... Sammy... You have luck in the dungeons... Luck with the ladies... And when a wizard is not around I'd turn to you for advice on anything to do with magic..." Calmly stated Theo, our mutual friend, a half-elf ranger from the Griphon Glen forest only two or three days East of Red Cove.
Samuell beamed at the comments, all mostly positive and all certainly true.
"But," continued Theo, "if you have not sung about it you're hopelessly unaware of all things relating to the Gods."
"Here we are," I announced, coming suddenly upon a ramshackled shed with a crude sign hanging from the door announcing that here abided the blacksmith Old Mick.
Within the forge a grizzly old man instructed one of his sons where to strike upon a red hot blade shaping up to look like a mean edged short sword. "Thanks to you lot we're busier than ever," snarled the old man as a way of greeting.
"Steady on," began Samuell, thinking his honour attacked. Both Theo and I grasped the bard about the shoulders, preventing him from gracefully drawing his rapier, a surefire way of getting all three of our trio killed.
"You and your family are most welcome, Mick," I replied, stepping casually in front of my fiancé and dropping my hunk of dark and dented metal upon the bench.
"Hmmm..." Murmured the blacksmith as he examined my treasure in the flickering light of the forge. "Lady Xarra... This is delicate work... This will definitely cost you extra..."
"My father will pay... Anything you ask old man... I'll want to pick it up before we leave in three days..." Was my response.
The father I referred to was Master Johann, Mayor of Red Cove and my step-father after elves brought me as a toddler to the markets one Spring. Taking pity on a helpless child Mayor Johann Dorth took me into his house and raised me. The wife of the Mayor was a devout worshipper of Urshas and so when I was fifteen summers I followed my mother, the Mayor's wife North to the fort that protected Red Cove Bay and the surrounding cities. After a year of military training and instruction in faithfulness I returned home with mother only a week before my homeland was attacked. Now with the battle over my father had demanded the citizens become better prepared for other battles, vowing that his city would never be caught unawares again. Little did we know what was to come...
As Mick placed his hand upon the evil cleric's armour to remove it from the bench I thought I caught a strange red flash pass across his sight. "Girly heed my words," the old man slurred. "Even they who be pure of heart and speak their prayers faithfully, by night they may become the wolf when the wolf's flower blooms and the winter moon be bright..."
Around Mick his three sons laughed at their dad and began to howl. They had not seen the look that had crossed that man's face though.
Confused and concerned I brought it up with Sam and Theo as we headed back for my home. It became quickly obvious that I had been alone in catching the strange look and the stranger words that Mick had shared with us.
"Yes, I am most desturbed by the foolishness demonstated by those boys and their father," Theo murmured, deep in thought.
"Boys will be boys and it is great to see that the father is just as much a boy as his sons," chimed in my love, less than helpfully.
I wanted to investigate further, wondering if my bringing this evil artifact into my home had somehow cursed my friends and family. I had a feeling though that the armour was a gift from the Goddess, not just a trophy of victory but something that I was supposed to make my own.
I've been in a real mood for writing lately, lots of random stuff... This one is based on a classic horror with a fantasy twist... Please tell me what you think...
Title - The House Amongst the Vines
My name is Xarra, I am a paladin, a warrior whose faith in the glorious Dawn Goddess Ursha grants me special powers. Together with my friends we saved Red Cove Bay, my home of sixteen years and this part of my tale begins as the city of Red Cove prepares for a great feast to honour the heroes of Red Cove.
The hammer of the blacksmith guided me and my two closest friends onwards through the twisting maze of the city's streets as we searched for Old Mick. I had a job for him.
"What do you even see in that shell of metal?" Asked Samuell Heartsthief, a bard, an elf and all-round trouble maker. "What I meant to ask was... Why the big hunk of ugly metal, my lady?" Sam added quickly after I gave him a narrow-eyed look with my ice blue eyes. The bard had romantically proposed only last night and already I was starting to regret my hastily given "YES!!"
"The cleric that brought all those poor citizens back from the grave wore this hunk of metal... It bears the symbols from the deity of fear, death and undeath and yet..." I began in explanation.
"Sammy... Sammy... You have luck in the dungeons... Luck with the ladies... And when a wizard is not around I'd turn to you for advice on anything to do with magic..." Calmly stated Theo, our mutual friend, a half-elf ranger from the Griphon Glen forest only two or three days East of Red Cove.
Samuell beamed at the comments, all mostly positive and all certainly true.
"But," continued Theo, "if you have not sung about it you're hopelessly unaware of all things relating to the Gods."
"Here we are," I announced, coming suddenly upon a ramshackled shed with a crude sign hanging from the door announcing that here abided the blacksmith Old Mick.
Within the forge a grizzly old man instructed one of his sons where to strike upon a red hot blade shaping up to look like a mean edged short sword. "Thanks to you lot we're busier than ever," snarled the old man as a way of greeting.
"Steady on," began Samuell, thinking his honour attacked. Both Theo and I grasped the bard about the shoulders, preventing him from gracefully drawing his rapier, a surefire way of getting all three of our trio killed.
"You and your family are most welcome, Mick," I replied, stepping casually in front of my fiancé and dropping my hunk of dark and dented metal upon the bench.
"Hmmm..." Murmured the blacksmith as he examined my treasure in the flickering light of the forge. "Lady Xarra... This is delicate work... This will definitely cost you extra..."
"My father will pay... Anything you ask old man... I'll want to pick it up before we leave in three days..." Was my response.
The father I referred to was Master Johann, Mayor of Red Cove and my step-father after elves brought me as a toddler to the markets one Spring. Taking pity on a helpless child Mayor Johann Dorth took me into his house and raised me. The wife of the Mayor was a devout worshipper of Urshas and so when I was fifteen summers I followed my mother, the Mayor's wife North to the fort that protected Red Cove Bay and the surrounding cities. After a year of military training and instruction in faithfulness I returned home with mother only a week before my homeland was attacked. Now with the battle over my father had demanded the citizens become better prepared for other battles, vowing that his city would never be caught unawares again. Little did we know what was to come...
As Mick placed his hand upon the evil cleric's armour to remove it from the bench I thought I caught a strange red flash pass across his sight. "Girly heed my words," the old man slurred. "Even they who be pure of heart and speak their prayers faithfully, by night they may become the wolf when the wolf's flower blooms and the winter moon be bright..."
Around Mick his three sons laughed at their dad and began to howl. They had not seen the look that had crossed that man's face though.
Confused and concerned I brought it up with Sam and Theo as we headed back for my home. It became quickly obvious that I had been alone in catching the strange look and the stranger words that Mick had shared with us.
"Yes, I am most desturbed by the foolishness demonstated by those boys and their father," Theo murmured, deep in thought.
"Boys will be boys and it is great to see that the father is just as much a boy as his sons," chimed in my love, less than helpfully.
I wanted to investigate further, wondering if my bringing this evil artifact into my home had somehow cursed my friends and family. I had a feeling though that the armour was a gift from the Goddess, not just a trophy of victory but something that I was supposed to make my own.
Wednesday 2 December 2015
Another silly season fast approaching...
Where did November go? For that matter what happened to 2015? I just happened to pop onto Facebook and discovered to my embarrassment that I have not posted for almost a whole month!! We call December the silly season but with my gorgeous wife's big birthday plans taking up lots of our focus since August and so many breakups (Girl Guides, Scouts, work, etc.) it feels as though we have had a silly six months and that was all happening well before the windup to Christmas even began.
Looking forward to catching up with family and friends and enjoying Christmas... The craziness... The joy... The wonder...
A short but sweet post... Waiting for the craziness to crank it up a notch or two...
Looking forward to catching up with family and friends and enjoying Christmas... The craziness... The joy... The wonder...
A short but sweet post... Waiting for the craziness to crank it up a notch or two...
Friday 30 October 2015
Halloween Queen
A quick short story in honour of Halloween (tonight) in Australia...
Halloween Queen
Her name was Sarah. She was the new kid in class with the girl next door looks. Tom could not believe his luck when she agreed to hang with him and his mates from chess club for Halloween. Tom's mum was working late that night as she did most nights, a single parent trying to keep a roof over her head and two teenaged boys fed. Tom was parent free, home with his two mates and brother almost through the boss battle of Mario Brothers when the doorbell rang. A little too eager for his mates, Tom ran for the door.
"That'll be Sarah," he announced as he disappeared.
"Whatever," replied Gery and Tom's younger brother Brad together.
"Jinx!" Brad shot with a grin, a moment before Gery tried to say the same.
The boys pelted each other with potato chips. When Gery cried "Stop damn it!" The other two whacked him on the arm.
"Jinx remember," smirked Brad smugly.
Tom ignored all this, the front door in his sights.
"Hi," Sarah said with a coy smile as Tom welcomed her in.
"Wow..." Tom sighed. "Um... I mean come in," he added hurriedly.
Sarah wore the Little Red Ridinghood costume from Crazy Dave's, the cheap shop in the town's Main Street. Tom tried to tell Sarah that she looked amazing, but for some reason what he was thinking didn't want to come out.
"You've dyed your hair?" Tom said in disbelief.
"Nice of you to notice, Tom," purred Sarah. "Back home they called me Queen of Halloween. Anything and everything for the character... Ya know?"
"Nice!" Replied Tom with a touch too much enthusiasm.
"So what are the plans for tonight?" Sarah asked as she headed deeper into the house. "Scariest night of the year..." She added, leaving Tom by the open door.
"We've almost reached the bonus levels..." Tom explained, hurrying after Sarah.
"Hi boys," Sarah smiled.
"Hey," said Brad.
Joe and Gery both waved enthusiastically.
"What's their problems?" Laughed Sarah musically.
Tom shrugged. "Beats me."
"I've jinxed Gery," explained Brad, shrugging as if it should have been obvious. "And I guess Joe can't talk to girls..."
"Guys this is seriously lame," said Sarah. "I'll give you all ten minutes to costume up... We're checking out the abandoned mansion.
"Sweet!!" Brad squealed. Joe and Gery both gave an eager thumbs up.
"Noooooooooo way!!!" Blurted Tom. "Remember Brad, we promised mum we'd never open the door tonight and we'd not leave the house..."
Brad pointed to Sarah. "So who let in Goldilocks?"
"Um... Goldilocks?" Questioned Sarah. "Firstly my hair is black, not blonde... Secondly the red hood... Thirdly the basket has got to give it all away..."
"Goldilocks? Blonde hair? Man... I can't believe I did not get that before now!" Murmured Brad, slapping himself on the forehead with a harsh "smack!!!"
"Dibs on the Luigi costume!" Gery stated, bolting for Tom and Brad's shared room. As he passed by all the boys he got a thump on the arm.
'This is lame...' Tom thought to himself, thirty minutes later as Little Red Ridinghood, Luigi, Mario and Gery and Tom dressed as ghosts stood outside the gates of the big, old house on the hill.
The gates "squeaked" loudly as the rusty hinges protested against their use.
"Come on!" Whispered Sarah, eagerly skipping up the gravel drive way. She was at the great front doors before any of the boys moved.
"Last one there has to kiss her," stated Brad, looking at the other boys before bolting up the drive.
Joe gave Tom an elbow to the ribs before rushing off too.
"See you there... Lover boy..." Laughed Gery.
Tom watched them all disappear into the old house. "This is stupid... We should be home..." He muttered. "Guys!! Wait up!!" Tom yelled as half a minute later he strolled up the drive at his own pace.
The door swung open soundlessly, a complete contrast to the gates. The parlour was gloomy, even darker than the night. As Tom stepped in he meakly cried "Brad? Guys? Sarah?"
There was no reply. Three noisy steps in and Sarah's voice was suddenly in Tom's right ear.
"You never asked what the basket was for..." The young girl asked.
The lights flicked on and Tom gaped at his friends hanging by their necks from the rafters.
"Queen of Halloween the newspapers called me back home... Fifteen dead and counting..." The voice in Tom's ear whispered.
"Huh?" Cried Tom in disbelief. As he turned around the knife tore through the sheet he wore and bit into his neck.
"Tom you sweet boy... The basket is for your head..."
Happy Halloween everyone!!!
Halloween Queen
Her name was Sarah. She was the new kid in class with the girl next door looks. Tom could not believe his luck when she agreed to hang with him and his mates from chess club for Halloween. Tom's mum was working late that night as she did most nights, a single parent trying to keep a roof over her head and two teenaged boys fed. Tom was parent free, home with his two mates and brother almost through the boss battle of Mario Brothers when the doorbell rang. A little too eager for his mates, Tom ran for the door.
"That'll be Sarah," he announced as he disappeared.
"Whatever," replied Gery and Tom's younger brother Brad together.
"Jinx!" Brad shot with a grin, a moment before Gery tried to say the same.
The boys pelted each other with potato chips. When Gery cried "Stop damn it!" The other two whacked him on the arm.
"Jinx remember," smirked Brad smugly.
Tom ignored all this, the front door in his sights.
"Hi," Sarah said with a coy smile as Tom welcomed her in.
"Wow..." Tom sighed. "Um... I mean come in," he added hurriedly.
Sarah wore the Little Red Ridinghood costume from Crazy Dave's, the cheap shop in the town's Main Street. Tom tried to tell Sarah that she looked amazing, but for some reason what he was thinking didn't want to come out.
"You've dyed your hair?" Tom said in disbelief.
"Nice of you to notice, Tom," purred Sarah. "Back home they called me Queen of Halloween. Anything and everything for the character... Ya know?"
"Nice!" Replied Tom with a touch too much enthusiasm.
"So what are the plans for tonight?" Sarah asked as she headed deeper into the house. "Scariest night of the year..." She added, leaving Tom by the open door.
"We've almost reached the bonus levels..." Tom explained, hurrying after Sarah.
"Hi boys," Sarah smiled.
"Hey," said Brad.
Joe and Gery both waved enthusiastically.
"What's their problems?" Laughed Sarah musically.
Tom shrugged. "Beats me."
"I've jinxed Gery," explained Brad, shrugging as if it should have been obvious. "And I guess Joe can't talk to girls..."
"Guys this is seriously lame," said Sarah. "I'll give you all ten minutes to costume up... We're checking out the abandoned mansion.
"Sweet!!" Brad squealed. Joe and Gery both gave an eager thumbs up.
"Noooooooooo way!!!" Blurted Tom. "Remember Brad, we promised mum we'd never open the door tonight and we'd not leave the house..."
Brad pointed to Sarah. "So who let in Goldilocks?"
"Um... Goldilocks?" Questioned Sarah. "Firstly my hair is black, not blonde... Secondly the red hood... Thirdly the basket has got to give it all away..."
"Goldilocks? Blonde hair? Man... I can't believe I did not get that before now!" Murmured Brad, slapping himself on the forehead with a harsh "smack!!!"
"Dibs on the Luigi costume!" Gery stated, bolting for Tom and Brad's shared room. As he passed by all the boys he got a thump on the arm.
'This is lame...' Tom thought to himself, thirty minutes later as Little Red Ridinghood, Luigi, Mario and Gery and Tom dressed as ghosts stood outside the gates of the big, old house on the hill.
The gates "squeaked" loudly as the rusty hinges protested against their use.
"Come on!" Whispered Sarah, eagerly skipping up the gravel drive way. She was at the great front doors before any of the boys moved.
"Last one there has to kiss her," stated Brad, looking at the other boys before bolting up the drive.
Joe gave Tom an elbow to the ribs before rushing off too.
"See you there... Lover boy..." Laughed Gery.
Tom watched them all disappear into the old house. "This is stupid... We should be home..." He muttered. "Guys!! Wait up!!" Tom yelled as half a minute later he strolled up the drive at his own pace.
The door swung open soundlessly, a complete contrast to the gates. The parlour was gloomy, even darker than the night. As Tom stepped in he meakly cried "Brad? Guys? Sarah?"
There was no reply. Three noisy steps in and Sarah's voice was suddenly in Tom's right ear.
"You never asked what the basket was for..." The young girl asked.
The lights flicked on and Tom gaped at his friends hanging by their necks from the rafters.
"Queen of Halloween the newspapers called me back home... Fifteen dead and counting..." The voice in Tom's ear whispered.
"Huh?" Cried Tom in disbelief. As he turned around the knife tore through the sheet he wore and bit into his neck.
"Tom you sweet boy... The basket is for your head..."
Happy Halloween everyone!!!
Wednesday 14 October 2015
A Lucky Prince
This started out as an idea for yet another story about just how much I adore my beautiful wife and amazing kids... And I guess our two cats as well... I have been a bit lax lately in the romance department and both my wife and I realised together that we have not been on a proper date for at least six months (not including our Wedding Anniversary in June - Thanks Ben and Maria!!!) Wednesday used to be our date night when we would try and make the night special, go out for tea or feed bath and bed the kids early so we could have a meal together at home... This is bad people!! Bad... BAd... REALLY BAD!!! It has been too much focus on work and not nearly enough focus on home. So I thought up this story idea that was supposed to be a message of love but quickly turned into a self reflection... Sorry darling... I'll try harder with the romancing... Feels good though to get this off my chest...
A Lucky Prince
Once upon a time a young prince lay in bed beside his beautiful and amazing princess, listening to the soft, sweet sounds of her slumber. He smiled as his whole world whirled around in his head. His smile was one of thankfulness for the prince knew that his princess had her own stresses and worries that would normally disturb her slumber or prevent her from falling deeply asleep and remaining that way for all night long. The rhythmic breathing of the girl beside him eventually lulled the young prince into sleep and as the worries of his world spun about in his thoughts the prince began to dream...
Two black knights danced amongst the weeds of the prince's castle home, Sir Freddy the larger and older of the pair hunted butterflies with surprising bursts of speed. The younger of the dark furred pair, sleek and slinky Sir Maximus was seeking to capture a bird or two without success. With a stern word the prince attempted to put an end to Max's hunt, but the knight would not heed his prince's demands and so continued to crouch amoungst the weeds using them for cover, attempting unsuccessfully to hide from his prey.
The prince watched his three young angels bounce about and play upon the trampoline their imaginations as much flexing and growing as their physical muscles as they bounded about each other. These three were the prince's pride and joy and one of his greatest worries was how fast they were growing up, not just in height but in worldly experiences. The prince wanted to give them everything, support their crazy hopes and dreams and to be able to provide for them with what ever they needed, both then and now and into the future. You can only give what you can afford to give away though and not everyone is born with a spoon of silver and an abundance that is always there ready to be given away. The prince thought of how small his castle was becoming and how the past attempts at moving on to somewhere bigger and better had so far not gone to plan...
The dream changed and the two knights and three angels were gone. In their place was a beautiful beach of white sand and clear crystal coloured waves lapping gently upon the shore. Turning away from the shore and the rhythmic, peaceful sounds of the sea the young prince was delighted to spy the love of his life resting upon a hammock in the shade of two palm trees. A glass of bubbles was in her hand and a book was on her lap. The princess motioned towards her prince to come and join her, offering him a glass of his own and a space upon the hammock where he might join her. The prince wondered how was this possible? Such a perfect escape, time away from the craziness that was their world, time to reconnect with this person who was his rock, his love, his kindred spirit... As he ran from the beach towards the hammock, this scene of fun, romance, the perfect escape the prince felt the sea drawing him backwards. Grey clouds of doubt filled the sky that had only moments ago been clear, blue, a tropical paradise... All the while though the princess urged her prince forward with affirmations of 'I know you can do it!' and 'Just a few steps more!!' As the prince heard the words 'I believe in you!!' he looked over his shoulder and saw the worries of his world rearing up like a great wave and crashing upon the shore, but he had freed himself of the stresses of that worry and now could see it as just the hurdles of life... Turning back the young prince discovered that the palms, the hammock, the drinks were all gone. What remained though was his amazing princess. He fell into her open arms, squeezed her tightly and kissed her passionately, sweetly, with an embrace of pure and utter love. "Darling girl you are my whole world!" the prince announced and he knew the words he spoke were true. With this girl in his life and everything else that had come after, he was indeed a lucky prince...
A Lucky Prince
Once upon a time a young prince lay in bed beside his beautiful and amazing princess, listening to the soft, sweet sounds of her slumber. He smiled as his whole world whirled around in his head. His smile was one of thankfulness for the prince knew that his princess had her own stresses and worries that would normally disturb her slumber or prevent her from falling deeply asleep and remaining that way for all night long. The rhythmic breathing of the girl beside him eventually lulled the young prince into sleep and as the worries of his world spun about in his thoughts the prince began to dream...
Two black knights danced amongst the weeds of the prince's castle home, Sir Freddy the larger and older of the pair hunted butterflies with surprising bursts of speed. The younger of the dark furred pair, sleek and slinky Sir Maximus was seeking to capture a bird or two without success. With a stern word the prince attempted to put an end to Max's hunt, but the knight would not heed his prince's demands and so continued to crouch amoungst the weeds using them for cover, attempting unsuccessfully to hide from his prey.
The prince watched his three young angels bounce about and play upon the trampoline their imaginations as much flexing and growing as their physical muscles as they bounded about each other. These three were the prince's pride and joy and one of his greatest worries was how fast they were growing up, not just in height but in worldly experiences. The prince wanted to give them everything, support their crazy hopes and dreams and to be able to provide for them with what ever they needed, both then and now and into the future. You can only give what you can afford to give away though and not everyone is born with a spoon of silver and an abundance that is always there ready to be given away. The prince thought of how small his castle was becoming and how the past attempts at moving on to somewhere bigger and better had so far not gone to plan...
The dream changed and the two knights and three angels were gone. In their place was a beautiful beach of white sand and clear crystal coloured waves lapping gently upon the shore. Turning away from the shore and the rhythmic, peaceful sounds of the sea the young prince was delighted to spy the love of his life resting upon a hammock in the shade of two palm trees. A glass of bubbles was in her hand and a book was on her lap. The princess motioned towards her prince to come and join her, offering him a glass of his own and a space upon the hammock where he might join her. The prince wondered how was this possible? Such a perfect escape, time away from the craziness that was their world, time to reconnect with this person who was his rock, his love, his kindred spirit... As he ran from the beach towards the hammock, this scene of fun, romance, the perfect escape the prince felt the sea drawing him backwards. Grey clouds of doubt filled the sky that had only moments ago been clear, blue, a tropical paradise... All the while though the princess urged her prince forward with affirmations of 'I know you can do it!' and 'Just a few steps more!!' As the prince heard the words 'I believe in you!!' he looked over his shoulder and saw the worries of his world rearing up like a great wave and crashing upon the shore, but he had freed himself of the stresses of that worry and now could see it as just the hurdles of life... Turning back the young prince discovered that the palms, the hammock, the drinks were all gone. What remained though was his amazing princess. He fell into her open arms, squeezed her tightly and kissed her passionately, sweetly, with an embrace of pure and utter love. "Darling girl you are my whole world!" the prince announced and he knew the words he spoke were true. With this girl in his life and everything else that had come after, he was indeed a lucky prince...
Monday 5 October 2015
Bounce... And crash!!!
We have had a wonderful day in Marlston, Adelaide checking out the Bounce there.
How do I explain Bounce to someone who has never been... It is a play center for children aged three to fifty-three with trampolines EVERYWHERE!!! There is a dodgeball area and a slam dunk area and an area with trampolines on the floor and walls (and almost seemingly on the roof as well)... There is only one major catch with Bounce... Only one person can bounce on a trampoline at a time... This means if you are bouncing around with your five year old daughter and three year old niece YOU will be the one who needs to make sure that you don't bounce on THEIR trampoline... Don't run from one side of the area to the next while racing your competitive nine year old son or eight year old daughter because it will be fate that a three year old and/or six year old will run across your path or just accidentally lose their balance and tumble in front of you. Other than this (which is completely unavoidable and all part of having these amazing kids in my life) Bounce is an awesomely incredible playground of aerial acrobatics, tricks, jumps, flips and cartwheels... Only if you're up for it though!! Not the cheapest day out but a wonderful hour of energy burning fun fun fun!!!!
How do I explain Bounce to someone who has never been... It is a play center for children aged three to fifty-three with trampolines EVERYWHERE!!! There is a dodgeball area and a slam dunk area and an area with trampolines on the floor and walls (and almost seemingly on the roof as well)... There is only one major catch with Bounce... Only one person can bounce on a trampoline at a time... This means if you are bouncing around with your five year old daughter and three year old niece YOU will be the one who needs to make sure that you don't bounce on THEIR trampoline... Don't run from one side of the area to the next while racing your competitive nine year old son or eight year old daughter because it will be fate that a three year old and/or six year old will run across your path or just accidentally lose their balance and tumble in front of you. Other than this (which is completely unavoidable and all part of having these amazing kids in my life) Bounce is an awesomely incredible playground of aerial acrobatics, tricks, jumps, flips and cartwheels... Only if you're up for it though!! Not the cheapest day out but a wonderful hour of energy burning fun fun fun!!!!
Thursday 27 August 2015
Every parent's worst nightmare... One sick chick
Miss 5 is down for the count and has been for a few days now. There is nothing more fearful for a parent than a sick little one. They go down so suddenly and so severely that it is almost impossible to predict. When our first born got sick in his younger years we (my wife and I) were quick to react. Funnily enough the two girls who followed after him had less and less sudden response when illness threatened, but after a couple of trips to hospital which resulted in overnight stays we are now much more concerned when there is a niggle in Boo's throat or a bit of a cough. Hopefully we are on the mend now and mummy and daddy will get to have a solid night of slumber. I guess only time will tell... It is never fun when you have in the house one sick chick...
Powerful German novel... Great recommendation!!
I have just finished reading an amazing novel written by German author Bernhard Schlink (shameless plug for work... Find it here on the One Card Network http://sapln.ent.sirsidynix.net.au/client/en_AU/murraybridge/search/results?qu=the+reader+bernhard+schlink&te=&lm=MURRAYBRIDGE). It is an intriguing story that starts out forbidden romance but then becomes so much more complex. It was a great recommendation by a colleague at work (thanks Belinda!!) whom I had told in passing that I was looking for something quick but really interesting to read.
One of the themes touched on by the book is the after affects of the Holocaust, especially how the guilt and emotion of this crime is being dealt with (or not) by the generations of Germans that have come since the conclusion of WW2. I have also read Schindler's List, Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas and The Book Thief, a trio of similarly powerful books about the same period of history, but The Reader, in my mind is the only one of these novels that has really addressed that feeling of guilt.
When I was overseas (soooooooooo many lifetimes ago) I was lucky to have the chance to stay with a German family in Berlin for a week. Prior to staying with this family though I spent a few days as a backpacker in a hostel. It was election time and there were posters everywhere for the various political parties and independents that the citizenry could vote for. One party that caught my mind was the Nazi party... surprising to me that they were still going... I spoke with some Germans that I crossed paths with and discovered their English was good (much better than my Deutsch) and we discussed the elections. Their comments regarding the Nazi party were that this was a small and unpopular group who still had the same very narrow views of what Germany as a country and people should aspire to be and that there was very little chance of this party even holding a single seat.
I thought it also interesting that when I stayed with the Jonker family for the week it was the palace of the princess, the art galleries and even Checkpoint Charlie that I was recommended to see. Nothing to do with that darker side of Germany's history.
The Reader was a wonderful, quick, but very different story for me. A novel that took me back to Germany (a little) but more than that it challenged my view of the country, the people and what they have gone through...
One of the themes touched on by the book is the after affects of the Holocaust, especially how the guilt and emotion of this crime is being dealt with (or not) by the generations of Germans that have come since the conclusion of WW2. I have also read Schindler's List, Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas and The Book Thief, a trio of similarly powerful books about the same period of history, but The Reader, in my mind is the only one of these novels that has really addressed that feeling of guilt.
When I was overseas (soooooooooo many lifetimes ago) I was lucky to have the chance to stay with a German family in Berlin for a week. Prior to staying with this family though I spent a few days as a backpacker in a hostel. It was election time and there were posters everywhere for the various political parties and independents that the citizenry could vote for. One party that caught my mind was the Nazi party... surprising to me that they were still going... I spoke with some Germans that I crossed paths with and discovered their English was good (much better than my Deutsch) and we discussed the elections. Their comments regarding the Nazi party were that this was a small and unpopular group who still had the same very narrow views of what Germany as a country and people should aspire to be and that there was very little chance of this party even holding a single seat.
I thought it also interesting that when I stayed with the Jonker family for the week it was the palace of the princess, the art galleries and even Checkpoint Charlie that I was recommended to see. Nothing to do with that darker side of Germany's history.
The Reader was a wonderful, quick, but very different story for me. A novel that took me back to Germany (a little) but more than that it challenged my view of the country, the people and what they have gone through...
Saturday 11 July 2015
Revenge of the Electronic Device!!!
How did our lives get so submerged in electronic devices? Just attempting to do my tax and can't open the file from last year becuase I've deleted the software... My son is chucking a wobbly because I told him he can't use the iPad and I'm trying to recover from a late night watching of all things 50 Shades of Grey (please don't judge me!!). I have so many great books to read but I seem to have allowed myself to be sucked into a reliance on digital devices... Home, Sponge Bob... All watched at home with the kids and Paper Planes is planned for tomorrow as part of our (library) School Holiday Activities... What ever happened to good old fashioned craft activities (simple fun)...
Is it time we pulled the plug for a week and reconnected on a personal/people level? Or are we all now too reliant on our phones, tablets... Surrounded by PC processors... It's the Revenge of the Electronic Device!!! Any the greatest irony??? I'm blogging about it all on a laptop with my Google blog account... Aaaaaaarrrggggggg!!!!!
Is it time we pulled the plug for a week and reconnected on a personal/people level? Or are we all now too reliant on our phones, tablets... Surrounded by PC processors... It's the Revenge of the Electronic Device!!! Any the greatest irony??? I'm blogging about it all on a laptop with my Google blog account... Aaaaaaarrrggggggg!!!!!
Monday 1 June 2015
Winter Has Snuck Up Upon Us
Where has 2015 gone? The sweet months of Summer and the stranger ones of Autumn have seemingly whisked by me. The kids seem to be growing up and up at a quicker rate (could it be the moisture in the air?) and already the heater is going, the extra blanket is on the bed and I am very envious of anyone with a fire place.
We are almost half way through this year and I have posted only about half as much as I had in 2014. I'm suffering from blogger's guilt...
The middle of the year may have snuck up upon us all, but now that it is cool at night and even colder in the morning rug up and enjoy the crisp coolness of the frosty season of Winter.
I have so many things to celebrate now that June and July are upon us... So many wonderful years of marriage to my gorgeous wife... So many years of my own to reflect upon and muse over...
I'm so glad then that Winter is here and the celebrations can begin...
We are almost half way through this year and I have posted only about half as much as I had in 2014. I'm suffering from blogger's guilt...
The middle of the year may have snuck up upon us all, but now that it is cool at night and even colder in the morning rug up and enjoy the crisp coolness of the frosty season of Winter.
I have so many things to celebrate now that June and July are upon us... So many wonderful years of marriage to my gorgeous wife... So many years of my own to reflect upon and muse over...
I'm so glad then that Winter is here and the celebrations can begin...
Sunday 26 April 2015
Remembering Them 100 Years On...
ANZAC Day is a day to reflect... We raise a glass not only to those who have fallen in battle but also to those who lived through the horrors of war and survived, reliving those horrors for the rest of their lives...
I admit that I have never worn the army greens, born arms in the name of Australia. I don't know what it would be like to stand side by side with other Aussies and Kiwis facing a common enemy. I have no clue what it would have been like to land upon that famous Turkish beach with the bullets whizzing through the air around you... All I know is that I am thankful for the sacrifices of those men that century ago and just as thankful to all of those men and women who represent us on any warfront anywhere in the world.
So far from home
So far from friends
A day at the beach
Is this the end?
Brothers beside you
Bullets fill the air
Orders to claim the next ridge
Will we make it there?
So hot... Chaos
Orders make no sense
The ANZAC spirit drives us on
Leap the barbedwire fence
How many mates?
Which bullet was meant for me?
How much longer before it comes?
Death's day by the sea
I hope that your ANZAC day was a thoughtful one... A day of quiet reflection... A chance to pause for a moment and wonder how, why, what if... A moment to be proud of those who raised their hand so long ago and proud of those who still raise their hand today...
I admit that I have never worn the army greens, born arms in the name of Australia. I don't know what it would be like to stand side by side with other Aussies and Kiwis facing a common enemy. I have no clue what it would have been like to land upon that famous Turkish beach with the bullets whizzing through the air around you... All I know is that I am thankful for the sacrifices of those men that century ago and just as thankful to all of those men and women who represent us on any warfront anywhere in the world.
So far from home
So far from friends
A day at the beach
Is this the end?
Brothers beside you
Bullets fill the air
Orders to claim the next ridge
Will we make it there?
So hot... Chaos
Orders make no sense
The ANZAC spirit drives us on
Leap the barbedwire fence
How many mates?
Which bullet was meant for me?
How much longer before it comes?
Death's day by the sea
I hope that your ANZAC day was a thoughtful one... A day of quiet reflection... A chance to pause for a moment and wonder how, why, what if... A moment to be proud of those who raised their hand so long ago and proud of those who still raise their hand today...
The Greatest Show on Earth
We have recently had the pleasure of taking our three little ones to a few performances marketed at families, Disney On Ice, movies like Home and Big Hero 6. Nothing compares to Lennon Brothers' Circus. The kids were so excited as we drove along Port Road in Adelaide and spotted the big top on the horizon. I must admit my own inner child also did a bit of a leap of joy! That was just the beginning...
To be sitting a mere meter away from where the lions would stroll into the centre ring, to see a young man with so much spark and confidence (and what looked like a severe lack of common sense) tackle the Ring Of Death and almost lose, to see tiny donkeys leap over a camel's head, not to mention the acrobats twisting themselves about.. So eye opening... Such amazing performances each and everyone...
Yes I am proud that we took Master 9, Miss 7 and Miss 5 to see such a truly amazing performance. I cannot remember if I ever saw a circus as a child... Though I would be surprised if my Dad and Mum never took my brothers and I to one. What I hope is that this experience I have shared with my kids they will have the chance to create again when they have kids of their own...
Let the magic live on...
To be sitting a mere meter away from where the lions would stroll into the centre ring, to see a young man with so much spark and confidence (and what looked like a severe lack of common sense) tackle the Ring Of Death and almost lose, to see tiny donkeys leap over a camel's head, not to mention the acrobats twisting themselves about.. So eye opening... Such amazing performances each and everyone...
Yes I am proud that we took Master 9, Miss 7 and Miss 5 to see such a truly amazing performance. I cannot remember if I ever saw a circus as a child... Though I would be surprised if my Dad and Mum never took my brothers and I to one. What I hope is that this experience I have shared with my kids they will have the chance to create again when they have kids of their own...
Let the magic live on...
Friday 13 March 2015
The sad passing of a wizard of wit
It is with great sadness that I discovered today of the passing of one of my all-time favourite authors… The great wizard of wit, Terry Pratchett has been claimed at last by Death after a long battle with that horrid illness Alzheimers disease.
Author of the Discworld series Sir Terry Pratchett caused me at thirteen to cry with unstoppable tears of laughter as I read (and thankfully understood) his opening quip concerning the creation of new planets… referring to the process as ‘the big bang theory’. I was utterly hooked by the first paragraph of A Color of Magic, and have loved this man as an author ever since.
I lost my mother to Alzheimers disease while she was in her early sixties and it broke my heart when I heard that my favourite author was destined to suffer the same fate. I have been amazed by how Terry has used his profile however to try and influence how govenments and the world has looked at tackling such a cruel killer.
I am yet to feast upon the latest works by this great man and look forward to more tear causing laughs as I return to Anhk-Morpork and reunite with much missed friends. Pratchett had the ability to see the world differently, quirkily, he saw the soul of the world around him and the funny side to seemingly everything.
We have lost a fighter who proved that the pen (or keyboard) was indeed far mightier than the sword and that by laughing at ourselves we could learn so much more...
I feel like Rincewind as I stumble to find the right words to express my feelings of shock and loss... I guess I will never get to buy you that imperial pint of ale Sir Pratchett... Never get to see you live and hear you speak... Never shake your hand... Your stories are all we have now from which we can enjoy your wisdom and wit.
Fare well Sir Terry Pratchett... Rest in peace... The world is a much sadder place without you...
Tuesday 10 March 2015
Our baby is growing up too fast
After the insanity of January and February combined it has come as a real shock to finally realise that our youngest is not Miss 4 any more. In one swift blow Miss 4 has started school and over a blur of a long weekend she has celebrated her 5th birthday very much in style...
Saturday we celebrated with two wonderful families and a highly entertaining trip to the Hahndorf farm barn (www.farmbarn.com.au/).
The staff there were all helpful, friendly and entertaining.
It was such a great time and enjoyed most definately by the birthday girl.
Then came the Monday... so NOT a holiday... 14 kids all running around, stopping only for a moment to
play pin the plat on Queen Elsa and pass the parcel (both games requested by our beautiful daughter.
Now I breath a sigh of relief that you are only 5 years old once.
What a way to celebrate!
Saturday we celebrated with two wonderful families and a highly entertaining trip to the Hahndorf farm barn (www.farmbarn.com.au/).
The staff there were all helpful, friendly and entertaining.
It was such a great time and enjoyed most definately by the birthday girl.
Then came the Monday... so NOT a holiday... 14 kids all running around, stopping only for a moment to
play pin the plat on Queen Elsa and pass the parcel (both games requested by our beautiful daughter.
Now I breath a sigh of relief that you are only 5 years old once.
What a way to celebrate!
Tuesday 6 January 2015
The People of Murray Bridge Make Me Proud
Wow... What a beginning to the year it has been. Beautiful fireworks over Sydney Harbour is always a wonderful way to see in a New Year! We were lucky to have a friend over in Sydney who saw the pyrotechnic display first hand and filmed it so we could see the dazzling light display... Watching the gorgeous colours light up the sky it got us thinking 'What will this year hold for us..?'
For many the year of 2015 has started off with a great disaster, fire tearing through our state and threatening the homes of many of our friends and family. From this disaster though there have been many moments lately where local people of the Murray Bridge community (and other communities) have pitched in and banded together and we have all pitched in where we can to help out a stranger.
Great job Murray Bridge! Great to see the community spirit alive and kicking! It makes me proud to know when we as a community see someone in trouble we do what we can to help.
I also want to mention here my deepest respect to the fire fighters and other organisations (such SES) who are out there on the front lines doing what they can to extinguish this frightening fire. Awesome job all of you. Many thanks! I especially want to thank the many of you who do all this as volunteers. Without you all many of these services would not exist.
My thoughts go out to everyone whose lives have changed due to this fire. I hope that it will be out soon...
For many the year of 2015 has started off with a great disaster, fire tearing through our state and threatening the homes of many of our friends and family. From this disaster though there have been many moments lately where local people of the Murray Bridge community (and other communities) have pitched in and banded together and we have all pitched in where we can to help out a stranger.
Great job Murray Bridge! Great to see the community spirit alive and kicking! It makes me proud to know when we as a community see someone in trouble we do what we can to help.
I also want to mention here my deepest respect to the fire fighters and other organisations (such SES) who are out there on the front lines doing what they can to extinguish this frightening fire. Awesome job all of you. Many thanks! I especially want to thank the many of you who do all this as volunteers. Without you all many of these services would not exist.
My thoughts go out to everyone whose lives have changed due to this fire. I hope that it will be out soon...
Friday 2 January 2015
Welcome to 2015... The New Year has begun
Welcome to a new year to everyone and I hope that you have all had a wonderful Christmas and a safe but merry New Year celebration. The year ended pretty well for me with a new phone just before Christmas, something that I am still trying to get my head around... I also whipped up an entry for the Reader's Digest 100 word short story competition so now Ben and I have an entry in an overseas writing comp and I have an entry in an aussie one too. My fingers and toes and eyes are crossed for getting a great result with both...
Christmas was a family focused affair seeing most of my family and my wife's family over Christmas day and a few days after. It was great to see the smiles on the faces of my own kids, nieces and nephews and friends kids as they opened gifts. I know that it is an obvious observation but in my mind kids make Christmas... Their innocence and wonderment makes the holiday even more special no matter what the reason you celebrate the day.
New Year was a repeat of our last couple of years, a relaxed affair at our house with a few close mates. The party was a lot of fun and the clean up the next morning was easy as... We also had great mates from interstate drop in for a big BBQ lunch (great catch up BB as always... We love you guys!!)
January 2nd was a day of cool air conditioning, a fabulous family movie and an epic tantrum from our smallest one... It was Miss Four and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad afternoon!!!
Now it is the 3rd day of the new year and so many of our friends and family are fleeing the cruel fate of an unpredictable bushfire... My love and thoughts go out to all who are facing such a stressful, fearful beginning to the year... Stay safe and remember the greatest treasure is your life and your loved ones. Keep them close, in your life and in your heart. May the sky open up and pour down on that fire and may the brave souls who are out there fighting it and fleeing from it have some relief...
Christmas was a family focused affair seeing most of my family and my wife's family over Christmas day and a few days after. It was great to see the smiles on the faces of my own kids, nieces and nephews and friends kids as they opened gifts. I know that it is an obvious observation but in my mind kids make Christmas... Their innocence and wonderment makes the holiday even more special no matter what the reason you celebrate the day.
New Year was a repeat of our last couple of years, a relaxed affair at our house with a few close mates. The party was a lot of fun and the clean up the next morning was easy as... We also had great mates from interstate drop in for a big BBQ lunch (great catch up BB as always... We love you guys!!)
January 2nd was a day of cool air conditioning, a fabulous family movie and an epic tantrum from our smallest one... It was Miss Four and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad afternoon!!!
Now it is the 3rd day of the new year and so many of our friends and family are fleeing the cruel fate of an unpredictable bushfire... My love and thoughts go out to all who are facing such a stressful, fearful beginning to the year... Stay safe and remember the greatest treasure is your life and your loved ones. Keep them close, in your life and in your heart. May the sky open up and pour down on that fire and may the brave souls who are out there fighting it and fleeing from it have some relief...
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