From the heart – Page 6

People we love…

November 27, 2009 Chiromancer1 Comment

Last night I spent time re-reading an old diary. It dates back to when I was a teenager and is filled with notes from friends I made when I was an exchange student in the mid-West of America. As I started reading the notes again, I realised that there were so many people who have come into my life as friends at key points… Growing up, university, moving countries, coming home. Some of them are still in my life, others have welcomely returned as my world comes full circle.

The wonder (and curse) of social media means we can now reach out to eachother in ways that we didn’t before. Though clearly some facebookers think amassing friends is a competitive sport! I’m also amazed by those married couples who only appear to communicate via comments on each others pages…It’s meant to be a relationship, not a communique, surely? But that’s probably the subject of another blog.

For my part, I’m glad that the friends I’ve missed and loved are back in touch. When you are far away from family or lovers – separated by time or geography or circumstance – friends are the people who get you through those tough times. They become your surrogate family – they are there when your heart is breaking, to hug you and give you a glass of wine while you sob on the sofa, they are there with words of encouragement when your biggest challenge proves to be your biggest fear, and they share your excitement when good things happen. Humans are social animals and our friends are a very necessary part of our lives. Too often life (work, commuting, stress) gets in the way of spending time with those friends.

When I go on holiday, I’ve developed a habit of sending myself a postcard with a list of ‘resolutions’ or things I’d like to change or do differently in my life. If I post it on my last day, it usually arrives when I’m back. And it serves as a useful reminder of my good intentions – and a bit of a nudge, if I’m honest. I’m off to the wilderness in about a month, and I think one of the items on my postcard will be to be better at keeping in touch with my friends.

25 Things you need to know…

November 25, 2009 Chiromancer1 Comment

1. I am happiest near water. Depending on the hemisphere, that’s the West Coast in South Africa and the South Coast in Blighty.

2. I’ve secretly wanted to be a screenwriter. Actually, not so secretly…I’ve already written a screenplay called ‘Big Top’ and I’m trying to figure out how to get it made into a film. Pixar, are you listening?

3.I’ve realised that life NEVER works out how you’ve planned it. All you can do is to embrace change rather than wrestle with it…

4. I want to keep travelling. So much of the world to see.

5. I was once the guest gargler in an orchestra. Yes, this did involve a glass of water and a microphone.

6. I’d like to make it compulsory for people to vote in the UK. Apathy is the reason we are stuck with the politicians and government we currently have.

7. I have an inappropriate crush on McFly! Love their music and would snog each and every one of them if I was still 17.

8. I’ve cherished an ambition to be an astronaut. Clearly watched too much 70’s Sci-Fi in my youth, but I like to think it’s because of my pioneering spirit that I want to search for alien life beyond our solar system.

9. I’ve never understood how believers use religion to justify cruelty, abuse or bloodshed.

10. I cannot bear to see animals in pain, or being treated badly. Yes, it’s impossible for me to watch ‘Animal Rescue’ without crying.

11. I love singing, even though I have a voice like a drain.

12. I have a low tolerance for those e-grade celebrities who grace our media with almost inevitable regularity. Girls, we need better role models that zero talent wannabees.

13. I dislike Brussels Sprouts intensely. Devil’s testicles!

14. As I get older, I realise I have less respect for authority. No doubt I will be a fully fledged rebel by the time I collect my pension.

15. I think that love is probably the most important reason to do anything in life – it’s also the craziest!

16. I am a humanist. Despite this, I respect other people’s religious views. If it works for you that’s cool, just don’t try to convert me!

17. I want to be cremated when I die. I am also an organ donor – I’ve bequeathed everything except my liver (see point #18) to the NHS!

18.. I love wine! I should probably have married that wine farmer when I had the chance all those years ago…

19. I think my sisters are two of the most amazing people on the planet. It’s been my privilege to watch them grow up!

20. I am scared of heights. This is why I deliberately make myself climb mountains and go on rollercoasters. Well, you’ve gotta face your fears in order to overcome them…

21. One of my favourite things to do is to cook for other people.

22. I am an unrepentant carnivore. Well really, no one has ever heard of a Tofudebeest, have they? (Sorry Veggies)

23. I love dry humour, but really silly things make me laugh uproariously.

24. I enjoy gardening, but I’m not so sure about the mutant slugs that inhabit my patch of green.

25. My first experience of a naked man was in my life drawing class at Art School. Didn’t know where to look…

Soundtrack to my soul…

November 25, 2009 Chiromancer2 Comments

Those who know me well will realise that one of my vices has got to be music – I’m having real trouble corralling my ever expanding CD collection and somehow I just can’t bring myself to download. Having a CD in my hand is akin to reading a book – it just feels better than one of those Kindle thingamies.

I was lucky enough to have a boyfriend who had really eclectic taste – he managed to wean me of Randy Crawford and Duran Duran. Well, I was young and foolish! Sorting through my music collection the other day, I realised that songs provide the soundtracks to our lives. There is always a song that reminds you of a person, a place or a time.

At my uncle Ian’s funeral earlier this year, we cried when the verger sang The Fields of Athenry. It reminded us of so many good times and was his favourite song. A few months prior to that we were celebrating and laughing at my sister’s wedding – of course our song was ‘We are Family’ by Sister Sledge. August was heartbreak month for me so John Mayer’s Battle Studies and Florence and the Machine’s Lungs would be blasting as I did my weekly commute into London and back to the coast.

The Noisettes and the Chemical Brothers make great driving music – but can lead to speeding fines on the M20. And finally, I associate Christmas with cheesy Andy Williams CD’s – and yes, I do have one of those. It’s coming out on Dec 25th.