Friday 29 June 2012

Image 52 - Week 26.. Half Way., A World Clock and




Time 4..

Tea and titles..



52 divided by 2 equals 26., doesn’t it (?),  which means there’s a 26 and another 26 that make a total Image; so somewhere between 26 and 27., probably hump Wednesday., there’s a middle to all this.. I guess that means at some point there’s a halfway point., I’m just not sure I’m there yet ‘cause I can keep this deal going and going and going..




The Things That I Used To Do - Buddy Guy

Arc Ages., or Middle Ages - June 2012, UK .. and how it's really done..

Mentally

 However., a middle kinda means there’s an average (?), to this ride.. and as I’m the nearest thing to an average that I can think of.., a middle is pretty darn appropriate..
So., let’s make this one about averages.. and little fishes., little ponds and fish bowls.. and the seemingly surreal need to drink copious amounts of tea.
it's how we do/ did it..
I hear that the only people who truly know how to make tea are the Brits., however, the only tea making I’ve ever seen made is done by typically throwing a mass produced tea bag, usually stored in the cardboard box it was bought in, into a mug, or similarly stained receptacle and pouring some boiling water over it, usually from some old electric kettle filled with scale, or water from the pipes of life that come up into a kitchen sink and followed by immediately and passionately squeezing the heck out of said tea bag on the inside of a mug using a small stained spoon..; this is done either before, or after pouring an unmeasured random helping of milk from a carton into said mug.. AND all this is again done with no thought other than to fill the container to the brim.. Heaped spoonfuls of sugar are usually added and this is all done in the name of British style, pride and qualification..  I hastily add that this is a general observation and not, I’m sure, the way it’s served in, for example, Harrods., or your kitchen - Sometimes, but not always., an old, well used chipped and cracked teapot with a blast of traditional color in the name of a tea cosy covers it.. and is enthusiastically used in order to allow the tea to stew to such strength as to stain any sensitive teeth.. Just my lame observation and average at best..

Such Pride in the Name of Love 
Thanks to U2 for that one.

So what is average.? I’ve absolutely no idea., other than when I go to buy a pair of jeans, 32’x32’ seems to work just fine for me.. and when I sit in a sports seat, my butt, back and thighs seem to fit just fine.. and the light switches seem to be at a nice and comfortable height for me to turn on and off.., although now I think of it, plug sockets do seem a little on the low side..

Just a flight..
I remember thinking (in my younger days - thanks to Junior Wells w/ Buddy Guy - 1970 live) how much the idea of being a larger fish in a small bowl appealed..;  became one and then soon learned that I wanted to swim further than to the pier and back.. I also got pretty bored with seeing the same ‘bowl’ (sic) view., so I chose instead to become a tiny, average bird flying the big ole sky of life..; the view became much clearer., for me.. I stretched my average wings and flew to the ever spectacular horizon, then another and another.., averagely., from where I enjoyed the completely different view on offer...; truly an outstanding view.. This wasn't/isn't in order to fly from, but rather to fly to and in search of
They call me THE Seeker
thanks to The Who for that one.. 

The air was clearer, there was a wind in my face, sense of freedom and I came face to face with a man who walked on the moon..- The horizon is a great place to aim for.. I  guess I could have stayed in the bowl and enjoyed the superlative Ken Dodd, or highly entertaining Bruce Forsyth., both starring locally for your entertainment., but the man on the moon appealed to me a little more..

Shoot, “hmm., outrageously and brutally opinionated, but warmly gentle and obscenely average in reality.”

I’ve written a few ly’s recently.. and then lost, what to me, was an importantly written e-mail..; damn it..

how it gets done..
Tea..? Ahh yes, ‘tea’ and average. Yeah, i can hear certain tea makers offended and wanting to challenge me., but hey., hold on, back up..; if you actually read this stuff, you’ll know that I’m the admitted average deal too.. and can live with that ..  Being able to stew a tea bag in a pot, or able to swim front crawl to the pier and back is ok if that’s what rocks your world man..; to me that’s just the equivalent of a brief nap., in the big scheme of life..

A very light house.
Ok, my phone’s ringing off the hook with complaints and they don’t even know what I’m writing yet, heck, I haven’t got a clue what I’m writing yet.. Even my inbox is full and this thing isn’t published.. I can hear it, feel it and acknowledge you, the offended Brit Brewers of the World Unite..; The Beach Brogues and Cords members. The Coastal Gardens and Bandstands Committees of the Region Against the World folk.. - the open and highly respected, yet seemingly ignored local, yet very public vocal group., The Proud and Right Honourable Chewing Gum Droppers of the Square will, I’m sure, all ride my case on this..; however.., I’ll continue to stretch my average wings and fly baby fly..



An average 9 minute piece of work in progress
I walked on a piece of Spit (?) recently, crunched a few shingles,  clambered around a few lighthouses.., found an old tire or two and commuted on the water.. I enjoyed watching an outside brush covered in paint dance over a canvas for a minute or two.. and thanks to the two artists for being so generous and entertaining.. Climbed around A cave or three, felt the mist on my face and checked out the rock.. I asked a lot of questions, sought a lot of answers.. and wandered through forts, castles and a million years.. I walked to and hung over, the edge (thanks U2, again) and a ten foot stone globe offered me a moment and none of this was shared.., sadly.
I put on, took off and confused, successfully, my average body with waterproofs, fleeces and t-shirts an' all within seconds., but kept my dark glasses close to the bridge of my nose at all times..
Italy beat an under performing Germany well., Nadal is on the bus home.. and the excitement builds as the local Food Festival hits town..

With it’s usual attention to detail, the town’s ‘people’ have approved a ‘design’ that has me wondering if they simply throw paper plans in the air on a windy day and decide where they fall is how the ‘look’ is to be developed.. Average designs and average thought, along with low to zero budget, I suspect, means old, outdated and a total lack of consistency is the accepted way forward to fill valuable traffic space and offer up mediocre and very average desires..
"Yeah., let's make an obstacle course"..
In truth, I suspect the same ‘people’ make the same, safe decisions, the same people get the tenders and the same people accept these decisions., which means obviously that there is always ‘another’ reason for the same ole average event..; using my humble and totally unqualified and very average observation..

I've got nothing to offer with attempting a memoir, but thanks., however, other than a very average story full of average adventures, enormous luck and a constant desire to push my own personally average envelope..; but half way through this 52, I know I'm sharing a ride that I've been lucky enough to be constantly inspired by.. Red carpets, a man on the moon, Bono's mike stand and spiritual leaders would only fill a sentence or two of how this gig is going so far.; I've got friends who know how to mix a colour on a palate and have generously shared that gift., friends who have stood alongside me and looked at works of art and friends who have opened their homes and hearts for me.., so yep., who know if 26 and a bit is half way.., who knows where this totally average ride goes..
This weeks misty edge..
Once I've climbed the mountain and peered over the edge once or twice,  I'll have something to say., but until then, I've got many more average observations and even more average words to share with ya....

Later dude., I'm off to grab a ray or two before the dark clouds return..; such is life.. Ya snooze, ya lose., ya miss and ya miss the moments.


To Average the world over., rock on and make that difference..; it's a fun ride..


This is again all because I lost a rambling e-mail..But when I've found my zone again., beware..; it's a comin'..

Oh.. and my last cup of tea.?, 18th June..10 days ago and I'm still alive..; nothing to be proud of, nothing to brag about., just a basic random fact..


Round and round we go and to the same old music
Finally., what happened with THAT building and it's cost is surely done..and unless you choose to stand, or set  your deck chairs up, in the middle of the road in order to take in the view., which I doubt you EVAH did., then it's all simply a basic desire to satisfy the need to be heard..
I'm intrigued with the whole clear glass suggestion because I assume in order to enjoy that idea, one has to slow down, or stop one's car, in busy traffic just to see what you can see within a dozen or so paces either way..
It appears to me as though there is a very simple solution, for all it's worth., but as yet, I haven't read it.., but hey., it's not how 'we' do it here..


Sweet dream baby - Roy Orbison

Average and just what is acceptable..?


See ya'll next week., same time, same place., till then., adios amigos


26 out



Thanks this week go/goes to NZ - 10' Stone Globes - Hidden Caves - Damp Cellars - Misty Edges - Sunflowers - Earl Grey - Plein Air Painters - Sawdust Artists and Huggers inspired by Keys - Buddy Guy - Luther Allison -  U2.. and leaf blowers the world over..



 -




Friday 22 June 2012

Image 52 - Week 25.. A Life In The Shadow, Looking Through The Window., Gas Prices and Chub Watch 2012


The xx: Intro

"Yes dear., I had a great time this weekend.."


Collaborations, Black Ties and spontaneity..



The Letter

2


European Championships, BMI calculator.. and Advice..



So., this week I may have seen a European soccer match or two.-  I've also missed one or two too.. 
I have also been there..; actually here and there.. I've also been to the Ball., shook a leg and caught the correct bus.. albeit a six hour one..

"Yes, I'm leaning towards the Germans winning it Ethel.."
 
It all started a very long time ago, in a land far, far away.; there were lions and tigers, elephants and not to mention palm trees, balmy evenings and distant sounds of exotica.., but somehow I've made it (reluctantly) back to the here and now.. although Saturday proved to be a day and a half.  and has now entered the private memoirs as yet another one to try and recall when the old memory starts to fail me...

Exercise (?), I'll start tomorrow.. zzzz

 At some point after breakfast on Saturday morning, I discovered I was way shorter than my passport would indicate .; infact now I know I need a small step to reach the bloody door handle.. and that top shelf in the fridge is looking like a mountain for me to climb.. So please leave the milk on the lower shelf from now on if you don't mind.
 I guess the deal is, never to measure yourself in running shoes with great new grips, a comfy additional pair of inner soles and nice, thick, soft, cushioned pair of sports sock on ... Those soles, socks and inner soles must have at least an inch and a half in them.. Standing bare feet against the wall,  I was marked and after stretching as tall as I could without my heals leaving the floor, I eventually moved away and looked at the marker made and left just inches from the damn underfloor heated tiles I was standing on.! This discovery shattered the start of my day and from there I had to then weigh myself.. After all, my current weight would be fine if I was taller, but then I had to BMI myself, just to check I wasn't as round as tall.. My mind was running riot with the list of insecurities I live with on a day to day basis and now, I had more to add to the bloody things.. My darned height.., or lack thereof.. I'm now looking for platformed flip flops with lifts on them..
"On your mark., get set...; hang on., hang on.. BMI, you said..?"

After surrounding the glass scales with cushions, I negotiated climbing onto the carefully placed thing that sat on the perfectly hard and flat surface.. I felt safe enough to climb off the scales after checking my weight in lbs, stones and then those nasty little blighters, kilos.. Who the hell ever thought a kilo was a weight must be nuts.; a kilo even sounds like it's as heavy as one of those ship containers that house a bunch of Asian imported cars to me and if I weigh more than a kilo, I'm sinking, however.. and without pulling any ligaments, I successfully made it on and off the scales without injury other than my emotional pride..; now stunned.. 4'11" isn't really tall..; ok, ok, a little artistic license., it's taller than 4'10", but still not the 6'3" I thought I was.. Now for the weight.., hmm, not bad, but lets get this BMI thing measured..

What was meant to be a great few days away with the coolest friends, enjoying a relaxed start to the day and weekend with the breakfast digesting gently, surrounded by the sounds of laughter tunes and a waking house now was proving to be a full on medical check up.. Ok, so now I'm weighed, measured and onward to the study and computer for this new fangled (to me) three initialled word.. BMI. What the eff was a BMI.? Broke, Male and Insecure..? Barking Mad and Illegal..; hmm, could be., but I was pretty sure it wasn't one of those, although..Ballsy, Moody and Irate was getting closer.. BMI, 'What The Eff'.. Body Mass Index.! Who'd a figured..! I now wondered if there was a measurement for someone who came up to the door handle.. and had to climb on and off the weighing scales.. Kilos, somewhere like a ship's container.? Just roll me down the hill.., but in lbs, somewhere closer to 160 ish which made my BMI .., hmm, 23.5

Free Cash eh.! Hmm..


A chart designed, drawn up and entitled Chub Watch 2012 was  looking resplendent with colour, names and weight goals bouncing off the screen for my fading and disillusioned eyes to take in.

Traumatised by these unknown numbers, I headed straight for the gym..; I wanna be something like a 22.5 (at the most).. for some reason I have no clue about.. I'm now on a kick.., a kick to see if there's any elastic left in my ageing body.. I need to at least see if there's a pack to rip.. I'm not greedy, I certainly don't need a six pack, but one would do..  But those machines were pounded, sweat on, pulled and pushed and tested for over an hour..

Now, where were we..? Ahh yep., BMI, gym, and the Saturday morning was now turning into the afternoon.. and I was still having to reach to the top shelf of the fridge for anything I needed outta the damn thing.. SO, I'm 23.5 - 4'11" and 325 lbs.. See how this self image impression gig works.. It plays games with ya.. I'm so staying away from mirrors unless it's to check on the shaved reverse mohican I'm planning..
"Of course I'm happy dear.."

Right.. A healthy Saturday lunch digested, the word in the chateaux was all about the evening's Black tie Charity Ball my friends and hosts were going to.. and the couple of available seats that were proving difficult to fill at such a last minute.. It seemed that with each hour and call put out, the 7.00pm witching hour was edging ever closer.. I had, as always, just turned up and crashed the generous host's home for a quiet few days, using the gym, prepping for this weeks 52 and here I was measured, weighed and being invited to fill a seat at the dinner table. My suitcase contained nothing more than a few spare socks, some Calvin Klein/Ralph Lauren 'stuff' that keeps my bits and pieces comfy.,  a tooth brush and a side pocket full of laptop, camera and phone cables.., but nothing to satisfy a Black Tie dinner.. I looked at my New Balance trail shoes, my shorts and t-shirt and had this feeling that they would be kinda inappropriate., which is when all hell let loose.. and wardrobes were being opened, stairs being run up and down and more mirror action than at the Paris fashion show..
Taxi for one dressed up Mod

The taxi booked for 7.00pm was only an hour away and I had visions of the host's spare suits hanging off me.. ; after all, now I knew I was only 4'11" as opposed to his 6'2" inch frame and my 325lbs against his toned and lean 175, I figured I was in big trouble.. and we hadn't even got to the whole shoes deal yet, but I knew my size 10's weren't going to fit in a pair of 11's.. Yep, this wasn't going at all well, but., BUT.. can you believe it.., there really is a fairy god mother..! 

This whole mind thing and where it goes, plays games with ya if you let it.. and that's fer sure.., so sometimes You've just gotta go with that moment and then some..
Yet another lesson I was reminded not to forget

I tried on the first dinner jacket and poof, this flash of smoke surrounded me and this darn mirror I was looking at actually reflected an image that worked.. The sense of shock and surprise was evident as we all looked and thought.., "hmm, this thing could actually work"..; ok, so I definitely needed a pair of black trousers 'cause I wasn't feeling my Levis.., but with three adult males in the house and three completely different body shapes, I'm game for spontaneity and adventure, so, in for a pound, in for a dollar.. Bloody hell, the first pair of trousers I tried on slid over my legs, up to my waist and actually buttoned.., just as I noticed they were a 31" waist.. Smile.." lovin' this"..,  Oh yeah dude., still got it going on..
Cough, cough, but in reality, I just won't breath., or eat, or sit down., I thought. I did mention size 31 inch waist didn't I.?
So, dinner trousers on, dinner jacket on.. The black t-shirt I was wearing had to go.. I had visions now of wearing a dinner shirt that hung off my neck, but with an outstretched hand I took the first shirt off the hanger, tried it on and holy cow..I'm so going to get away with this..; shoes.., shoes..The black suede loafers my hiking socked feet slipped into., fit like a glove.. and even I was pretty shocked by this time, but to be honest, I think we all were.. Strapping the ole bow tie on was a doddle, cuff links in place and I was ready in time for the taxi and the eight stunningly dressed strangers who were going to make up the table.. 

The stunningly beautiful dinner suited venue welcomed me with a glass of Champagne just before the walk across it's manicured and very windy grounds towards the Marquee tent where I eventually sat on Table 27, alongside the dance floor front and centre for dinner.... The evening was on.. and only just beginning., apparently.. I reached and opened a red, filled the glass and smiled at the unbelievable turn of events that had happened over the past hour.

It's always about the second glass of liquid that does it.. and sure enough, the over sized marquee, filled with some 300 dinner attired guests, started to respond to the live 6 piece band and auction.. I hadn't even noticed the chandeliers swaying to the blustery conditions because from behind me, I felt a tap and question.. ; the very question that sends shivers down my spine and my body responded with it's usual shudder, but hey, I don't get asked and invited to dance very often, if ever, at all and as a wannabee gent, I couldn't very well turn down an evening Ball gown's request to shake it all about.. With a huge inhale and the words ringing in my ears... I took her invitation up and followed this stranger to the dance floor and thought, "hmm, well, she DID say she wasn't a great dancer..!!!" WRONG.., I was sucker punched, blind sided and truly eff'd..!! Several hours later and doing my best, but still, most embarrassing Michael Jackson impression, I BEAT IT.., I Saturday Night Fevered it.. and I Black Eyed Pead it.. and to the point that this Ball even claimed one of my borrowed/lent cuff links, somewhere on that dance floor.. So I moon walked, grabbed my crotch and jumped around, before the carriage turned up seemingly as quick as it had brought me..

All was good and I woke up on Sunday morning refreshed and hit the bloody gym again.. Effing BMI.., I'm still only 4' 11"..

And THAT was just a few hours of one day..

Brr..

 I haven't even got round to sharing my Triathlon experience yet with you guys either.. , or special, private viewing of London's 2012 Olympic volunteer wardrobe..; but thanks to Adidas, Swatch and MM for sharing that particular excitement..
Or the spectacular painting that will hang on opening, preview day.
I heard the London to Brighton bike ride went well.. and the frog spotted was doing a perfect breast stroke in the 14 degreed pool..
I think I may have also tweaked a knuckle on my right hand relocating the pool cover..; nothing serious or even news worthy, but at least now you know..
I'm not good at knowing this stuff, but think I was chatted up at a Subway... and I'm not sure only because I think her carer., or companion had stepped away leaving her alone for a moment..


Thou shall go to the Ball..




Thanks this week go to Fiji water - Animal - The weather forecast - BMI - Shuttleworth College - Borrowed Dinner suits - Michael Jackson impersonators - Wayne Rooney - A Gooner - FORD -  ITV and BBC (for their European Championship coverage) - My spare battery - Beales (for their sale and the mannequin I stripped) - the Riviera - A plank carrying beachcomber .. and a partridge in a pear tree..



You go ..





Sunday 10 June 2012

Image 52 - Week 24. Minimalism, how to speed up your browser, Lady Gaga bruised, the blind spot,

press



Nepotism, footprints & spare rooms




 Dear Temptation, today I woke up and heard Mushaboom by Feist

like

How long is an Avenue?


10 minutes


Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Marcel Duchamp - Dan Flavin


I watched as she moved
listened as she spoke
My heart filled with intrigue
and my thoughts awoke
hjs

There's more



Resting

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart"
William Wordsworth

-

I Can See For Miles

"I know you've deceived me, now here's a surprise
I know that you have 'cause there's magic in my eyes

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles

Oh yeah


If you think that I don't know about the little tricks you play
And never see you when deliberately you put things in my way"


The Who

-

Chic

I love you the more in that I believe you had liked me for my own sake and for nothing else
John Keats

happiest when

The picture just got clearer

A box full of credentials, including BC and the beginning of a draft; now it's on baby, let's get this show started and edit
- Rock an' Roll -

+


The Letter

1


 Traffic was always a problem in this particularly busy parking lot, but requiring only a little of his usual patience, a space opened up front and centre; it was only ever for the customary moment it took to quickly collect his mail as Jack's mail box was located just to the left inside the Post Office door.

  With his keys in hand, he successfully negotiated the increasingly troublesome car lock that required it's normal quick jiggle, both to open and in this case, to lock.. and more especially after the rain. Today Jack noticed someone lingering while checking their mail close to the box he needed to open. With a gentle, but deep breath and polite "excuse me", he felt his stomach churn and the usual urgent desire to leave without any hesitation fill his body. The mailbox was opened in a split second and there it was, the familiar blue envelope bearing the postmark and penmanship he loved and had picked up every couple of weeks for many years. The handwriting brought with it it's usual sigh of relief for him immediately followed by the typical pang of guilt he always felt when faced with this letter. It only ever took a second, but this particular second would always cause the same reaction and acknowledging this meant he was as far away from any semblance of normal life as he felt.

  Who knew how this all started, but years of unopened pale blue envelopes now filled a small  box that at one time occupied a simple kitchen drawer. He had organised them neatly in dated order with the naturally good intention of one day reading them, but James knew also that he would have to once again sit down and the thought of merely handling them would bring with it the usual anxiety.

  He turned from the mailbox with a heavy heart looked up briefly from under his low slung black baseball cap and from behind his dark glasses he immediately noticed her entering the Post Office through the double doors. He loved the kind of surprises moments like this brought him. He never thought or even took the time to 'look' these days and that's why her slender ankles caused his rare double take. Sometimes it was a mere wrist, shoulder or way her hair may have moved, but each time and this time, there was something about her that caused his instinctive reaction. Jack had to accept he had a type and there she was. His closest friends knew of course despite the fact that he tried to hide his obvious sense of predictability; but it was true and this stranger caused his heart to beat a little faster as he fidgeted with his glasses for the split second he took her all in. 
Jack passed her with an assured warm, respectful and simple "excuse me" as she joined the end of the mail line and all with in the second of passing her, he enjoyed her soft and natural fragrance while also noticing her smooth pale skin, unusual for these parts of Southern California and ones especially this close to the beach. Her blue eyes sparkled and her open smile caused him to hesitate his normally smooth but positive stride, yet he didn't return her  warm smile, choosing to imagine it as a simple act of politeness despite the obvious extra second the two pairs of eyes took to acknowledge each other. He allowed his hidden eyes a brief smile.. and the moment was gone.

+


Travel teaches toleration
Benjamin Disraeli



Spare Rooms




ghosts



and Footprints



Nepotism

It's All
Relative




.  ]



$ometimes I wonder

Easy on the punctuation this time and only because I'm keeping 24 simple AND besides, I have stuff on my mind






- Close your eyes -



"I do not literally paint that table, but the emotion it produces upon me"
Henri Matisse


Thanks for 24 go this week to the driver and passenger who called - to a CA artist who painted an angel - a few pieces of paper - time - blind courage - space -  Massive Attack - Bat For Lashes - Trending topics - The Lion King - John McEnroe - Rumour Has It - Henri Matisse and umbrellas everywhere


The 10 most expensive cities in the world - London is 24

Rank


City


Country


2011 Rank


1


Tokyo


Japan


2


2


Luanda


Angola


1


3


Osaka


Japan


6


4


Moscow


Russia


4


5


Geneva


Switzerland


5


6=


Zurich


Switzerland


7


6=


Singapore


Singapore


8


8


N’Djamena


Chad


3


9


Hong Kong


Hong Kong


9


10


Nagoya


Japan


11