As Many Passions As People

As is always the way with Radio 4, I found myself listening to a person I didn’t know on a subject I knew nothing about, and loving it. Yesterday, Phil Harding spoke on Making History about discovering his love of archaeology. (Oh my, that voice! Like a cross between a laugh and a burr, the audible equivalent of twinkling eyes.) He spoke of his affinity for his subject, how it was ‘always in him’, feeling “as happy as larry” on his first dig, and being “as happy as larry ever since!” What a privilege to feel so sure of your place in the world, and in what you’re doing!

Ken Robinson recently wrote a book on ‘finding your element‘, filled with examples of people doing what they love and their journey towards discovering it. Among other things, it’s a call for education to be structured in a way that encourages young people to develop their individual talents and interests.

I always find it inspiring to hear about people who have found their passion and I love finding out about what draws them to it. Maybe I’m just nosy! But, for a collector of the eclectic, on people and their diverse and surprisingly fascinating lives, you couldn’t find a better spot than Radio 4.
Happy 90th Birthday BBC!

Shhh

Once I hit Friday afternoon, sat on the couch after work with a cup of tea, I’m pretty disinclined towards anything very busy. Saturdays are best for pubs and parties, after a day with no alarm clock, a lazy brunch, and plenty of fresh air. Fridays are made for a quiet pint and a bit of peace, after a week of early starts, rushed mornings and too much time in front of a computer.

So, last night’s Shhh club was ideal Friday night fare. My favourite Freshwater spot, Dimbola Lodge, transformed it’s cafe in to a cosy bar, complete with candles, cushions, and Campo Viejo. Friendly faces and free run of the house’s exhibitions in the interval made this the perfect setting for an evening of quiet instruments and beautiful voices.

Angelina Grimshaw‘s resonant voice and accompanying mandolin filled the place with visions of almond blossom and passing trains, while Puzzle Muteson‘s mournful voice and perfect finger picking richly deserved the appreciative hush of this quiet audience. Truthfully, it was the promise of Mary Hampton that got me off the couch that afternoon. Her songs are a beautiful mix of 14th century poems, previously unheard gospel songs and lines of Emily Dickinson. Her guitar playing is always wonderful to listen to, but her a capella offerings were heaven in this still small space. I can think of no better way to end a busy week than with a bit of hush.

The Perils of Being a Doer

I have a confession to make: I am not very good at sitting still. I love the idea of relaxing and doing nothing, but as soon as I sit down, I think of something I must get up and do immediately. And if I don’t, I end up sitting there, stewing over what I should do next and not being at all involved in what I am doing right now. If I carry on like this, I’m at risk of missing everything!

This time of year seems just perfect to cultivate some ~~laziness~~ stillness. So, when I light the fire I will sit for another minute and enjoy the first flame. And when I read a book I will shut off that portion of my brain that is quietly rewriting my ‘to do’ list. And when I stare out the ferry window at the Solent sunset I won’t feel guilty for wasting time. Because sometimes sitting still and doing nothing is far better than being up and doing.

Lost in a Book

Please excuse my absence. I’ve had my head stuck in a book. Quincunx has demanded all my attention, if I am ever to get through its 1200 pages. For such a mighty tome, it rips along at a rollicking pace and is a Dickensian adventure of the very best kind. Family intrigue, murderous plots and duplicitous ‘indiwiddles’ abound.

There’s no way I would have considered reading a book of this size if it wasn’t for Scott and his social reading challenge. I’m a sucker for a target and a bit of peer pressure, especially as Tom has been reading it too. So, despite my slow reading pace, I’ve kept up and been swept along on the many fateful turns that John’s life takes.

Tom and I have spent most evenings tangled on the couch (which is, strictly speaking, just too small for two) reading our matching pages in silence, or talking over who has betrayed who, and trying to interpret the various lineage and family feuds. This is a great read to chew on by the fire, with a double helping of tea and toast, as you hear tell of John’s increasing states of peril and starvation. Few books have made me appreciate food quite so much!

So, please excuse me while I go ahead and read the next 400 pages..

The USB Typewriter

I know I’m not alone in loving old typewriters. Their sturdy chunkiness instills confidence and a sense of permanence. I like the idea of typing away on one of these old beauties, but there’s no getting around the fact that I’ve gone digital (despite my many protestations!) So, when I came across this post from Etsy, I fell in love with Jack’s idea, and his desire to work with typewriters and “adapt them for modern conditions so that they can have a chance at survival.” This item is firmly on my wishlist. What do you think of it?