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Major Surgery can take a big side swipe at life.

I was surprised when he said, "We'll get you up and about in no time at all", they tried! But my body said no, I'm useless at following protocol, it's taking longer than the norm. With visitors restricted in covid times I have been taking full advantage of the Chaplaincy Team and received an embarrassing dirth of visitations. At first I looked bleary eyed at them, but now I'm enjoying their chat, poetry, family life, general chit chat.... and Psalm 121. so I wrote it out and did a doodle.

Collaborative Art

I do just love to doodle.
A few weeks ago sitting next to my grand daughter (7), school homework had been on our minds, that finished I placed a clean sheet of paper on my clipboard.
I said, "Lets draw something together." Grabbing a pencil each and with no prescriptive idea in mind we set to it. We had a lot of fun.
So on her next visit she said "Let's draw something together again" and we did. And the visit after that I was busy in another room, she gathered supplies and sought me out. I love how she is inspired to draw/doodle with me.
My favourite so far has to be N°2'sqigglings.
I love the giraffe with a mane, cats whiskers, an assortment of animal legs and makes the sound Troty Meow; a worm that goes quack and a lot lot more. Such a busy interesting collaberative doodle.

Weeds

Inside Out

Judith's Task

Isaiah 55:11

... so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  

We worry we are not good enough for God. We list our failures one, two,three...
But that is not how God sees us, when we ask him to forgive us he does, he sees a clean sheet. 

Likewise, we think we are not good enough to serve God, we are too rough, too imprecise, too foolish. 

If we have listened to the words of God, scripture, prayer, pictures, Holy Spirit -  if we go on to use it however crudely or precisely in a Godly manner, a harvest from his word will return to him having achieved it's intended harvesting potential. 

And that is not for us always to know...

Post Script
This blog was written in a workshop at Cambridge Christian Writers as a 5 minute exercise

"Using a verse you like, write something about it."

As we were talking about blogging this evening, whilst others read theirs out, I decided to load it onto my blog for them all to read off the main screen.  The illustration I squiggled on my tablet. 

From being given the task, to being published online took less than 10 minutes - though I did return to sort out some of the formatting and add this explanation.

Lunch Time by Bike

Feeding time.

This collared dove has taken possession of our Bird Table, automatically arriving as I put food out

Checks around to ensure no competition, 

Then tucks in till the grate is clean...

How do I encourage other birds in, and discourage this gent without being mean to him?

Right now it is all about snow.

Looking out the back door I stood and pondered,
No birds on the snow capped bird-feeder,
Or hopping around in white expanse.
A virgin cover across the garden,
New life underneath, waiting to burst forth.

Looking forward to spring, colourful displays shard forth,
But for now we'll make best we can,
Whilst watching youngsters having fun,
As we hide behind walls of glass.

Sounding the Seasons

Sounding the Seasons
70 Sonnets for the Christian Year
By Malcolm Guite

I've had the pleasure of knowing Malcolm and his wife Maggie since before they were wed, watching as they set out to carve their own ecclesiastical path in life. What an adventurous trail they have roamed!

Over the years I have memories of Puddleduck the Barge, Bikers and their grand motor bikes in Cathedrals, evenings of beer and song as Malcolm plays in local hostelries.

'twas no surprise then to be present at the launch of Malcolm's latest book Sounding the Seasons, 68 Sonnets with Pro and Epilogue to make 70. These sonnets follow the quirky and lilting seasons through the church year giving renewed expression to a timeless narrative of God's creation and grace.

Thank you Malcolm for an interesting and entertaining evening as you and those close around you read from your book. I certainly look forward to hearing and exploring these sonnets throughout the coming years.

Tilting at Windmills

At the time of writing I am in Holland, it is proving a great place to relax, recharge, pray, read and study the bible - and to sit and chat by roaring log fires.

This morning I went out to explore, like an adventurer into the unknown. I do not speak Dutch, so unable to chat with folk as they pass by, but their friendly sounding greetings did warm my gait.

I wandered around a pond, across a bridge, along a canal and past a heron. He decided to fly off when I went to say hello, I did though get a picture of him before he left.

Maybe when I get home I will crop the picture to get a better view...

Further along was the windmill, always fascinating to visit these - maybe before I leave I will go again in dry weather with my sketch pad.

Continuing, passed by many cycles (a great dutch activity) I crossed over a few dykes and eventually returned by a different waterway passing the Town Farm with the same windmill lurking through the trees, was he waiting to ambush me?

This, I think was my really favourite view so far today.

My study this morning was in Luke, my third day on Chapter 1 verses 1-38. So thoroughly struck by Mary's phrase, 'Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word.' KJV. "
I am so in agreement,  and repeat -

I am your servant O Lord, may it be to me as you lead. 

Amen

Time Change

I have just penned a poem of sorts, in the hours leading up to clocks going back.
An audio version is here.

Following a wind and hail filled day,

Clouds hanging thickly, darkness wrapped around,

The last few hours, ticking slowly by.

Folk gathered together lifting a pint - thirst to quench,

Or dancing in the barns, or in their homes already set.

 

Clocks tick tock, steady pace,

a slow swing to and fro,

Midnight approaches,

The last few hours, ticking slowly by.

Harvest Moon will be in Pisces now,

We wait – and wait some more,

Time will not be hurried.

 

Soon, not long, at 2am - BS will change to GM

And as 2am approaches again

The long cold journey - drawn out evenings,

Crackling fires or the drone of central heating

With summer but a memory, but gladly still to come

Beckoning us from far ahead,

For now, Autumn and winter to enjoy.

Robotic Life



I recently came accross this wee video...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiuBSAaKmzs

The thought of Robo Football amuses me. Robo-shopping would be useful - but a frightening thought how they could 'stand in' for us, say.. parties, meetings - would any of us send a robot to church in our stead?

That aside though, we must take care not to robotically worship God, our creator.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly host,
Praise Father , Son and Holy Ghost.

Does it need to be Internet versus Traditional Church?

Is there such a thing as Traditional Church, probably not - but mention Internet Church and folk jump to defend their perception of church as it should be done, a more 'traditional' idea.
Some say quality of church is more meaningfull if we are present with each other physically, I think that physical is an observance only of the outward body. We can equally display our inward selves, emotions, scars, love, delight, faith etc on as offline.
In seeking out and reading this blog or any other online blog or article you are entertaining the discussion as real.

But what about eliminating physical presence, being able to touch or smell people around you? Does online community take away a vital element?
Would a priest not give communion to a dying person in issolation whom he could not touch? Would he not consider giving it remotely?
Touch and smell are just two of our senses which feed our reactions to what's around us. Removing them, you see this in blind or deaf folk, will often heighten use of other avaiable senses - as also loss of a limb will often heighten useof other limbs.

I certainly perceive online church to be as 'real' as offline, when assembling in online church I am assembling as much with my friends as when I move my body from my house to a church building. In some ways more so, because I can join in with all the conversation and fellowship, not just that heard by and spoken to those close around me. The feeling of being 'gathered' with people worldwide is awesome, in the same way as sharing a meal with someone the other side of the world via Skype. I will sit down in the UK to eat breakfast in front of my camera and microphone whilst my freinds in Japan eat supper. Our sharing is very real, I hear about their day and their news - they hear about my yesterday.

We may use the journey from home to church preparing ourselves spiritually and mentally for worship. In the case of going to church through your laptop, puter, tablet... praparation can equally so be done on the way home from work, walking in the park, sitting in the armchair, reading the bible, praying... Surely it is how we approach God, unseen but ever present, than the physical journey, though of course it can be equally important we have a hook on which to hang our preparation.  If people are not going to prepare themselves before worship, they can be equally unprepared however they decide to worship.
If we believe in an omni-present God, everywhere, he will surely be with us where we individually go online as when we gather in a church building.

Maybe we will be give less thought to our presentation, clothing, if we access church online. Pyjamas? Dress down days?The mindset of 'dressing up' for church has been crumbling for longer than the possibility of online worship. In some churches folk still dress in their Sunday Best - which I think is brilliant. Others find T'Shirt and Jeans equally acceptable. What is to stop though, people going online dressed up or down? There are times when I stay in all day, but dress in  collar and tie, honouring some special memory; likewise I may dress up to worship and recieve communion - or not...
But surely it is how I present my heart to God, not how I dress the Lion as a Lamb, or the Lion as a Lion...

Do we need to be physically present with other people to worship with others? Morning Worship and Songs of Praise have been a great place of worship for decades on the BBC.
Is peer pressure of those physically with us really important? Is it not peer pressure that gets us into trouble in the first place, acting as we perceive others think we should act, presenting ourselves to look perfect, rather than the grubby urchins we are, cleansed only in Gods grace.

In an online community you can hide your persona, many people try. But you can only do it for so long, after a while people see the more honest and grubby you.
Exactly the same can be said for an offline community.
But in either place, it is impossible to hide from God, he sees through our disguises.

For me online church holds equal importance as offline, to me they are BOTH important.
I so look forward to being able to share Communion with an online community as much as I look forward to meals with my friends in Japan, or Communion with fellow believers in my or any other church I may physically be in.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been involved with two online churches over the years, as well as going to local bricks and mortar based churches at the same time.

Of Spitfire & Pheasant.

We went for a walk yesterday near the local village of Barrington. With the sun strong on our backs it was certainly a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

A White Pheasant flew from amongst the young corn next to the track and arced its way around behind the copse.

Meanwhile a spitfire buzzed around the sky, loop the loops, swooping and going round and round above us.



It's nice not to hurry...

If you find the writing too small, you can click on the page to get a larger version.

I think the key statement here is, "It's nice not to hurry."

Saying that, it is time now to stop blogging and hurry off to work. Oh the irony of it all.

Hunt & Darton Cafe - Café Art!

We have an Art Café openned 3 or 4 doors from the shop - for just 4 weeks.

The idea of 'Art', I was going to say 'not quite traditional', but then, who can define Art for another perceiver?

The two ladies 'running the scheme' dress in Pineapple print dresses, each wearing a Pineapple Top on their heads. they have a London 2012 grant to open the café, which is touring the UK, hence being in Cambridge just 4 weeks. Their daily balance sheet is 'Artistically' displayed on the large wall chalkboard, when I was in several folk were engaged in Napkin Art. The 'Blurb' says your receipt will be artistic too, but I was not offered one.

One waitress was on a break, or maybe peforming, whilst I was in there - she sat manikin like, legs crossed, in an artistic pose, topped off with her pineapple headgear, in the window - maybe hoping to attract the attention and intrigue of passersby.

Still, it is pretty zaney, I wonder what they will be doing with pictures taken on disposable cameras. Intruige will bring me back, and of course the very friendly chatty atmosphere encouraged. I will, no doubt, report more...

Read more about this artistic enterprise either in Cambridge News or on their Facebook Page

There is life..... outside Cambridge.

Today I was invited to visit friends out in the villages. I spend most of my life in Cambridge, living on an estate, surrounded by neighbours I don't know, 24 hour shopping, pubs within a stones throw distance on at least 3 sides... Traffic and aircraft noises an almost constant, dodging cars on my bicycle, busses, busses, busses everywhere - tourists, students...

So 'tis nice on occasion to escape to paradise. (The grass is always green tother side of the bridge.)

I declined the offer of a lift. There is a certain beauty and satisfaction in getting there on my own. In past years I may have cycled, instead opting for the train and armed with instructions starting with: "Leave the station heading accross the fields."
I just love open space, like nectar to this city dweller.

Accross the field, under a road, along the path, follow through to the church.
A nice wild and damp day, brilliantly fresh - just right for walking. Maybe a 20 minute walk to the house.

The sketch may be a little wild, but

wild countryside can be like that!

My host however, looking out of his window decided really I should have a luxurious ride in a warm and dry car, but because I left accross the fields, not via the carpark, he did not catch up with me till I was just a minute from the house.

What wonderful relaxing space this house turned out to be, amazing hosts and good company. A huge thank you to Brian, Janet, Jenny, David, Movern and Sumaya, great afternoon. Only sorry I could not stay longer to complete the feast.

Oh and Brian, I did appreciate the lift back to the train.

St Geoge's Day 2012

I spent much of this morning clearing out a cupboard and sorting the contents aswell as managing to get laundry on the line - which dried despite a forcast of rain!

After lunch, letter writing, something my readers know I love. As with all my letters, well the personal type - not the ones to the bank you know... I added quick little illustrations here and there.

The heading quite naturally illustrated St George riding out in search of dragons to slay. Happy St George's Day, to those who appreciate such things.

The weather quite often features in my heading,
Todays weather, shall we say, has been quite changeable.
But of course, it is April.

I live in suburbia, but would love someday to live out in the countryside with walks such as this on my doorstep. I do so hate the feel of pavements under my feet, far prefering a bouncy meadowy tread, or leaping rock to rock up a mountainside. Hmmmmmm - time to stop dreaming, and back to planet earth.

Looking accross my lawn last week, I noticed how well my dandelions were doing, thinking maybe not so much appreciated by neighbours. So out I went to spray them. Still looking fit and healthy mid week they got the same treatment. They had not withered by Friday, which was when I noticed I had mixed up the spray bottles! Not WEEDKILLER written on this label, this bottle was for feeding roses, and was quite liked by dandelions too!

Today they look somewhat less healthy as I too corrective action.

The Old Bedford Camper Van

From as early as I can remember our family owned an old Camper Van. It was a green Bedford with an expanding roof to give more headroom when the vehicle was at rest.

Two benches ran the length of each side at the back, the seats lifting to reveal valuable storage space. No seat belts in those days, so, you would usually find something to hold on to...

Up, below the ceiling,  2 stretcher like beds pulled out from the sides, hammock like canvas attached to both the wall and a wooden pole. More than once I would sleep up there as we travelled along windy country roads.

We used to 'camp out' on a heath, or by a stream. When it was dry we would abandon the van sleeping out under the stars. I cannot remember ever thinking the ground was uncomfortable.

Early mornings, exploring, picking blackberries, blueberries and anything else we knew to be edible. Usually even before breakfast we would have had our fill.

Cooking was done on a parafin filled primus, we crouched on rocks or logs - or if we were lucky, a camping stool. Cupping our hands round malamine mugs of steaming coffee or hot chocolate the warmth would seep through into our bodies. My mug was light blue with years of tanning inside.

The sunshine would blaze down for ever and ever, beaches, bird hides, walking, windmills, messing about on boats - playing games.

A world of fantastical memories...