In March 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono went conducted the world’s first bed-in for peace. On the 40 th anniversary of this event, I take to my bed for the same reasons. Unfortunately, nothing much in the world has changed. In fact, there is a lot more to be disappointed about when it comes to world peace. Indeed, if John Lennon were still alive, he might well be in a righteous rage because of all the trouble in the world today. But let’s not dwell on these matters. I’m no...

46… I’ve been thinking a lot about this number lately. It is the age I will be in June this year. I’ve had nearly 46 years on Earth and I’m still like a wide-eyed child about its workings, in some respects. I like this. I like that there is so much in the world that still amazes me. It encourages me to seek, to learn, to experience and grow. What I don’t like is the myriad ways we turn can against each other. We seem so far removed from the days when we lived...

“Tis the season to be jolly, fa, la, la, la, la, fa, la, la, la…”   If this is the case, then why are there so many angry people around at the moment?   It seems as though everywhere I go, I see scowling faces, twisted and scrooge-like, united in their anger.   It disappoints me and makes me feel a little sad.   Like a lot of creative people, or so I’m told, I am a bit empathic and sometimes find myself affected by the way other around...

I've mentioned a number of times in my ramblings about my wife and my garden and how much we love it and enjoy growing our own food.  I've been keeping a bit of a photographic diary this year of our progress.  I won't bore you all with endless pictures of the same garden as it was growing.  Instead, the following are the latest progress shots of the garden beds (we have three) in our rented back yard.  I've also included a few shots of some local fauna enjoying spring flowers...

My wife is away for a few days at her parent’s place. As she is the only child, and her folks are quite elderly, she likes to go there a couple of times a year and do all the big jobs they can’t manage. This is typical of her. I married an awesome lady. I’ve run into a few mates around and about and they’ve asked after her, naturally. When I’ve told them where she is, their reactions have me a little puzzled. Their comments have been along the lines of &lsquo...

Ooh, it makes me wonder…   First up, thanks to my friends here who have recently contacted me wondering if I was alright.   You lovely people are the reason I keep coming back.   I love you all very much.     I only realised I hadn’t posted anything for over a month after receiving a few ‘Where are you?’ emails.   As the saying goes, time flies like the wind and fruit flies like a banana…   Followin...

After the thrill of visiting Kuranda (see here - http://masomusing.joeuser.com/article/327190/The_Far_North), we decided to have a day lounging by the pool, reading holiday books (my choice was an awesome story by Stephanie Meyer called 'Host' - I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes scifi thrillers) and exploring the township. Here is a shot of the pool area. It will give you a good idea of just how hard we had it while staying there.  Here is a shot of the outside of the reso...

Here are some photos of our recent holiday. We went to Far North Queensland (FNQ - yes, they really do write it like that).  This area is a tropical paradise.  It is also where I was born and spent the first part of my life.  I haven't been back to the area for about 30 years, so this was a sort of homecoming for me. We were staying at Port Douglas, which is basically a resort town about a half hour north of Cairns and the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef.  It is...

Wow, it has been a while since I put anything up here.  I've promised a few of you I would have something up about my recent holiday but something came along and knocked me off my feet, literally. I have been so sick with a viral infection of some sort, I've hardly had the energy to talk, let alone write or create anything.  Every part of me ached, even my toes.  I had the shivers and shakes and could not get comfortable enough for a decent nights sleep.  To make matters w...

There are a number of things in my life that are taking shape at the moment.  Some are good, some are not so good.  But this is the way life goes - as one phase of life ends, another begins. So, I'll assume you all want to know the bad new first... I recently had my 45 birthday checkup.  My doctor was particularly pleased to hear I'd given up smoking and had started exercising instead.  While there, I also had the usual checks - weight, body fat, blood tests etc.  ...

My wife and I went and saw the Incredible Hulk yesterday for my birthday.  But before I get to the movie... We spent a good part of our time in the city at our favourite bookshop (supposedly the largest in the Southern Hemisphere - I'm not sure if the claim is correct but it is a huge shop nonetheless).  It is a fantastic place to get lost in for a few hours, particularly if you are bibliophiles like we are.  The shop, called Kinokuniya, is in the centre of the city (for those ...

I thought I'd update anyone who is interested in the bits and pieces happening in my life at the moment.  This is not too exciting but as I've only really posted comments and fiction of late, I thought I'd write a bit about my life for a change. I've been wondering whether I'm going through some sort of midlife crisis.  I turn 45 at the end of June and I suppose if I due to have a midlife crisis, now is about the time.  Ha, to think I'm potentially about half way through this w...

Be not afraid of growing slowly, Be afraid only of standing still.”   - Chinese Proverb   Yep, almost says it all, this does.   But I’m going to elaborate anyway.   I call this Bonsai logic.   Bear with me while I explain.   Everyone knows what Bonsai is, right?   It is a tree, usually, where it’s growth has been deliberately stunted.   The plants are usually grown in pots and are shaped by prunin...