New Year, same old

I’ve been writing a little more poetry.

Heard this quote: ‘Truth is like poetry. And most people fucking hate poetry’. Overheard in a Washington bar, from the film The Big Shot. Liked the quote, enjoyed the film.

I’ve been listening to Gomez ‘Bring it on’ in the car. Very pleased to find a CD that I like ALL the songs (well, there’s maybe one song that I don’t like too much). Now trying to decide my favourite – think ‘Get miles’ might have the edge, but several great songs.

I am now a cat person. Had a kitten installed in April and have been amused by her antics. The war of the cones involves her bringing in all the cones from the top of the planters on the patio, and me taking them out again. She also steals green beans from the work surface and worries them.

So much for cat independence, she is my shadow, sharing the washing up duties and helping me work from home by trying to duet on the keyboard.

One of the best things I’ve seen recently is a Small Axe (Steve McQueen directs) film about a party. A good 10/15 minutes is spent on watching the partygoers dancing and smooching, and singing the track ‘Silly Games’ by Minnie Ripperton. Nothing else happens, just this. It’s really stuck in my head – not sure why. I also really liked the one about the cafe that kept being raided by the police and the black policeman who faced dislike from both other black people and his colleagues.

I’ve started reading the death notices in the local paper, and am relieved to see that the majority of deaths in this area are of those in their 83+ years. Heartening at 57! There were a few in their middle 60s this week which was not encouraging; and one lad of 20. Be grateful – I’ve had twice his life and then some.

Beavers are back! These ‘ecosystem engineers’ provide shelter for themselves from predators (no crocs here), turn land into rich habitat, and prevent flooding by slowing and filtering river water, improving the water quality as they go. Wonder creatures. Perhaps nominations for future prime ministers and presidents are due…