A Reflective Memo

Truly I have been absent from writing on my blog having offered up nothing in the way of ‘words’ since the 20^th April 2012 back when I was writing for the IndieInk Challenge. It was around about that time that I decided to take some advice from a friend and stop posting my fictional material on the interwebs for all and sundry to view. It wasn’t about the exposure for me. It was more about trying out genres and seeing if anyone liked what I was producing and then going away and fleshing out more behind the scenes. I don’t crave the attention you might receive from people feeding your ego, I’m more interested in whether you enjoyed reading it, and more importantly, if you didn’t and what could be done to improve on the pieces I was writing.

I think because people were quite generous all the time with their comments I began to think either I’m getting this completely right, nailing narratives like a pro; or it’s just a case of not saying what really needs to be said. Either way, I continue to write as much as I can, and only one story at a time which is important for me. I’ve had a tendency in the past to write several short stories at once and when I read them; they all feel (not sound), feel similar.

Above, there was mention that I’d not written on my blog since April of this year. I guess I lost my urge to share. I’ve always been pretty forthcoming and ‘sleeveless’ when it comes to what’s going on in my head and finally, I’ve felt like writing my thoughts down and actually posting them here. I’d be lying if I said I’ve not got a 2013 diary and I’m itching to write in it, hence my sudden, unexpected blog-post.

So, writing aside it’s been a topsy-turvy year, and I’m sure a lot of you out there will agree there have been good times and bad, but the fact you’ve 'clicked' and began reading this, means for better or worse you’re still here. Irrespective of our ups and downs I hope you continue to appreciate you have a lot to be thankful for; I know I do! Forgetting part of the summer I had and this injury I’m now carrying, God/the universe/karma/Buddha (whichever deity you follow) has deemed it possible for me to be happy and remain happy. There’s no need to delve into the details of any negative aspects that have brought me to this positive conclusion, the thing that’s important is that ultimately things are good and getting better and I have someone literally grafting to ensure that I don’t slip or get myself into a position of severe self-deprecation. Not that I’m accustomed to doing that but, motivation comes in all shapes and sizes, and can manifest as material things or, (my personal favourite) people, and without goals we tend to fall short of the person we intend to be and find out we’ve become that person we were struggling to avoid.

I’m not trying to be deep and meaningful on purpose, it’s simply a by-product of working my thoughts out on a page and although you couldn’t see me typing all of this, I barely paused as one idea clashed headlong into another, and from discussing my lack of ‘exposed ink’ lately, I’ve ventured into thinking about who makes my happiness and positivity – possible.

If you’ve read one of my more personal blogs before, you know I like to end with some kind of video/audio... It's not been the greatest of weeks and somewhere along the way I lost the sense of what it means to be selfless. This advert should remain in my head within easy reach at all times.

Lazy Sundays

Lazy Sundays – what are they?

Good question, but I’m sure everyone has their own version, and if you don’t, what the hell are you doing?!
It’s a chance to do as much ‘nothing’ as possible in one day. I usually end up exercising, having wonderful breakfasts, watching episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, Archer, Supernatural, The Mentalist and other US shows. I read, I write whenever possible, and I tend to occupy either the bedroom or lounge for most of the day.

This week it was Grey’s, Terra Nova, X-Factor, a super awesome dinner, and some physical activity thrown in the mix; at a pace that I’ve grown accustomed to. I worked out to a Linkin Park soundtrack.

I love Sundays and look forward to them ALL week, like its Christmas morning or something.
Much of the appeal is the fact that I’m totally in love with the Butterfly and snuggling on the sofa is enough for me (I like the simple things).

The day before (8^th October) I took my nephew roller skating at the indoor disco I usually go to with my friends. Saturday daytime at The Renaissance Rooms is for kids and I invited a bunch of families to come down.
So ... Sundays are always totally awesome!

Now, I’m the kinda guy who sees a scene and immediately puts a soundtrack to it. If I took the entire weekend and turned it into a montage - the track playing over all the fun, the laughing, the food/drink, families enjoying time together and spending quality time with no interruptions; would sound like this:


 

Ballad of the Black Gold

Listening to a Talib Kweli track the other day and a line in the song struck a chord.

"Have you ever seen happy hungry people that ain't rational?"

The line made me stop and really think, not the usual erratic thought processes that I usual have, but focused thought. There's a growing trend of 'action before thought' and it causes so much unnecessary outcomes, yet as a species we're too caught up racing ahead crashing into each other.
None of us are perfect either. I'd like to believe that I'm in the picture I'm painting and no different from anyone that I'm referring to. Not even I can prove that I'm not prone to ignorant thoughts every now and then.

There isn't a massive market for the kind of hip hop Kweli puts out, or the lyrics Mos Def laces on tracks; only to be ignored because the majority would much rather aspire to wearing gold and platinum.

I don't hate the times we live in, but they could be a lot better.