Back from walking in the park.
Jamie, our worship leader today, drew attention to the phenomenon of cicadas singing praise to God.
A very natural, unforced thing.
A thing of huge energy and purity.
An occasional/seasonal thing.
What's better?
Spontaneous, wild, out-of-control self expression?
Or disciplined, structured, routinised behaviour submitting to the collective?
Is there space for both within a service of worship/reverence?
I like to think there is.
Part of me wants to pogo/explode with the reckless abandon of the punks.
And part of me wants to walk down sun-dappled cloisters in sackcloth, chanting in Latin.
A balance between reverence/mindfulness and joy/exuberance.
Is there a continuum, or only these two states?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
"Dresden" (CD review)
...Jan Garbarek Group, 2009.
A live double cd of a performance on October 20, 2007 in the Alter Schlachthof.
With Rainer Brueninghaus on keyboards, Yuri Daniel on bass and Manu Katche on drums.
Lyrical jazz.
Technically impressive.
Flawless, shiny, cool, with warm and even humorous moments.
Moments for pause, reflection, and awe.
A spiritual expression.
Space.
A huge array of dynamics.
The best drummer in the world!
And the sax player isn't bad either!
Cool you down on a sunny day, mellow you out with a shot of whisky on the rocks.
10/10.
A live double cd of a performance on October 20, 2007 in the Alter Schlachthof.
With Rainer Brueninghaus on keyboards, Yuri Daniel on bass and Manu Katche on drums.
Lyrical jazz.
Technically impressive.
Flawless, shiny, cool, with warm and even humorous moments.
Moments for pause, reflection, and awe.
A spiritual expression.
Space.
A huge array of dynamics.
The best drummer in the world!
And the sax player isn't bad either!
Cool you down on a sunny day, mellow you out with a shot of whisky on the rocks.
10/10.
Theodore Roethke - The Waking (excerpt)
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
.
.
.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
--END---
Shaken. To be kept steady. I should know.
I learn by going ...
L
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
.
.
.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
--END---
Shaken. To be kept steady. I should know.
I learn by going ...
L
Saturday, February 27, 2010
A Year Ago
Thinking about where things were at this time last year.
Lois and I had pretty much decided to reconcile.
Pains were happening more and more regularly - abdominal pains.
We had decided to buy a bbq for my birthday!
Lois was working on her TA business.
I was getting stressed about the Verdi celebration at school!
We were set to go and see a concert by a newly-discovered favourite, Eric Bibb.
We had been to see David Byrne live in concert at the ASB theatre.
I had finished writing Roadkill and was contemplating getting a group ready to perform it...
One more week, and my world turned upside down - not the first time, and probably not the last!
Lois and I had pretty much decided to reconcile.
Pains were happening more and more regularly - abdominal pains.
We had decided to buy a bbq for my birthday!
Lois was working on her TA business.
I was getting stressed about the Verdi celebration at school!
We were set to go and see a concert by a newly-discovered favourite, Eric Bibb.
We had been to see David Byrne live in concert at the ASB theatre.
I had finished writing Roadkill and was contemplating getting a group ready to perform it...
One more week, and my world turned upside down - not the first time, and probably not the last!
Schindler's Ark (book review)
Thomas Keneally, 1982.
A work of outstanding, thorough research and scholarship.
A novel, but steeped in truth and accuracy and detail.
Not an easy read, emotionally, but an essential one.
Keneally's portrayal of the character of Oskar Schindler, a Sudetenland German entrepreneur who manages to save the lives of 1100 Polish Jews in the 2nd World War, is a spectacular achievement.
Although Schindler is the central character, and by the end of the book we know him and his flaws and strengths very well indeed, the book also follows the lives and miraculous rescue of a multitude of Jews (who, to this day, are still referred to as the Schindlerjuden - Schindler Jews), and the sadistic, sordid and unredeemed descent of the Commandant Amon Goeth.
The tales are in turn tragic, cruel, hopeful, even humorous, and always captivating.
Many of us will be well acquainted with the Spielberg film, "Schindler's List", which, having now read the book, I reckon was a very faithful cinematic realisation (remember the girl in red? - she's described in the book, and this makes the whole subplot make sense - even the haunting John Williams Yiddischer violin tune's significance is revealed through reading the book).
As is often the difficulty with making movies, however, not all the book can be put into cinematographic representation.
So, if you want a closer experience with the whole, sad but ultimately, in a modest, human way, triumphant story of how one man can battle the forces of Evil and win, read this book.
You have to!
10/10
A work of outstanding, thorough research and scholarship.
A novel, but steeped in truth and accuracy and detail.
Not an easy read, emotionally, but an essential one.
Keneally's portrayal of the character of Oskar Schindler, a Sudetenland German entrepreneur who manages to save the lives of 1100 Polish Jews in the 2nd World War, is a spectacular achievement.
Although Schindler is the central character, and by the end of the book we know him and his flaws and strengths very well indeed, the book also follows the lives and miraculous rescue of a multitude of Jews (who, to this day, are still referred to as the Schindlerjuden - Schindler Jews), and the sadistic, sordid and unredeemed descent of the Commandant Amon Goeth.
The tales are in turn tragic, cruel, hopeful, even humorous, and always captivating.
Many of us will be well acquainted with the Spielberg film, "Schindler's List", which, having now read the book, I reckon was a very faithful cinematic realisation (remember the girl in red? - she's described in the book, and this makes the whole subplot make sense - even the haunting John Williams Yiddischer violin tune's significance is revealed through reading the book).
As is often the difficulty with making movies, however, not all the book can be put into cinematographic representation.
So, if you want a closer experience with the whole, sad but ultimately, in a modest, human way, triumphant story of how one man can battle the forces of Evil and win, read this book.
You have to!
10/10
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Due to Circumstances Beyond My Control....
The Dark Glasses gig has been rescheduled from 28 March to some time in the future...
The Guy Allan Award party has been rescheduled from 16 March...
My car wouldn't start...
I only got 5 hours' sleep last night...
I developed a terminal illness...
...
I have 2 beautiful/fun children...
I love music...
I have great family and friends...
I'm still here!...
Still hoping...
...
Still having to clean up the cat's vomit!
Love,
G.
The Guy Allan Award party has been rescheduled from 16 March...
My car wouldn't start...
I only got 5 hours' sleep last night...
I developed a terminal illness...
...
I have 2 beautiful/fun children...
I love music...
I have great family and friends...
I'm still here!...
Still hoping...
...
Still having to clean up the cat's vomit!
Love,
G.
Monday, February 22, 2010
A bit of ice cream...
...helps to brighten up the day!
Just what you need at an after-school meeting!
Lois's cortizone injection has been brought forward to 1.30pm tomorrow.
Her mum will take her and wait with her.
This evening we studied Daniel in our home group (= bible study group = cell group, etc.)
The bit where Nebuchadnezzar becomes like a wild animal.
No one bigger than God.
And the proud will be humbled.
Nevertheless, there is always hope for reconciliation.
Listening to The Beatles' White Album, remastered.
Crisp. clear and gorgeous.
Somehow bigger than it used to be.
But O Bla Di O Bla Dah, I believe now, is a pale pastiche of authentic ska.
Still a fun song in it's own right.
Goodnight!
G.
Just what you need at an after-school meeting!
Lois's cortizone injection has been brought forward to 1.30pm tomorrow.
Her mum will take her and wait with her.
This evening we studied Daniel in our home group (= bible study group = cell group, etc.)
The bit where Nebuchadnezzar becomes like a wild animal.
No one bigger than God.
And the proud will be humbled.
Nevertheless, there is always hope for reconciliation.
Listening to The Beatles' White Album, remastered.
Crisp. clear and gorgeous.
Somehow bigger than it used to be.
But O Bla Di O Bla Dah, I believe now, is a pale pastiche of authentic ska.
Still a fun song in it's own right.
Goodnight!
G.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Lent Resolution
I have made what I believe is a momentous decision.
For Lent this year I have decided to give up...WORRYING!
Surely I, of all people, have a "right" to worry?!
Death awaits me in the fairly near future...
My wife is quite unwell, and jobless.
Expenses keep rolling in like the balmy breakers of the Pacific...
And yet, a powerful message came through to me at church today (thanks, Fred!).
The act/mindset of worrying about stuff can easily distract us from a walk of Faith, of Hope and of Love (you really must come to my gig on 28th March if you're in town, where you can hear my songs of the same titles!).
I also wrote a song, about 20 years ago, called "Come to Me", which paraphrases Jesus's words of encouragement - "Do you think that worry can add a day to your life?/ Reach out to Me and I will take away your strife".
Not only is worry a distraction and even an act of disobedience (in the sense of not trusting), it is also a sap on the ol' energy levels.
Instead of expending so much energy on worrying about my pain, my death, uncertain futures, brushing my teeth, the Government, NCEA, my weight, my shoulder, money, etc., darn it, I am going to discipline myself to handing over my worries to my Father, who is the Only One who can make sense of them and can do anything about them...
MY energy will be spent on celebrating the life that He has given me, that I share with family and friends, and following my Shepherd through the valley of the deathly shadow, beside still waters, through green valleys.
At least till Easter (tho hopefully beyond)!
Let me know if you want to join me in this journey!
Currently listening to the ORIGINAL studio recording of Jesus Christ Superstar - wonderfully remastered.
Purchased this, Bob's remastered Rastaman Vibration and Beatles' White Album.
The Lent discipline of Enjoyment has BEGUN!
GRRRRR!!
For Lent this year I have decided to give up...WORRYING!
Surely I, of all people, have a "right" to worry?!
Death awaits me in the fairly near future...
My wife is quite unwell, and jobless.
Expenses keep rolling in like the balmy breakers of the Pacific...
And yet, a powerful message came through to me at church today (thanks, Fred!).
The act/mindset of worrying about stuff can easily distract us from a walk of Faith, of Hope and of Love (you really must come to my gig on 28th March if you're in town, where you can hear my songs of the same titles!).
I also wrote a song, about 20 years ago, called "Come to Me", which paraphrases Jesus's words of encouragement - "Do you think that worry can add a day to your life?/ Reach out to Me and I will take away your strife".
Not only is worry a distraction and even an act of disobedience (in the sense of not trusting), it is also a sap on the ol' energy levels.
Instead of expending so much energy on worrying about my pain, my death, uncertain futures, brushing my teeth, the Government, NCEA, my weight, my shoulder, money, etc., darn it, I am going to discipline myself to handing over my worries to my Father, who is the Only One who can make sense of them and can do anything about them...
MY energy will be spent on celebrating the life that He has given me, that I share with family and friends, and following my Shepherd through the valley of the deathly shadow, beside still waters, through green valleys.
At least till Easter (tho hopefully beyond)!
Let me know if you want to join me in this journey!
Currently listening to the ORIGINAL studio recording of Jesus Christ Superstar - wonderfully remastered.
Purchased this, Bob's remastered Rastaman Vibration and Beatles' White Album.
The Lent discipline of Enjoyment has BEGUN!
GRRRRR!!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
An Impressive Start
We had an impressive start to the day.
Both children up before their parents!
(Even Alexander, who is usually true to teenage boy stereotype and willing to lie in as long as inhumanly possible).
Both children working away at chores without prompting, chiding, threatening or bribery (apart from the generic bribery of pocket money some time in the future).
Both children doing thorough and excellent jobs as well!
Both of them talking thru their not-insubstantial school/homework status with Lois.
Sometimes, good things happen!
As Van Morrison sang "Well my mama told me there'd be days like this."
Amen, and thanks, offspring!
G.
Both children up before their parents!
(Even Alexander, who is usually true to teenage boy stereotype and willing to lie in as long as inhumanly possible).
Both children working away at chores without prompting, chiding, threatening or bribery (apart from the generic bribery of pocket money some time in the future).
Both children doing thorough and excellent jobs as well!
Both of them talking thru their not-insubstantial school/homework status with Lois.
Sometimes, good things happen!
As Van Morrison sang "Well my mama told me there'd be days like this."
Amen, and thanks, offspring!
G.
A Little Bit of Haydn on a Summer Afternoon
Joyous music from the man who outlived Mozart on both sides (not a difficult thing to do, I suppose).
String quartets.
Uncomplicated melodies, or rather, just complicated enough.
A touch of Hungarian fire here and there (we are talking the heyday of the Austrian Empire)...
Add a taste of Austrian folkishness (untainted by the spectre of Nazism).
Haydn - warmth.
Less cultured/refined/inhibited than Mozart.
Sparky, surprising, goodhumoured.
Some of this spirit would inform the early Beethoven.
The big difference of course that Haydn, by and large, was content with his courtly position working for the Esterhazy Palace - Beethoven would/could never settle into that comfortable routine.
Vienna - home of enlightenment, good cake and coffee, splendid architecture and some of the best European music EVER produced.
But for now - a sunny day with a string quartet and the tuis and cicadas singing.
String quartets.
Uncomplicated melodies, or rather, just complicated enough.
A touch of Hungarian fire here and there (we are talking the heyday of the Austrian Empire)...
Add a taste of Austrian folkishness (untainted by the spectre of Nazism).
Haydn - warmth.
Less cultured/refined/inhibited than Mozart.
Sparky, surprising, goodhumoured.
Some of this spirit would inform the early Beethoven.
The big difference of course that Haydn, by and large, was content with his courtly position working for the Esterhazy Palace - Beethoven would/could never settle into that comfortable routine.
Vienna - home of enlightenment, good cake and coffee, splendid architecture and some of the best European music EVER produced.
But for now - a sunny day with a string quartet and the tuis and cicadas singing.
Friday, February 19, 2010
A Cool Breeze
Much better today weather wise, eh, Aucklanders?
This made quite a difference (so far) to my general disposition/energy/wellbeing.
I guess having 2 (albeit short) non contact periods helped!
There's nothing quite like feeling energised to do stuff.
I experienced (at least) some plain old joy in (at least) a few lessons today.
In the last lesson, with Year 13s, our points game (where I award students points for participating in the lesson, and deduct points for "naughtiness and idiocy" - same thing?) turned into quite a heated affair between a boy who sometimes (in his mind) wanders away to cloud cuckoo land and another who is usually quite happy to laugh/grin/crack jokes.
This made my day - the strategy is actually a highly effective one, as the boys in particular love the competitive aspect (even if there aren't any prizes) and even quiet girls come to the party eventually.
The thing that really made my day was the humour, the attentiveness, the motivation and the learning that happened, last lesson on a hot Friday (albeit with a cool breeze blowing).
The weekend is here!
This Sunday Alexander makes his debut as a church drummer, Sophie tootles the flute and vW sen. fiddles about in the manner he is accustomed to.
Look out, MRBC - the vWs are taking over!
This made quite a difference (so far) to my general disposition/energy/wellbeing.
I guess having 2 (albeit short) non contact periods helped!
There's nothing quite like feeling energised to do stuff.
I experienced (at least) some plain old joy in (at least) a few lessons today.
In the last lesson, with Year 13s, our points game (where I award students points for participating in the lesson, and deduct points for "naughtiness and idiocy" - same thing?) turned into quite a heated affair between a boy who sometimes (in his mind) wanders away to cloud cuckoo land and another who is usually quite happy to laugh/grin/crack jokes.
This made my day - the strategy is actually a highly effective one, as the boys in particular love the competitive aspect (even if there aren't any prizes) and even quiet girls come to the party eventually.
The thing that really made my day was the humour, the attentiveness, the motivation and the learning that happened, last lesson on a hot Friday (albeit with a cool breeze blowing).
The weekend is here!
This Sunday Alexander makes his debut as a church drummer, Sophie tootles the flute and vW sen. fiddles about in the manner he is accustomed to.
Look out, MRBC - the vWs are taking over!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Summerdilemma
So hot and humid.
If we open all the windows, the mozzies invade.
Chomping into my tender skin, and sucking out gallons of juicy red liquid.
If we close the windows we suffocate.
Death by mozzy or suffocation?
Hmmmmm...
Someone said to me recently, though I can't remember who, that often things we beat ourselves up deciding on are settled by default anyway.
In other words, we can't expect to play out umpteen scenarios and choose which suits us best, as circumstances etc. are developing inevitable futures for us anyway.
Have just been watching Muse play live on "Later with Jools Holland" (Youtube).
What a phenomenal band!
If we open all the windows, the mozzies invade.
Chomping into my tender skin, and sucking out gallons of juicy red liquid.
If we close the windows we suffocate.
Death by mozzy or suffocation?
Hmmmmm...
Someone said to me recently, though I can't remember who, that often things we beat ourselves up deciding on are settled by default anyway.
In other words, we can't expect to play out umpteen scenarios and choose which suits us best, as circumstances etc. are developing inevitable futures for us anyway.
Have just been watching Muse play live on "Later with Jools Holland" (Youtube).
What a phenomenal band!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lent Begins
This evening we (MRBC) had probably our first ever Ash Wednesday service.
I "enjoyed", though that's not quite the right word, performing psalms 38 and 39.
Alas, Sophie was NOT with me on that, due to being exhausted by her swimming sports (her house, Iona, won! Yay!).
Earlier today I had my first post-diagnosis counselling session with Rebecca Lee, counsellor with the Cancer Society.
This was probably the first time I had cried about that darned diagnosis - funny how you can go for ages keeping it all in, so as not to disturb others.
Guess I'm not actually that great at letting it all out, though I do find my music performance stuff a real channel for stuff, which was why pss38 and 39 were the right thing to do.
These psalms really call out to God in anguish/anger/full-hearted, full-throated "passion".
The dynamics I perceive in them range from the barest of whispers to the loudest of sorrowful shouts...
Good to rant and rave at God about my condition thru the psalms, without turning that into a sulky, damaging thing.
Oddly enough I had also offered ps 13 for tonight, which has a happy ending of expressed trust in it.
Fred chose the other 2.
I "enjoyed", though that's not quite the right word, performing psalms 38 and 39.
Alas, Sophie was NOT with me on that, due to being exhausted by her swimming sports (her house, Iona, won! Yay!).
Earlier today I had my first post-diagnosis counselling session with Rebecca Lee, counsellor with the Cancer Society.
This was probably the first time I had cried about that darned diagnosis - funny how you can go for ages keeping it all in, so as not to disturb others.
Guess I'm not actually that great at letting it all out, though I do find my music performance stuff a real channel for stuff, which was why pss38 and 39 were the right thing to do.
These psalms really call out to God in anguish/anger/full-hearted, full-throated "passion".
The dynamics I perceive in them range from the barest of whispers to the loudest of sorrowful shouts...
Good to rant and rave at God about my condition thru the psalms, without turning that into a sulky, damaging thing.
Oddly enough I had also offered ps 13 for tonight, which has a happy ending of expressed trust in it.
Fred chose the other 2.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Time to Sleep
Something about Tuesdays...
Today a non-contact period 1, then teaching periods 2-5, break at lunch, then teaching thru till 4.45 (supertwelve, of whom 8 showed up, 2 of whom left at 4pm).
Back thru rush hour traffic (Theo's present car has delicious air conditioning - yay!
My car's air con will be sorted tomorrow, I hope!
I have decided not to get too uptight about the students' lack of correct uniform - no one else does, so it's more trouble than it's worth swimming against that current - it is incredible though, what gets tolerated...
A symptom of this attitude is that I find myself ringing the parents of students who have not yet bought theory books, an essential part of our course (and stark contrast to Alex and Sophie having stationery and text books, in A's case, sorted BEFORE they start school).
In my opinion we do these "poor, underprivileged, South Auckland" kids no favours by pandering to slack expectations...
Enough!
I am sure we're all doing our best.
Really shouldn't take it home with me...
Tomorrow evening at 7.30 you can catch me performing psalms 13 and 39 as part of our church's Ash Wednesday service (a Baptist church doing Ash Wednesday? What is the world coming to?)- if you're in Auckland, that is.
A quote from my current read, Schindler's Ark, to finish with:
"An hour of life is till life."
oh, and...
"save one man, and you save the world."
goodnight!
Today a non-contact period 1, then teaching periods 2-5, break at lunch, then teaching thru till 4.45 (supertwelve, of whom 8 showed up, 2 of whom left at 4pm).
Back thru rush hour traffic (Theo's present car has delicious air conditioning - yay!
My car's air con will be sorted tomorrow, I hope!
I have decided not to get too uptight about the students' lack of correct uniform - no one else does, so it's more trouble than it's worth swimming against that current - it is incredible though, what gets tolerated...
A symptom of this attitude is that I find myself ringing the parents of students who have not yet bought theory books, an essential part of our course (and stark contrast to Alex and Sophie having stationery and text books, in A's case, sorted BEFORE they start school).
In my opinion we do these "poor, underprivileged, South Auckland" kids no favours by pandering to slack expectations...
Enough!
I am sure we're all doing our best.
Really shouldn't take it home with me...
Tomorrow evening at 7.30 you can catch me performing psalms 13 and 39 as part of our church's Ash Wednesday service (a Baptist church doing Ash Wednesday? What is the world coming to?)- if you're in Auckland, that is.
A quote from my current read, Schindler's Ark, to finish with:
"An hour of life is till life."
oh, and...
"save one man, and you save the world."
goodnight!
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Joy of Balloons
Ian M dropped by last night.
He had spent the weekend blowing up balloons and making them into cool shapes.
He wasn't alone - he was part of a club who were trying to break a record for blowing up the most balloons.
Apparently they broke the Australasian record, tho not the world record.
So last night Ian gave me 4 bags of balloons!
And this morning I loaded up Theo's car with them, and took them to school ... as you do...
I taught 4 classes today (and my tutor group), each lesson ending with a prizegiving of balloons.
Great to see the sheer delight in the colours and shapes that enveloped students of all years.
Because they were different shapes and sizes, the nature of the gift and the corresponding recipient created further amusement.
Balloons - where would we be without them?
He had spent the weekend blowing up balloons and making them into cool shapes.
He wasn't alone - he was part of a club who were trying to break a record for blowing up the most balloons.
Apparently they broke the Australasian record, tho not the world record.
So last night Ian gave me 4 bags of balloons!
And this morning I loaded up Theo's car with them, and took them to school ... as you do...
I taught 4 classes today (and my tutor group), each lesson ending with a prizegiving of balloons.
Great to see the sheer delight in the colours and shapes that enveloped students of all years.
Because they were different shapes and sizes, the nature of the gift and the corresponding recipient created further amusement.
Balloons - where would we be without them?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
"Before and After Science" (CD review)
...Brian Eno, 1978 (or thereabouts!)
This is my favourite Brian Eno album.
It is the end of the series in which he performs vocals (although he has revisited vocals at other times since).
It maintains the cutting edge experimentalism of Here Come the Warm Jets, Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy and Another Green World, adding a deeper level of...
polish and sophistication (and even emotion!).
The sound is fuller, richer and less abrasive.
In this remastered copy (2004) it is, quite simply, gorgeous.
There are moments of genuine musical beauty on this album - the single "Here He Comes", the elegaic "Julie with..." and the wistful "Spider and I" (one of my favourite Eno songs) - some great musicians backing him up - the lineup of bass players is outstanding.
This was released at around the same time Eno was taking Talking Heads into world-changing arenas, and restructuring Bowie's career - you can hear the cross-pollination on this album.
If you want a starting point for getting to know Eno, start here - the earlier albums would be a little tooo bizarre for the novice, and the later ones veer wholly and committedly into ambient music.
This is the album where it all seems to be just right.
10/10.
This is my favourite Brian Eno album.
It is the end of the series in which he performs vocals (although he has revisited vocals at other times since).
It maintains the cutting edge experimentalism of Here Come the Warm Jets, Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy and Another Green World, adding a deeper level of...
polish and sophistication (and even emotion!).
The sound is fuller, richer and less abrasive.
In this remastered copy (2004) it is, quite simply, gorgeous.
There are moments of genuine musical beauty on this album - the single "Here He Comes", the elegaic "Julie with..." and the wistful "Spider and I" (one of my favourite Eno songs) - some great musicians backing him up - the lineup of bass players is outstanding.
This was released at around the same time Eno was taking Talking Heads into world-changing arenas, and restructuring Bowie's career - you can hear the cross-pollination on this album.
If you want a starting point for getting to know Eno, start here - the earlier albums would be a little tooo bizarre for the novice, and the later ones veer wholly and committedly into ambient music.
This is the album where it all seems to be just right.
10/10.
Hot, Hot, Hot
So hot and wet.
A walk in the park with the rain falling did not cool us.
Time at Columbus with books and chat - trim latte, long black.
Date scone for which no additional butter required.
Then the walk - Lois able to walk - yay!
Pick up Sophie from fancy-dress sleepover (Hermione Granger).
Alex at home with Jasper - computer games - church coming up at 5pm.
Reading, writing, singing, sudoku-ing, sleeping, snoring.
Time with Katherine A, who visited church today and prayed for me.
Mosquitoes attack AGAIN.
Grrr!
A walk in the park with the rain falling did not cool us.
Time at Columbus with books and chat - trim latte, long black.
Date scone for which no additional butter required.
Then the walk - Lois able to walk - yay!
Pick up Sophie from fancy-dress sleepover (Hermione Granger).
Alex at home with Jasper - computer games - church coming up at 5pm.
Reading, writing, singing, sudoku-ing, sleeping, snoring.
Time with Katherine A, who visited church today and prayed for me.
Mosquitoes attack AGAIN.
Grrr!
What's Going On 3
Not really any pain connected to my condition.
A constant ache in my right shoulder, which I will ask the oncologist about on that fateful Thursday (4th March).
Wanting to make the most of whatever time there is.
For me that involves a lot of writing and music and reading and listening.
Lois and I tried to talk about what it would be like without me here.
I find it almost impossible to get my head round that one!
We also discussed who my death would be worse for - her or me?
These are not the questions I think about very much, except when prompted by Lois.
Even thinking about how long I have left is kind of mind-boggling.
I love this life - leaving it behind seems like a sad farewell at times.
And yet I also believe in a life after this which will be good, but different.
Do I appear to be resigned to a death from cancer?
It's like that Charlton Heston quote - courage and surrender mixed/mashed up together.
A constant ache in my right shoulder, which I will ask the oncologist about on that fateful Thursday (4th March).
Wanting to make the most of whatever time there is.
For me that involves a lot of writing and music and reading and listening.
Lois and I tried to talk about what it would be like without me here.
I find it almost impossible to get my head round that one!
We also discussed who my death would be worse for - her or me?
These are not the questions I think about very much, except when prompted by Lois.
Even thinking about how long I have left is kind of mind-boggling.
I love this life - leaving it behind seems like a sad farewell at times.
And yet I also believe in a life after this which will be good, but different.
Do I appear to be resigned to a death from cancer?
It's like that Charlton Heston quote - courage and surrender mixed/mashed up together.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Some Rain
A very warm day, with liquid refreshment throughout.
Sophie to school to learn computing skills.
Alexander off to jump waterfalls, clearly undeterred by similar vertical experiences back in 2009.
So, a space for L and me to break free.
Off to the Meryl Streep comedy, "It's Complicated".
The usual, reassuring, Saturday night routine (cf Butter Chicken).
Wrote some more songs - seem to be going through an easier creative phase at present.
Tomorrow a day "off" church.
Gershwin's American in Paris piping hot off the stereo.
Full of Ravel and American jazz influences (as was Gershwin himself).
Sophie to school to learn computing skills.
Alexander off to jump waterfalls, clearly undeterred by similar vertical experiences back in 2009.
So, a space for L and me to break free.
Off to the Meryl Streep comedy, "It's Complicated".
The usual, reassuring, Saturday night routine (cf Butter Chicken).
Wrote some more songs - seem to be going through an easier creative phase at present.
Tomorrow a day "off" church.
Gershwin's American in Paris piping hot off the stereo.
Full of Ravel and American jazz influences (as was Gershwin himself).
"The String Quartet Tribute to Peter Gabriel" (CD review)
...2004, Vitamir Records.
Though I am a huge fan of PG, I had for a long time not thought of him as a melodicist - by which I mean someone for whom the musical element of Melody is an important building block.
When I think of PG's songs, I think of Timbres, rustling marimbas, double-headed Indian violins, wailing electric guitars, the Blind Boys of Alabama, etc. etc.
This CD reminds the listener of the melodic richness that does exist in many of PG's songs, from the jaunty Solsbury Hill thru funky Shock the Monkey to With This Love (the poignant tune that accompanies the final scene of The Last Temptation of Christ).
The arrangements are clever enough, though not particularly surprising or adventurous - the CD is a good example of coffee table music (there is at least one other CD in this series, which is the songs of U2).
The question at the back of my mind is "(apart from me) who would buy this record?"
If you're a string 4tet fan, it's probably a little on the light side - if a PG fan, you might miss the richer instrumentations of the originals.
BUT the album probably serves as an effective intro to PG's latest offering, which is an album of cover versions, I THINK accompanied by orchestra (certainly that's the way he's touring at present).
Comfortable, pleasant and inoffensive.
6/10.
Though I am a huge fan of PG, I had for a long time not thought of him as a melodicist - by which I mean someone for whom the musical element of Melody is an important building block.
When I think of PG's songs, I think of Timbres, rustling marimbas, double-headed Indian violins, wailing electric guitars, the Blind Boys of Alabama, etc. etc.
This CD reminds the listener of the melodic richness that does exist in many of PG's songs, from the jaunty Solsbury Hill thru funky Shock the Monkey to With This Love (the poignant tune that accompanies the final scene of The Last Temptation of Christ).
The arrangements are clever enough, though not particularly surprising or adventurous - the CD is a good example of coffee table music (there is at least one other CD in this series, which is the songs of U2).
The question at the back of my mind is "(apart from me) who would buy this record?"
If you're a string 4tet fan, it's probably a little on the light side - if a PG fan, you might miss the richer instrumentations of the originals.
BUT the album probably serves as an effective intro to PG's latest offering, which is an album of cover versions, I THINK accompanied by orchestra (certainly that's the way he's touring at present).
Comfortable, pleasant and inoffensive.
6/10.
Adventures in Leaf-blowing pt 1 - The temple as a metaphor for the human being
Welcome to a series of thoughts that arise as I spend an hour on a Saturday blowing leaves off the driveway (using a machine, of course!)...
I am referring to the Hebrew temple.
Just as the temple has different "stages" or levels, so does the human being.
The porch/forecourt = the physical/emotional exterior of our being - the part everybody can see and even interact with superficially without knowing anything about us.
Inside we come to the assembly room/meeting place. This is where, in our being, we develop our psychological/emotional being. Less people share with us at this level - only the "initiate" - those seeking greater intimacy with us (some would call this the chamber of the soul, perhaps).
Last we come to the Holy of Holies - the sacred place - the place where the priest meets with God, via the ark of the covenant - the place that is veiled, hidden. In the human being, this would be the chamber of the spirit, where the Spirit of God talks to our spirit, often in ways that we can neither articulate nor understand...and yet the Ark is there, the Ark of the Covenant, God's promise of Presence, and presence of Promise.
And of course, to get from the porch into the Holy of Holies, we must pass through the communal assembly room, developing greater intimacy with our soul and spirit as we go.
So much also is unseen by us - we do not see ourselves as God sees us, but through a glass, darkly.
Jesus referred to Himself (and perhaps to us also) as a temple which, though thrown down, would be raised by Him within 3 days.
When he died, the veil to the H of H was torn in 2 - ripped apart! A symbol of how, through His death, we now have much easier access to God (and, in a sense, He to us).
Hmmm...if that's all a bit too metaphysical, just remember, there will always be leaves that need blowing!
I am referring to the Hebrew temple.
Just as the temple has different "stages" or levels, so does the human being.
The porch/forecourt = the physical/emotional exterior of our being - the part everybody can see and even interact with superficially without knowing anything about us.
Inside we come to the assembly room/meeting place. This is where, in our being, we develop our psychological/emotional being. Less people share with us at this level - only the "initiate" - those seeking greater intimacy with us (some would call this the chamber of the soul, perhaps).
Last we come to the Holy of Holies - the sacred place - the place where the priest meets with God, via the ark of the covenant - the place that is veiled, hidden. In the human being, this would be the chamber of the spirit, where the Spirit of God talks to our spirit, often in ways that we can neither articulate nor understand...and yet the Ark is there, the Ark of the Covenant, God's promise of Presence, and presence of Promise.
And of course, to get from the porch into the Holy of Holies, we must pass through the communal assembly room, developing greater intimacy with our soul and spirit as we go.
So much also is unseen by us - we do not see ourselves as God sees us, but through a glass, darkly.
Jesus referred to Himself (and perhaps to us also) as a temple which, though thrown down, would be raised by Him within 3 days.
When he died, the veil to the H of H was torn in 2 - ripped apart! A symbol of how, through His death, we now have much easier access to God (and, in a sense, He to us).
Hmmm...if that's all a bit too metaphysical, just remember, there will always be leaves that need blowing!
Friday, February 12, 2010
No News
Nice hospital, the Ascot.
Access a little odd, though.
CT scan over, no results - meeting with oncologist is Thu 4th March, 3.30pm.
Last year my birthday presents were a BBQ (terrific) and a private colonoscopy (less so, AND more blimmin' expensive!).
This year what kind of birthday present will I receive from the oncologist?
A free 6 month course of toxic chemicals?
Guaranteed numbness, nausea and neurosis?
Hopefully a chocolate mud cake from somewhere (hint, hint!)...
Don't get me wrong.
At this stage I would much rather have a few extra months of relatively comfortable living if possible.
Lois's MRI scan was also without discussion of results.
We wait and watch.
A lovely lunch with Maria at Ironique.
And a cosy, friendly music group BBQ at the Oldings, with a spa!
And here at last is the weekend...
Access a little odd, though.
CT scan over, no results - meeting with oncologist is Thu 4th March, 3.30pm.
Last year my birthday presents were a BBQ (terrific) and a private colonoscopy (less so, AND more blimmin' expensive!).
This year what kind of birthday present will I receive from the oncologist?
A free 6 month course of toxic chemicals?
Guaranteed numbness, nausea and neurosis?
Hopefully a chocolate mud cake from somewhere (hint, hint!)...
Don't get me wrong.
At this stage I would much rather have a few extra months of relatively comfortable living if possible.
Lois's MRI scan was also without discussion of results.
We wait and watch.
A lovely lunch with Maria at Ironique.
And a cosy, friendly music group BBQ at the Oldings, with a spa!
And here at last is the weekend...
"Taxman" (CD review)
...by Lucky Dube (1997).
I don't have much reggae in my collection.
Bob Marley by the bucketful, Sinead's experiments, ska collections, and this one CD by South African singer/songwriter, Lucky Dube.
...who, by mortal standards, was not lucky in the manner of his death - shot down in a random act of senseless killing as one expects to find these days in the city of Johannesburg - in front of his 2 young children, having just dropped them at school.
Listen to this CD and you can hear what a great loss that is to the world.
It is a collection of bighearted, activating reggae.
Dube's voice has a similar warmth to Uncle Bob's, but is smoother in general (perhaps less ravaged by cannabis?).
Songs of love, faith and politics.
Not quite as adventurous rhythmically, but those Barratt brothers are hard to beat!
A little too much reverb at times.
Great tunes and vocal performances, though, especially Lucky's lead.
A worthy successor to the Marley dynasty - if he had but lived longer!
8/10.
I don't have much reggae in my collection.
Bob Marley by the bucketful, Sinead's experiments, ska collections, and this one CD by South African singer/songwriter, Lucky Dube.
...who, by mortal standards, was not lucky in the manner of his death - shot down in a random act of senseless killing as one expects to find these days in the city of Johannesburg - in front of his 2 young children, having just dropped them at school.
Listen to this CD and you can hear what a great loss that is to the world.
It is a collection of bighearted, activating reggae.
Dube's voice has a similar warmth to Uncle Bob's, but is smoother in general (perhaps less ravaged by cannabis?).
Songs of love, faith and politics.
Not quite as adventurous rhythmically, but those Barratt brothers are hard to beat!
A little too much reverb at times.
Great tunes and vocal performances, though, especially Lucky's lead.
A worthy successor to the Marley dynasty - if he had but lived longer!
8/10.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Scanning the Horizon
2 scans tomorrow in the vW family.
My own CT scan at 10.30am, after drinking that yummy orange flavoured stuff to light up my innermost parts.
Then at 1.30 Lois has an MRI on her back, to see what is up with her spine.
Then the weekend.
Coffee is a great discovery.
Having come across it in the New World, the Spanish used to serve it to their victims during the Inquisition, in order to make them confess to the most outlandish crimes against the soul...Today we were informed at staff briefing that our branch of the PPTA has been awarded the Guy Allen Award for branch activism - meaning that we are indeed a resolute and unified bunch of socialist stirrers!
Yay!
How the Boss puts up with it/us I don't know - still, give and take!
The New Zealand Herald is offering every student and staff member at the school a year's subsciption on a 5-day basis for free - you should have seen the staff stampede for forms after it was announced.
Anything in the cause of Literacy, eh?
During the Inquisition, anyone caught reading the entertainment section of the newspaper would be burned at the stake...
Believe it or not...
My own CT scan at 10.30am, after drinking that yummy orange flavoured stuff to light up my innermost parts.
Then at 1.30 Lois has an MRI on her back, to see what is up with her spine.
Then the weekend.
Coffee is a great discovery.
Having come across it in the New World, the Spanish used to serve it to their victims during the Inquisition, in order to make them confess to the most outlandish crimes against the soul...Today we were informed at staff briefing that our branch of the PPTA has been awarded the Guy Allen Award for branch activism - meaning that we are indeed a resolute and unified bunch of socialist stirrers!
Yay!
How the Boss puts up with it/us I don't know - still, give and take!
The New Zealand Herald is offering every student and staff member at the school a year's subsciption on a 5-day basis for free - you should have seen the staff stampede for forms after it was announced.
Anything in the cause of Literacy, eh?
During the Inquisition, anyone caught reading the entertainment section of the newspaper would be burned at the stake...
Believe it or not...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
"Even When She Forgot My Name" (book review)
...by Wong Chai Kee, 2009 (Epigram).
This is the story of Wong Chai Kee's mother and her battle with Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's, more so than cancer, is one of those diseases that challenges us in the psychological and spiritual realm, more than in the physical.
Wong's account is by turns humorous, witty, poignant, despairing - all the things one goes through when losing a loved one, and remembering sweet times before ill health invaded.
It is a credit to his writing style that the narrative never becomes bogged down in pathos or gloom - a credit to the strength of character of his mother also.
"Ma", as she was called, appears to have been a strong, resilient and feisty woman with a cutting sense of humour - by the end of the book we feel we have been introduced to her as a family friend, and are rooting for her as she is ravaged first by the Alzheimer's and finally by oesophagal cancer.
We also share in the sights, sounds and smells of earlier Singapore and even earlier mainland China.
I love the style in the book - the narrator never gets in the way of his story, and emotions and scenarios are deftly outlined, never pausing to dwell on sentiment.
The book sparkles and crackles, inspiring and uplifting.
Although never discussed in its pages, one becomes aware of the huge amount of time and energy Ma's children, and in particular the author, spent with her towards the end of her life.
Strongly recommended.
9/10.
This is the story of Wong Chai Kee's mother and her battle with Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's, more so than cancer, is one of those diseases that challenges us in the psychological and spiritual realm, more than in the physical.
Wong's account is by turns humorous, witty, poignant, despairing - all the things one goes through when losing a loved one, and remembering sweet times before ill health invaded.
It is a credit to his writing style that the narrative never becomes bogged down in pathos or gloom - a credit to the strength of character of his mother also.
"Ma", as she was called, appears to have been a strong, resilient and feisty woman with a cutting sense of humour - by the end of the book we feel we have been introduced to her as a family friend, and are rooting for her as she is ravaged first by the Alzheimer's and finally by oesophagal cancer.
We also share in the sights, sounds and smells of earlier Singapore and even earlier mainland China.
I love the style in the book - the narrator never gets in the way of his story, and emotions and scenarios are deftly outlined, never pausing to dwell on sentiment.
The book sparkles and crackles, inspiring and uplifting.
Although never discussed in its pages, one becomes aware of the huge amount of time and energy Ma's children, and in particular the author, spent with her towards the end of her life.
Strongly recommended.
9/10.
Just when you thought it was safe....
My next CT scan is Fri at 10.30 at Ascot Hospital.
They are helping the public health system clear the backlog (sound familiar?).
Please pray with me on this!
I don't even feel that great at present...
Still, every day a new day.
The above is also the title of a song that features in Dark Glasses, which I will be performing around the end of March.
Listening to Dvorak at present.
Czechoslovakians, eh?
Spirit, energy, emotion, lyricism - not a bad bone in their musical bodies (well, Dvorak's, at least).
Time to read a bit more Schindler's Ark...
G.
They are helping the public health system clear the backlog (sound familiar?).
Please pray with me on this!
I don't even feel that great at present...
Still, every day a new day.
The above is also the title of a song that features in Dark Glasses, which I will be performing around the end of March.
Listening to Dvorak at present.
Czechoslovakians, eh?
Spirit, energy, emotion, lyricism - not a bad bone in their musical bodies (well, Dvorak's, at least).
Time to read a bit more Schindler's Ark...
G.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tap Root Manuscript (CD review)
...Neil Diamond, 1972.
Aah, 1972.
Nixon was wobbly!
I headed to the Netherlands by myself at the end of this year.
And my sister Jean (now Joke, the J pronounced as a Y) had a huge crush on Neil Diamond and bought this album, a gatefold cover with a sexily brooding in-the-dark picture of Neil (he had hair to spare in those days)contemplating his rise from Tin Pan Alley tunesmith to singer/songwriter/world musician.
I loved this album too.
It was a record of course when first released, and on Side 2 Neil dabbled in all manner of African sounds and conventions - this side alone spawned the huge and funky hit, Soolaimon.
And Side 1 had no less than 3 huge songs on it - Cracklin' Rosie, Done Too Soon and the wonderful He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother (a kind of sequel to Bridge Over Troubled Water).
The album has lasted well over nearly 40 years, due to the crisp arrangements and catchy tunes - Neil Diamond was a very crafty tunesmith, perhaps a little too crafty, raising questions about the sincerity of his musical expression.
With He Ain't Heavy, he very nearly succeeds in making you believe he's talking about his own brother, though the album cannot match the 2 Rick Rubin-produced albums, 12 songs and Home After Dark for sincerity/intensity.
After this, Neil went on to release his glorious Hot August Night live album, then Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a soundtrack album for a movie all about...seagulls!
Well, it was the early 70s, and Nixon did fall, leaving the stage free for ABBA!
7/10.
Aah, 1972.
Nixon was wobbly!
I headed to the Netherlands by myself at the end of this year.
And my sister Jean (now Joke, the J pronounced as a Y) had a huge crush on Neil Diamond and bought this album, a gatefold cover with a sexily brooding in-the-dark picture of Neil (he had hair to spare in those days)contemplating his rise from Tin Pan Alley tunesmith to singer/songwriter/world musician.
I loved this album too.
It was a record of course when first released, and on Side 2 Neil dabbled in all manner of African sounds and conventions - this side alone spawned the huge and funky hit, Soolaimon.
And Side 1 had no less than 3 huge songs on it - Cracklin' Rosie, Done Too Soon and the wonderful He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother (a kind of sequel to Bridge Over Troubled Water).
The album has lasted well over nearly 40 years, due to the crisp arrangements and catchy tunes - Neil Diamond was a very crafty tunesmith, perhaps a little too crafty, raising questions about the sincerity of his musical expression.
With He Ain't Heavy, he very nearly succeeds in making you believe he's talking about his own brother, though the album cannot match the 2 Rick Rubin-produced albums, 12 songs and Home After Dark for sincerity/intensity.
After this, Neil went on to release his glorious Hot August Night live album, then Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a soundtrack album for a movie all about...seagulls!
Well, it was the early 70s, and Nixon did fall, leaving the stage free for ABBA!
7/10.
...but Tiring!
At least I'm not an English teacher!
All that marking!...
The energy in Music teaching goes into performing, directing, organising ensembles and handling relationships.
There is a lot of emotional investment, leaving the teacher vulnerable and exhausted, if not slightly demented.
8.15am arrive and start up laptop (don't forget, daily notices before 2pm).
8.35 briefing.
8.50 tutor time (check uniform, discipline latecomers, mark roll twice because tutor rolls not yet on line).
9.10 meet and greet itinerants and new students - discuss Van Morrison celebration, negotiating numbers with the woodwind teacher.
10.10 off to haka/waiata practice with a swag of year 11 profiles to mark (including a precious gem from a drummer - "I was born doing this" - poor mum!).
10.50 morning break (don't forget notices!).
11.10 meet year 13s for the first time this year - one boy has no idea what he's doing in the class, and is encouraged to swap options before it's too late.
Students asked to write 300-word profiles on themselves.
12.10 straight into a year 11 class - the natural drummer isn't there, andd once again many students have not purchased their theory books...
I find that I have 2 Grade 8 pianists who have completed Grade 5 theory, creating the pleasant question "what do I do now?"
1.10 10T tutor group, and we begin our first class meeting - our chair is Junior Meatuai (there are 3 boys called Junior in this class) - remits are "going on the computers in S1" (quashed) and "Mr vW shouldn't take our shoes off us" which leads into lively and challenging, thoughtful discussion.
1.30 I attempt to escape from the Music Block, but must first give discouraging looks to students who want to come in for "a practice" or "a jam" (some just walk straight in and begin playing on guitars, piano, etc.) - a number of students enter, wanting to sign up for choirs and/or bands (some wiseguys have even attempted to forge Mr Laurenson's and Mr Roberts's signatures as potential candidates for the Gospel Choir!).
A colleague brings in a rock melon to the staff room, splits it and offers the pieces around - refreshing, tasty and welcome!
2.10 down to the last lesson - year 10 rhythm compositions - some have got the hang of the task and are well on their way - even the mouthy boys are making honest and worthy attempts to construct their pieces.
Still, no manuscript, no theory books...aaarrrgh!
3.10 a five minute breather till
3.15 the Supertwelve inaugural meeting and practice - there are, naturally, not twelve present - one boy appears to be deliberately skiving and will be invited to leave, one is still in Samoa (well, it is only week 2 of school, after all!)and one girl needs to leave at 4pm to lead the Cook Island Group.
At 4.45 Theo comes to collect my mortal remains and bundle me into his car where I promptly fall asleep...
And I forgot the notices!!
Aarrggh!
All that marking!...
The energy in Music teaching goes into performing, directing, organising ensembles and handling relationships.
There is a lot of emotional investment, leaving the teacher vulnerable and exhausted, if not slightly demented.
8.15am arrive and start up laptop (don't forget, daily notices before 2pm).
8.35 briefing.
8.50 tutor time (check uniform, discipline latecomers, mark roll twice because tutor rolls not yet on line).
9.10 meet and greet itinerants and new students - discuss Van Morrison celebration, negotiating numbers with the woodwind teacher.
10.10 off to haka/waiata practice with a swag of year 11 profiles to mark (including a precious gem from a drummer - "I was born doing this" - poor mum!).
10.50 morning break (don't forget notices!).
11.10 meet year 13s for the first time this year - one boy has no idea what he's doing in the class, and is encouraged to swap options before it's too late.
Students asked to write 300-word profiles on themselves.
12.10 straight into a year 11 class - the natural drummer isn't there, andd once again many students have not purchased their theory books...
I find that I have 2 Grade 8 pianists who have completed Grade 5 theory, creating the pleasant question "what do I do now?"
1.10 10T tutor group, and we begin our first class meeting - our chair is Junior Meatuai (there are 3 boys called Junior in this class) - remits are "going on the computers in S1" (quashed) and "Mr vW shouldn't take our shoes off us" which leads into lively and challenging, thoughtful discussion.
1.30 I attempt to escape from the Music Block, but must first give discouraging looks to students who want to come in for "a practice" or "a jam" (some just walk straight in and begin playing on guitars, piano, etc.) - a number of students enter, wanting to sign up for choirs and/or bands (some wiseguys have even attempted to forge Mr Laurenson's and Mr Roberts's signatures as potential candidates for the Gospel Choir!).
A colleague brings in a rock melon to the staff room, splits it and offers the pieces around - refreshing, tasty and welcome!
2.10 down to the last lesson - year 10 rhythm compositions - some have got the hang of the task and are well on their way - even the mouthy boys are making honest and worthy attempts to construct their pieces.
Still, no manuscript, no theory books...aaarrrgh!
3.10 a five minute breather till
3.15 the Supertwelve inaugural meeting and practice - there are, naturally, not twelve present - one boy appears to be deliberately skiving and will be invited to leave, one is still in Samoa (well, it is only week 2 of school, after all!)and one girl needs to leave at 4pm to lead the Cook Island Group.
At 4.45 Theo comes to collect my mortal remains and bundle me into his car where I promptly fall asleep...
And I forgot the notices!!
Aarrggh!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Good Fun
Today I was reminded why I have stayed in teaching.
It's good fun.
Over the years, the rules become easier to see and follow.
Patterns of behaviour become almost too predictable.
But in the moment!
In the place called the classroom, where teacher and student meet, transact, share time, space and joy...
This is a magic place.
A place where the lesson exists of itself.
It is its own reality, owing nothing to outside forces.
A place where fun can happen, according to the unseen, undiscussed laws of contract between teacher and students, conductor and orchestra.
CT scan possibly on Friday 10.30 at Ascot Hospital.
It's good fun.
Over the years, the rules become easier to see and follow.
Patterns of behaviour become almost too predictable.
But in the moment!
In the place called the classroom, where teacher and student meet, transact, share time, space and joy...
This is a magic place.
A place where the lesson exists of itself.
It is its own reality, owing nothing to outside forces.
A place where fun can happen, according to the unseen, undiscussed laws of contract between teacher and students, conductor and orchestra.
CT scan possibly on Friday 10.30 at Ascot Hospital.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
"Armed Forces" (CD review)
...by Elvis Costello and The Attractions.
1979.
We'd had the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Talking Heads...
Combining punk energy with new wave intellect and darned good tunes in the tradition of ABBA, Elvis II (the original passed away at this time) burst on to the scene.
My Aim is True (without The Attractions), This Year's Model and now, in 1979, Armed Forces.
Accidents Will Happen and Oliver's Army were the huge hits that took Elvis and co into the global arena, but all the other tunes contain the cocktail of wit, melodic lyricism and energy that characterised at least the first 4 albums (Get Happy's "gimmick" was that it held no less than 20 riff-rich songs - a veritable musical feast in terms of both quantity and quality).
The late 70s were pretty much about Elvis doing Anger, and doing it well.
There is much invective on Armed Forces, most lines containing enough barbs to furnish the Maginot Line...
Each angry outburst is forcefully and wondrously underscored by the Attractions - Bruce Smith on bass, Pete Smith (no relation) on drums and Steve Nieve on keyboards.
I love the basslines - every bit as inventive as Aston Barrett in the Wailers - I was deeply saddened when Bruce announced his departure from Elvis's entourage, but very pleased that Steve and Pete have continued as The Imposters with Elvis.
I prefer the surrounding albums - This Year's Model with it's caustic, catchy and sophisticated I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea and Get Happy with its myriad of understated, terrific tunes.
Armed Forces is perhaps just a little too musically cute and quirky - Steve's keyboards maybe a touch too OTT - though it remains a pivotal moment in Elvis's development.
And the basslines take you into an exciting world of possibilities.
7/10.
1979.
We'd had the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Talking Heads...
Combining punk energy with new wave intellect and darned good tunes in the tradition of ABBA, Elvis II (the original passed away at this time) burst on to the scene.
My Aim is True (without The Attractions), This Year's Model and now, in 1979, Armed Forces.
Accidents Will Happen and Oliver's Army were the huge hits that took Elvis and co into the global arena, but all the other tunes contain the cocktail of wit, melodic lyricism and energy that characterised at least the first 4 albums (Get Happy's "gimmick" was that it held no less than 20 riff-rich songs - a veritable musical feast in terms of both quantity and quality).
The late 70s were pretty much about Elvis doing Anger, and doing it well.
There is much invective on Armed Forces, most lines containing enough barbs to furnish the Maginot Line...
Each angry outburst is forcefully and wondrously underscored by the Attractions - Bruce Smith on bass, Pete Smith (no relation) on drums and Steve Nieve on keyboards.
I love the basslines - every bit as inventive as Aston Barrett in the Wailers - I was deeply saddened when Bruce announced his departure from Elvis's entourage, but very pleased that Steve and Pete have continued as The Imposters with Elvis.
I prefer the surrounding albums - This Year's Model with it's caustic, catchy and sophisticated I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea and Get Happy with its myriad of understated, terrific tunes.
Armed Forces is perhaps just a little too musically cute and quirky - Steve's keyboards maybe a touch too OTT - though it remains a pivotal moment in Elvis's development.
And the basslines take you into an exciting world of possibilities.
7/10.
What's Going On - Part 2 (warning - contains genuine attempts at stripped-down truthfulness!)
I feel fine!
Physically, emotionally, spiritually.
This day of rest has indeed been restful.
My right shoulder gets sore if I do anything other than sitting up very straight or standing - could be due to the cancer in the liver which apparently can effect pain on the right side of the body, or the portacath and hook-up into my main artery.
It becomes achey and uncomfortable, especially in the evenings when I would rather be reclining slouchily).
I am very concerned for Lois's pain, which is I think even worse and more "unsolvable" than mine (prolapsed disc, ongoing pain from earlier fractures, muscular strain), albeit less terminal.
Wondering what do do about chemo if and when the option arises.
At this stage, if a prolonged AND relatively comfortable life is more on the cards, I'll give it a go.
The more time I have on this planet to be a positive influence on my nearest and dearest, the more reason I have to hold on.
I'm not sure how this comes across - I am not giving up, yet on the other hand am preparing for the journey onwards.
I read a quote in a book about Alzheimer's - "I must reconcile courage with surrender in equal measure" (Charlton Heston, via Wong Chai Kee, more of which later).
This seems to sum up my present state of mind.
Lois and I have decided to forego the Parisian trip this year in favour of a family trip somewhere closer, cheaper, more relaxed, etc.
Of course, if I should ever recover, Paris may still be there!
Today's gift of memories - the sunshine, pool, cicadas, Alexander learning to drive, Sophie working on a special party costume, Lois promising a party tonight, a large spider crawling across the living room (to where?), and some new songs...
G.
Physically, emotionally, spiritually.
This day of rest has indeed been restful.
My right shoulder gets sore if I do anything other than sitting up very straight or standing - could be due to the cancer in the liver which apparently can effect pain on the right side of the body, or the portacath and hook-up into my main artery.
It becomes achey and uncomfortable, especially in the evenings when I would rather be reclining slouchily).
I am very concerned for Lois's pain, which is I think even worse and more "unsolvable" than mine (prolapsed disc, ongoing pain from earlier fractures, muscular strain), albeit less terminal.
Wondering what do do about chemo if and when the option arises.
At this stage, if a prolonged AND relatively comfortable life is more on the cards, I'll give it a go.
The more time I have on this planet to be a positive influence on my nearest and dearest, the more reason I have to hold on.
I'm not sure how this comes across - I am not giving up, yet on the other hand am preparing for the journey onwards.
I read a quote in a book about Alzheimer's - "I must reconcile courage with surrender in equal measure" (Charlton Heston, via Wong Chai Kee, more of which later).
This seems to sum up my present state of mind.
Lois and I have decided to forego the Parisian trip this year in favour of a family trip somewhere closer, cheaper, more relaxed, etc.
Of course, if I should ever recover, Paris may still be there!
Today's gift of memories - the sunshine, pool, cicadas, Alexander learning to drive, Sophie working on a special party costume, Lois promising a party tonight, a large spider crawling across the living room (to where?), and some new songs...
G.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Happy Birthday, Bob!
If Bob Marley was still with us physically, he would be 65 today!
Easy to remember, due to Waitangi Day.
He lived to the age of 36 - same age as Mozart.
He made a huge contribution to pop music, and via this medium to political understanding or "reasoning" as he and his Rastafarian bredren would call it.
His music remains a testimony to the power of music to inspire, uplift, bring encouragement and give warning...
Marley's musical development is parallel with the development of the Reggae genre from its manic spiced-up ska roots, through its slowed-down romantic rock-steady to the swinging, spacey, warm notes of reggae and even into dub.
Yes, he had many people helping him along the way - Bunny, Peter, Rita, the Barrett bros., The Wailers (reconstituted as Bob's band), Chris Blackwell, Lee Scratch Perry, and many, many more.
He appears to have been someone who galvanised others into action - not nicknamed The Tuff Gong for nothing.
And while his culture, lifestyle and even religious articles are often at odds with or alien to mine, his music speaks volumes, and reaches the parts that no words can.
I give thanks for Bob's existence, contribution and example, and look forward to seeing his transformed being at the Resurrection!
One good thing about music - when it hits you feel No Pain!
Easy to remember, due to Waitangi Day.
He lived to the age of 36 - same age as Mozart.
He made a huge contribution to pop music, and via this medium to political understanding or "reasoning" as he and his Rastafarian bredren would call it.
His music remains a testimony to the power of music to inspire, uplift, bring encouragement and give warning...
Marley's musical development is parallel with the development of the Reggae genre from its manic spiced-up ska roots, through its slowed-down romantic rock-steady to the swinging, spacey, warm notes of reggae and even into dub.
Yes, he had many people helping him along the way - Bunny, Peter, Rita, the Barrett bros., The Wailers (reconstituted as Bob's band), Chris Blackwell, Lee Scratch Perry, and many, many more.
He appears to have been someone who galvanised others into action - not nicknamed The Tuff Gong for nothing.
And while his culture, lifestyle and even religious articles are often at odds with or alien to mine, his music speaks volumes, and reaches the parts that no words can.
I give thanks for Bob's existence, contribution and example, and look forward to seeing his transformed being at the Resurrection!
One good thing about music - when it hits you feel No Pain!
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Chalk Face
Of course, we don't use chalk or "blackboards" any more.
We use whiteboards, marker pens, laptops, smartphones...
Google!
Do all these things help us to teach "better"?
No!
When all is said and done, the key to teaching success is connecting with the students, sparking their curiosity, and helping them to develop learning skills (tests and exams and certificates are markers of learning success, although limited and blunt instruments, and therefore not necessarily accurate holistic measurement tools, all right, Mrs Tolley?).
One of the things that created a buzz for me today was creating a democratic republic of 10T.
10T are my tutor group, and I had half or slightly more of them in my tutor group last year.
They are an accelerate class, and I wanted to take them this year to continue to build relationship with and between them (unfortunately half of them got shifted over to 10M, the other accelerate class).
Today we got 4 nominations for class chairperson, and on Monday these 4 lucky candidates will treat us to their election speeches (2 girls, 2 boys, 2 from 9T, 2 from 9M - just the way it went).
I am hoping that this process will generate some stimulating discussion, and shake the kids out of being passive/complacent occupants of my classroom (or it'll be sustained silent reading for them!!).
We use whiteboards, marker pens, laptops, smartphones...
Google!
Do all these things help us to teach "better"?
No!
When all is said and done, the key to teaching success is connecting with the students, sparking their curiosity, and helping them to develop learning skills (tests and exams and certificates are markers of learning success, although limited and blunt instruments, and therefore not necessarily accurate holistic measurement tools, all right, Mrs Tolley?).
One of the things that created a buzz for me today was creating a democratic republic of 10T.
10T are my tutor group, and I had half or slightly more of them in my tutor group last year.
They are an accelerate class, and I wanted to take them this year to continue to build relationship with and between them (unfortunately half of them got shifted over to 10M, the other accelerate class).
Today we got 4 nominations for class chairperson, and on Monday these 4 lucky candidates will treat us to their election speeches (2 girls, 2 boys, 2 from 9T, 2 from 9M - just the way it went).
I am hoping that this process will generate some stimulating discussion, and shake the kids out of being passive/complacent occupants of my classroom (or it'll be sustained silent reading for them!!).
"Bodily Harm" (book review)
...by Margaret Atwood, pub. 1981.
In this book we are introduced to the central character of Rennie, a Canadian (of course!) who has recently had a breast removed to prevent the spread of breast cancer.
In order to recover from the traumas of surgery and losing her lover subsequently, she decides to take a working holiday in the (fictional?) Caribbean islands of St Antoine and St Agathe.
What begins as a holiday begins to spiral however into a nightmare scenario of treachery, torture and murder...
I have yet to read a disappointing Atwood novel - maybe there's one out there, but I am beginning to doubt it.
Committing yourself to reading a MA novel is like committing yourself to a full body massage or a spa - guaranteed pleasure, inspiration and transformation for the reader.
Deliciously readable, albeit disturbing.
Each character is clearly sketched/defined and free from cliche, both in terms of description and expression.
The scenario of the rather neglected wannabe tourist attraction islands rings all too true.
And the plot is a series of surprising twists and turns, told with the usual assured and innovative techniques we have come to expect.
Of course, there is no Hollywood feel-good ending...
10/10.
In this book we are introduced to the central character of Rennie, a Canadian (of course!) who has recently had a breast removed to prevent the spread of breast cancer.
In order to recover from the traumas of surgery and losing her lover subsequently, she decides to take a working holiday in the (fictional?) Caribbean islands of St Antoine and St Agathe.
What begins as a holiday begins to spiral however into a nightmare scenario of treachery, torture and murder...
I have yet to read a disappointing Atwood novel - maybe there's one out there, but I am beginning to doubt it.
Committing yourself to reading a MA novel is like committing yourself to a full body massage or a spa - guaranteed pleasure, inspiration and transformation for the reader.
Deliciously readable, albeit disturbing.
Each character is clearly sketched/defined and free from cliche, both in terms of description and expression.
The scenario of the rather neglected wannabe tourist attraction islands rings all too true.
And the plot is a series of surprising twists and turns, told with the usual assured and innovative techniques we have come to expect.
Of course, there is no Hollywood feel-good ending...
10/10.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Not Nazi Germany...
First scheduled day today.
After a porta-cath flush at Ak hospital, I zoom down SH1 to O.C.
I arrive in good time, and join everyone in the staff room.
There are a number of new staff, some of whom I get to meet thru the team-building exercise.
One of these exercises involves getting into groups according to Zodiacal signs.
As we are chatting about when our birthdays are, it transpires that one of our colleagues is wondering what Pisces is, what the Zodiac/horoscope is, and, being born on 23rd May, should be with the Taurans!
An example of why we needn't assume anything!
After school (when did school actually happen?) we are treated to drinks and nibbles in the staff room, during which we (the group I find myself in) have an animated discussion about the merits of having a Military Academy on our school grounds.
I am morally opposed to anything which affirms/accepts/condones a.) killing, b.) a situation in which questions are NOT to be asked and choices become limited by external forces, and c.) institutions which reinforce negative gender stereotyping (this includes rugby, I have to say!).
BUT, when I heard the name of a boy who wants to go into the Academy, I thought "what an excellent career move - it'll make a man of him!"
And I bet all those brownshirts and Hitlerjugend were also struck by the excellent career opportunities that Hitler opened up to them in the 30s...
After a porta-cath flush at Ak hospital, I zoom down SH1 to O.C.
I arrive in good time, and join everyone in the staff room.
There are a number of new staff, some of whom I get to meet thru the team-building exercise.
One of these exercises involves getting into groups according to Zodiacal signs.
As we are chatting about when our birthdays are, it transpires that one of our colleagues is wondering what Pisces is, what the Zodiac/horoscope is, and, being born on 23rd May, should be with the Taurans!
An example of why we needn't assume anything!
After school (when did school actually happen?) we are treated to drinks and nibbles in the staff room, during which we (the group I find myself in) have an animated discussion about the merits of having a Military Academy on our school grounds.
I am morally opposed to anything which affirms/accepts/condones a.) killing, b.) a situation in which questions are NOT to be asked and choices become limited by external forces, and c.) institutions which reinforce negative gender stereotyping (this includes rugby, I have to say!).
BUT, when I heard the name of a boy who wants to go into the Academy, I thought "what an excellent career move - it'll make a man of him!"
And I bet all those brownshirts and Hitlerjugend were also struck by the excellent career opportunities that Hitler opened up to them in the 30s...
Monday, February 1, 2010
The end of the Golden Weather...
My son wins a prize for being the most drenched person at a Parachute seminar.
Returns with a bunch of new music and reports of fine performances and flooding.
I wonder why I didn't go?!
Wife and daughter head out to buy those essential items known as trainers...
Cat moans about...something!
YT reads Atwood voraciously (the trouble is, you end up going "just one more page", and before you know it, the polar caps have melted and the children have grown up and moved away).
L and G sit down to watch Catch 22 on laptop...weird but darkly funny (too much for the better half).
Later Kerry rings to say the principal appeared on TV talking about a military academy that appears to have sprung up at Otahuhu College over the holidays (possibly guaranteeing a quiet industrial site climate at the start of the year - and here I was, planning not to "get caught up" in stuff...hmm...) - last year a policeman, this year the army - I will let you know when the Beehive appears on the front lawn, or Middlemore Hospital decides to expand its carpark.
The wind moans and howls - too windy to leave doors open, too warm to shut them!
And maybe the answer is out there somewhere, blowing in the wind...
Returns with a bunch of new music and reports of fine performances and flooding.
I wonder why I didn't go?!
Wife and daughter head out to buy those essential items known as trainers...
Cat moans about...something!
YT reads Atwood voraciously (the trouble is, you end up going "just one more page", and before you know it, the polar caps have melted and the children have grown up and moved away).
L and G sit down to watch Catch 22 on laptop...weird but darkly funny (too much for the better half).
Later Kerry rings to say the principal appeared on TV talking about a military academy that appears to have sprung up at Otahuhu College over the holidays (possibly guaranteeing a quiet industrial site climate at the start of the year - and here I was, planning not to "get caught up" in stuff...hmm...) - last year a policeman, this year the army - I will let you know when the Beehive appears on the front lawn, or Middlemore Hospital decides to expand its carpark.
The wind moans and howls - too windy to leave doors open, too warm to shut them!
And maybe the answer is out there somewhere, blowing in the wind...
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