tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2009-11-10:/Melinda's (further) adventures in Surreality Melinda shares a body with Belinda, a sensible, 50-something, middle class housewife and mother of two, but her soul is uniquely and eternally her own. Her role models are Lady Hester Stanhope and Ruby Tuesday. She loves cats, Jim Morrison, red wine and good cheese. She has never found a man to match her, and maybe he doesn't exist, but she indulges in romantic fantasies from time to time. In another reality she is Cassandra, but she knows she can't save humanity from itself, so as it ignores her warnings and hurtles headlong towards its doom, all she can do is watch more in sorrow than anger, and wish she'd shagged Apollo when she had the chance.MokoFeed2009-11-10T09:41:38+01:00tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-12-30:/2008/12/30/rumi-5297351/Melinda_blog2008-12-30T11:45:03+01:002008-12-30T19:30:29+01:00 <p>Tidying the house this morning, in preparation for my visitors, I moved my meditation mat and blocks and found a scrap of paper on the floor - something that someone must have passed to me at the group one week.<br> It's a poem by Rumi, which I want to share with you:</p> <p>'This being human is a guest house.<br> Every morning, a new arrival<br> A joy, a depression, a meanness,<br> Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.<br> Welcome and entertain them all!<br> Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,<br> Who violently sweep your house<br> Empty of its furniture,<br> Still, treat each guest honourably.<br> He may be clearing you out<br> For some new delight.<br> The dark thought, the shame, the malice<br> Meet them at the door laughing,<br> And invite them in.<br> Be grateful for whoever comes,<br> Because each has been sent as a guide from the beyond.</p> <p>The Essential Rumi, 109</p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalal_ad-Din_Muhammad_Rumi">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalal_ad-Din_Muhammad_Rumi</a><br> <a href="http://www.rumi.org.uk/">http://www.rumi.org.uk/</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/12/30/rumi-5297351/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-12-14:/2008/12/14/i-want-someone-5221601/Melinda_blog2008-12-14T20:58:38+01:002008-12-15T09:04:40+01:00 <p>... to kiss<br> Not Hubby. Even if I could corner him, and force myself on him, I know how it would feel. And it wouldn't be good.<br> Not even necessarily Himself.<br> Just someone sweet and kind, who would hold me and stroke my hair and tell me I'm beautiful, and that everything will be all right, and share his soft, warm, lonely lips with mine.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/12/14/i-want-someone-5221601/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-12-13:/2008/12/13/she-s-at-it-again-5215610/Melinda_blog2008-12-13T18:10:18+01:002008-12-13T18:10:18+01:00 <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/12/13/she-s-at-it-again-5215610/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-12-12:/2008/12/12/or-would-you-prefer-5208352/Melinda_blog2008-12-12T08:31:13+01:002008-12-12T08:31:13+01:00 <p>The other one???<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc03784/3060964" title="DSC03784"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/964/3060964_a82c01568b_m.jpeg" alt="DSC03784" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/12/12/or-would-you-prefer-5208352/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-12-11:/2008/12/11/wanna-see-a-bit-of-leg-5204355/Melinda_blog2008-12-11T18:27:36+01:002008-12-11T18:27:36+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc03874/3059576" title="DSC03874"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/576/3059576_08f4035b87_m.jpeg" alt="DSC03874" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> My new toe socks have arrived!!!! <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"><br> Cosy! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/12/11/wanna-see-a-bit-of-leg-5204355/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-12-06:/2008/12/06/stolen-from-naomi-5171643/Melinda_blog2008-12-06T13:16:25+01:002008-12-06T13:16:25+01:00 <p>... Thought I'd post it here too.<br> In case I think of any more answers.<br> I'd like to hear your answers too, if you have a couple of hours to spare! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"><br> 1.) Q. Can you cook?<br> A. 

Yes - and I love it <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>2.) Q. What was your dream growing up? 

<br> A. To be a writer</p> <p>3.) Q. What talent do you wish you had?<br> A. To write. Or play a musical instrument. Or paint.</p> <p>4.) Q. If I bought you a drink what would it be? 

<br> A. Glass of red wine would go down nicely, thanks <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> Or a chai steamer</p> <p>5.) Q. Favorite vegetable?<br> A. 

Tricky one, can I think about it?</p> <p>6.) Q. What was the last book you read?<br> A. 

Robertson Davies, 'What's Bred in the Bone'</p> <p>7.) Q. What zodiac sign are you ?<br> A. 

Aries</p> <p>8.) Q. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?<br> A. 

No</p> <p>9.) Q. Worst Habit? 

<br> A. 

Beating myself up. Or picking my nose <img src="/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>10.) Q. If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride? 

<br> A. 

Yes, if I knew it was you</p> <p>11.) Q. What is your favorite sport? 

<br> A. 

Loathe all spectator sports, I can't see the point of them. And I don't really like taking part in competitive sports because I don't like to lose. But I enjoy doing yoga and pilates.</p> <p>12.) Q. Negative or Optimistic attitude?<br> A. Hmmm, mostly negative I guess, but I cna bounce from one to the other quite happily</p> <p>13.) Q. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?<br> A. 

Press the alarm button, and have a chat till we got rescued.</p> <p>14.) Q. Worst thing to ever happen to you? 

<br> A. 

I honestly can't think of anything really awful. Must have blotted out all the awfulness. Well, possibly being turned down/let down by a bloke, but that's happened so many times I couldn't pick out a specific instance <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"><br> Oh, I suppose having a miscarriage. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> But I got over that and had two lovely children. And the oldest wouldn't have been here if the first pregnancy had worked out, and whoever that child would have been it wouldn't have been him. If you see what I mean. So it didn't ruin my life.</p> <p>15.) Q. Tell me one weird fact about you. 

<br> A. 

I wear toe socks! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>16.) Q. Do you have any pets?<br> A. 2 cats, Ninja and Miko</p> <p>17.) Q. What if i showed up at your house unexpectedly? 

<br> A. 

I'd put the kettle on <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>18.) Q. What was your first impression of me? 

<br> A. 

You're very New Age!!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>19.) Q. Do you think clowns are cute or scary? 

<br> A. 

Scary</p> <p>20.) Q. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? 

<br> A. 

Whiter teeth</p> <p>21.) Q. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? 

<br> A. 

Would depend on the crime!</p> <p>22.) Q. What color eyes do you have? 

<br> A. 

Brown</p> <p>23.) Q. Ever been arrested? 

<br> A. 

No</p> <p>24.) Q. Bottle or can soda pop?<br> A. I don't like fizzy drkins, but I'd rather drking from a bottle, cans taste nasty and metallic</p> <p>25.) Q. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it? 

<br> A. 

Buy a laptop and a Eurostar ticket and set off on my travels</p> <p>26.) Q. If you could, would you date me?<br> A. 

Sorry love, wrong sex! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>27) Q. Where 's your favorite place to hang at?<br> A. Haven't got one</p> <p>28.) Q. Do you believe in ghosts? 

<br> A. No</p> <p>29.) Q. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? 

<br> A. Reading</p> <p>30.) Q. Do you swear a lot? 
<br> A. 

A bit</p> <p>31.) Q. Biggest pet peeve?<br> A. 

Don't know</p> <p>32.) Q. In ONE word, how would you describe yourself?<br> A. Self-effacing</p> <p>33.) Q. Do you believe/appreciate romance?<br> A. 

Yes</p> <p>34.) Q. If you could spend 12 hours with me and ask/do anything you like, what would it be?<br> A. 

Ask you to read my tarot</p> <p>35) Q. Do you believe in God? 

<br> A. 

No </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/12/06/stolen-from-naomi-5171643/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-12-06:/2008/12/06/half-a-poem-5171473/Melinda_blog2008-12-06T12:36:07+01:002008-12-06T12:36:07+01:00 <p>Welll....<br> too long for a haiku, not long enough for anything else <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"><br> Kind of a work in progress, I guess <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"><br> Or it would be, if the progress hadn't stalled <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Half a moon<br> Is better than<br> No satellite. Rising<br> From the line of the<br> Horizon.<br> Glowing<br> In the [drowsiness ?] of evening.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/12/06/half-a-poem-5171473/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-12-05:/2008/12/05/no-one-looks-quite-so-cute-in-a-cowboy-hat-5169849/Melinda_blog2008-12-05T23:20:43+01:002008-12-05T23:20:43+01:00 <p>... as our Tommy <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Well some say life will beat you down<br> Break your heart, steal your crown<br> So I started out for God knows where<br> But I guess I'll know when I get there...</p> <p><a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4mX9-2xuyP8">http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4mX9-2xuyP8</a></p> <p>sorry, can't embed it <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/12/05/no-one-looks-quite-so-cute-in-a-cowboy-hat-5169849/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-12-02:/2008/12/02/love-song-for-laura-5151057/Melinda_blog2008-12-02T14:42:55+01:002008-12-02T14:42:55+01:00 <p>I wrote this poem 19 years ago, but have never shown it to the person it was written for.<br> Perhaps now is the right time.</p> <p><strong>Love song for Laura</strong></p> <p>At dead of night I hear your cry,<br> Plaintive, insistent, cutting through dreams.<br> I stumble from sleep, half cursing, half groaning,<br> To comfort your pain and answer your need.</p> <p>Nestling beside me, you take the nipple,<br> Greedily sucking, hungry for love,<br> I gaze at your body, your tiny perfection,<br> Your hands grasping tightly, my hands holding safe.</p> <p>Sated at last, you pull away,<br> Eyes meet eyes in the purest love,<br> Your smile shows the cause of your pain and frustration,<br> A sliver of white in a swollen gum.</p> <p>In that smile is my own love’s reflection,<br> It leads me on down the years to be,<br> Through days of fairies and hidden silver,<br> To nights when you’ll lie with a child of your own. </p> <p>The chain stretches on through generations,<br> Spun from gossamer, kisses and smiles,<br> Forged like titanium by our labours,<br> Binding us always in pain and love.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/12/02/love-song-for-laura-5151057/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-30:/2008/11/30/two-frogs-5138964/Melinda_blog2008-11-30T18:53:06+01:002008-11-30T18:53:06+01:00 <p>Frogs - and people - can put up with a lot, if it creeps up on them slowly.</p> <p><strong>Two frogs</strong></p> <p>‘Is it just me,<br> Or is it getting<br> Hot in here?’<br> The frog said to himself,<br> Swimming thorough<br> A stream of bubbles.<br> Or maybe not,<br> As far as I’m aware,<br> Frogs are not given much<br> To abstract thought.</p> <p>Suspending disbelief:<br> ‘Yes, really, it’s<br> Quite balmy,<br> I must say.<br> In fact,<br> A bit too warm,<br> For my taste,<br> But mustn’t grumble,<br> I suppose.<br> Though, really<br> It is getting<br> Rather hot.’<br> And on he swam.<br> Round and round.</p> <p>Until the moment<br> Someone threw<br> Another frog<br> Into the pot.<br> ‘It’s boiling!’ screamed<br> The second frog<br> Before he croaked.</p> <p>‘Well, some frogs!’<br> Said the first one,<br> ‘Can’t even stand<br> A bit of heat,<br> Though I must say,<br> I thought that it<br> Was getting warm.’<br> And on he swam<br> Round and round.</p> <p>© Melinda Belynda, 30 November 2008</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/30/two-frogs-5138964/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-29:/2008/11/29/next-track-5131660/Melinda_blog2008-11-29T12:56:21+01:002008-11-29T13:13:07+01:00 <p>Playing the Tom Petty album 'Wild flowers' (actually I'm copying it onto the computer because it's Hubby's CD and I don't want to lose it), and I'd forgotten that the third track,<br> after 'Wild flowers'<br> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/10/26/wild-flowers-4935522">http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/10/26/wild-flowers-4935522</a><br> and 'You don't know...'<br> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/10/26/you-don-t-know-how-it-feels-4936060">http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/10/26/you-don-t-know-how-it-feels-4936060</a></p> <p>... is this one:</p> <p>'..like a deer in the headlights,<br> Frozen in real time,<br> I'm losing my mind...' </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/29/next-track-5131660/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-23:/2008/11/23/the-macarena-for-usky-5092018/Melinda_blog2008-11-23T17:38:58+01:002008-11-23T17:38:58+01:00 <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"><br> Please don' feel obliged to watch it all the way through. <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/23/the-macarena-for-usky-5092018/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-22:/2008/11/22/the-final-challenge-5088869/Melinda_blog2008-11-22T23:39:33+01:002008-11-22T23:39:33+01:00 <p>I had given up on here and gone to sit downstairs on the sofa when I remembered that I hadn't posted anything today that makes me happy. It's the last day, and I'll admit that my record so far has been woefully inadequate, but then, it hasn't been my best of weeks <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"><br> I was thinking about loneliness and having to face up to a life of being on my own, though, really, how different is that from the way I feel now? And I thought, because I don't expect ever again to have a 'significant other' in my life, never again to be part of a couple or have someone to rely on, well it's easy to start feeling sorry for yourself.<br> And I thought how lucky I am to have such good frineds - ordinary, everyday frineds who will pitch in with practical advice and help and share a joke or a hug, friends across the world who I know would be glad to see me if we could meet. And online friends, that strange and random group of people who have found themselves washed up here, and who pop up from nowhere, offering kindness and sharing and laughter and chat and one in particular who has been there for me today who I hope i haven't upset.<br> so that's the one thing I offer today as a source of happiness, to help keep me going through difficult times. If you have friends, remember how lucky you are, and never take them for granted.<br> Good night, my friends.<br> xxx </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/22/the-final-challenge-5088869/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-21:/2008/11/21/happy-5077198/Melinda_blog2008-11-21T22:17:18+01:002008-11-21T22:17:18+01:00 <p>OK, I ate some of the chocolate I bought at Berlin airport - the macadamia nut one, and the 99% cocoa one.<br> Can I count that??? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/21/happy-5077198/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-21:/2008/11/21/most-recent-photo-i-have-5077076/Melinda_blog2008-11-21T21:40:51+01:002008-11-21T21:40:51+01:00 <p>... and very 'Melinda'<br> I may keep this as my profile <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/21/most-recent-photo-i-have-5077076/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-21:/2008/11/21/a-terribly-surreal-list-of-ads-by-google-5076876/Melinda_blog2008-11-21T20:48:39+01:002008-11-21T20:48:39+01:00 <p>Learn Italian Words</p> <p>Learn German Audio</p> <p>Speak English</p> <p>Learn Plumbing</p> <p>Gay Blog</p> <p>... What did I do/say to deserve those??? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/21/a-terribly-surreal-list-of-ads-by-google-5076876/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-21:/2008/11/21/happy-thoughts-5076852/Melinda_blog2008-11-21T20:42:02+01:002008-11-21T20:42:02+01:00 <p>I can't remember how many days behind I am by now <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"><br> Well, my daughter came to see me yesterday, so that was good <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"><br> And I went to meditation group.<br> So, that's two.<br> Anything good for Wednesday? Can't remember, so can I use one from the two yesterday?<br> And what about today???<br> Hmmmm... that's a challenge <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/21/happy-thoughts-5076852/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-21:/2008/11/21/does-anybody-know-5076835/Melinda_blog2008-11-21T20:38:22+01:002008-11-21T20:38:22+01:00 <p>Why so many people have changed their profile photos today???<br> Is something going on that I don't know about?<br> Am I just being naive? (Wouldn't be the first time <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0">...)<br> Or being excluded from something that everybody else knows about <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> (That wouldn't be the first time either <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"> )<br> Weird... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/21/does-anybody-know-5076835/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-20:/2008/11/20/tea-bags-5067296/Melinda_blog2008-11-20T09:56:20+01:002008-11-20T09:56:20+01:00 <p>Today it says:<br> 'Live for each other'.<br> I've spent my whole life trying to live for other people, thinking that would bring me happiness.<br> It didn't. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/20/tea-bags-5067296/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-20:/2008/11/20/reasons-to-be-5066747/Melinda_blog2008-11-20T08:05:52+01:002008-11-20T08:05:52+01:00 <p>I forget this again, didn't I?<br> Damn<br> There's got to be something I suppose, but right now I can't think of anything worth mentioning. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/20/reasons-to-be-5066747/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-18:/2008/11/18/purple-day-5060440/Melinda_blog2008-11-18T23:31:10+01:002008-11-18T23:31:10+01:00 <p>Well, I'm conscious that 'yesterday's' effort was both late and rather perfunctory - excuse being lack of time because of the disturbing work load.<br> And having been awake 19 hours, I don't feel like staying too long now either.<br> But I have been feeling quite upbeat this evening - because I'm conscious of having made a good decision <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"><br> By not going to London today, I was able to make significant progress on my little bit of consultancy.<br> A job well done.<br> <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/18/purple-day-5060440/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-18:/2008/11/18/purple-day-5055979/Melinda_blog2008-11-18T08:19:37+01:002008-11-18T08:19:37+01:00 <p>Well, it's still Monday in California <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"><br> This is the one (two) I didn't mention on Sunday - a bit obvious really: my children. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/18/purple-day-5055979/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-16:/2008/11/16/purple-day-5045374/Melinda_blog2008-11-16T13:06:38+01:002008-11-16T13:06:38+01:00 <p>I have thought of two things today that make me happy - one I prepared earlier, and maybe I will hold that one in reserve, but another one struck me, and that is poetry - when it comes upon you in a rush and you know you have to write it down.<br> so, that is my reason to be cheerful for today! <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/16/purple-day-5045374/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-16:/2008/11/16/paradoxical-haiku-5044299/Melinda_blog2008-11-16T12:10:19+01:002008-11-16T12:10:19+01:00 <p>I thought that this might<br> turn out to be a haiku.<br> Perhaps it will (not). </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/16/paradoxical-haiku-5044299/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-15:/2008/11/15/purple-challenge-5039957/Melinda_blog2008-11-15T16:14:07+01:002008-11-15T16:14:07+01:00 <p>I just read Marian's comment about the challenge thrown down by Purple Dragon, to blog every day about something that makes you feel happy.<br> This is a big, big challenge for me at the moment, as some of you know. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"><br> But here is one to start with - and quite a deep one, actually.<br> Many years ago, my driving instructor said to me:<br> 'There is no more satisfying feeling than to do something you really don't want to do, and then afterwards, to know that you've done it'.<br> If you see what I mean.<br> And I've finished my writing assignment <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"><br> YEAAAAAYYYYY!!!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/15/purple-challenge-5039957/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-15:/2008/11/15/writing-assignment-5039865/Melinda_blog2008-11-15T15:53:22+01:002008-11-15T15:53:22+01:00 <p>Done at last!<br> The brief was: 'A short story of 1500 words based on one of the exercises we did during the course'.<br> You can find it here:<br> <a href="http://www.authspot.com/Short-Stories/Everybodys-Friend.345269">http://www.authspot.com/Short-Stories/Everybodys-Friend.345269</a><br> I'd appreciate any comments!<br> <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/15/writing-assignment-5039865/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-07:/2008/11/07/goodbye-to-berlin-5001375/Melinda_blog2008-11-07T23:15:14+01:002008-11-09T17:59:53+01:00 <p>Over dinner, I asked Anya what she would recommend me to do with my last few hours in the city. I’d planned on arriving midday on Wednesday and spending the afternoon sightseeing, but the 9:30 plane was cancelled and I didn’t get in till 5.<br> Anya suggested that I take the metro to the Haupt Bahnhof, leave my suitcase in a locker, walk to the Brandenburger Tor and Unter den Linden, see as much as I can, then back to collect my case and take the airport bus from the Bahnhof.<br> I’m in breakfast by 6:45, check out about 8:15. I know I have to change metro at Westkreuz, but when I get there there are too many platforms and I can’t find out which one I want. In the end I ask the lady selling doughnuts. When I get to the Haupt Bahnhof, first I can’t find the lockers, then I can’t see from the map which side I am and which way I need to go, though I find the stop for the airport bus OK.<br> I’m conscious of time ticking. I want to do at least some sight seeing, Wednesday was a washout because of the flight being cancelled, a judgement on me perhaps for spending Tuesday night with Himself.</p> <p>It was worth it, though.</p> <p>I pass the Reichstag. The inscription reads:<br> ‘Der Deutscher Volk’. The German People.<br> People are people. Some you struggle with, some you can fall in love with. Very, very easily. If you’re not careful.<br> The German people. I think about Alex and Anya. I asked Anya: ‘Are you from Berlin originally?’<br> ‘No, from Dresden’ she says, casually, as if there is no historical significance to that name.<br> I think about Austro-Greek American (‘I’ve been a political refugee for the last eight years) Niki, flying home to Vienna and her Austrian babies.<br> ‘Austrians hate me when they meet me. They hear my accent, and they know I’m not Austrian, so they assume I’m German. Till they get to know me’.</p> <p>I pass the Brandenburger Tor and enter Unter Den Linden. Unter den Linden sind vielen Blätter. The lime trees stand denuded as I walk on a carpet of decaying leaves.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc03812/2973044" title="DSC03812"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/044/2973044_03c57fae5a_m.jpeg" alt="DSC03812" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>I think about history.<br> The city stands shrouded in gloom, even here in its most beautiful street, nineteen years after its moment of glory.<br> I think about Ian McEwan’s ‘Black dogs’, the moment the wall came down, the menace underneath the rejoicing.<br> ‘Look out for the Russian embassy’ Anya said. And there it is.<br> I told Himself about ‘Black Dogs’ in the restaurant on Tuesday. He knew all about Book Crossing.<br> ‘It’s a great idea. I’ve done it with some of my books. You should try it.’<br> I can’t bear to part with my books though.<br> ‘Can I have it?’ he asks.<br> ‘I was going to leave it at the airport’.<br> ‘You can leave it anywhere, that’s the idea.’<br> ‘But what should I say on the website?’<br> ‘Say you gave it to your lover’.<br> I felt suddenly embarrassed. It was the first time any derivative of the ‘L’ word had passed between us, and it lay awkwardly, between the wine bottle and the spaghetti carbonara.<br> Is that what he is? I wondered.</p> <p>Back in Unter den Linden, I am still thinking about history.<br> I remember Alex’s story about youths shouting ‘Heil Hitler!’ in the Metro station, while policemen stood by and ignored them.<br> ‘They shouldn’t be allowed to do that’ said Niki.<br> ‘They’re not’.</p> <p>I think of Carlo in Brussels in June, reading in Corriere della Serra, that Berlusconi had made himself immune from prosecution for corruption.<br> ‘This is how Fascism begins’ he said.</p> <p>Of Alex’s hilarious account over dinner last night,of how he and Anya witnessed a riot in Tbilisi.</p> <p>Outside the ‘Alles uber Berlin’ exhibition is a sad looking bear, inscribed with a quote from Einstein:<br> ‘Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding’.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc03811/2973021" title="DSC03811"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/021/2973021_9e94598eee_m.jpeg" alt="DSC03811" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Outside the Humboldt University, second hand book stalls remind me of the Left Bank. ‘Jede Buch, 2.00 E’.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc03818/2973023" title="DSC03818"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/023/2973023_5a700653bd_m.jpeg" alt="DSC03818" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>I think of Ilze, Gabriella and Petra, Marika, Cezary, Adem and Eva. Eduardo, Daniel, Afroditi, Hanne, Nuno, Desmond, Artwell, Irina, Carlo and Yves, my extended family. Of crazy evenings in Delirium, picnics on the Pont des Arts, the Coliseum at midnight. The simple, irresistible force of friendship, one on one, person to person.<br> On Unter den Linden, the sun shines, and history melts into the air.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc03822/2973047" title="DSC03822"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/047/2973047_11849fdeda_m.jpeg" alt="DSC03822" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/goodbye-to-berlin-5001375/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-02:/2008/11/02/goodbye-to-berlin-4972056/Melinda_blog2008-11-02T20:53:10+01:002008-11-02T20:53:10+01:00 <p>Outside the restaurant on Thursday night, Niki hugged me extravagantly.<br> 'You're coming to the meeting in January, aren't you?'<br> 'I don't know. Don't think so'.<br> 'Why not?'<br> 'I haven't been invited'. I'm conscious of Carlo's eyes on us.<br> 'C'mon, you have to come back to Berlin!'<br> 'Berlin! In January? Even colder than now!' says Anya. 'We should go to Rome'.<br> 'Here that, Carlo?' says Niki. 'Next time, Roma!'<br> 'It will be Berlin or Vienna.' Alexander is being practical.<br> 'Vienna! Come ON!!! NO one wants to go to Vienna!'<br> Niki kisses me on the cheek.<br> 'You take care. I'll be back on facebook soon, promise. Let me know what's happening. OK?'<br> I return her kiss.<br> 'You too.'<br> Later, in the Metro on the way back to the hotel, Carlo says:<br> 'When you finish the work for Alexander, send me an invoice, for that and for the work you did for me. We need to finish your involvement with the project by the end of this year'.<br> That's what I thought.<br> It's gone midnight before I get to bed, and I'm awake at 4. I get up and pack, then back to bed, but not to sleep. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/goodbye-to-berlin-4972056/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-02:/2008/11/02/procrastination-4969931/Melinda_blog2008-11-02T13:25:13+01:002008-11-02T13:25:13+01:00 <p>When I got to the bedroom, he was still in bed, flanked by the cats.<br> I got dressed, he got up, spoke to the cats.<br> At breakfast, I came as close as ever I have to telling him how I feel, what's on my mind. But I held off a little longer.<br> I am trying to arrange to meet Himself again in a couple of weeks. I have a plausible excuse to spend the night in London. But I don't want to complicate things just at the moment, I don't want to provoke suspicions and jeopardise our meeting.<br> Maybe I should just say, casually,<br> 'Oh, by the way, I'll be spending the night with my lover.'<br> Lover? Is that we he is?<br> He's a man I've met twice and had sex with.<br> Well, not just sex, actually. conversation, laughter, good company, fun. Teasing, of both varieties, cock and ego.<br> A charming, intelligent, funny, interesting, sexy man, who by some bizarre quirk of fate also finds me charming, intelligent, funny, interesting and sexy. Who'da thought it???<br> But love?????<br> Careful.<br> That way, madness lies. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/procrastination-4969931/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk,2008-11-02:/2008/11/02/sunday-morning-4968914/Melinda_blog2008-11-02T08:55:50+01:002008-11-02T08:55:50+01:00 <p>Sunday morning, almost time for breakfast.<br> I wonder if Hubby is still in bed?<br> I wonder if he is waiting for me to join him?<br> I don't want to.<br> I don't want him.<br> I've made the coffee, it's in the pot, he can help himself.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://melinda-in-surreality.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/sunday-morning-4968914/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>