The Triumph of hope over experience

In a period of self-inflicted aloneness (not to be confused with loneliness), it occurred to me that one of the reasons we as humans continue to hope against all apparent reason is that there is always, for most of us anyway, the possibility that we are not entirely in control of our own destinies.

Whether it be God, some kind of social circle, family or even just a friendly passing stranger, there is always the possibility of the involvement of others in our lives.

If we tend towards the morbid or introspective a sudden shake-up from 'outside' can have quite startling results. Even the most determined misanthrope can be kick-started into a new attitude, activity, interest or friendship by a seemingly accidental brush with an outsider.

From personal experience I know just how valuable this can be and how it can cause us to re-evaluate our most deeply held opinions. Long live the ability to keep an open mind .

Get it in perspective

After a disturbed night feeling less than sparkling went to a very good church service. Several baptisms and generally happy morning. However, spirits descended sharply on return home. Inspiration suddenly strikes. This is a good chance to get on with some weeding.

Stuck my ungloved (idiot) hand into large tub of lavender and was stung by a wasp. Gasping from the pain tried to knock the little b..... off my left index finger and the vicious evil little beast stung me again.

I know we are all God's creatures, but I can't help wondering what He/She was thinking when the wasp was created.

There is little doubt that we all have our place in the scheme of things, and at last I'm beginning to discover mine.

The babies in church this morning are just starting on their voyage of discovery, while I am
getting daily nearer to the end of mine yet I am living proof that contrary to popular belief age does not bring wisdom, only more questions.

What a load of piffle!

Time for this baggy-eyed crone to get some much-needed rest.

I'm afraid I'll almost certainly be back!

Night!

battered bewildered and confused

You would think by now (my third attempt), I'd be getting the hang of this blogging mularky , or do you know me better than that already?

Every time what appears to be the grain of an idea looms into view, my total ineptness, is there such a word? interferes with my desire to communicate.

By the time I've got to the empty page all inspiration has long since departed. Whatever made me imagine I could do this?

Here's a promise, the next time I rear my dazed head I will have something to say.

Meanwhile does anyone know of an idiot's guide for trainee idiots? Answers in Braille please.

Mindless Meanderings

Here I am again. Once again with nothing of value to add to the daily helping of Internet dross. That however, will in no way affect my intention of adding my 10 cents worth.

Today standing at the bus stop I watched a red kite floating on the thermals with the grace of an
Angel. These huge, beautiful birds once almost extinct, now on the increase in the UK, seem to me a symbol of hope in what sometimes seems to be a dark and lightless existance.

As it circled lower and lower a woman sitting waiting for the bus said "Ooh look at that horrible great thing, wouldn't want that in your garden would you?"

Novice

Hello World. In case anyone thinks I've lost the plot, this is the first time I've ever used the internet. At my advanced age of .....years computers and I have never previously crossed swords.

A bit of a steep learning curve but what the Hell, nothing venture.....

Widowed just under a year ago after 38 years of marriage, life seemed to have shut down on me and the only way out from under was to try to do everything I had never had time or opportunity to try before.

Among the seemingly endless list of negatives were things like: learning to drive, learning to use a computer, mobile phone, ride a bike, swim and dozens of others. I began by starting to sing again after 24 years, first having singing lessons so I could join the Parish Church choir without frightening the crows out of the trees.

Next came the first driving lesson of my life. Quite terrifying for me, but even more so for my poor driving instructor. After ten fairly hair-raising lessons he was kind enough to say he thinks I will make it (eventually)! I'm not so sure but will continue until I kill my first pedestrian...... do they have driving lessons in prison?

Hurdle no 3 is the biggy, bought the computer etc., found someone who kindly set it up for me now comes the hard part, learning to use the .......thing. Help!

Speak to you later. Or maybe not, depends...