STOP PRESS – as I was about to publish my latest blog I learned of the passing of David Bowie…and my world stopped for a few minutes. I can’t think of another artist that has been so large and so present my entire life. The Thin White Duke has literally been in-step with me from childhood until now. And it is not just me; Mark literally had tears in his eyes when he heard the news.
So, in a week when I am focussing on people living lives ‘On Purpose’, I had to include this amazing man, hence my re-draft and consequent delay in p0sting.
But before that, here’s a bit about my journey so far to ’50 new experiences’ this year.
This week I worked from my favourite new office, my beach tent! It’s such a perfect way to get out of the house and away from all that stuff that tends to distract us. Best investment ever (thanks to Mark for a well-thought through Xmas present last year – much cheaper than a shack!).
I spent half the day at the beach, out of the wind, protected from the sun and people-watching through my tent ‘doorway’, or, as I have come to think of it, my personal cinema screen!
Every time I escape to the beach I have new experiences. This week I took countless photos, rattled away in my ‘second language’ to the young Spanish couple sunbathing next to me, swam, read 200 pages of a novel, journalled, slept and meditated. All of this brought me so much JOY, little if any cost apart from time!
Out of my comfort zone this week was a swim in the ocean (managed to finish my swimming instruction book finally). I have been terrified of the ocean and boats all of my life (where that fear comes from is another blog coming soon!). The photo below is proof that I did it. My mantra for this year is F… it, just do it! That is our little dog swimming next to me by the way, not a dolphin – I wasn’t that lucky!
How fast our goals can change! The next day I was with some friends further down the coast and they suggested boogie boarding! Proof that I had never done this is not only in the video below but also the fact that I pronounced it ‘boooogie’, as in the dance! Mark hasn’t stopped laughing!
People on Purpose
Has to be David Bowie. We were so lucky to be able to see the retrospective exhibition dedicated to his life’s work in Melbourne last year. It is hard to put into words how overwhelmed we were by the hard evidence of his talent, so I thought I would try stream of conscious and see what comes out. No editing I promise! Here goes: reinvention, exploration, flamboyant, spaceman, my youth, Ziggy, an inspiration to so many, live as if today was your last…..R.I.P.
There will never be another David Bowie. He couldn’t exist now, stepping so easily from one music genre to another, easing himself from one decade to the next with a change of clothes and a fresh perspective. His latest album is dark, somewhat frightening, and absolutely amazing. A testament to his artistry, yes, but also to his courage when faced with the end. No quiet passing this; instead a clanging, raging, magnificent roar of colour and chaos. Well done Mr Bowie.
source: BBC News 11/01/16
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