Rain. Rain.......go away

         Yes. I Know...we need it, no good telling it to go away. I just miss the sun...I'm addicted to the sun...not the rain. In the city of São Paulo, here in Brasil,  there is no water at all, and hasnt been for several weeks. I have no idea how they are managing...it's a problem of massive proportions. Well, water is a problem if you have none....or if you have too much too I guess. The powers that be, just can't seem to get it right. We go from droughts, to floods. Is anyone out there planning? Or do we, as individuals have to start taking more responsibility. Finding our own way to conserve water. Oh I don't mean the green conversation method of turning taps off whilst we clean our teeth, or watering the garden with the water from the washing machine. I mean actually not letting any fresh rain run away down the gutters and into the ground. Today, I have seen gallons of the precious stuff wasted.

           But you know, I see the rain here. I actually got half drowned in the torrential rain today. The worst of it was, I got stuck in a self service restaurant. I was passng when it thundered and lighting and fell from the heavens. So, I ate lovely bar B Q 'frango', chicken lunch. Then I had to stay there much longer than usual, to step outside would be to drown. What bad luck is that, the lady who owns it, very nice to me always, said tranquillo, in other words relax. I had to stay. So, what did I do, I read my book/iPad and ate 'torte d lemone', lemon meringue  pie and coffee. Sitting in a warm room, filled with other souls all sheltering from the storm. I have never seen it so crowded. What bad luck for me ha ha.    

          The rain is heavy, heavy, heavy. It comes down in buckets full, like a hose, it rains cats and dogs. Honestly, much heavier than a power shower. All of those descriptions apply. It's so heavy it's impossible to see through it. The water over runs the gutters, bounces off the cars, setting off their alarms, even the street dogs, ever hopeful for titbits from the restaurant, huddle, bedraggled under any cover they can find. It's not a good day for them!  But as I watch, it rushes down the streets like a river, or builds small lakes on every surface, bouncing up off the pavements. I can't help but wonder why, instead of it shooting out of disconnected gutters like a gushing waterfall, why is it not being captured...stored. In one fairly short rain storm, the streets and gutters and every surface immediately had a problem. I could have filled half a five thousand gallon tank, right there. In the space of just over an hour, on that one street corner.

         I lived in New Zealand for quite a few years, and in Austria before that. They catch the rainfall there. Not just in town resoviours but in household storage tanks, belonging to each house. I believe there is a new law now in NZ that says every new house must have a water storage tank. But there are few houses without one anyway. They were once made of concrete, now they are mostly plastic and are often buried deep in the ground. So as not to spoil the look of the garden.

Underground water tank. NZ

Above ground Water tanks..NZ.

            Where I lived, we had three, large five thousand litre tanks, and one of two and half thousands litres. All filled up over a short period of a few rainy weeks in the winter. Plus being topped up at other times when we had a sudden summer shower. If you ran out of water, you could call a mobile water company for a refill, costing around two hundred dollars. The sediment naturally sinks to the bottom of the tank. The hose, or tap is placed above this level, making the water perfectly good. It was good drinking water, the best for washing clothes and hair too. It worked best in New Zealand because of the steadier, more reliable rainfall. 

         Yet here in Brasil, the rainfall is phenomenal. If they organised their guttering correctly. So that it actually flows somewhere positive, instead of just shooting out at an angle when it rained. Running away down the streets making everyone's feet wet. Then they would have no problems with their water supply at all. You wouldn't hear of towns running out of water before the wet season is actually over. Hopefully, São Paulo has had the same rainfall, and caught some, at least.

           Believe it or not, it's pouring down in this picture. It's not easy to photograph rain.

         But of course, that's just me, thinking I see the answer. After all, they don't even catch the water as successfully in England, the UK. I lived for many years in a house with no water supply. When instead of a small tank outside the back door, where you could scoop a bowl of water from. They could have had a large one, with a few pipes and we could have lived in comfort. Clever old New Zealand I say! Here in Brasil, I am only layman in a strange country. Perhaps there is a very good reason no one cares if most of the good rainwater runs away. Perhaps it's acid rain....no, really it's not is it. It's inefficiency, or the manyana principle. Either way it's a waste f mana from heaven, literally. Come on Brasil, stop wasting such free resources. Someone must care about this wonderful country. Basic infrastructure lack again I suppose. Ahhhh well, four days later, it's still hosing down, not one minutes stop so far.

            The road to the Balsa is super flooded. It's a lake in places, in others a river. Motor bikes must drive on the pavements, pedestrians stand little chance of either wet feet or being swamped by the puddles? (Lakes) as the buses etc. go through. Small cars are of course, conking out. Bless the 4x4 s, at least you can head through it and not worry. Also, at least it's not cold as England would be. I was soaked by the time I gt home yesterday...and no harm. I hear the thunder storms have reached New Zealand. Why does the world seem so small today?

              Ok folks...love you all. Still smiling in Brasil!

Eating out......trick or treat

        Trick or treat, because in Brasil, or any foreign country, food is often a little strange on your palette, different.  Some 'good' different, some, of course, 'bad'  different. Not good grammer I know, but that's how I begin to think here, what with learning the language, everything expressed back to front from how I would normally express it in English. As in 'big the moon is tonight?' Or, ' beach today you go?'Then trying to communicate in either broken Portugese, or broken English. I know, I've probabably got it wrong again...but I'm trying! It results in me taking a sentence down to its simplest form. That's where we end up, or at least it's where I do. Either different bad, or different good. But, back to the food in Brasil. I think there must be plenty, the children all look well fed. Always a good indicator. I think. Although what they eat at home, would not be my choice. More of that later.

         As with every new country, it takes a while to discover what you like, what you don't. What gets you to spitting it off your tongue, or licking your lips for more. I do quite a bit of both. But with travel, living or visiting in different countries, you must be prepared for different and unusual foods, naturally. The other aspect is, where are good the places to eat, where the food is well cooked, for the right price. As well as places either too expensive, or badly cooked. To be avoided. It all takes time to discover the best in terms of location, value and personal taste.

                                                English fish and chips. Strange to visitors?

         When going somewhere new for the first time, I always remember my Father. He was a great traveller, he loved getting on a plane, or ferry. He and my Mother and small brother visited many countries, sometimes, I and my family went too. He always dressed in the proper English manner. He was wonderful my father, such a 'died in the wool' Englishman. But my mother was supposed to be able to produce English food for him around the world. I remember one holiday to Italy, we were travelling as a family in a camper van. That was in the days before cheap package holidays, before fish and chips becoming available at every corner cafe. Fried English breakfast in every small, back street bar. He was not at all happy with the foreign food. We had some bacon with us, so that saved the day for a while, bacon and eggs being English.Then after trying the local restaurants and finding only true Italian pastas, meats, olives with lots of garlic. He adamantly refused to eat anything, except tomatoes and bread. It was all he deemed English food. I still remember those wonderful fresh tomatoes, available everywhere on the road side shops. With the best of crusty bread. Yum! But it got a little repetitive before the end of the holiday. He sent me out to find him chips one day, from an Italian restaurant....chips (fries)! I eventually took him some back, after a long wait in a busy Italian restaurant. Except they were, what we would call today chunky chips, with the skin on, and fried with whole garlic cloves. You can imagine where they went..foreign muck!

                          Small deep fried snacks are everywhere....not my taste

         So, I resolved to try everything when abroad. I didn't want to be one of these people who insists on behaving as if they were still in England. What's the point of travelling, without trying new food. The rich variety of food is half the joy of the journey. You remember the culture, the people, the weather and the food. Over the years, I developed quite an eclectic taste in food. In great Britian we have the continent on our doorstep, we import the best. Enjoying the rich variety of cheeses, olives, cured meats, which you can easily buy in an English supermarket or local deli. Also, GB now produces a much wider variety of the more exotic foods, buffalo mozzarella and the like. Tastes, certainly in my home, changed dramatically from the days and tastes of my parents.

             Then I lived in Austrialia for a few years, where the food was called Pacific Rim. The most delectable mix of seafood and light dishes. Then. New Zealand where again, the meat, vegetables and fish was some of the best. It was possible to buy the freshest shellfish on the roadside. 

                   Self service  Bar B Q. Weighed before you eat. A good way for buffet.

         In both those countries of the Antipodes, there was the Japanese/Asian influence. Not the Chinese, but more the Japanese. So you were able to find lots of sushi, very fresh fish and the best of meat. Although the Asian people, the Chinese in particular, are renowned for eating anything and everything, they insist on the best and freshest of produce. That fact alone, I feel, pulled the standard of eating from ordinary to extraordinary in New Zealand. When I first went to the Antipodes, twenty six, or seven years ago, much of the food was stodge. Which you could wait for, for an hour and a half, to two hours and a half for after ordering in a restaurant. I must admit, I lost interest before it eventually arrived. I got a lot of  free food in those early days. As I kicked up such a stink about waiting so long. I don't suppose I enhanced the reputation of the English at all, but it was just ridiculous what people put up with. That has all changed there now. Food is wonderful, although they spfi still have favourites. The roast dinner from England, Pumkin Soup, muffins of every variety and beetroot in hamburgers.

       I do get sidetracked, still, I soldier on. In Brasil there are staples. Coloured by the fact it is primarily a third world country, and the diet, going back generations is quite poor. They use ground Casava, an almost tasteless root vegetable on almost everything. To bulk up, and enrich the diet. Then beans, stewed, black beans in a liquid, are offered with everything. The meat, be it beef, or pork is often salted, by tradition I assume. In fact it's a country where far too much salt and sugar is used on a daily basis. It hits you big time when you first arrive. Coffee is often made already with the sugar already in. As sweet as syrup. Although since my first visit here some ten years ago, it is easier to buy unadulterated soffee. Even in some places, cappochino  and the like. Although it cannot be compared with that found in Europe, or North America.

                        The traditional, boiled beans, rice, Casava, salt meat stews.

       You can go to a 'self service' restaurant. The difference here, although it a buffet style, the food is weighed before you eat. Wonderful, as it means you don't pile your plate up, and then leave most of it untouched. You very quickly get used to the idea of only taking what you mean to eat.theses places are a good way of eating cheaply. You choose from a variety of vegetable, salads, fruits, carbohydrates, meats, pies and fish. Again you will find your favourite. You can even find self service sushi bars. Food of all kinds is very cheap. To eat a good sized plate of cooked food, will cost about $20Rieals. Which in today's exchange rate is about £5. You can't complain at that can you.

         I mentioned sushi and sashimi. There are quite a few of those places around. Again you can eat very well for $30/40 Rieals. £10. The variety you find here is mind blowing. There  is fresh, raw sashimi of salmon, white fish, or tuna. Sushi made with every type of fish and shell fish. Some lightly grilled. Some mixed with potato, or once with banana, some rice, much sliced pickled cucumber sliced very thin, and slivers of ginger, with wasabi, a very hot ground radish. Together it's definitely one of those meals I drool over. Delicious! Yep...that's my favourite meal. 

         Of course, there is a wealth of emigrants from Argentina, Switzerland, Italy, France, England. Who all give their own particular twist to what they ate at home. So, if you don't fancy traditional Brasilian food, you can eat self service some modern, some traditional, or Swiss, or Italian, or whatever.

          As for deserts, well, if you like condensed milk, then you are in heaven. There is nothing that doesn't get made with that sweet and more-ish thick milk. It igives an entirely new dimension to desert. As it does to anything containing caramel. You can feel the sugar rush just looking at it. Lemon meringue pie made with condensed milk sounds wrong doesn't it, but it's decadent and ultra delicious. You can get about half the normal Eurpean portion for about $3 Rieas. A normal portion for $5. That's about £1.25. How silly is that....it's no wonder I have to tear myself away from  the desert counter.

  A few of the sweet dishes....yum.

ali keilly writes: Creativity must out!

ali keilly writes: Creativity must out!:         We, as a race are so wonderfully creative..aren't we. When you think where man began, dressed in furs, or living in caves somewh...

Creativity must out!

        We, as a race are so wonderfully creative..aren't we. When you think where man began, dressed in furs, or living in caves somewhere, how little he had in material terms. Then remember that everything we enjoy, or moan about in some cases today, was once just an idea in someone's head. Then that person, or someone else, found a way to make it work, to bring it through into reality. They actually created it...made an idea into an reality. Sorted out the nuts and bolts of it so to speak. It became concrete, it became a object. Three dimensional. Something you can touch, or use. Hold, able to do a task for you. Or help you with a problem. Incredible, it really is amazingly incredible. Mind blowing in the extreme. That's how creativity works.

          Once you begin thinking about it, you know, or at least begin to get a glimpse of how imaginative and creative man really is! Because it never stops does it. Do we ever get to the point where we say, as a nation, or a race, that's far enough. Nothing else will be created. We are not thinking about anything anymore, we will no longer use our imagination. No we don't. Ok sometimes we should have. The nuclear bomb, chemical warfare, things like that. Would have been better left undone. (Or would they...might not having them, have meant worse atrocities of other kinds) Except in many cases the actual knowledge and technology invented and then used in these weapons was not intended to be used in that way at all. Something the imaginative inventor surely decried when they realised its significant change of use. The change of direction someone else took it, or forced them to take. But as with any inventions, how long do ideas stay the property of the inventor. No, they don't. they go to the money men. Those people who decide they have invested wealth in this idea, making it theirs. They decide how something is used, every time. You could almost see them as parasites on to men's creativity.

         We are able to create the small stuff without getting into trouble can't we? The books we write, the paintings we create, the buildings we design, the intrastructure, the mechanics problems, the computerised gadgets....I just can't seem to get away from the effect of computers on society can I. No! All of these things have been strictly culled, or censored at one time or another throughout history. The people in charge, often don't want the equilibrium upset. They like to maintain the 'status quo' . Therefor, new ideas new concepts, different ways to operate, or live, can upset their position. Their point of power....not good for them. No, power is money, money is power. I always like the verse:

           Power corrupts, but absolute power, corrupts absolutely.

           Think of any dictator, no one person should have too much power. It doesn't end well. That's pretty clear I think, but simple creativity, can have something of the same journey. Perhaps the same results. A creative person, a creative society, must have an outlet. Of course, I'm talking about myself here. I must have a creative outlet. I. Must be able to do something creative...or I would explode. I have a friend who says 'people only ever talk about themselves.' As if we cannot ever put ourselves in another's place. As if it's impossible to talk of anyone else's situation. As if it's not possible to reason and explore ideas or concepts, solely our own experience.....beyond that, nothing! I find that insulting in the extreme. I like to think I can be empathetic to another's situation, see what drives or restricts them. I know. It's a fine line from there to being condescending...As in saying 'I know how you feel after your tragedy.' Kind of thing. Which of course is pretty difficult if you have had no experience of anything remotely the same. 

            In the meantime, we, as individuals, must write, must paint. We must compose, sing, make music, or dance, build houses, or even simply knit for goodness sakes. It's all making something out of nothing. It's creativity, pure and simple. The world would be much the poorer without such a wealth of interests and creative people. It would be all together a flatter and duller place to live. Creativity should be encouraged. Both in education and out of it. But what gets cut first in times of economy. The creative aspects of school, that's what. The art, the music and such Iike, as if they are merely pastimes, time fillers, or a waste of money and of no worth.

              Imagination should be fostered. Stimulated, drawn out of children and conserved. It's magic, it's fantasy, it's  what we all need for goodness sake. It helps us get through the hard times, through the mundane, through the times of trouble. You know it's been discovered that during times of economical distress, as in the current world recession, magic heals! Suddenly books, films, interest and ideas abound about anything to do with fantasy, or magical realms, strange beasts, quests. In fact the interest in anything other than the mundane expands. Wenneed magic and imagination to live our lives fully. It is never a waste a time or effort.

            I realise, that many of us have no appreciation for the fantastical. I have heard people express scathing opinions of 'such rubbish'.but I stand by my feeling that fantasy is not only desirable, but necessary. Creativity and creative people are the life blood of society. It is the basis of why we no longer live as cave dwellers, or hunters and gatherers. Why we have cities, cars, space travel, films, orchestras and a million other wonderful aspects to enjoy in our lives. Art and creativity enriches us. It makes us better, more rounded people. It sensitises us, draws us away from the more primal animal within.

            This whole blog began because a dear friend was banned from practicing his flute outside, or inside the house. Newly discovered, trying to learn, it is as if someone has shown him oxygen, let him taste, then cut it off!  I feel his frustration, his loss. What do you do, lose your home, or your flute. Yes, he practices, yes he is not able to play well yet, but how will he ever? If no one can practice their skills, how can they become virtuosos. I find his dedication, his love of playing and his determination to improve inspiring. In a short time, he has already improved immensely. How can people be so small minded and selfish. This in brasil, where noise is always crazy, where there is no peace to be found anywhere. Can one small practise size flute be so annoying? I share the house, it didn't annoy me. Really, we must value creativity. It could be worse, it could have been drums!

          Let's all remember how important it is to give others some freedoms, within certain boundaries. He doesn't play in the middle of the night, or even late at night. Let us remember that even Beethoven had to practice, as did every other musician. Imagine a world without musicians. If you have someone learning a musical instrument near you, be generous. Give them time to learn and to practice. Don't be one of those people who can see no further than their own nose. Be nice to musicians...Evn those practicing.

        Keep creating out there........it is vital!

Mosquitos and other (human) pests

       Ha ha, with the use of the word 'pest' I immediately think of some of the human pests that intrude on our day. Although the Mosquitos here, in South America are too often a real pest in your day. The other day I talked about the Internet, and how it has taken a big chunk of our lives, with both good and bad results. Bad that it became almost compulsory, especially in all of the housekeeping aspects of it. Having to keep up to date with everything. The good, in that it enriches our lives in terms of information, general interest, social networking sites and education. I mean the scope for educating yourself via the Internet is phenomenal. As is the scope for making money, if you are a little bit smart. The scope of social networking could easily go the other way. Heading in the negative direction I mean, it can be extremely intrusive. I find I have a real love, hate relationship with those sites.

       Photographs are another example, with all of the new technology it's become so simple. Half the time people are not even aware their photo is being taken. So, that's another intrusion isn't it. I must admit, I for one am always snapping photographs while I read, or doing the hundred and one other things I do on my wonderful little iPad. Cameras are in phones, supposedly, inside spectacles, although I have yet to see any. If you let it worry you, you could drive yourself crazy. It's not much good saying "don't take my photo!' Ooops...too late, taken, secured and walked away. You don't stand a chance, there you are, secured for posterity, or something equally permanent, or annoying.

      The next time you see them, they are plastered on Facebook, twitter, a blog, or posted on any one of a dozen uploadable photo sites. I must admit, if I get a chance to look at any snaps someone has taken of me, I delete the worst, without apology. It's me, it's my right...isn't it. Not that people always agree with me. God, the camera puts on six or so pounds anyway, who wants an embarrassing shot of a massive leg, or a face full of food. Or of some other unflattering shot, posted for the world to see. Not me, not you either I bet. Although seeing some of the stuff on line, I often wonder...do some people actually enjoy looking a fool.

         For example, I was sitting on the beach the other day, relaxed, reading, facing the sea, alone. When I glanced up, saw this guy pointing his little camera in the direction of my legs, which may have been a little too akimbo, if you get my meaning. Yes, I was on the beach, yes I was wearing a bikini, yes I was feeling relaxed and comfortable. I immediately thought, 'what sort of zoom shot was he taking?' Will it end up on some porn site, or worse still on some email doing the rounds...as they do..'scary sights on the beach'. In neither of which I would choose to be included. Of course, the man walked right off when I gave him my big scowl! A definite erosion of our freedoms there. I do want to say here and now, I try to get tasteful, flattering shots if I snap anyone. I'm an artist why wouldn't I. I don't like ugly, I prefer, ok, sometimes atmospheric but I hope, not insulting phots of what is around me.

       Leading on from there, although I have become somewhat diverted from the topic of Mosquitos, into other pests. Our family group watched two older tourists take photos on the beach. Mostly the husband, we presumed, of the wife. Stretched against a tree, reaching up towards leaves, cheeky hat angle, she was quite good, experienced. Then, one photo where the lady stood in front of the husband, pulling his arms around her considerable girth. Awww, how nice I thought. We were taking the together photo for them. When he immediately grabbed both of her breasts, two good handfuls. Of course I cracked up, it was just so funny. The expression on his face, and her total disregard of the whole thing.  From that, we got chatting and they took some photos of us all. The slightly scary thing was, as they left, they said 'we only use the faces, we put them on all sorts of already posed shots!' Scary....don't you think.

       I mean, they were lovely people who looked respectable. Except how do you know where any of your photos end up? I found it a little disconcerting. They said I had a pretty face...took a few photos, mmmm, where will it end up, my face? I'm afraid my imagination works overtime in such situations. There is this erosion of privacy everywhere. The contents of your life can be spread about. Here and there, totally out of your control. A little bit like Mosquitos, they are definitely out of my control.

        Here in Brasil, we have this wonderful weather, I really love it. Except it makes for some steamy nights. Yes, the nights are hot. Off with the clothes, the bed covers, wear something comfortable. You wants a 'through draught', the fans on, windows definitely open. But......those pesky Mosquitos want your blood. I wouldn't mind if they took some, and didn't hurt me. But first, they buzz you, like fighter planes. Ahhh here comes another one! Buzz zzzz. Sometimes I just hide under the sheet. Then, ok you can't feel them land, or take the blood, but boy you know they have been. It burns, it burns and it doesn't stop. It itches for hours, days sometimes. Nasty red spots on your newly exposed skin. Not a chic look.

        No, I don't want to have air conditioning. No, I don't want to spread insect repellant all over my skin. No, I hate having to shut the doors and windows, it's stuffy. I hate having to spray the place with chemical stuff before I attempt sleeping, in some sort of peace. They know how to find a way in...there is always one, one pesky, pest of a mosquito. Just like there is always at least one person taking photos. See the similarity. The answer to both is the same too, I'm  afraid.. Not really very much you can do about either problem.

       You must suffer it. Or, decide to do something much more drastic about it. Which, I don't want to do either. So you must stop worrying about it. Or, as I said before, you will drive yourself crazy. Or is that 'I' will drive myself crazy! So why am I complaining? Well, I have to talk to you guys out there about something don't I. Hope it's got you thinking a little bit. Sometimes, I wonder if I think too much. All I can say is, whatever the problem, or worry, don't forget to turn it around at some point. Look for the positive, there always is one.

         With the mosquito problem, hopefully I will acclimatise and they won't seek me out so much. With the photographers, well the topics and interest can be so varied, who knows if that will ever stop. Humans and many animals too, are curious aren't they, we like to know, to understand. I certainly don't think you can legislate against random photographers. Yes, I know, a bit like Mosquitos.mThere is no law that's going to eradicate them completely is there. So, my friends, out there, good luck avoiding all and any pest around you. If you cannot, then at least it gives you something to contemplate.

       Happy days folks.

Let's all head to the beach

        I know annoying of me....right? For everyone who is not in the happy situation of being able to spend time relaxing at the beach. Well...sorry, but I tell myself I'm working. I'm swarching the Internet, I'm blogging and I'm working on my short stories or books. Ok sometimes I'm just reading or, what to call it? Meditating. Really it's just people watching and dozing in the sun. Backed up by the occasional coffe, water or snack. Delivered to me by the very helpful beach waiters. I know, it's tough...but someone's got to do it. Guess I'm just lucky.

       I think Brasil has the ideal system set up for the beach. Cafes of all sorts, and fully blown restaurants have set up next to the beaches, table, chairs, loungers and umbrellas spilling onto the beach. Reaching almost to the water, complete with a system of waiters ready to being you whatever you may need. The additional benifit is that each place provides nice clean toilet facilities. In any stretch of pristine beach and water, you will find a good half a dozen establishments. After a while you find your favourites. I think it's always nice to go somewhere where you're known. It's nice to see a friendly face, make a relationship or two. An easy thing to do here, as the people are so easy going and friendly. It's easy to blur the lines if you want to. 

         You can choose cheap and cheerful, or gourmond level eating and service. Whatever it is you can afford, or prefer, is available. As is choosing a part of the beach that is still empty. Where you do the traditional old English method of spreading a blanket, taking a picnic, an umbrella or what ever it is you want. Or is it, are prepared to carry. I know which I prefer, little comfort queen that I am. I just love swanning down to the beach, nothing to worry about but finding the ideal space. Telling myself the excersise is good. Which it is of course. Here, the beach if often at the bottom of a big hill, so it can be quite a treck. At least you feel virtuous once you have made the effort. Especially of coming back up after your sourjourn to the beach.

         This is about a third of the trip back up the hill from the beach. Steady, but killing. No really, I can do it now. The first few times, it's a wonder I wasn't found collapsed by the fence. Of course once home again, it's the shower. We all know sand gets just everywhere...but who cares. I've had a wonderful time on the beach, with iPad of courses all of these eating places have good Internet connections, piped music...ahh you can tell I like it a lot. 

          Well my friends, I will just give you a quick pic of the beach again. I like to ensure you know exactly what you're missing. All I can say is get on a plane and head for Brasil. There is plenty of room still....property is relatively cheap, the carnival comes up after Christmas. In the meantime....think of me enjoying the sun, sand and relaxation.

What next

      The wooden chair saga was scraping the barrel  wasn't it. But you must write as you find and I found that whole episode of trying to catch up with the hundred and one things we all have to do via the Internet, a pain in almost every sense of the word. It was certainly a pain in the bum. But it begs the question, how come we all seem to have so many jobs to do 'on line.' A week of having a bad connection, or no connection at all, puts one in a difficult position. I was behind with so much stuff. Hence the marathon session trying to catch up and the sore bum from sitting too long on a hard chair.

      So, when did this happen? When did the Internet become indispensable? How come there are so many housekeeping jobs to do. Is everyone in the same boat, has it got us all..... Or, are some of you out there still free....free of the slavery of the Internet. Well first of all, I guess if you are reading blogs then you are lost on the World Wide Web already. It brings to mind all the 'end of the World' sagas. In almost every one, the first thing to be lost is the power supply. With that goes telephones, Internet, iPad, laptops and all the rest of the on line crap we are tied about with. Can't to just picture the cartoon. iPads, key pads attached to our fingers, screens in front of the nose, connected to the national grid by wires and headphones. It's not that far from the truth.

      Do you remember the original dream? A paperless world. Freeing us all from the slavery of the written report, the printed record. Everything possible to be done on line. Saving trees, written records less, fill forms on line, etc etc. Make your life simple, that was the story wasn't it. Then you would not need a paper trail.... HA! Well, that's a load of crap isn't it. If you need to prove anything in this world today, then you need to have a Paper trail. You need a print out. You need your A4 piece of paper with all the relevant information on it. No one is happy with the stuff on line. You can order your

 piece of paper on line, yes. I know we have to have it all recorded inside the machine where ever it may be kept, that too is necessary. But we also need to keep all the same, if not more paper records stacked up, filed away. Mmmmm, yes, well that really did not work as promised did it.

       No, we have just as many files, just as many shelves stacked high with papers. Now with even more detailed information than we ever dreamed of before the Internet. The Internet makes it possible to find out such detailed information doesn't it. We are able to produce such complicated records of anything we set our minds to. No, really everything we did before the advent of the computor has tripled...easily tripled in volume, if not more.

        That's it really. We all fell for the hype. We believed the promise, of saving trees, good to the planet, simplifying life. I know it's not that simple, we love to play too. You can Facebook, twitter, blog, as well as email, Skype, Google, the list is endless. I suppose what it has done is streamline complicated procedures into simple tasks. Made communication of all sorts, both easy and fast.

       But simplify record keeping, it has not. Saved paper, it has not. Stopped the necessity for paper trails, no. Ha! That will teach us all for listening to the hype that comes with these new electronic devices. However, it is a lot of fun too. What ever did we do before the internet. All those people who never dreamt of learning to type. It was just a silly girl thing wasn't it. Suddenly,  everyone types. It makes me laugh to see the guys typing away..

       Having said all of that, had a good moan, I do hate when the Internet is off! What he hell do you do instead? How about you......what's your feeling? Has it somplyfied your life? I would love to know.

I hate wooden chairs.

      Is it something I'm not doing right? Mmm maybe. The only place I could find today and yesterday with a decent Internet connection is a very nice cafe. Food is great, price is reasonable, outlook ok, but hells bells. Hard wooden chairs.....they stop the blood flow in my bum!

       Ok it's been a couple of hours, a few friends, catching up with Internet stuff, but the PAIN is excruciating!  I have got to the point where I have to continually fidget. Not a a particularly good look. Certainly not a good or easy way to sit for any length of time. Cafes, usually have a small area somewhere, where you sit in comfort. An easy chair, even a cushion. Something that takes away from the pain of sitting on hard chairs for too long.

        But today, not only has my bum gone numb, but the tops of my legs too. How I shall get up from this chair is a mystery. In fact, you may read about the mini disaster in the news papers. 'Woman keels over after sitting on wooden chair...' , or, 'legs fall off woman as she attempts to walk...sitting too long?' , perhaps 'true medical facts on the dangers of wooden chairs'.

          Of course I could go on....but for goodness sakes, I'm still sitting here. Isn't it amazing where you get the inspiration for your stories? This is taking things too far, don't you think.

         Ok, going now, my legs and bum are screaming...I bet if you listen, you can hear them from where you are.

       Bye...stinging badly now.....help!

         

Life....as we know it

     Full of surprises isn't it. No, life is never quite what you think, never going quite how you expect it to go. But that's life, isn't it. There is no point in bemoaning that fact is there. If you allow yourself to concentrate on all the things in your life which are not going well, or as well as you would like, then you will be wasting your time. Wasting not only your time, but wasting any opportunity to change anything within your life. In other words, you are accepting what you have as a 'fait accompli', and there it stops. It's as if you have dropped a heavy weight on top of everything, you stand no chance of it changing any time soon.

      We all have expectation, hopes, dreams or wishes. If they all happened just as we hope....wow, then it's magic. If you get it right. That's exactly what can happen....but how often do we? The chances are, life will not go that smoothly. It can't go perfectly all the time...can it? Well......it could if you are single minded, believe and work towards your goals, but.....You know what it's like, even on a good day, strange things happen. A bit of bad, luck, a little mistake, some stupidity, not always yours. Then, your expectations just do not work out. It can be so frustrating, so demoralising. So, what do you do?

      First off, always turn every defeat, every disappointment into a success. It's a matter of attitude. It's all about how you react to what is happening in your life. Of course, it's in your head...it's not that you actually turn the facts around just like that. Everything starts there, everything good or bad in the World today, once began as an idea, a thought. To improve your own situation start with your mind, your ideas, your positive thoughts. It's that you choose to concentrate on the good and positive points. Rather than the dissapointing ones. Chances are, if you expect disaster, that's what you get. No matter what happens. You must find something in 'the bad' to celebrate.

      Imagine if you break something...don't bewail the loss. Instead, start looking at other more beautiful items, imagine that in your home instead. Or, look at a photograph you once took of it. Attitude! If everything goes wrong with your day, take pleasure in finding a flower, a sunset, the nice weather...or enjoy the bad weather. Really it's all mainly attitude. How you react to it. I hear people say, "she made me so mad". No...no one can 'make' you mad. You choose to react in that way. Change it! You are the only one in charge of your head, your emotions.

      I was with someone the other day, who scowls at everyone, always expecting some slight, some insult. Well, guess what they saw most often in return....scowls, angry looks, dirty looks. Me, I go around like a little ray of sunshine. Even if I do not feel like it, I smile at people. O.K. Some may think I am a bit crazy, but who cares. I get a lot of smiles in return. Which in turn, helps me be happy, remain happy. Even if I get no positive responses, I know that my face is becoming set in happy lines, instead of miserable, discontented ones. So, it's a win, win for me.

       So, my friends, on the great stage of life, be happy, act happy and you will be happy. If you want to be a 'have,' instead of a 'have not', you make sure you keep expecting only good things. Remember the positive rules, expect good, or positive things to come your way. Then, even if you still keep getting bad, find something in the bad to say is good...concentrate on that. Soon, life WILL look up. From now on, you may have some bad luck, or poor results, but fail to acknowledge them. Turn every failure, into a success. Be blind to the bad in your life, deal with it as best you can, then forget it....think only of the good!

        

Every day a winner

       It's the sun shining, it's lack of routine, it's being where you want to be, it's having nice people in your life......it's all of the above! Whatever it is, I love my life at present and I am having a great time. On top of all that, I am writing...I don't know when I will be published. I do know the writing part of it is great, even the editing, as over and over it I go. In between working on my book, (books) I Blog. Mainly because there I can pour out my own personal experiences. Contrary to popular opinion, what I write in my books is not my thoughts, my opinions or my experiences. Honest, it's imagination folks. 

       I guess it has to begin somewhere, but not necessarily as a part of me, or my life. What I write is not autobiographical. In fact, it's what I see around me...as I sit here for instance. How people react to each other, what I read in the newspapers, how what I see before me, sparks off ideas. Ideas which I then take for a walk... Very often, they go off in a completely different direction to what I expect. In fact, most of the time, I have little or no idea where an idea will take me. It's what makes writing interesting. You can allow your imagination free reign. Go off on flights of fancy.

        Yes. There must be a beginning, a middle and an end. There must a good plot, some interesting characters, some colour and excitement. That still leaves you a lot of leeway in the meantime. Plenty of opportunity there to let your imagination run wild. Only a 'would be' published writer, I never the less remain a dedicated reader. Indeed a voracious reader. I cannot survive without at least one book on the go. I read, or have read the classics, or a good few of them. I have read comtemporary writers, I have tried the self published writers, the young novelist, the few who began writing later than most. Many of the popular genres, it seems to me, are of werewolves, magic, the fae, all subjects where you can stretch your imagination, or people's credulity. 

         A good story is like a stirring piece of music, it will sweep you away. To somewhere you love and want to visit again, or to somewhere brand new, to explore and enjoy. With a live band, the excitement begins even before anyone plays, or stands on stage. You can feel the excitement building, as the people find their seats. The tension rising, the noise getting louder until all goes quiet, a great roar and you're off! Along with the musicians, the sound people, the staging crew and all the rest. You are all off together,  if you're lucky, on the ride of a lifetime. Building memories, making favourites.

         A good book can grab you just the same. Ok it's a quieter, perhaps a more solitary process. But whether on line, or through the printed word and book shops. You peruse hundreds, you read snippets from a few, you search out favourite authors, or try new ones. You are attracted to the colourful covers, read the synopsis, make your choice. Then find the ideal place, to settle down, to become engrossed in your choosen story, or favourite author. Then, just like the music, you are off together. Enjoying using your own imagination along with someone else's. It's stirring, it's stimulating, it's exciting. Don't you just love the books you can't put down. Fervently searching out the next book from the same author, and the next.

         Well, writing is a bit like that. It carries you away, you often just can't get the words down quick enough. A friend said to me the other day, 'I feel I should be writing something, I like the process of sitting behind a keyboard, but what to write?' Well, from someone who has been there. An ace procrastinator, that was me. Just let me say, don't worry too much what you think you want to write. Just write.....write every day without fail. Explore ideas, put down thoughts, observations, story titles, anything. It's the actual process of writing on a daily basis that will open up your direction. It's that which will inspire you. I still have no idea if I will be writing a blockbuster, or mainly blogging. Whatever! Really! Enjoy the process, I love to write...not published, but as I tell anyone who wants to know...I am a writer!

          Be happy out there, explore words, love ideas, enioy your vocabulary. Then watch, listen and above all...read!