Thursday 23 February 2017

Brothers - Have Heart!

My brothers
I don't claim a prophets robes
Though I have seen
The writing on the wall
What wall?
What writing?
You might wonder....

To be honest
It was the wall
Of my heart
There inscribed
In my own sweat and blood:
"Is this all there is?"

I have not seen
The pinnacles of
Boardrooms, Athleticism, Entertainment
Politics or battlefields

Still for those that have
Look a moment
What do you see?
Despite the lofty heights
Is that inscription
That haunting question
There upon your wall?

I suspect it is!!!

Take heart
In fact
Take. Your. Heart.
Therein
You'll find an answer
Not "The" answer
Not "My" answer
Your answer
Unique to you
And yet
A portal
To connect
With
All that is

I know .. I know
The "Story"
Handed down
Over the millennia
Father to son
Upheld and enforced
Coined "fraternal and paternal"
Still each
Breathes
Into it's continued existence

Gird your loins
The Story
Is patently false
To be sure
It served
Material world Advancement

It has however
Abandoned
Forsaken and betrayed
Your heart and soul

Dismiss and renounce
This stark revelation
As you wish
You are free
To revisit
Your Wall
And that question

All that is Holy
Cries out
For an end
To Men
Living
The night of the walking dead
Until dead
Seems like a good idea

Are you willing
To bring to bear
That warrior
Strength.  Courage. Tenacity.
And direct it
To the exploration
And unguarded expression of
Your Heart?

Have you every considered
That regular 3:00 a.m. wake-up
Is more than the "call of nature"
It is your nature
The screaming of your own heart
Will you listen?

Never will you embark
On a journey more enlivening
Where true strength and courage
Can become your traveling companions

The world has had its fill
Of your brains and brawn
Life itself is requesting
That you now occupy your heart

There "is more.."
Infinitely so...
In order to see it...
You must be willing
To be it....









Monday 20 February 2017

Fire Dance

For the love of God
Through the love
With the love
Because of the love
In the name of the love
As an expression of the love
What's love got to do with it?
Oh nothing,
 but ...
Absolutely everything..
You heard that right
E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G

A fire has been lit
It cannot
Should not
Must not
Will not
Be allowed
To go out

You can't see it
You won't see it
I know the pain
It reminds you of
A psychic/soul pain
Of your fire - near extinguished

You've come back now (you exclaim)
Won't you rejoin us?
Come huddle in close
Where it is warm
We have no fire
But we are warm anyway...
You will see
Come .. come closer

NO!
By all that is holy
I invite the release
Of all that
Would conceal my flame
May the bushel
Be consumed
May I be consumed
And transformed
By a fire
That illuminates the path
As the fire

Stay where you are
Follow if you will
Not me!
Your own fire
I see the embers a glow
Even if you won't
Else
Lie in your huddled masses

I will stoke my fire
With the lies
Yours
Mine
The collective

I welcome the flames of passion
While renouncing the cesspool
 Blame, shame and guilt

Whether you applaud
Or Scorn
The glory of my Flame
IT matters not
I will have
Died Well..






Saturday 18 February 2017

Just a Moment

Excuse me
I see you're in a frightful hurry
Could I interrupt and interject
A whimsical pause?
The truth of the matter
My heart may just shatter
Not a thread of melodrama
Do I allow past my lips
Yet my concern
For your well-being
Inhabits the fathom-less abyss
I appreciate your angst
You are now, already leagues away
Though the last of you remains
Quivering with the will to escape
To matters of dreadful importance
Your throttled respirations
Anticipating each word will be my last
Alright then
I was just wondering
Will you see the sky this morning?
It's quite extraordinary!
I see
Sorry to bother
Good day then.

Friday 17 February 2017

Cork Walking Tour

Well now, there has been much water under the bridge since I left Cork, Ireland. We'll see what I can express of the walk-about I did one day while there; now that some of the details may have been softened with the passage of time. I will elicit the aid of my own picture collage and see what comes of it.

This visual aid is in no way to be considered my embracing those "worth a thousand words" dictums. Both are expressions both have their merits. In combination something different again.

As I recall on that day... weather conditions presented that were of themselves a irrefutable invitation. The one and only shoes I brought on this trip; a pair of hiking boots, had recently just undergone the "up-town funk" treatment in the form of new laces. I had my tattered Cork city map (which you may recall I had rendered ineffective previously). Why bring it along now? Why indeed...

I suppose, I might either become more adept at reading maps (by which I mean more specifically - I could then "apply what I see" - you know, like back in school - "can you use that it in a sentence now?" I imagine it is no small feat - the creation of maps; so my respect and appreciation to those that have given themselves to that craft! The details and general appearance hold a certain allure for me...
However, something happens between reading and walking, that of course cannot be attributed to the cartographer.

The other way it could go is, I develop a keener sense of guidance from within myself - so that along with some basic direction, I would then track to the intended destination. We'll put that in the "could happen.." category!!

I hadn't gone far from my hotel when I found some coins in the street. This "money in the street" thing, has been occurring quite regularly on my travels. Found a 5 Euro note on one occasion. On this day, as previous days I looked upon it as a reminder of an abundant universe!!

As I walked on a little further, I was stopped by a women on the street. She bade me a good morning, which I returned.... She then began apologetically to unfold a story about needing to get to Tipperary for the funeral of her mom... In the moment I had no idea of the distance to Tipperary - except from years working in seniors centres and being present at the "sing-a-longs" I'd heard it was "a long way..."

This trip of mine, represents to me minimally - as a heart journey! Expression, guidance and subsequent action from "this place.." at least for me, often (maybe always) does not look to existing dogma, social agreements, political or peer pressure (one and the same?) ....

This means to me such dictates as "enabling," blah, blah blah - even if applicable in a given situation can't be allowed to become the blanket response.

Do I "know" her story to be true or false? No. But by the time she finished ... I would say, it was a damn good story! Have you ever considered what it takes to approach a complete stranger and ask them for help? (financial or otherwise)

My day began, with my being completely present - in my heart and ready to greet the world accordingly.

Lilly was here name. I reached in my pocket and gave her a handful of coins (including those I just found)... we continued to talk, exchanged a hug and I was leaning into getting on my way, when apparently I wasn't finished. I offered something in the way of what I hoped would ease her shame and then fishing around I found a ten euro note and gave her that.. She began to sob, hugging me and telling me "what a gentleman I was..."

I won't miss that money.... at one time or another I have been the guy contributing to the money in the streets. I have no idea what she "might do with the money" - it's none of my business.

I will say that the night previous I had a dream, that as much as I remember, it had something to do with listening and talking to someone, which led to them getting, "off the bridge." Do I know, that these circumstances were related - I do not. I also don't know that they weren't.

How does anyone know, whether some one act of kindness - isn't what convinces someone else to hang on another day? Can I save everyone on the street, probably not. Is the answer to give money to everyone? Again, no. Moment to moment, situation to situation; this time yes, next time no..

In that moment Lilly was an angel; she helped me to connect with my heart and just give from there unconditionally. To recognize I'm no better than her because I have money in my pocket... We're just two people trying to get by in the world. Today she asked me for help and I said yes okay, here's what I can do. When we finished our conversation I just carried on my way, I presume Lilly did the same.

As I was walking away I remembered the "bridge dream." We weren't on a bridge. Perhaps a bridge had been built, perhaps the bridge had been a metaphor... I didn't actually "see" the person in the dream .. for all I know it could have been me. I don't fancy myself any "knight in shining armour," but my way of engaging with suffering in the world is undergoing change.  Mine, yours, that of others...

It seems to me, if not apparent, worthy of continued consideration that - I can't be "free from suffering" by ignoring it in others. There is far more "active part" necessary rather than attempting to insulate myself and whatever that might look like, and instead showing up in a connected manner with the human community. See I don't say "for," I'm not positioning myself as "the "great ...... hope." I am overtime being influenced by, and under going change to a different paradigm - one that recognizes interconnection. As such, "I" and "my" life don't operate in isolation or a vacuum.

Even if I can't change everyone's life, even if I didn't change Lilly's life - I know there is one life I can change ... mine. I can learn to find more compassion in my heart. I can try and be more understanding. I can learn to listen more and deepen that "listening." A short interaction. A listening ear and as it turned out a shoulder to briefly cry on. It truly "cost" me nothing. "What about the ten euro...? you might ask. Well frankly, coffee and whatever I might decide to eat would cost me more (neither of which I did without in the continued journey)....

For my meagre effort, I collected two hugs... with which to infuse my morning.  I wasn't "after" any.. but I can say, it can be true for me, that I go quite some considerable time with no hug.. never mind two inside the first ten minutes of walking out the door... This is not a "sob-story" - nor has this anything to do with sexuality. I'm just talking about a simple exchange of human love and assurance. Too much deficit I'm suggesting, isn't a particularly good thing.

So my journey continues across the river and through the city centre. I was attracted down a corridor by a particularly colourful wall which depicted, what I entitled the picture, "Art as art" murals of musicians performing. After the photo-op, I followed the lane and found myself in the middle of the "English Market." Billed with critical acclaim, by whomever rates these things (plaques adorning entrance way wall) - it's a cornucopia of carnage. I'm not a vegetarian, but I generally don't eat much meat. This place, I'm guessing, could potentially traumatize, an ardent vegan. Unlike other forms of "grocery" stores; that would have a meat department. The visual here, was awash with nothing but. It wasn't a place I cared to linger and "browse."

My envisioned destination was the University College of Cork (UCC) I was advised there was an very good collection of ancient stones carved with the Ogham. I wouldn't have even known to go look for them had a friend not told me about it. In light of that I decided, it's a beautiful day for a walk and given I had never seen them before and life went on - so if I don't find them today, the same truth applies.

No map - today I'm utilizing the GPS (General Possibility of Seeing). As I was easing on down the road I happened to see a mural I liked on the side of a van. In order to get the "shot" I wanted (listen to me .. all of sudden I'm Steven Spielberg) it meant occupying the middle of the road.. Soon there after it was determined the picture simply couldn't be abandoned. Which meant I was "that guy" scorned by locals throughout human civilization ("damn tourist"). I got and kept the picture - it was included in those posted, is it an exceptional visual - probably not. What then was the appeal? Well, it did have a flavour of that "devil - may - care" about it ... So this quest now assumes the energy of: "I may never see those stones (or the University that houses them) but I'm going to have a damn good time not seeing them, if that's the case!!

Walking a little further I happened to notice a sign that read, "Anam Cara" B&B as I had picked up another copy of that book, since being in Ireland clearly this was a "sign." Certainly no one could argue it wasn't, a sign. This was bound to lead me on the right path! My experience with street signs in town has been, I may start on the intended street and then through my attention then being firmly focused on everything else but... I continue down the street, however unbeknownst to me, the street I'm traveling on, has no longer continued along with me. Now I'm on a different street.

Within a couple of doors of the first "sign" was another that read "Serendipity" restaurant and cafe. Clearly this was where I was meant to verify that I would still have both food and coffee despite giving away money.

A delicious lunch was enjoyed within and an design motif in the restaurant provided a "teaching" regarding serendipity: "the lucky tendency to find interesting things by chance in a happy or beneficial way.." Maybe I'm on to something... I find things far more frequently this way than I ever do with a map (and sometimes it's even what I was originally looking for).

Exiting the restaurant visited upon a "skyline" view of an old Cathedral juxtaposed against some modernistic architecture. I order a coffee "to go." The moment it is passed my way the cup's imagery reminds me, that "signs" can be close at, in fact, in, my hand!

I continued on my way along the road that brought me to this urban oasis and began to see further signs with references to UCC. I must be getting "warmer." The minimal number of buildings and their size led me to believe they were remote campus annexes. Checking in with a fellow having a coffee break, verified this was so, and that the larger campus was just a little bit further.

Once arriving at the UCC campus I was immediately taken by the beauty of it, both natural and architecturally. I walked through the stone archway leading into the campus and stopped to take in the energy of the river meandering through nearby. As I wandered around I was delighted to find ample opportunity to appreciate the various green spaces and spend time, meeting some of the various elder trees around the campus.

I took in the exhibit at the art gallery. Across the board, I appreciate the passion and commitment any form of artist puts into their craft in order to develop it. Having said that, I don't always "get" what it is being expressed. This is not a criticism/judgement. It seems to me if "art" is somebody honest expression/perspective, then I ought to be afforded my honest expression - not to get it.

In this case, through various forms and references to food and digestion - the "theme" had to do with the emotional connection humans have with food as well as recognition/exploration of the intelligence present in the "gut"/ body and the connection/disconnection of same.

Without being an authority, I suppose art has always been afforded the opportunity to express outside of the mainstream consciousness. As such, perhaps the theme of this exhibit didn't necessarily represent any revolutionary ideas, but I felt heartened to see it in that particular evironment.

My exploration took me next to the campus chapel. Upon opening the door it was revealed, there was a service underway. I slipped in quietly and sat in the back row. I listened as someone, out of eye shot, was playing what sounded like an accordion. When the music finished a succession of young male students each came up to the microphone and offered a short prayer; each with a specific issue concerning the "state of the world," or the human condition.

Following these prayers the priest spoke briefly about how each of us, was a "unique" expression of the divine, and that; there was not another soul on earth that could do "what we're here to do, or do it the way we were innately able to do it. I don't attend church per say.... so given that, I have no real reason to say, I was surprised to hear "that message," in this particular venue/environment. It echoed pretty much word for word, the message I've heard or read from sources considered to be "non-religious." Some of those sources are often decidedly, anti-religion.

For me this is a rather important wake-up call/distinction to make for myself. As I said, I don't attend any church regularly. Though I do occasionally visit them to be "in the space" - generally when there is no service going on. I was "confirmed" in the Anglican Church. Attended elementary school at a Catholic school. So then, the question becomes for me: in what ways do I "throw out the baby with the bath water?"- judging negatively those that attend "mainstream" religious practices. Upholding my own "intolerance" and spiritual ego with the idea, I'm somehow better due to my particular affiliation. It is no secret that world wide, various "religions" have much to answer for.  Crimes against humanity, maybe even against the tenets of their own claimed source (if indeed that source held such a mindset).  The thing is, nothing that is happening "within the church" is not happening outside of it. The malady and unconsciousness is within humanity itself. As such, no matter where this humanity gathers and what name and "mission statement" they apply to themselves - unless there is some ongoing agreement and mechanism to identify and heal those within (themselves) and the collective - how could it not affect their presence in the world?

That message heard within the university chapel at that time, moved me to tears... Why?
Maybe I realized all of what I just said above and my part in it.... Maybe I really got, my unique God-given life and the impact of my time here now... to do what "I'm" here to do.... maybe my young self felt some healing to have acknowledged, uniqueness - here in the Catholic church (even though of my young Catholic school experience, I would not say, it was a birthing ground for uniqueness - unless given my stand for it now.... it was just that, in a "round-about" sort of way). Maybe it was all of this, maybe it was none of it.....

What the hell do I know about crying? I spent a great deal of my life ensuring I would not.... could not .......  What nuances of life were therefore denied? Whether in the receiving or the expression... I have more ready access to the "river of tears." I am more readily allowing that to not necessarily be a "private event." Does that mean I am now vastly fluent in the "language of the heart" and "emotionally open?" Well, it's all relative I suppose. You'd have to be familiar with being completely and absolutely numb to appreciate, that a resurrection of the ability to "feel" is a gift nothing short of a miracle. Just the same, at times, it's rather "inconvenient."

Given I have experienced tears in the presence of brilliance, grandeur, beauty, profound connection, divine love, grief, sadness, happiness - I'm sure the list could and will expand .... it tells me this is a vital way of experiencing life and that it is not necessarily a pathology nor an indication that something is "broken.." Perhaps I suffered more greatly for the lack of it's expression, than ever through, what I might be expressing, with it.

Yet is it seen as okay in any "congregation" to just be touched by the rapture of the moment and engage with that by crying? Sure it's widely accepted at funerals and to a lesser degree weddings etc. But would it really signify a "problem" if the whole room was in tears? (if of course that was "real for them")

Will I now attend church more frequently? To be honest, in this particular experience (which may have lasted all of 20 minutes) I heard exactly the message I needed ... I might add that previous to entering the chapel I saw a large banner on the side of building on the campus that read: "Great Minds Don't Think Alike - You belong to a tradition of Independent Thinking" stamped with the University's own logo etc. I for one would see it as amazing if "learning" institutions actually operated from this consciousness. I certainly saw it as positive that it was being expressed, even if "an ideal" and sign post to act as a continual "North Star."

As for me and church... the shortness of my experience is well suited for me. Alternative experiences inform me that I can engage longer, if I'm allowed to engage. If I'm meant to just sit and listen indefinitely... well .... before too long (in the case of the church) I would feel like taking the largest copy of that "good book" and smiting myself into unconsciousness with it. In truth if we were to choose to frame this as an "attention span" issue; why would I want to give my ongoing energy and attention to something that is not at all paying attention to what I need or that I even matter?

I guess that's where "the church" and I don't share the same view; at least some religions uphold the path of suffering as a path to virtue.. I believe that life can involve pain (and even suffering) and there can be a great many things derived through these circumstances. However, I don't believe that the "conditions" of suffering need to be "created" (i.e. hard seats, and kneelers and hours spent there, as part of the event, place of "worship," or colour and comprise one's ongoing life.

So far, the Vatican hasn't contacted me to consult on the structure of their services but if they do, I would say, they could be significantly shortened. There can be benefit (for me) in "passive" listening to a shorter presentation; but beyond a certain point, I believe active engagement and contribution are far more empowering. I will not dismiss or diminish the tradition, the rituals (particularly for those that hold them dear). I won't now enter into debate, whether it is the "intention" of the church to empower or disempower. I would say it is a "work in progress" along with the rest of humanity and it's various institutions. I only can only hope to discern what works for me and along the way - look toward less and less engaging in a paradigm of "black or white" - "all or nothing"- thinking.

I eventually made my way to the historic old building that held the collection of ancient stones carved with the Ogham (the ancient "alphabet"). It is housed in a cloistered hallway in the front of the building. Rooms and stairwells to the rest of the building are accessed once through to the other side. It's meant to be one of the largest collection of these stones in Ireland. Though there is the occasional person passing through the corridor; I am the only one there at the time, to pay any attention to the stones. I suppose for those that are there daily, if they had any interest initially the "novelty" has worn off. The stones do not inhabit the entire length of the corridor, however there is a section in which they form a parallel passageway. There they now stand, unearthed from their original place of occupation - arranged in lines like misplace sentinels. On one hand they are collected in one place for easy viewing. One other hand, though what do I know, of their original purpose? The efforts and meaning set into motion so very long ago, might well be compromised by this relocation? And not only that, but would leaving these sites intact (as much as they are upon rediscovery) would the "effort" and commitment to get to the sites not only honour their creation, but ensure those that have little or no interest in the sanctity/value - won't bother going there.

The rest of my time spent at the campus was really just wandering the grounds taking it all in the history, the architecture, the natural setting... whatever energy it is that I experience at such places (university campuses)  I love to wander and just soak it in. Not that I have been on that many different campuses. There's this one here in Cork, a little of one in Belfast, Ryerson in Toronto and University of Victoria. The latter seeing the lion's share. I have been there for various, presentations, short classes, discussions, some events as well and various groups through the "Multi-faith Chapel." UVIC happens to have lots of beautiful natural green spaces. I really appreciate the "buzz" around those places.. Notice boards are just jammed full of such a diversity of events. Predominantly it's a younger crowd brimming with enthusiasm and passion - it just really feels "alive," to me. If you spend anytime at all around some particular "work-a-day" environments where there are many embittered individuals that eventually manage to harmonize on similar sour notes - it would be easy to see why the campus is a preferable atmosphere. Of course this same jaded crowd would say of the students: "just wait, life will knock it out of them." Now it's fair to say life will invariably present challenges of one kind or another; but a steady diet of all these sour grapes is as it says in "Desiderata" - "avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit."

When I first came out of the art gallery I discovered my toque was missing. I had already misplaced it a few times on this trip but had so far managed to find it again. In fact, I frequently seemed to be having a challenge keeping tabs on my "stuff." I didn't come with a great amount (though in hindsight could have done with less of some stuff. Despite packing with the idea of not having to check a bag (which worked, depending on a given airlines policies), I only had the contents of two small bags. This phenomena was occurring while I was staying "alone" in various hotels - so it wasn't as though there was someone else to be moving stuff around. I'm generally pretty good at organization - however for whatever reason, it was going to hell in a hand-basket. Which come to think of it, would be an improvement, at least then, I would have known, it's in the hand basket!

Anyway, I traced my steps through the gallery and asked at reception if anyone had turned it in - no toque. I suppose overall I was being given the opportunity to let go of attachment. The first day I arrived in Ireland from Slovenia the bag that was required to be checked this time... may have checked in - but unlike Hotel California, it absence on the baggage conveyor indicated it could in fact - leave. All my really necessary stuff was in the small backpack that was serving as my "carry-on." It contained my money, credit cards, passport and both a fleece jacket and waterproof shell. Therefore what I was really missing, was all the toiletries and changes of clothes.

When I got to town, I bought a couple pairs of underwear and socks and then a long sleeved shirt from the thrift store. This I reasoned, would allow for me to be wearing one set of clothes while the others have been washed and are drying. Great I don't have to carry that other bag around now. That act of "surrender" was probably exactly what ensured the bag would come back, and it did. A voicemail I received from the airline indicated that they had it - it "showed" up not long after I left, they thought. There was a mystery lone bag left on the carousel, from the distance it was similar to mine, except it had a large logo on the side. I suspect someone realized my bag was not theirs and came back and swapped them after I left. Anyway, within twenty-four hours I had it all back - including the stuff I bought. I left some of the surplus clothing at the house I was staying at during my first ten days.

Possessing that particular toque was neither here nor there. Pragmatically it was still winter! Being a university I thought somewhere around here is a "student union" building or a book store where they sell all the school apparel. Once I found it,  I was the proud owner of a new toque with the team logo (UCC with skull and cross-bones).

I was vaguely aware of some other things I was interested in seeing and as far as I knew back tracking looking for the missing toque would have accomplished nothing but go against my own flow. So someone that day was about to acquire an imported Canadian "Roots" pseudo-nordic pattern toque; which I'm sure will be coveted, within their peer groups.

I decided to get on my way... as I had no idea how much walking I still had in store. I left the campus having down loaded the image from the "you are here" map onto my mental GPS (you already know where this is going) - once I left the campus I never saw anything of the street names from the "Cork City walk" map nor, were the details retained. However, I did find a lovely park! As one might expect of a park there was the requisite green space along with various sculptures, a stone circle (that I presume is circa 20th or 21st century). Across the park was the very pitch where the team that adorned my toque played. There were a few different sheltered benches which turned out to be fortunate; as no sooner did I lay eyes on one, than I needed it. The "Emerald Isle was about to get a booster shot, to ensure it's lush green complexion.

I sat out the worst of the squall, which lasted all of ten minutes and then continued to walk to the far side of the park. There I overheard a women speaking to her young companion (perhaps grandma and grandson) she was explaining to him about the rainbow - which was now forming overhead. I asked her the name of the place I had been exploring. She informed me that it was "Fitzgerald Park." I further verified that continuing across the river would put me back on the road which would lead me back into the "city centre."

I came to the suspension bridge that crossed the river. I stood at the entrance and just basked in the imagery of the upstream portion of the river. I was so tranquil. The light was weaving and dancing through the foliage along the banks reflected in the still water. Overhead it was a cosmic kaleidoscope presenting a ever-changing epic sky. One of countless I saw during my time in Ireland. The geometry of the bridge itself contributed ample eye candy and potential photo imagery. I walked across the bridge and found myself in a neighbourhood with many gated residences and and hilly streets. Weaving my way along in what I determined was "back to town" I came across a sign that directed to the historic Cork City Gaol. This was something I had in mind to see, but had thought might be "further out," in terms of time and energy. I found the old site and walked the front perimeter. An old sign out front indicated "Only Closed 5 days of the Year" Whether the sign was "serious," I was amused at the this, clearly being one of them. It was getting later in the day so maybe it was closed by now. I didn't make any inquires into whether there were tours; or seasonal opening, or anything of the sort, as I didn't think I was going to get there.

I was at this point still quite considerable distance and many hills away from my hotel. Each of the hills gave emphasis to this not being the day to not take an ibuprofen ... I have a reoccurring issue with one foot, that can become quite tender. The extended walking and now hills were giving it an ample pummelling.

The walk took me past a number of industrial sites and then the view opened up along one side of where I was walking. This provided an amazing panoramic perspective of the city and was back lighted by an jaw-dropping sunset sequence.

I stood taking this in and trying to capture it with my phone camera. I did manage to get a few photos using one of the cathedrals collection of spires, to add some shape and somehow give this epic sky, some containment.

My continued path took me to the intersection of the main road into the city center (which in turn crosses the road that my hotel was on) this was the same road, I began on, some many hours previously.

Not a bad day's trek for this mapless, compass illiterate explorer. Couldn't have done it better if I'd "planned it.."

Once back to the hotel it was then time for a "toes up" and some TLC for my foot; as soon enough, it would be time to escort myself to dinner.

Wednesday 1 February 2017

"Space" the Final Frontier..

Yesterday marked an epic day of roaming while still in Cork, Ireland. For those that have been following the “a picture’s worth a thousand words” version, first of all, that expression cut’s me deeply….

But seriously now…

That expression cuts me deeply….

Just the same, there is a pictorial accounting for my long and winding road…. However, they are at present, in technological cyber-limbo. Previously, without a comprehensive understanding, when I paired my phone with my laptop, I guess, the pictures transferred to “drop-box” where it was easy enough to upload them (that conclusion is affirmed, by the fact you saw pictures) ….

Well “Drop-box” and (cue the maniacal cello playing and organ crescendos) ICloud – have both been giving me frequent reminders that I’m “nearly out of space….” How is that even possible?

Infinite feckin’ universe and apparently my picture collection threatens to consume all of it! If you’re feeling a little claustrophobic lately, well; I’m responsible! Anytime now, my pictures will just sashay right on over your way and displace you. I had no idea! I’ll try and make it right. I’ll see can I reign ‘em back in, but truly, I’m not sure whether,  the tipping point has arrived!

Of course, “the space” we are talking about here; is some technological convention, that has created quantifiable space, in order to sell ya some! So if you’re willing to venture forth, and not go mad with that camera – they can hook you up with some “free space” for your treasured memorabilia. However, though capitalism is in part based on the premise of unlimited growth and production (& subsequent consumption) when it comes to infinite space – well my friend, you must realize – it’s LIMITED, though this can once again be expanded, but it’s going to cost ya!

After doing my “due diligence,” it seemed I could more economically expand my limits on the limitless; for a smaller monthly cost through “the cloud,” than “drop-box.” So now I’m leasing me some space, in the “cloud.” I suppose it’s come time, to pay the piper. There certainly have been those, that have quite adamantly insisted … “you can’t keep your head in the clouds!”

Whomever you may be, I assert, “I can now!” I just leased some space up there. You can’t hardly begrudge me popping by every now and again to check on things; I’ve a vested interest there now, I can’t just let the cloud, fall into disrepair. So then, I can keep my head in the cloud, it just depends on how much space I intend to occupy!

So having done my comparative assessment and was satisfied with my decision as to which subdivision of infinite space I was to reside in –  I hit, “send” “purchase” “sucker” (whatever it was and pulled the trigger on the completion of the transaction…) Perhaps another blog post might examine whom I was “doing business” with? Exactly who proclaims themselves “Spacelord” /property manager – and holds the lease on my piece of (lest we forget, this is way bigger than a “piece of the rock” I’m talking about the stuff that holds all the rocks and now, my picture collection). Of course I’m curious now, if I should decide to put my pictures on/in some other medium; that would mean my piece of the infinite is then empty. So what else can I put in there? It’s “mine” after all – isn’t it? I can’t just leave it empty. How long is it going to be, before someone wandering through infinity; happens by and seeing this gaping space …. in space, next thing you know, they get the idea, they can put their stuff there. Maybe that’s how the “Cloud” people are able to offer the initial “free space?” It actually belongs to someone else. Shrewdly, Cloud management Inc. dole out that empty space to the new guy (while continuing to collect from the previous occupant). By the time they figure out something for their “empty space,” the guy on the free intro plan, has accumulated enough stuff, he now has to lease some space. The original owner/occupant resumes habituating his space and right about then; if you happen to be circling the block looking for a parking “space,” look no more, one is opening now…. (and you thought you had a “parking angel…”)

I submit a great many unsolved phenomena might well be explained herein. Consider those socks mysteriously vanishing and reappearing. With all this exchange of space occurring so frequently; it’s not the socks that are disappearing, it is the space they occupy. Just an illusion then, when the space is restored the sock reappears. The missing ships and aircraft “lost” to the Bermuda Triangle – not actually missing!


The situation as it stands is, it would seem my collection now resides in (on) the cloud. But despite considerable monkeying around, I haven’t yet been able to upload them to my social media page (as I was previously able to do through the “other” space guys)

So maybe now that I have secured myself an expanded space for my stuff – I might have to wait for the right sequence of space exchange, in order to retrieve it or display it?

I was going to write a written account of the afore mentioned walking tour;  however, it will have to wait as, it would appear at the moment, I’ve run out of space.