Successful Solitude

For not the the first time I have been thinking about the way I lead my life, and what it is that makes up "me". I guess that most people do a little soul searching every now and then, and I feel that it is important to make sure that you are living your life the way you want to.

As my profile indicates, I have a reclusive streak in me that has existed for quite a while. I don't much like the term, but the word "loner" is probably the one that best describes me. The thing is, I enjoy solitary pursuits in life. I've sometimes wondered if it is some sort of extreme selfishness that is the cause of this, and the conclusion I have come to is yes it is. However, it is not a selfishness whereby I disrespect other people's rights or beliefs, but instead it is a refusal to allow anyone else to have a controlling influence on my life or beliefs. Perhaps we all need to have a little positive selfishness in our lives.

I am not a social animal who seeks the company of people. However, I value the balance I get from working with people during the day, and I love living in a big bustling city. I know people may think I am ignoring them, but to them I say "I know you are there, but I am happy being here".

Todays shout out goes to the "loners" of the world. Consider that you lead a solitary existence because that is what you wanted and you value it. Enjoy it.

Todays shout down goes to people who think "loners" need to be cured. We'll let you know when we need your help.

"The Soloist", by Dan the VespaMan.

I am in my sanctuary,
A quiet and considered place,
No rules or demands from others,
This is where I run my race.

I've never really felt lonely,
Or insecure or shy,
But if I behaved the way I'm "supposed" to,
I would be living a lie.

Thanks Dan.

Monet Today

I finally found my way to the Art Gallery of NSW to see the exhibition "Monet and the Impressionists". Now, let me say from the very start that I have limited knowledge of fine art, and some of the descriptions and explanations provided in the exhibition for the different artistic phases of Claude's life were obviously written by someone who knew a great deal about fine art for people who know a great deal about fine art. Pointless ! However, I congratulate the gallery for providing people with the opportunity to see some very beautiful pieces of art for a mere $18. As I understand it, the exhibition has been a great success and I hope we will see many more such presentations. If you are in Sydney on Australia Day, do yourself a favour and spend some time seeing the impressionists and the many other pieces of art in this impressive building. Claude heads back to Boston after tommorrow !

This may be a show of my naivety, but a recent news report advised that the Victorian government had put restrictions on the use of solarium tanning beds, mainly to do with underage use. The thing that confuses me is why there is a market for solariums at
all ??? There seems to be hours of sunlight each day that will do the job.... for free !

Todays shout out goes to Claude Monet. I don't know much about your technique, ideology or inspiration, but I do find your work beautiful.

Todays shout down goes to people who take very young children to art exhibitions and can't understand why they get so bored and start acting up. I hope you feel embarrassed.

"A Philistine at the Gallery", by Dan the VespaMan.

The blues, the greens,
The reds, the pinks,
I saw them today,
It was beautiful, I think.

But to speak in high,
and pompous tones,
To describe the works,
Gives me the groans.

Thanks Claude.

The Heart of the Matter

I've just finished watching a programme on the history of cardiac surgery that included some rather graphic scenes of surgery procedures. I've always been fascinated by the way that a surgeon almost seems to be working on a piece of machinery albeit incredibly delicate (and a little messy). It's when I see things like this that I question the idea that "things should be left to nature" and we "shouldn't meddle with gods work". Medical advancement is a true example of mankinds desire to help one another even though it would be easier not to.

I was fiddling around with some online photo editing websites today and fed an image through a website that converts it into an andy warhol-like piece of art. Perhaps a little tacky, but I quite like it. Outrageous colour is a gift and I really want to brighten up the blog a bit.

Todays shout out goes to Jeremy Clarkson. Oh yes, he certainly isn't everyones cup of tea, and he does have an arrogant streak in him as long as a motorway. But I enjoy reading his columns in the "Times Online", part standup comedian, part rock and roll, but always amusing and ready to upset someone who takes themselves just a little too seriously.

Todays shout down goes to the movie "Meet Dave" starring (!) Eddie Murphy. To think that I spent precious time watching that steaming pile of god-awful drivel. I still can't understand why a talented comedian like Mr. Murphy who can have his pick of the projects could possibly get involved in such material that befouls our television screens. Boo !

"A Beautiful Heart", by Dan the VespaMan.

The continual pump that is part of me,
My core, my soul, my life,
It feels good to know there are people who,
can help if you are under the knife.

To push the boundaries of technology,
Should always be our aim,
Because win or lose, neither matter,
Just how we play the game.

Thankyou Jeremy for the laughs, thankyou doctors for keeping us laughing.

The Motor is Running

We are already half way through the first month of the year and the blog I hoped to have running quite a while ago has only just now been born. I need to do some work on the creature (I call it a creature) and see how far I can take it.

I might just state now the experimentation I am pursuing with this. I adore fiddling around with things like this and feel a kind of nervous and painful urge to keep tweaking colours and layouts and such. No doubt multiple viewers (ha ha, ambitious!) will get annoyed at the lack of continuity. Allow me to indulge.

Just what sort of connection I can make with the world through my blog I am unsure, so I welcome any hello's and crave your feedback. Tell me anything you like or dislike about my blog as I adore online discussion.

I have been thinking about how I should end my posts and have decided that three things will be used. I will give a "shout out" to a person, group or organisation who's existence is/was a beacon of inspiration to the collective. I will give a "shout down" to a person, group or organisation who's existence is/was a detriment to the good of the collective. Finally, I will close with a poem or short prose which I will try to write myself unless I find something somebody else has written that sums up my feelings much better than I can. So here we go.....

Shout Out
Todays shout out goes to Nancy-Bird Walton, who recently passed away at the age of 93. I implore you to do a google search to find one of the many news articles detailing the exploits of this incredible lady. As if pursuing a career as a pilot was not difficult enough, she accomplished just that and saw the potential for aviation to not only be commercially viable, but a tool for the good of humanity (eg air ambulance). An amazing life.

Shout Down
Todays shout down goes to people who have noisy modified exhaust systems on their cars. Do you realise your car sounds like it has a flatulence problem ? I know the advertising blurb says you get 5% extra power, but who are you really kidding ?

"Nancy, you are clear for takeoff", by Dan the VespaMan.

You had the drive and foresight,
to fly in the early days,
In steeds of wood and wire,
in skies of blue and grey.

I look at the machines of today,
and of them I am in awe,
but can't help but think that it's people like you,
that have ensured we will continue to soar.

Thanks Nancy !

Coming Soon

Oh, I am sorry, but this is a new blog and I'm still fiddling around getting it set up.

Fear not, my proficiency will improve and I then can commence with some interesting posts