Unexpected Obstacles.

On a beautiful but cold Sunday morning I'm to be found at home listening to The Marriage of Figaro. About to start reading a new book. And a half shoulder of lamb prepared for the oven.

But not all is well. My Monday had to be re-arranged due to some IT update that I didn't understand. IT may be easy for some people but not for me. Might be more helpful to explain to an idiot rather than patronise as if I am an idiot.

With no working phone or laptop to guide me to a place I haven't visited for more than six years a friend had kindly offered to pick me up and drive.

Sunday morning that plan is in tatters as it now transpires I have occupational health tomorrow which clashes. So had to postpone IT via my manager. God knows how I'll get there another day as my friend is busy next week.

Yet it doesn't stop there. Horrific nightmares drove me out of bed early on the day I get an extra hour in bed. Split contact lense, anxiety, and generally nothing has gone right today.

Let us hope the roast lamb rescues the day. My friends Adam and Mel are coming over. Roast lamb, roast potatoes and carrots, sprouts, cavalo nero and cauliflower, gravy, mint sauce and a bottle of Chianti.

I Heard a Voice.

The Narrative of Hate.

On this sunny but blustery Sunday lunchtime I'm home listening to The Magic Flute and trying not to be overwhelmed by a world that seems filled with hate. Attacks on mosques and synagogues, cheap hotels, random people in the street for being different and the violence of gangs.

Who is peddling this hate? It feels like too many people. Add in all out war in eastern Europe and parts of the middle east. I'm loathe to make political statements or choose sides but a lot of people are very frightened. 

Living in fear is part of my life. Not fear of being attacked. My mum used to worry about me going out at night. Yet I usually feel safe. The exception being that terrible affliction of cocaine, testosterone and alcohol that pervades so many of our pubs. My fear is more of the ordinary, the every day and of getting out of bed each morning. 

Is one fear more legitimate than another? I don't fear walking the streets as so many in the Jewish community do after the attack in Manchester. Other communities too fear. I'm not in a target group parlayed but those full of hate. Being non white in my country must feel very threatening in these dark and uncertain days.

As a humanitarian I reach out to people of all creeds, faiths and cultures when the time is right. That might be war, be it group targeted violence, be it natural disasters or be it accidents. 

We are all human. Let us celebrate difference not attack it.

In my small world I am off for lunch with friends. A glass of wine, roast beef and good company. One day at a time.

Until next time.

I Heard a Voice.