Monday 29 November 2010

it's a brave new world (I do believe in the light)





I heading home after attending an information evening at the Central London branch of the Samaritans.

It feels a bit weird blogging this for several reasons. Firstly, I've not posted for a while. Secondly, i can't help but feel a bit 'self-righteous' blogging such a thing. Thirdly, it's only me - hardly the most interesting of characters.

But, hey.

I'm going to try and get back into posting more - or at least more regularly.

As for this feeling 'self-righteous', I'll take that risk. I've been considering - actually, I've been looking for - volunteering opportunities for over a year now, and I think working with the Samaritans might offer the kind of challenges, flexibility and opportunities to really help fellow human beings on a one-to-one basis.

And I had no idea that not only do they need people to do the classic manning-of-phones, but also to visit schools, prisons, etc.

If you're accepted as a volunteer, you're asked to work three shifts a month: two daytime/evening shifts and at least one nighttime shift.

So. We'll see. Next step is to go to an assessment event, then what sounds like some pretty fluid, but solid training, before you're put on the phones.

The information hour was pretty full, which seemed to surprise everyone, considering the bitter cold, promised snow and tube strike. And it was fascinating that practically everyone in my group was also either training or considering training as a qualified counsellor.

The inner hippy in me was welling up with 'motions.

Nervous, excited and humbled so far.

I'll keep you posted...

(This blog post was powered by 30 Seconds To Mars. And ooh, look; I'm in Peckham already!)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Westminster

Saturday 24 July 2010

this used to be the future





talking life, ideas, variables and some v scary but exciting possibilities with @robertbrook.

I've missed his counsel. Hope I have the ability to remember and the courage to act.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Post-Latitude

We were in the Sun
Drinking, laughing, listening
Now we're back at work


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Friday 30 April 2010

remember when






Remember when the sun woke us up?
we rubbed our eyes, and in silence, sat up.

How, at first, we doubted the weather;
until we knew it always starts stormy, then gets better.

How we bought too much to eat,
when we packed the car for our Hebridean retreat?

How the cows & sheep came to say hello,
curious lambs with big ears - in the Sun - aglow!

Remember how we read in bed?
Ancient fairytales, pillowed heads.

How we planned the next day's fun -
marvelling at how far we'd come.

How at night, there wasn't a sound,
except the wind whistling around.

How everyone waved as they went by
how hard to drive, when the deer catches your eye!

How the heart seemed stronger than the sea;
the early ferry wrenching us from our sleep.

Remember what we said back there
And in five years time, let's go back...

Swear?



-- Post From My iPhone

Sunday 14 March 2010

we explored



a piece of fruit
foreign to you
a new land
we explored
hand in hand

a few days away
to learn and to play
our first trip
(a strange word, that -
for this)

a thousand memories
a city of dreams
a new start
skin, texture
taste, heart

a piece of fruit
a new taste in your mouth
a reminder for me
a shared feast
quiet, happy, at ease

Friday 19 February 2010

5, 7, 5







fingers poised, twitching

hovver above the keyboard

before hitting 'send'




(friday haiku from cow-orker)