I'm heading for my vacation now...by road, through eastern England, northern France, Belgium, Holland, and through to central Germany.
I'll post later, see you!

Well, I spent some time in the stone-cold sober 'secluded-zone' yesterday, and entered through the checkpoints of memories, reflection, thought and hope.
Late in the evening I felt some ease, especially as I finally put into gear the German trip, which had needed some moulding but now seems very appealing, and my mind, heart and camera are all tapping the accelerator.

But again the midnight curse struck, as I went to put on the kettle for some green tea, a terrific roar came from another room. Somehow my bathroom toilet's cistern had blown off, and a fire-hydrant-like explosion of water was taking charge...a surge in water pressure had blown a valve and not even a Dutchman could now stop the torrent sweeping my house. Within five minutes the whole ground floor was covered, in 10 minutes it lay two inches deep. The roar continued, because I was unable to reach the tap with my injured spine...and knew that I ought to save my books, cds, anything!!
It's amazing how so much is forgotten at times like this, and how it solidifies our beliefs, yet raises other doubts, but seems to fire us up...for the better!!
But tonight I'll hope for a good sleep after three less-than-typical ones with barely two hours shut-eye between them.

Late last night, after some positive enjoyment with friends, Thai food and Spanish wine, I encountered the nightmare scenario...opening my door once, sensing something was wrong, and again 15 minutes later to find a gang of well-smacked-up teenagers lurching towards me, in darkness...what should I do...more to the point what the hell could I do, both physically, and in law???

I headed immediately for the middle ground, then imagined I was 'them', and yelled deeply, to get back to the street. In the haze of fear and protective adrenalin, I realised that they soon headed back to the street, chanting obscenities at me, which I myself will recall when I need the venom.

Well, my house had nearly been done over, with my body now reduced to 'rubble' and every motion, noise, screech, drum beat causing enormous concern to my senses.
I need to rid my house of this 'presence' as soon as possible.

My fear, and everyone's right now...was the moment you realise you are under threat of burglary and/or attack...what the hell do you do?
Because modern law states we must, in effect, fight our own protective instinct for the sake of our 'civilised society' that makes crime pay, drugs soooo easily obtainable, and sanity a thing seen in dictionaries, if we even care to define it anymore.

However, we are one of nature, and in us all is the greatest of things...the survival instinct.

Today is warm and I'm crediting The Killers, "Hot Fuss" tracks Smile Like You Mean It, Somebody Told Me and On Top as my substance and musical feed for the day. Red wine, outside barbecue amongst international friends, a fond farewell to a departing friend, and do I forget and ignore what's really on my mind, or just savour what I am about to enjoy? Why the smaller part of worry winning over the greater part of joy???
Why indeed...the fact I put this thought to keyboard proves the dilusion.
Oh.

Well, I have now downed two (smallish) glasses of home-made Catalonian red wine, and retain much the same thoughts as before it was opened...the power of worry is strong indeed.
But I complete the 2nd glass only, and head for the bicycle presently. Tonight I'll thirst for the 'alright' feeling...it is Saturday after all. I crave reassurance, someone to hold on to, but I have warmth all around, and I only need find it, not open it.

One of those perfect moments~~

Norwich was dry, but 10 miles out the greasy cycle route became bogged down between the silent hedgerows, and dark intense woods. The sound of silence homeing-in on my newly laid tyre imprints, a top layer of soft, wet mud, underpinned by hardened sand and stone...the sound of which brought strong visions of unwrapping the silver foil of a kit-kat such was the similarity in sound! Quite bizarre, but my stomach responded immediately with rumbles that pushed aside the music in my head. And I was heading 'out' and not homewards...ohh. It often amazes me what music can enter the mind during our everyday activities. Today, for no apparent reason or desire, I must credit Siouxsie & the Banshees for accompanying me, in mind...now why was that?

Returning, my thoughts drifted, thinking of people, holidays, friends, a hideous smell of stagnant water under a hot sun, and how so many things change, imperceptibly.

Tomorrow I'll watch my family horse-riding, and maybe try some ten pin bowling, with friends, drinks and whatever may follow.

Had the deepest dream last night, one that lingers throughout the day. Our Prime Minister was in a busy but poorly-lit official looking room, announcing, reluctantly, his standing-down. A solemn atmosphere prevailed. It was not comfortable at all, and I wish to forget it.

When my spine is sorted out, I plan to do a bungee jump, which was my original intention as far back as 2001. My friend did it twice, and I booked up with him, but events stalled this dream. I know I should try this at least once in my life, and if I don't, it'll bug me forev'ermore.
Some follow the sun, some follow their heart, others follow their dream(s), but one thing's for sure...
something's we just have to try!

I cannot say enough about Royksopp right now...their crisp, clean, beautiful and upbeat sound together with cycling, moody skies, exhileration, photographing all my heart desires, and sometimes moving aside for a dedicated cyclist, horse, rider or jogger, but locking horns with those who choose to cycle astride each other...oh, how selfish...them I mean!
Smile on me, smile on you.
I have done my time sything down nettles with my emergency East Anglian-coastline-shaped manoeuvre so as to avoid collision with a chattering pair whose bikes cannot be parted, and 'riders' who stick to their parallel lines.
The same straight-peddling types who can be seen meandering, jay'cycling on city streets.
I like to be flexible, but not left to fall, so ocassionally I'm prone to increase speed and go, this is where I get quite 'hot'!

Now I must do my daily physiotherapy for right leg and spine, but I always have a healthy nettlebed of energy.
:P

I'm aching for something, yet bubbling with what I have.

Yesterday was my cycle therapy time, and under the humidity and hazy sun I headed north-east and felt so good, kind of high because I captured many things inside myself, which gave a certain energy and warmth...almost arousing. Not only is it therapy, but also an energy boost. Maybe oysters tonight, hmm.

Today is hotter, but time for a new physiotherapy in a different hospital for my troublesome spine. But a new place, new feelings, new photos...let's go!

Hell, last night I prepared cheese salad, french fries, frikadellan, fried onions, green beans, mushrooms, peppers, and red wine, only for my friend to fail to turn up.

Thinking of stepping up the excitement and doing something very different this weekend...if the weather can do it, so can I!!

Totally hooked on Gorillaz video for 'Feel Good Inc' ...which does exactly that!

"...why can't you see, that nature has it's way of warning me..." rings through me, rings true to me this very afternoon. Richard Ashcroft has always put things so perfectly.
Well, after a long wait, Norfolk was graced with warmth, all 22 degrees of it, and enough to join the family for the new kiosk-self-service of Burger King, which is going down...hmm, slowly shall we say.
Now, a thought which always run deep for me, should you continually keep in touch with someone who seldom keeps in touch with you?
I have always veered on the side of keeping contact, but recently I feel like clipping things down to stronger links with my dearest people, and letting go of others who seem acquiescent. No hard feelings, just the scheme of things. Well, this is what my cycling gave me today.
I prefer more feedback as opposed to the Christmas card greeting. The vision that came to me was of Faithless' brilliant clip in "Mass Destruction" in which Maxi Jazz becomes quite animated with the 'wall' ...
Today, at least, my 'wall' was bathed in sunshine, and had a few kindly visitors.

(Faithless, The Verve/Richard Ashcroft have been a great inspiration/comfort to me at key moments...so, a shout to you!)

You could detect the slightest drop in temperature over 'flat' Norfolk this afternoon, just as I embarked on my cycle therapy exercise with a dozen intense thoughts passing over me like weather fronts that once graced BBC TV forecasts.

Yesterday was happiness extended, with my Japanese friends, lunch-became-tea-became-supper. 楽しかった.
Chinese buffet for our late 3pm dinner, and those oh-so-lovely sesame toasts, exchanging gifts and after I dared glimpse at my friends present for me, noticed I am now a proud owner of a yukata from Shinjuku.
I think traditionally-made English jams go down quite well in Japan, and I offered a whole variety of Norfolk jams; plum, myrtle, gooseberry, rhubarb, blackberry etc. It is mildly comforting to find that other nations will actually eat rhubarb! Even the birds and all other forms of life seem to pass on the stuff...but the British, Dutch, Germans and Japanese share a (mild) love of rhubarb...what an incredible thought!

well it is sunny this time, thank goodness, but that doesn't disguise my sadness at some people's dashing selfishness and arrogance...two of the things I detest most in the human make-up. (Thankfully, we can see two of the best this week in the world too...compassion and unselfishness, though the ongoing conflict of good and evil will outlive us all.)
The sensation of feeling the chosen one for any given time, task or honour can be so uplifting, but upon learning that you were only 'useful' for that moment, is a horrible crash-landing indeed. Why do so many people use words so freely, and grasp so little the meaning of those said things????
Words are not cheap.
Hmm, I'm thinking of running right now...only I can't, my spine won't allow it, or even perform such a movement.
I sip my soya coffee and ponder, tapping these keys and just wondering about that someone out there...
and "Purple Rain" stretches out from my radio...(Arrow, 8.30am)
now why do symbolic songs always touchdown at these moments...ohh.
Mada koware naide yo...

Oh no, the cycling went well, passers-by greetings very welcome, horses nodding encouragingly as if they'd just seen the latest stage of the Tour de France, and yet, I somehow managed to drop my ever-friendly phone camera and render it useless. For some, such a trifle may be forgotten quickly, but for me, it was an avenue of enormous joy blocked-off, not long after it's potential had been met. Damn indeed!

So, a great opportunity for the positive side, to resume drawing. And to finish off those many scribbles I'd started. With finest green tea, from Shizuoka, and good old peanuts, this could be achieved with the thought of a Chinese dinner tomorrow, welcoming my dear friends.

I do enjoy spirits, (alcoholic that is), and some beer sometimes. But I am extremely adventurous for food and drink, and will try almost anything.
Virtually every country has some gorgeous, sumptuous food to offer us, and my next wish to go for something Finnish, s'il vous plait!

Today's outstanding music: Royksopp, The Understanding.

An eerie politeness prevailed on the roads today.
The worst brings out the best, eh?
But I needed my weekly groceries, and headed towards the south-east of the city, with Norwich City FC just over the way. Oh, to think Premiership football was on offer just weeks ago...ouch.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, sunflower seed baps, (of course), and rhubarb and vanila yogurts which frequently run out here in the east of England, now why is that???
Staff helped and cared for the customers, but again, an understandably subdued atmosphere was the chief offer of the day.

And so to heading home, passing the cathedral...
And lunch consisted of garlic pantofola and smoked mackeral mexicano.

今日も曇りです。。。
This morning, after a disturbed sleep half-hearing R4 news reports, I tried some Spanish fuet, which was really tasty, with German Meierbaer wholemeal rye bread with sunflower seed...I have a thing for wholemeal seeded bread, often pumpkin or sunflower seed. They are good for one, but with one subtle side-effect.
I should add, that I am trying to stage my recovery, from a serious spinal problem, and therefore enjoy therapy in the form of steady, level-ground cycling. (I am unable to walk much, or move easily, but cycling proves 'ok'). I was a regular striker on the university soccer team, every Friday evening, until a 'tackle' on my knee and spine left me in a heap. I feared for my previously torn knee cartilage and ligament, but alas it was a fracture of the spine.
I had invited my Spanish student to watch me play, as he had shown me his injury that finished his hobbiest soccer career...as irony would have it, he witnessed the same fate for my own football dreams.
The 'opponent' who stopped my run on goal, offered his hand, which I accepted, (if only I could gave got up), and also his apology, which I uncharacteristically rejected. Now months down the line I await my operation to have a plate inserted into the gap that 'appeared' in my spine...though this has given me so much else to witness in life...I now enjoy cycle routes, photography, a new 'room in my head' for music I had passed on previously, and a fire in my belly on certain matters...but also, it has made me closer to nature, and more distant from people...and this I know is not good, especially as I'm a 'leo' with a basic need for people and the warmth they give.

A setting so perfect, so peaceful, so precious...
An ideal of the past is today a soothing mask of events so dark.
My thoughts float for a while, unable to stem the powerful emotion of todays events.

Where Norwich shows it's 'Dutchness'

After the fine performance of "The Farmyard Suite" a slow walk around the Cathedral, the sky mirroring our own thoughts and feelings.

Everything was normal, except that words were used sparingly.
Heading back through the city, realising that my own spinal injury pales into insignificance now. The strength of heart and soul is the making of every human being, that should never be underestimated.

We feel so much, but say so little...

I'm somehow reminded of Talking Heads, "Once in a Lifetime" at this moment...

The rain stopped, conversation ceased, but life went on...

We all made our way to the Cathedral entrance, following the sun, and into the Cathedral, today hailed as 'our Cathedral.'

After the horror of the London tube and bus bombings...the numbness...

Attending the "Farmyard Suite" by Peter Furniss at Norwich Cathedral, performed by 4 infant schools was evidence that the fabric of our society, our life, our future goes on.

The nature around me has healed me; and my injured spine given me a new perspective on many things. With bicycle, phone camera and nature, I have my comfort.

English tetley tea, or Spanish Marcilla coffee?? I opted for the coffee today, for a quick-start-wake-up, and followed by waffles...not so healthy, but certainly delicious...however, the outside greeting was simply grey...no drought here!
We have exceeded our monthly average rainfall already, and it's only the 7th!
At this very moment, the Radio 5 live is singing the praises of London's successful winning Olympic bid, more for morale than anything else...but good news is always welcome.
In view of Pr. Chirac's exceptional knowledge of British and Finnish cuisine now well documented, the pipping-to-the-post over Paris came with quite dramatic timing. I do have some French blood, but I can't help feeling some delight at the result...though the financial cost to the country will have to be considered, but I feel Britain can cope...however, I prefer the positive view of this, and at ground roots feel very happy indeed. Personally, I've grown up a European, and embraced all nations equally, but as the age counter tots up my passing years, (still a 'lowish' number!!), I am becoming more and more sympathetic to Britain's position. Where once I trod the ground that displayed harsh images of British culture with shame, I now ride the route that makes me feel happier to be here, and fighting the corner of England. I may not always like what I see, or want what is thrust at me here, but isn't that the case anywhere where humans exist?
But what I feel here, is that England in particular, accepts it's shortcomings...did Britain ever say it had the best cuisine in Europe? Do British people eat 'British' all the time??
Perhaps President Chirac can now challenge the decision on the grounds that England has an inclement climate??

Welcome to my blog, which is from the heart...the heart of what will be seen later in various writings and photos using nature as the highly suitable basis.
I'm from East Anglia, English, with European blood and an Asian heart.
I draw what I see, when I see what I feel, and feel what I hope to be.