Sundown Strolls

Last Saturday Night I was DJing at a friends flat party which ran into the early hours of Sunday morning. I walked home about 5.45 AM and got home about 6am. It had been a while since I had walked anywhere at that time of morning, the last time probably being after one of my Uni night outs or on a boys holiday abroad.

But this prompted a a familiar feeling that I hadn’t felt for a while. I like this time of day. In summer and spring, this time of morning tends to be bright, and theres something calming about the quietness of walking through the empty streets. Theres a silence I am not used to, living in a town centre, I am used to hearing the hustle and bustle of cars and buses, pedestrians and the like, filling the roads and the streets.

But in that fifteen minutes, nothing. Sheer silence. Maybe its the lack of distraction. No cars racing 3 times the speed limit, to avoid. No loud groups drawing attention to themselves, or car horns tooting. I seem to notice things I wouldn’t at any other time of day. Its a unique scene.

I also love a winter nights walk to the shop etc. When everyone has returned home from work etc, to their cosy homes. There are less cars on the road, and theres another calm that comes over the town.

Its an unusual feeling, one thats hard to explain. Its something that just comes over me in those moments, and I could walk around for hours. Maybe its the only opportunity I have to completely control my own pace. Not be dictated by pressures such as work, home, and financial pressures as well as working round others and the traffic etc. No distractions such as TV or internet and an opportunity to ponder around and have thoughts entirely to myself.

I don’t know if anyone else likes this?. What do you like about it?.

Is there another time of day etc that you get this feeling about ? .

Blo88er

Netflix Dare to Daredevil

The first thing you have to do when you make the plunge into Netflix portrayal of Marvels Daredevil, is stop asking the wrong questions. There is one purpose of this show and one alone – Entertainment. The show does not suggest accurate and ground breaking Scientific explanations and of course is not based on any sort of fact. Lets be honest, If every show or movie was attempted this we would have no Star Wars!

Forget the questions about how this blind man, can move around the city like a world champion Parkour free runner, and fight fifteen bad guys like he was the man who taught Bruce lee.

Lets take the concept of a typical Marvel comic meets small screen show, but then also take a little bit of “Suits” and “Law and Order”, Mash them with any of the “CSI” Series, and you have Daredevil.

I have just finished the first season of the series, and my girlfriend and I were hooked from Episode one. One of the key performances in the show is Vincent D’Onofrio’s portrayal of Kingpin, AKA Wilson Fisk. We have seen the type of character time and time again. The tough up bringing, the resulting child like nervousness around the new found love interest, and the “can’t stop myself” temper that when brought together make the perfect villain. But D’Onofrio’s ability reaches further than many.

When Heath Ledger portrayed the Joker in “The Dark Knight”, audiences were taken by his connection both with them and the dark depths of the character. The psychological illnesses of the character were evident, and at no point did you remember that Ledger was actually acting this part. For 152 minutes, he was the faceprint wearing, infamous clown resembling Joker.

D’Onofrio achieved something similar in this part. watching him convey the pain, heartache and at times regret, shine through his emotions and acting ability. He looks genuinely connected to these emotions, meaning even those who the him most will find it difficult not to find some room for sympathy for him, and at times question what his real motives actually are.

His performance at the character made me wonder if his intentions for his city were actually positive at the outset. Did he want the best for Hells Kitchen, and understood that in order to do this he would have to sacrifice his life to a life amongst criminals and danger. That the only way to rid the city of them is to become one, work with them to gain their trust, and then slowly turn them against each other and eliminate them one by one? . Maybe, he got caught up in the power, and similar to his temper, couldn’t stop. Therefore the only remaining option was survival. Who knows, but these thought are only considered as a result of the performance.

I would recommend that anyone that has put off the series because A. they didn’t like the movie ( there are a lot of you), B. Don’t tend to enjoy the Superhero Movies/Tv shows or C. Doesn’t have Netflix. I suggest you see past these reasons and watch. I didn’t have many high hopes for the show, but certainly do for Season two.

Blo88er

A Jealous Thank You Letter

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Green-Eyed Monster.”

“Write an anonymous letter to someone you’re jealous of.”

Dear …..

First of all, its not the money. What you do comes with that,  but its not about the lifestyle. You are the best there is, potentially the best there has ever been.

Every week, sometimes twice, you step out in front of tens of thousands of people, and are showcased to tens of millions. They chant your name, wear it on their backs. They come to one of the worlds most best known venues, and create its wonderful atmosphere. They come for many reasons, the experience, your team, the opposition. But if you eliminate all of these different reasons to find one area of common ground. One thing they have all come to see with equal excitement, expecting thrills, something they will never see anywhere else. This one thing they want to say ” I have seen”  That something, is you.

They expect from you. They believe in you. What you have different from all others is that you can deliver. When everyone else turns to you, you find a way.

My respect for you is a shared respect, with my own father, and my Grandfather. We talk at lengths about the feats you have achieved, the near miracles you have performed. Watching you is one of the only things we always make time to do together.  I thank you for that. We came to see you,  live and in person and like the others I described above, we expected from you, and believed in you. You gave us everything we could have hope for.

To see what a game is like through your eyes, with the speed of your thoughts and the technique you display. You can find others from in near impossible angles, and that feeling of knowing that you, unlike most others, can do it must be something.  To be surrounded by opposition, with almost no way out, and then calmly work your way through. To score the goal that changes games, seasons, history,  when none else could find a way. To do it almost every game.

I am jealous that no matter how good my very best is, or was, I will never experience one hour with the gift that you have. I assume it cannot be easy. There must be immense pressure at times and times where you loose faith that you can do it all again. But I thank you, for giving me that feeling. That little urge of excitement I get, each and every time you receive a ball at your feet. That I get to turn to my father, my grandfather, and watch their mouths wide, in amazement at what you have just performed, and then share a moment of celebration together.

You, Lionel Messi, do so much more than just kick a ball.

Blo88er

My New Site

Hi All

I have started up a separate site at https://blo88erphoto.wordpress.com

This is a more photo based blog, and I will continue to use this as my main blog.

If you get a chance, give it a look!

Blo88er

Surfing Wood

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Whoa!.”

What’s the most surreal experience you’ve ever had?

This post is one that some will not agree with. Some will not condone the circumstances in which this story came about. I ask anyone reading to do so with an open mind, and remember that everyone is free to learn and live as they please.

The location was the scene of a boys holiday to the white isle. Ibiza, peak weather, prime time for headliners and the best bunch of mates a guy could ask for. One week. We had one week away fro reality and one week to make the most of it.

Tuesdays brought a unique all day experience. Pucka up boat cruises ran from the marina in San Antonio for 3-4 hours. Lots of great music, great people and alcohol. Oh yea, there was also water and waves. This is a key thing to remember.

We stood at the back of the boat, onto of what I think was two very large fridges. We were in line with the DJ, dancing over the packed crowd. The same crowd that after sun down would all descend on one of the biggest nights in Ibiza.

I don’t know what time we arrived at Space. Dubfire were playing, i remember that much. We had plenty of pre drinks on the boat party for the last four hours, and the atmosphere and general mood was one of the best I can remember. We were buzzing, the holidays was approaching its very peak.

We like 90% of the club, couldn’t accept the €15 per Budweiser, or €20 per vodka priceless. Not when something stronger was gong for €10. Bottles of water were €10 as well.

Dubfire were approaching the end of their set, “Emissions” was playing. Most of the our group were already €10 lighter, as was their legs and levels of consciousness. Emissions was bang in the middle, that really good bit that makes your feet go.

I looked up to admire the DJ, but all I seen was the floor, a wooden floor, roaring towards me like a wave. So I jumped, turned side on, put my hands to either side, and began to surf. I genuinely rode those waves like a pro. Then they seemed to settle and the volume of the crowd shot up, as if the DJ controlled them with his set of Pioneers.

Carl Cox began his set. It was a thing of beauty.

We all danced, two stepped, moved forward moved back. One of the boys was being held up by two girls we had met a few nights before, and they were found it as hilarious as he did. One of the boys came right up into my face, he looked straight at me, he appeared totally sober. Then he touched my side and said “Tig”. He ran off.. into the crowd. I didn’t chase after him.

Instead I fixated on another of our group, through the crowd, looking like he had gotten lucky. He was chatting someone up.I moved to see who, but still couldn’t see her. I moved round the group. There is a few columns in the lower part of the club, one of which was blocking my view of my mates apparent pull.

I walked up subtly, and I began to laugh. I mean laugh, like never before. There was no girl. There was no-one. At least to me.

To him there was someone. I don’t know who, but someone. He was in deep conversation with this person, someone I clearly couldn’t see. I moved back into he crowd. I looked up to the centre of the balcony. It was busy, a tight squeeze at the front. I seen a few people looking down at their sides and moving out of the way. Then a head popped through, about waste height. It was my other mate, the one caught up in a game of Tig/Hide and Seek.

Then, suddenly i felt tired, my legs slowed and everything slowed down. Its like that moment in a club where time reaches just before closing, and you can see those who have sobered up and are ready for home. One of the lads came over to me and advised it was time to go. I asked why “were only here and hour or two”. He looked at me and dropped a smile. Make that six, nearly seven.

Nearly Seven hours had passed since we walked into space that night. I swear seven hours were eaten into two. I couldn’t believe it. We headed for the bus back into San Antonio.

We were back, lying on the beach near “the egg”. One of the boys popped up, “look ! over there .. The Smurfs ! ”

I turned slowly clearly assuming another joke or at most a hallucination. But there they were. five or six blue Smurfs walking along the waterside. Hold on.. they were real. Just a few lads dressed up. That sobered us completely. We headed home.

Thats only a small version of the story of that night. But talk about a surreal experience, however artificial, that was one I will always remember.

Whether you agree with our choices that night ( and many after ), I cannot regret the wonderful memories that resulted. Thats what life is all about.

Blo88er

Six hours had past

A list of Maybe. A list of Maybe Not

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Third From the Top.”

Head to “Blogs I Follow” in the Reader. Scroll down to the third post in the list. Take the third sentence in the post, and work it into your own.

The sentence I landed on came from –  https://teenontheinternet.wordpress.com

“I’m not sure if this will happen.”.

This one got me thinking.. about all the things I would like to see in my future, however realistic, however silly, all possibilities.

I get married next year, and following that I like most would love to have kids. I like most would also like that promotion at work, which would see m and my family comfortable and financially stable. But I am to thinking about those type of possibilities, I wont want to be that serious. What are the little things that would just provide little moments of delight.

1. I would love to see Celtic football club win a European trophy again. I remember the UEFA cup final, I hear all about the Lisbon Lions, but I would love to watch my team lift a european trophy once again.

2. Perform in front of a crowd. I am a keen guitar player, and I also sing from time to time. I am likely nothing more than average, but to perform in front of a crowd, and have them enjoy it, would be a wonderful buzz for me. Im not sure I will ever be ready for this however.

3. Travel. I want my soon to be wife and I to travel a little. We have been on holidays together, and I have been on boys holidays before that, but I mean proper travel. Tic of the top places on our list that we would love to see. I picture visiting Rome and seeing the coliseum, picturing it at the time of the roman empire. I picture Greece, in the time of those ancient philosophers I read everyday.

I think of dining in Paris under the fireworks, and looking down agin only to be in New York for new year or St Patricks day.

4. I long for the day I get to wait for my dad outside his work, leaving for the last time, off to a life of retirement.

5. I long to play Football ( Soccer) in front of a stadium of people again. ( this one is already scheduled )

6. I tend to keep a journal. I write an everyday account of my life, but I also write down my thoughts on current affairs and philosophical ideas that I have. I find the ideas help me approach life the right way. I  picture someone finding my journal, many years after my death, and finding it insightful. I want the reader to pass it on to another, and hope that this opens their minds to my way of approaching life and can in any small way effect their life.

7. At the end. I want people to have enjoyed my company, having felt that I was always trustworthy and a person to rely on. I would like people to think I lived my life in the right way.

These are all just thought, maybe one day realities. These are just some of the things, that if lived, would be little extra memories or legacies that I hope in some way would have made my life matter, even if just to me and those I hold close.

Blo88er

Take some time .. and listen

I listen to all different types of music, I don’t have a preferred genre, I just know when I like a song, and more rarely an individual artist. This one is mainstream, he is everywhere.. he swooped countless awards at this years Brits and Grammys, and the video I have shared is from the Brits performance this year.

Lets forget the success he has had in the last year. Lets forget how many times we have heard him sing before, and imagine he is an undiscovered artist singing to us for the first time. Listen to how truly talented this fella actually is..

He’s one of the best in years ..

Ideal

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Study Abroad.”

If you were asked to spend a year living in a different location, where would you choose and why?

I have recently gained an interest philosophy and have since started reading a few of the many original philosophical works. I ideally like to read these when as alone as possible, to dedicate it full attention and to allow my thoughts to wander uninterrupted.

I genuinely believe I have already gained from this, and my stressful days appear less stressful when ended, tucking into a good few pages of philosophical thought and allowing this to develop thoughts of my own. It has changed my usual daily approach in which I was always thinking ahead, worrying about what is to come, and to so easily forget why it is so important to live in now.

Therfore if I could choose somewhere to go away and spend my time studying, I know where I would choose …

Somewhere like Bora Bora (above), St Lucia or Tonga. I can imagine sitting on that rock, with a refreshing drink, reading Descartes or Aurelius, contemplating their conclusions, studying the depths of my inner thought  and exploring and forming my own opinions on the world and of life. Yes, this is a different type of study, a different type of learning, but doesn’t it just sound like an ideal life?

I will remember that the past is gone, and is no longer a reality, that the closest we will ever get to what is yet to come, is this moment we are in jut now. The future doesn’t exist until it becomes present, meaning that it is no longer future. I would remember that I control the present, therefore am controlling what I otherwise thought of as my future, and how my past so heavily relies on how I choose to live just now.

I would keep this thought in mind, and as night falls I would go here …

I would drink ( why not ), I would laugh, I would converse. I would become merry, I would slowly think ahead to the relaxation of tomorrow and then quickly remember that I was missing out on the present, and therefore effecting the fun I will have in future, remembering the past ,of the previous night. Doesn’t it seem that time is always overlapping and the past , present and future are all so heavily reliant on the others. I would remember this, and because of that I would remember that there is only one of these three that I can control right now. The present.  So I would converse some more and have another drink.. until the future became present and my thoughts were those of the past, and the sun began to rise.

Some mornings I would wake early, maybe take a swim. Then I would walk out onto the lower platform below..

I would sit with my feet tangling over the side, hopefully with my fiancé by my side and laugh about the night before. Then I would remember that it was in the past , but allow more time for laughter, as why enjoy the present if you can’t allow it to positively effect your future.

Then I would swim out to my rock once more, and move onto the next chapter…

Don’t worry about tomorrow. It isn’t here yet.

Blo88er

Three doors – Suggestions?

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Just a Dream.”

“You’re having a nightmare, and have to choose between three doors. Pick one, and tell us about what you find on the other side.”..

For this one I don’t want to suggest the three doors and what lies behind them. I would like others to suggest what may lie behind the three doors I have to choose from. So please, make a suggestion and I will answer as open and truthfully as I can.

Blo88er

Time Capsule

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Time Capsule.”

Tonight I got some exciting news. My uncle attended a big business dinner at the home ground of our favourite football (soccer) club. A business dinner, involving all the players and managers past and present. He went to network for his business, and create new opportunities as they continue to grow. He’s a greatly sociable man, a characteristic which I much respect and have learned from him.

As part of the night the club put on a bid, auction and other usual charity orientated giveaways. One of which was a bid, for the chance to walk out and play a game in the home stadium, wearing the teams colours with your name on the back and play in front of a crowd of supporters, amongst some legends. He quickly accepted that he was too old for this and that his knees wouldn’t last but quickly his thoughts turned to me, still playing the game, still young enough to participate.

He visited me tonight, and confirmed thatI will be lining up in this years fixture, walking out in our beautiful stadium, with its wonderful history. Its truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. It something I will no doubt talk about into my dying days.

Therefore, I would like to hold off in planting my time capsule. Until this day has gone, and the photos and videos have been taken. Until I can write and share stories about the time I walked out and lived this dream, shared by so many.

Thats something I would like the generations in our family yet to come, to hear about, read about and imagine.

I simply cannot wait.

Blo88er