Check your bearings.

I went walking with friends yesterday early. later in the day I went for another walk as did they but not together. Now the strange thing about those two afternoon walks was that both pairs managed to get lost. 

I got lost because I followed the directions of my wife and I should have known better. her sense of direction is not at all good, though she would argue about that. It ended up that both groups walked further than we ever intended.

Such is life if you do not check your bearings.

I have a friend who has just travelled halfway round the world to visit home. She is a great lover of moons, so I thought I would paint a moon for her safe arrival in the uk.

The moon has been used by navigators for years to give people their bearings.

There is a wonderful tale of a US Ship that seemed to have lost its way.

They had a bearing and was sure that they knew exactly where they were.  Knowing this they were sure another ship was bearing down on them. They made contact and the conversation went a bit like this.

Americans: Please divert your course 15 degrees North to avoid collision.

Canadians: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees South to avoid collision.

Americans Their is the captain of a US naval ship: I say again divert YOUR course.

Canadians: No. I say again divert YOUR course.

Americans: THISE IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND YOU THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, THATS ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.

Canadians: We are a lighthouse: your call.

Have a great day and always know where you are starting and intend to finish.

A little Lift

The thing about being retired, or for that matter being on holiday, is that every day ends up being pretty much the same. I get up read my emails and head out for a morning walk. To be honest not really all that much different from being at home. D

We are in fact very much creatures of habit.  Now and again something breaks in and changes the pattern of the day. Like the darkening sky last night prior to a thunderstorm. It for about half an hour created an ethereal atmosphere of colour and feeling.

The poppies along the roadside took on a ghostly hue and it looked like something from another planet. 

I was thinking of this routine we create for ourselves and thought of the man who had applied and got a job working in a high rise office complex. 

He had been employed as a cleaner. On his first day he turned up early eager to get started. His employer was pleased with his attitude but reserved judgement.

The first job he was given was to clean the lifts, ( elevators) and he was given the various polishes and detergents for the task. 

Three days later his employer, who was sure he had gone the way of the three previous employees and walked out after the first morning on job.

Then she spotted him, still polishing the guard rail in the lift. "Are you still cleaning those lifts after three days?" he asked.

"Do you realise? There are forty floors in this complex, two lifts on each floor, and they are not always there?"

I sometimes wonder if I too am going round in circles achieving little. 

Have a great day and may it be a profitable one for you.

What does it cost.

The above painting was inspired by a photograph produced by a very talented photographer friend of mine. Her name is Susan Moss and her work can be see at Susan Moss Photography and on he Facebook page. Thank you Susan for allowing me to make my attempt at painting it.

When a friend allows you to take their creation and make something else of it it can often feel that the person has stolen something that was yours. Or you can see it as I hope Susan does as a compliment to her marvellous photography that inspired me to make my attempt at painting it.

You will see I really did not manage the challenge but I really did enjoy doing it.

There are times in life when we just have to admit we have been caught short.

Many years ago when I was still working as a butcher, I remember serving a customer who after I had totalled up her bill remembered she was wanting a bone for soup. I went into the backstop fridge and brought out a nice bone. Having spent a fair bit I told her she could have it for free. "Oh there must be something wrong with it can I have another?"

I returned to the back shop took a cleaver cut it in half and charged her three pence for it. She went off delighted, having spent something for half of what she was getting for free.

Another butcher friend of mine got caught out another way. He was actually being dishonest with his customer. 

She wanted to purchase a chicken. he brought one out and weighed it and told her it would cost her £2.35. "It is a bit small she said." He took it to the back shop brought it backed and weighed it again. "This one is £2.95," he said.

"I will tell you what," she said. "I will take both of them.

A gift is a gift and cheats usually get caught out.

Thanks again for the pleasure Susan I hope I did not spoil your beautiful photograph too much.

Have a wonderful day one and all.

Roll Up Roll Up

While walking the other day I came across another of my favourite flowers. They always make me smile. I have painted them before but feel happy with this one.

The other thing I saw for the first time this year was a circus. I always find this so sad when I come across one. They are usually pitched up in a field and around the edge you can often see the cages in which animals that will perform are kept. Not in cages but tethered there is camels and elephants.

I remember going to the circus as a child and being mesmerised by the sights and open mouthed at the lion tamer. Now I just feel a Depp sense of sadness for the animals. 

Fortunately there are still some circus where not a single animal is involved they are all spectacular acts involving daring deeds by humans.

This reminded me of the tale of the worlds strongest man and the bearded lady

In a circus, the Bearded Lady and the World's Strongest Man fell in love, and decided to start a family.

Soon the Bearded Lady fell pregnant.

A few weeks before she was due to give birth, the Bearded Lady and the circus ring-master were talking.

"How's it going?" the ring-master asked, "Are you well?"

"Yes thanks - very excited," said the bearded lady, "We have so many plans for the baby - we want to be supportive parents."

"That's nice," said the ring-master, "Do you want a boy or a girl?"

"Oh, we really don't mind as long as it's healthy," said the Bearded Lady, "And it fits into the cannon.."

Have a wonderful day with no unexpected explosions.

---

What did you say?

I t is finished! Have painted it and repainted it, I have changed the eye colours about five times. I have used different colour combinations and at last think it is a distinct improvement on the black and white version I did of this same picture.

I also heard President Macron of France quoting John Lennon in the last few days so here it is.

This is an iconic photograph of John Lennon and I am sure it has been painted many many times by many artists each adding or changing to reach what they think says it best. 

As I painted it I was thinking of the give peace a chance song. I have a little button badge for all those years ago with a CND badge and a rainbow with the words give peace a chance. The colours speak to me but I am sure they will not speak to all.

I could of course be like my very good friend and develop selective hearing.  Somedays he has his hearing aids in his ears and switched on so he can hear all that is being said. Others days they are in place but switched off and he nods as if he is listening. Other days they are just not there at all. Somedays they are even lost altogether.

This was like the old lady who was aware that her hearing was becoming very defective. She made an appointment through her doctor to be seen by a specialist in hearing. 

After two consultations she was fitted with new and modern hearing aids. They were very small and very effective. 

After using them for about three weeks she had to return to the specialist for a check up. She sat down and he asked her in a fairly gentle quiet voice how they were doing? "Marvellous," she said, 'I can hear so much I have web missing."

"How about the family? are they also pleased with the results.?"

"Oh I haven't told them yet, They cannot see them behind my hair. I have changed my will three times since I last spoke to you."

He smiled, "All is well then.'

Have a great day and give peace a chance. 

Just another day.

Just another day and another poppy.  Still I did pass some sunflowers on my walk yesterday so there may be a sunflower in the offing. Then a friend asked me about orchids. Now that is not just another day at the office. They are very beautiful flowers but I can assure they are not far from easy to paint.

My John Lennon one I think is finished but not sure if I should share it. Everybody has their own ideas about John and I am sure there are those who will take exception to my portrayal.

I managed a river swim yesterday so very bracing and refreshing. Very easy in rivers to get out of your depth, a bit like art I suppose, stick to what you are good at and stay safe.

Life can be dangerous.

There was a very small Pomeranian dog on holiday in a strange land. It had ventured a bit far from the safety of the home it was living in. On the edge of the jungle where it found itself it spotted a leopard  about to attack it. Being a clever little dog it picked up a large bone lying near and began to chew on it. Just as the leopard was about to jump the little dog said, "My that ws a lovely tasty leopard." 

The leopard about turned and ran off thinking it had just had a narrow escape. 

A monkey who had been watching all of this saw an opportunity to gain favour with the leopard so ran after hime and told him what he had seen.

The leopard became very angry and gave the monkey a lift on its back as it about turned to go and sort out the dog. 

As it approached the dog again turned his back and waited. When they were both within earshot the dog said out loud, "I wonder where that monkey has got to he promised to bring me another leopard.

The tell tale monkey became the leopards meal and the dog managed to find his way home. 

Life can indeed be full of dangers and surprises , but it is after all just another day at the office.

Have a marvellous day.

You Can Do It

There is something wonderful about being on holiday as so many of my friends are just now. New places, new things to see and above all new faces to see and possibly new people to meet. 

I love being in new places and to stop and watch the world go past  wondering what people are about, where are they going? What is going on in their minds and thoughts?

As I see my friends on Facebook enjoying life because they are on holiday I often ask myself why can we not be such happy carefree people more often?

More than once during the past weeks I have set out for what I thought would be just another walk or cycle only to find myself in exciting places. Challenging me to do what I had not thought I would. Climbing, pot-holing and other such things.

But none as dangerous as The Great Zumbrati.

Zumbrati was a famous tightrope walker. He was challenged by a friend to walk on a tightrope strung across the Niagara Falls.

The day he was due to make his attempt a great number of people had gathered to watch. The day had turned foul with high winds and heavy rain. Common sense told him to call off but he looked at all those gathered and decided to make the attempt. He accomplished the feat in spite of the weather.

He was feeling both relieved and happy when he stepped of the rope to great applause.

Then as so often in life there appears somebody who want you to do even more. On this occasion one of his supporters urged him to make the return trip this time pushing a wheelbarrow.

Zumbrati was of course very reluctant given the terrible conditions. How could he get out of this.

"You can do it," said the supporter, "go on you know you can."

"You really do believe I can do this?" asked Zunbrati.

"Yes definitely you can do it."

"Ok," said Zumbrati, "get in the wheelbarrow.'

Beware what you challenge others to do it just may come back and bite you.

Have a wonderful day and if you are on holiday go find todays challenge.

The Knitter.

Back to one of my favourite topics for painting. have painted a few poppies this summer and I am sure this is not my best attempt but I do enjoy trying to capture their delicate beauty.

I am sharing some of the time on this holiday with two very good friends. The lady of this couple has been known from time to time for giving me a hard time. Usually fast and witty comments that put me in my place. My family are amazed that I take it with a smile.  I do so because she is a friend and friends are to be cherished.

When we have been out walking she gets her chores for the day out of the way and settles down to knit for a bit. She usually has a project on the go and a great deal of her knitting is later sold for charity, and for the families who have been bereaved by the death of a newborn child. So a friend with a heart. 

As I watched her knit the other day I remembered the takeoff another lady that had spent a bit of time knitting.

Let me share it.

There was once a man and woman who had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. 

They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside. 

She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted doilies and a stack of money totalling £6000 . 

He asked her about the contents. 

"When we were to be married," she said, "My grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doily." 

The little old man was so moved, he had to fight back tears. Only two precious doilies were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness. 

"Honey," he said, "that explains the doilies, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?" 

"Oh," she said, "that's the money I made from selling the doilies."

I hope I never find a box with doilies and money it might be a salutary lesson. Thank goodness I have not seen my friend knitting doilies. 

I am sure my wife is not hiding a box of doilies I would have found it because it would be a very big box.

Have a wonderful day, no arguments. 

An outstanding Man

This is a painting of the mountain I climbed a few days ago. Thee were no clouds and the little branches of tree at the side were not there either.

No doubt there will be some experts who will tell me I should have left things as nature had them but I had reasons for adding them and rightly or wrongly they are there.

We live in an age of experts often ready to offer advice. I feel lucky that I get good advice from the many friends who offer it. Unlike the farmer in my tale for today.

A shepherd was tending his flock in a field, when a new sports car screeched to a stop on the road nearby in a cloud of dust. The driver, a young man in expensive designer clothes and sunglasses, leans out of the window and shouts over to the shepherd, "If I tell you exactly how many sheep you have here, can I take one?"

The shepherd looks up slowly up at the young man, then looks at his peaceful flock, and calmly answers, "Sure, why not?"

The young man steps out of his car holding a state-of-the-art palmtop pda, with which he proceeds to connects to a series of websites, first calling up satellite navigation system to pinpoint his location, then keying in the location to generate an ultra-high resolution picture of the field. After emailing the photo to an image processing facility, the processed data is returned, which he then feeds into an online database, and enters the parameters for a report. Within another few seconds a miniature printer in the car produces a full colour report containing several pages of analysis and results. The young man studies the data for a few more seconds and returns to the shepherd.

"You have exactly one-thousand five-hundred and eighty-six sheep, including three rams, and seven-hundred and twenty-two lambs."

"That's right," says the shepherd, mildly impressed. "Well, I guess that means you get to take one of my sheep."

The young man makes his choice and loads the animal onto the back seat of his car, at which the shepherd says, almost as an afterthought, "Hey there, if I can tell you what your business is, will you give me back my sheep?"

The young man, feeling confident, agrees.

"You're a consultant," says the shepherd.

"Wow, that's right," says the young man, taken aback, "How did you guess that?"

"No guessing required," answers the shepherd, "You showed up here even though nobody called you. You took a fee for giving me an answer that already know, to a question I never asked, and you know nothing about my business. Now give me back my dog."

With the help of the internet we are surrounded by experts but often non as knowledgable as the Farmer out Standing in his own field.

Have a marvellous day.

Getting things sorted.

Living in a comparatively confined space means a great deal of coming and going give and take. In the morning I like to get up sharp and get shaved and dressed. Irene likes to get up and get the bed sorted and made. Now both of those events at the same time is just really not feasible. We just get in each others way. 

So I get myself organised and then Irene takes over. I have been jokingly saying that I have a tick box that I have to follow and complete before she can start. SO I go through the motions of ticking off the items on my imaginary spreadsheet.

Iam smiling just thinking about this daily performance. But it reminded me of the team that might have learned a lesson from me. 

The boards of the two fiercely competitive companies decided to organize a rowing match to challenge each other's organisational and sporting abilities. 

The first company was strongly "THEORY X": ruthless, autocratic, zero staff empowerment, etc. 

The second company was more "THEORY Y": a culture of developing people, devolved responsibility and decision-making.

Race day arrived. The Y company's boat appeared from the boat-house first, with its crew: eight rowers and a helmsman (the cox). 

Next followed the X company boat and its crew - eight helmsmen and a single rower.

Not surprisingly the Y company's boat won an easy victory.

The next day the X company board of directors held an inquest with the crew, to review what had been learned from the embarrassing defeat, which might be of benefit to the organization as a whole, and any future re-match.

After a long and wearing meeting the X company board finally came came to their decision.

 They concluded that the rower should be replaced immediately because clearly he had not listened well enough to the instructions he'd been given.

My fellow traveller on this trip and I have a little joke. If we want to get things right then we will only if we do what we are told.

So be both await further instructions. Not worked out yet what teams the instructors are in yet. 

Go on have a laugh and a wonderful day.

---

A missed opportunity.

I am moving tomorrow and not sure when I will be online again. It is Sunday when I am writing this little blog. The painting above I did as a drawing some time ago but getting better and better with my pencil I thought I would try again in colour this time, after a few changes suggested by the dogs owner I think we have it, I dug in my heels (there is a wee pun there but I will leave it.) about the highlight on the eye we disagreed on that. I think it gives it life.

Sunday, after all those years away from being a minister without ever thinking , when Sunday comes along I find myself whistling or humming hymn tunes. Such a creature of habit. As I write the bells are ringing calling me to church. beside me sits my Buddha mug and a croissant, I suspect the coffee and pastry will win again.

This got me thinking about life and heavy matters, and the old couple.

They had been married for sixty years, and decided to take a rare vacation. 

They were not well-off but were in good health, perhaps because the wife had insisted on a strict diet of healthy foods, no alcohol, no smoking, and lots of gym exercise for most of their lives. 

Sadly their plane crashed, and duly they both entered heaven, where St Peter escorted them through the Pearly Gates. Travelling through beautiful countryside they arrived at a beautiful mansion and were shown inside. 

It was furnished in gold and fine silks, with a splendid kitchen and a sumptuous lounge stocked with wonderful food and drink - there was even a waterfall in the master bathroom hanging beautiful designer clothes in the walk-in wardrobes. They gasped in astonishment when St Peter said, "Welcome to heaven. This will be your home now."

The old man asked Peter how much all this was going to cost. "Nothing," Peter replied, "this is your heavenly reward."

The old man looked out of the window and saw a magnificent championship golf course.

"What are the green fees?" he asked suspiciously.

"This is heaven," St Peter replied, "You can play for free whenever you wish."

Next they went to the clubhouse and saw the lavish buffet lunch, with every imaginable cuisine laid out before them.

Anticipating the old man's next question, St Peter said, "Don't ask, this is heaven, it is all free for you to enjoy."

The old man looked around and glanced nervously at his wife. "Well, where are the low fat and low cholesterol foods, and the decaffeinated tea?" he asked.

"This is heaven. You can eat and drink as much as you like, and you will never get fat or sick."

"I don't need to go to the gym?" the old man pressed.

"Not unless you want to," St Peter replied.

"No testing my sugar or blood pressure or..."

"Never again. All you do here is enjoy yourself."

The old man glared at his wife, "You and your bloody bran muffins. We could have been here ten years ago!"

It is all about priorities I guess. I often wonder about what it is I want, a long life or a quality life, they are not always the same. 

Have a wonderful day or two until I manage to get back online.

---

Life is a learning process. (Every day is a school day)

Before I say another word let me tell you  that the only cat I have ever painted before was a tiger. I thought it was time to have a try. As you can see I have a long long way to go before I will ever be happy with my paintings of cats.

But not to worry life is a learning process.

As one who is travelling a lot at present I meet many people who have much learn about being on a site with many other people, many who are seasoned travellers. 

There are those who come on to site and act as though they are the only ones on the site. They make a noise and generally act as though they own the place.

Then there are those who come on site and are friendly warm and thoughtful. Instantly you take a liking to them and just know that they will be good neighbours as I hope I am to them.

There are those who have much to learn, as I have about painting cats.

This reminded me of the tale of the two travellers.

One day a traveller was walking along a road on his journey from one village to another. As he walked he noticed a monk tending the ground in the fields beside the road. The monk said "Good day" to the traveller, and the traveller nodded to the monk. The traveller then turned to the monk and said "Excuse me, do you mind if I ask you a question?".

"Not at all," replied the monk.

"I am travelling from the village in the mountains to the village in the valley and I was wondering if you knew what it is like in the village in the valley?"

"Tell me," said the monk, "What was your experience of the village in the mountains?"

"Dreadful," replied the traveller, "to be honest I am glad to be away from there. I found the people most unwelcoming. When I first arrived I was greeted coldly. I was never made to feel part of the village no matter how hard I tried. The villagers keep very much to themselves, they don't take kindly to strangers. So tell me, what can I expect in the village in the valley?"

"I am sorry to tell you," said the monk, "but I think your experience will be much the same there".

The traveller hung his head despondently and walked on.

A while later another traveller was journeying down the same road and he also came upon the monk.

"I'm going to the village in the valley," said the second traveller, "Do you know what it is like?"

"I do," replied the monk "But first tell me - where have you come from?"

"I've come from the village in the mountains."

"And how was that?"

"It was a wonderful experience. I would have stayed if I could but I am committed to travelling on. I felt as though I was a member of the family in the village. The elders gave me much advice, the children laughed and joked with me and people were generally kind and generous. I am sad to have left there. It will always hold special memories for me. And what of the village in the valley?" he asked again.

"I think you will find it much the same" replied the monk, "Good day to you".

"Good day and thank you," the traveller replied, smiled, and journeyed on.

Life is a learning process and if you learn life will treat you well, if not you only get what you deserve. 

Have a wonderful day

---

All in a days work.

Sushi.

Can I begin today by telling you about this little dog. It is a painting of the dog of an artist friend of mine. This lovely little dog dies a few years ago and is still sadly missed. She will assure you it is not photograph but indeed a painting as she watched me making changes suggested by her. This dog meant much to her and I hope my artwork does also.

Ask he what kind of dog it is sadly I have forgotten even though I feel close to the dogs I paint. have never yet painted a ct other than a tiger.

Now back to my thoughts about my day. There are so many varieties of dogs and equally , sadly, so many varieties of biscuits. 

I was in the store looking at them all and wondering what ones were the most tempting. This in turn reminded me of two tales both are very true let me assure you, I know the people involved.

The first is of the lady who worked on a production line in a factory making biscuits. She was being interviewed by television reporters about her work.

She told them she had worked there for 15 years packing biscuits into boxes. She was asked if she did the same Jonb all the time and reply that she had. When asked if she enjoyed it she said she loved the people she met and shared work with.

"Do you not find it boring?" she was asked. "No," she said, "Sometimes they change the biscuits.

We really should never judge others by our own mental judgements.

The other tale is equally true.

A member of my congregation taught in a school in a very deprived area. 

Every morning one of her pupils brought her a rather famous wafer biscuit. The teacher knew they were not cheap and also knew the child did not come from a wealthy background.

She thanked the young boy but one day took him aside and told him to tell his mother that it was so kind but not to go to such expense.

The next day the boy appeared again with the biscuit. The teacher asked him if he had told his mother what she had said. He told her he had but his mother had said not to worry because she worked in the factory that made the biscuits and she brought them out in her knickers.

So you see never jump to judgement. 

Have a great day and enjoy dunking your biscuit.

Just a little difference.

Not long after I took up painting I painted my dog, Damon, a German Shepherd. He was a lovely good natured dog and a great running companion for me. He was always there when I had a really bad time with my voice being unable to speak for months.

I looked again at that painting and although I could still see my dog as he was I was sure I could have made a better job of it. I went back to it and the first thing I noticed was that the eyes could be improved. I did that and then went on to make other changes. The great thing about working on my iPad is that I can make changes and still look back to the original. 

Having been painting for a fair length of time and tried many ways of doing art I thought it was time to try again. This time on the iPad. I still wanted to use a pastel effect. Above is my latest attempt. Am I happy with it? Yes. it is my dog. The years have made a difference I think I am getting better.

More about my dog and companion.

I used to joke that he knew what I was saying without saying it and he never argued back. Now that is not like me and those I love. We often have differences of opinion, sadly they are not always the same as mine and this can lead to friction.

The one thing that I have learned is that differences of opinion are just what they are differences. They should never come between friends or loved ones. 

I was brought up to believe that fallouts and differences of opinion should always be sorted out at the earliest possible opportunity. never sleep on an argument, both my Gran and my father said to me.

This is so different from the the husband and wife who had argued all day and as bedtime approached they were still not speaking.

The husband had a very important meeting the next day and to get there had to awaken at the latest  4-30am. Being a heavy sleeper he relied on his wife to awaken him, he could sleep through an alarm clock no bother.

Cleverly, he thought, while his wife was in the bathroom, he wrote on a slip of paper. "I have a plane to catch for an important meeting please wake me at 4-30am. he put the note on his wife pillow and went to sleep.

He awoke the next morning and looked at the clock. It was 8am. Enraged that he had missed his flight he was about to go in search of his wife to give her a piece of his mind, then he spotted a hand-written note beside his bedside cabinet.

The note read, "It is 4-30 am - get up"

As I say never go to sleep on an argument.

Have a good day.

Politicians !!!

One f the most beautiful things about nature is how often it surprises you. Out cycling yesterday and another tortoise wandered over the road just in front of my wheels. So much bigger than the other one I lifted over the road a few days ago. Once again I lifted it from the road and put it into the grass area where he plodded off much faster than I thought they could move. 

Then I came across these flowers just at the edge of the woodland.

What a pleasant break from hearing about the working and machinations of politicians. Now I make sure that this blog never strays into judgemental comments about people but sometimes I feel like giving myself a free haircut and pulling my hair out.

There are those who will say anything, spin anything, and say they are doing it for the good of others and the country. One comment, believe it if you like!

During my ministry I met many politicians of all persuasions. I remember though an event where a local priest was about to be promoted and leaving his parish. I was leaving mine also for pastures new.

He was having a farewell and I was invited along as a guest speaker as was the local member of parliament.

The time arrived for the speeches. The MP was supposed to be first but he was late, I make no comment. I was invited to speak and gamey speech, still no sign of the politician. So the priest himself decided to say a few words.

He began, "I remember my first days here in the parish, I was really worried, where had I arrived what sort of place was this?  My first confession only made this worse. it was the worst confession I had ever heard. 

The chap confessed he had stolen a television from his neighbour and lied to the police blaming one of his so called friends. He had stolen money from his employer. He had had affairs with the wives of many of his friends, he had taken and sold drugs. he even admitted to having relationships with his sister.

I was in a state of sheer shock and worry, 

As the days went on I realised that this chap was an exception to the rule. The people of the parish were wonderful and there were many caring people who made me feel at home welcomed and loved.

Decent and kind people."

At that point the politician arrived. Oh how busy he was so very sorry for his late coming. So much to do. 

He was invited to make his speech.

He bagan, I remember when Father O' Shaunessey  first came to this parish. In fact I am one hundred percent certain that I was the first person in the parish that he heard confession."

Now that is what you call putting your foot well in it. Or was it  a last confession and coming clean before the departure of the priest?

Have a wonderful day and may nature smile upon you.

Hairstyle!

From time to time I have little dark spots in life, as we all do. I have had those moments all of my life sometimes they take me deep into the dark night of the soul. On other occasions meditation and the sight of something unexpected does the job of lifting me higher.

Yesterday I walked a path I walked two years ago and it was even after all this time a familiar route. But I had forgotten this the little roadside shrine. I saw it as I turned a bend and it all came back to me. It sat at the entrance to a field where an old man lived in his caravan surrounded by things that obviously brought him joy.

His little shrine brought joy to my heart. I could not resist this quick sketch. It was a very quick one, planting grasses with my pencil to remove his car and caravan. Peace on the roadside. 

One thing that never ever brings me such peace is a visit to the hairdresser, but it works for my wife. She made such a visit the other day and came back with her hair even shorter than mine. But she did enjoy having it done and it did look good. 

This brought to mind the tale of the dear old lady who was losing her hair with age.

One morning she looked in the mirror. She noticed she only had three hairs left on her head, and being positive she said, "I think I will braid my hair today." So she did and she had a marvellous day with her three hairs in a braid.

One morning a week or so later, she looked in the mirror to see she now only had two hairs left. She said, "I think today I will have a centre parting." She did just that parted them one each way, and she had a marvellous day.

The next morning she looked in the mirror to see only one remaining hair. "One hair eh, " she thought, "I will have a ponytail today." She did had she had a happy wonderful day.

The next time she looked in the mirror and she was completely bald. "Ah !" she sighed, "So at last I am bald, not a hair left."

"How wonderful! I will not to waste time thinking about my hairstyle anymore."

The art of positive thinking and not letting the dark moments take a grip. 

Have a wonderful day, do you need a comb or a brush?

Men will be Men.

Today I watched on two occasions events that had me thinking that maybe I was not seeing what I thought I was seeing.

Families had arrived on site and were setting up on one pitch their caravan on another their tent. What amazed me on both occasions was that it was the females who were doing all the work while the male on one pitch rigged up his hammock and proceeded to rest it.

On the other again the families did all the work while the male headed off to collect the pizzas. I really believed we lived in an enlighten and equal age.

This reminded me of the tale about the creation of man that I heard while studying  Theology at University. It goes like this.

Eve speaks to God.

"God I have been thinking."

"What is on your mind Eve?" asks God

"Well, I know that you created me and this beautiful garden and all those wonderful creatures, but lately I have been feeling maybe there is more to life."

"Go on ,"says God.

"Sometimes I get a bit bored and fancy a bit of fun. I get a bit fed up with all the heaving and lifting and the carrying and warding off the mammoths and sabre tooth tigers, not to mention that snake. This garden can be a dangerous place."

"I see ,"says God pausing for thought.

"Eve I have a cunning plan," says God, "I will create Man for you."

"Mam?" asks Eve, "what is Man?"

"Man," says God "Is a flawed creature, he will have many weaknesses and disgusting habits. Man will lie and cheat and behave like an idiot. In fact mostly he will be a complete pain in the backside. On the plus side he will be strong and big and be able to protect you. He will hunt and kill things for you which might be handy at times.He will lose control of mind and body when aroused but with a bit of training can reach acceptable standards in the bedroom department, if you know what I mean."

"Hmm," says Eve, "Seems like this man idea might be worth a try, but tell me this God, is there anything else I need to know?"

"Just this," says God "Man comes on one condition. In keeping this arrogant deluded, self important, character, man will naturally believe that he was created first, and frankly we all have better things to do than argue, so you must keep all this secret between us, if that is ok with you. You know, woman to woman.

Now think about that for a moment. Then smile, and have a good day.

The Art Thief.

When I arrived here today there was an even taking place just outside the site. I wandered up and there in front of me was this lovely old couple. They were dressed in traditional French outfits. They were a lovely old couple. Now what caught my eye was the way they were enjoying their ice cream cones. They were like two very young lovers sharing a special moment.

Not wanting to intrude on this shared moment I have captured them behind I hope you can see the cone in the ladies hand.

Love does not die it merely matures.

I cannot claim to be a famous artist or even a good one but I felt a bit like some of the old masters as I captured the scene.

I was reminded of the story of the art thief.

An art thief spent ages planing in fine detail the theft of art from the Louvre in Paris. Having managed to get into the Louvre and get the paints from the wall and into his van all was looking well.

Then the wheels fell off his plan, the van ran out of petrol and stopped. He was taken into custody  and bought to trial. At trial he was given bail to appear in four weeks.

As he left the court he was asked by a press reporter how he had managed such meticulous planning but ran out of petrol/

"Simple, " he said, "I had no Monet for Degas to make the Van Gogh"

My apologies my mind is never at its best when I have been travelling, hope you like the wee painting though.

Have a wonderful day.

Make your choice.

We all have to make choices in life day by day.  Most of us make those choices with some measure of thought, thinking of the consequences of the choices we have to make.

Sadly there are those people in life who will always make the exact same choices no matter what the  event . Those are the people who have made up their minds not on rational thought but on what they have been brought up to believe.

Sadly this often leads to us making decisions on the basis of prejudice  or bigotry.

I fell very sad that it seems that the politics of the UK at present will be to a great extent dictated by such thinking.

In the midst of my sadness about what is happening and where we seem to be going reminded me of the tale of the visit to a hospital made by some representatives who were hoping to invest in mental care.

A number of representatives were being shown around the hospital where some patients who were suffering and being helped with severe mental depression.

One of the visitors being thoughtless asked if all the patients were  suffering the same kind of idiocy. He was seen by all of the others as the crass person he was.

The visit continued and the representatives were taken into the hospitality room. There they were being offered wine and cheese and nibbles.

during this a question and answer session was opened up.

The rude and crude representative rises his hand to ask a question again asking the same crass question. "Are all the patients in here idiots?"

One of the security men gently lead him out of the room and said he would show hime how this question was answered.

The representative was taken to a bathroom. The security man filled the bath with water. he then got a bucket  a tumbler and an egg cup. He told the representative that this was the test on how they decided who was in or not.

He said we show the patients this and ask them what would be the best way to empty to empty bath.
The representative said it was obvious the bucket would be the implement of choice.

The security guard said," Not sir, the obvious choice is to simply pull the plug. When will we we get you bed ready?

How easy it is  to end up looking the fool when the intention is the opposite and the aim is to make yourself look good and others bad.

Moving today to another part of France. have a wonderful day.

A Little Help

As I walked last evening I passed under what almost seemed like a guard of honour, trees bending over to form an arch. The other way to look at it was that the prevailing wind had done its very best to blow two trees over but the helping hand of another had offered support.

There is a lovely story of the blind man who was standing at the corner of a street where he was unfamiliar with the sounds and feeling or the place. Being a bit afraid he asked a passer if he would help him across the street and point him in the direction he needed to walk. The passerby took his arm and did just as requested. On the other side of the road he pointed him where he had to go and took his farewell.

He now had to get back across the busy street so he waved his white stick to let the passing traffic know that he was blind.

Another tale came to my mind as I walked on with those thoughts.

The stories of an event that happened over 200 years ago. A man in civilian clothes was riding past a group of battle weary soldiers who were busy working at digging an important defensive trench. The section leader was shouting his orders willing the men on threatening punishment if the work was not completed in another hour.

"Why do you not give them a help?" the civilian asked.

"I am in charge I give the orders. The men do as I tell them," said the section leader. "help them yourself if you feel so strongly about it."

To his surprise the civilian did just that. He dismounted his horse and rolled up his sleeves and gave his helming until the task was completed.

Before leaving the civilian congratulated the men on the work they had done then turned to the section leader.

"You should notify top command next time your rank prevents you from supporting your men. When you do I will provide a more permanent solution," said the stranger.

It was only now that they were standing close together that the section leader realised he was talking to General Washington. He was also aware of the lesson taught that there is never a time when we cannot offer a help to those in need.

A little helping hand to another costs nothing but can make such a great difference to the lives of others.

Have a marvellous day.

Precious Moments.

They happen from time to time, those moments I call treasured moments. You meet somebody and it leads to something  more. Or it is a moment shared with a friend that gives a moment of sheer joy and laughter.

I had such moments yesterday before the day had hardly even got started.

One was when a friend noticed an ancient tree and remembered I had been drawing and painting such trees and creating abstracts inspired by the barks to those trees, sent me a photograph of the tree and I immediately felt the colours and the inspiration of the above abstract. And this is one I really am happy I produced.

Out on my early walk with my friend we said good morning to a local gentleman. He returned the greeting and began to converse with us. Turns out he was a German who owned a house here in France where he lies five months a year. Depending on the results of the election and the expected outcome it sounds like an attractive option. No more politics.

He invited us into his garden and home and  took us out the back to his balcony with a view to die for. he told us a joke I will not repeat but we all laughed together. The Scotsman the Englishman and the German indeed.

It started my day off in a most surprising and happy way.

We walked past a house most morning and up into the woodland. Over the past few days we have heard a bird in the vicinity  and we tried, as we always do to identify it. After much debate we came to the conclusion, with some doubt in out minds it was a Jay. There are many jays in the woodlands around us.

Can you imagine the humour when we discovered that the house had a large cage in the back garden and in it was a large  Parrot. One for nature.

I could not resist telling my friend the tale of the parrot.

This parrot had been left when an old man had died. The minister who had known the old man for many years and had conducted his funeral decided to give the parrot a home.

The trouble was that the parrot had a foul mouth. it could speak very well but it did so with the inclusion of many swear words.

The minister warned the parrot to stop that bad language or he would do something about it. The parrot paid not head and another string of swear words came out.

The minister opened the cage grabbed the parrot and threw it in the freezer. he left it there for a good ten minutes and then released it from its agony.

Sitting in its cage warming up the parrot very politely spoke to the minister. Not a swear word was heard. it seemed the lesson had been learned.

Then the parrot spoke again. Again very politely it said, " Please minister can you tell me one thing?" "Of course, you are being very well behaved , go ahead." "Can I please ask what did the turkey do?"

Have a wonderful day.

Half A Glass

Can you remember when you first heard the saying about the glass being half empty or half full? I remember it to almost the very day.

I had said something negative and my old gran who I was staying with at the time told me to stop seeing the world and life in such a negative way. I asked her what she meant.

She went over to the kitchen sink and took down her drinking glass and half filled it with water. "Now tell me," she said. "Is this glass half full or half empty?" Being the little smart >>>> that I was I said it was both. "It is one or the other ," she said. So I fell into the trap and said half empty. Then I was told that I always looked at things in a pessimistic way and I should learn to be more positive about life..

There was a famous shoe factory in England. It was doing very well and the managing director was looking to increase productivity. One way of doing this was to seek out new markets abroad.

He called in two sales representatives and said he was going to pay  for them to go out to Africa and assess the possibility of a sales marketing drive in the two places.

Both men duly set off and flew to Africa and each went their separate ways.

After a few days the wrote up their reports and sent them back to the managing director.

The first one wrote, " There is not prospect here at all for the increase in sales they all have bare feet." The second one sent an almost identical report back. he wrote, " The potential here is amazing, nobody has any shoes they all walk about in their bare feet."

So one saw a negative response the other a positive both to identical situations.

Yesterday we had a beautiful sunny day here but in the afternoon there were strong winds. We were all either putting our awnings away or putting up the storm guys. When I walked out of the site and up the hill to my viewpoint I could see the sea covered in brightly  coloured sails of the many people taking full advantage of the wind to sailboard.

It is indeed an ill wind that blows nobody any good.

Have a positive filled day with joyful challenges. For those in the uk it will be Election Day full of positives and negatives but the opportunity to show ones feelings.

Being out here in France my vote is already cast . That puts me alongside Andy Murray who is also here and postal voting.

Have a great day hope you do not have too far to go to make that vote.