...smacking me in the face,

I have had an eventful/uneventful week with my wheelchair. I need to let off some steam.
Importantly, disastrously, i found yesterday that I had somehow deleted and lost all of my notes for this week's post, that i had been compiling on my phone. I remember a few, so here goes...

I remember that last Saturday, not only was it still wintry cold, but it was infact sleet/snow.

St Andrew's  church on Maple Rd,  standing strong whilst being sprinkled in sleet.

It was sleet and not quite snow, but still surprising to experiencing such in March (spring). I also remember noting that I enjoyed it. Whilst everyone was wearing sad, glum faces, I realised that I was actually smiling. I was not doing it to be perverse, but actually did seem to enjoy being outside, with snow smacking me in the face, telling me I am alive. I was wrapped up warm, it wasn't heavy enough to soak me, but enough to force me to realise that I am alive in a real world. I know that I have previously shown photos of snow in the winter, but we don't live in wonderland, baking hot summers, or snowy winters. March sleet is real and it is harmless!

I should also tell you that my predictions for a sunny Milan-San Remo bicycle race, couldn't have been further from the truth. It was only a couple of sunday's ago, but was actually shortened due to bad weather! I couldn't believe this, cycling doesn't stop for bad weather (it's just not cricket)! However, it was shortened as astonishing reports of the cyclists having to board coaches, cutting the race short by about 70km I think...

No sun then. I had to wait for the Tour of Catalunya, more recently, to show me new kit designs, not rain capes! Held mid-week, I was forced to catch what coverage I could, on my mobile phone.

Above, two image captures of Cris Anke Sorensen(Saxo-Bank), above Daniel Navarro Garcia (Cofidis) in a grey Catalunya , from an IPhone 4S.

OK, now for some wheelchair-related news. I called on my neighbour on Tuesday afternoon, as just as I had returned home to my flat, my wheelchair died on me. Fortunately I was where I was, but it made me realise quite how lucky i am, not to have experienced that 'wheelchair death', anywhere else. I called engineers who came out the following day and needed to take the chair away to get fixed. This event made me feel awful as I realised how dependent I am on something which is essentially a material object and will have defects.

I got the wheelchair back yesterday (thursday), and all was good. I was able to go to Richmond, as I had planned. I admit that the next event was totally my fault and I should not have let this happen.

I was going down the high street in Richmond, when all of a sudden, my attention was caught by an extremely attractive girl (not obviously, but pretty)! CRASH!! I had crashed into the wall. Then, making it obvious that she had distracted my attention, I apologised to her!!!

I look down to find that I have totally mashed my left foot plate. No harm to myself or actual chair but I need a new foot plate! That'll teach me.

Then, on the way home, I overhear the bus driver talking on his radio about 'a wheelchair', not referring to them as a 'wheelchair user'.This irritates me so much, but it is a sad fact of life. People refer to two things, the person, and the wheelchair, by just forgetting the person!! GGGGRRRRR.  This irritates me so much, but hey, let them get it wrong. When whatever they're doing goes wrong, they will be at fault! 

Breath..........

..even typing that story, irritates me!

OK, the next music is a beautiful piece of elegant dramatic dance....

;)

    

Fate can be quite funny. Hehe

Someone (helmetless) squeezed passed on a bicycle. I shouted, told him to get 'on the road'!! Then i realised why he wasn't helmeted, he was accompanied by a running dog!! As he crossed the road  soon after, he stumbled, to a stop (almost came off). 

I laughed (to myself)

Fortunately, I believe in fate. I believe that wrongs=rights , everything equals. I am comfortable with this and use it all the time when I find something disagreeable.

  

When needs must...

Ciao m'amici!!

Right, hmmm. To be honest I am not entirely sure if that makes sense, but hey!

A quick post is typed this week, during the England v San Marino football match. I really can't be bothered to watch the 'contest', as I would rather spiel to you and my blog. I am an Arsenal fan, facing troubled times at the moment, so rejecting the sport!

My first note that I wish to raise, this week, is about coffee (well guessed). As a big fan, I regularly find myself drinking an ‘Americano’ (restraining from high milk intake). Initially I was troubled by the ‘american takeover’, of what I saw as a European drink. I know I was wrong, but hey. I investigated, and found it to be what many Europeans used to refer to, when regarding the way American soldiers (second world war) took their coffee. Seriously diluted with milk or more hot water was a new, shocking approach. Anyway, I have been confused, as to how to pronounce the name. I realise that only us English, would do so with a long central ‘A’. Americ’AR’no – phonetically.

Hmmm, whereas Americans and Europeans would pronounce it with a short, ‘clipped’ central ‘A’ – Americano.

Hehehe, ok, sorry, totally bored yet? It is just a stupid issue that has been puzzling me. I guess, the answer depends on who is serving the drink…

…………………………this life

Trying to make ends meet

You're a slave to money then you die

I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down

You know the one that takes you to the places

where all the veins meet yeah

No change, I can't change

I can't change, I can't change

But I'm here in my mind

I am here in my mind

But I'm a million different people

from one day to the next

I can't change my mind

No, no, no, no, no, no, no,no,no,no,no,no(fading away)

Well I never pray

But tonight I'm on my knees yeah

I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeah

I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now

But the airways are clean and there's nobody singing to me now

No change, I can't change

I can't change, I can't change

But I'm here in my mind

I am here in my mind

And I'm a million different people

from one day to the next

I can't change my mind

No, no, no, no, no, no, no

I can't change

I can't change it

You should all recognise the song. I have omitted the opening line as it give the song title.

Two more music notes. I am lucky, several times, I have sat in ‘The Press Room’ café, sipping my drink, viewing/admiring my own work on display (someone’s got to)! Then, seemingly randomly, three chords are strummed on the guitar on the radio. G,D,A, I immediately recognise, and it makes me realise quite how fortunate I am, for everything.

I know that the  tune is around fifteen years old!!! I apologise to you, if I am boring you!

I am facing a dilemma. I have maintained my new years resolution, of only buying CDs of old artists, as I try to embrace the evolution of the music industry, into a world of MP3s.

So, I knew that I was playing by the rules, as I bought both the new Stereophonics album and the new Black Rebel Motorcycle Club album. I realised that I had bought the Beth Orton CD as well (it’s ok, I’m still within the rules). All three are brilliant, not only for the music, but it makes me realise that I love HAVING the CD and case…

... card is always more special

I finish this week by sharing a photo of an experience that I had earlier in the week. As a cyclist, I thought I never would. But, when needs must...

Before, anyone gets troubled ideas, I had an injection of Botox into my left leg, to help me with physiotherapy. A Spanish therapist, Eufemiano F'something...

La Classicisma...

...is on Sunday. Otherwise known as 'La Primavera', the Milan-San Remo, is the colourful opening Classic bicycle race of the season. A relatively flat contest, usually finishing in a bunch sprint. Most years it is outdone by the week-long Paris-Nice stage race, with a peloton hitting the Cote-D'Azur, bathed in sunlight. However this year, rainfall on last week's French race, could mean that Italians have the primary chance to introduce this years colours of the peloton in bright sunshine. We shall see... 

Important note to self:
I believe in fate. Fate isn't just 
'she's drinking in the same pub/cafe as me! Behave. I must not be such a pathetic, obvious flirt. Try and retain some pride!!'

Part of the reason for feeling able to spurt out these 'flirts', is that...
... I now speak without fear (or negative thoughts).
I am very grateful for the speech therapy that i received fairly early on (post-coma). However, I feel that by having the whole experience, I have managed to seriously develop my confidence in my spoken word. It may be that I often find that I seem to surprise people who are expecting minimal communication with a wheelchair user. It can be good fun, especially in France!!!

...

 Above: Tatiana Guderzo racing through Kingston on a Cipollini TT bike.

Having Olympic cyclists in Kingston last year meant the worlds finest legs.

I am referring to Olympic cyclists, in case you are distracted! Tututut...

I have been praised for the honesty of this blog. Hmm, nice, but of course it is honest. How would i write so much, if it all was just a lie. I will be honest and tell you that I have been trying to cut down talking about coffee (not cutting down drinking)! I am accompanied by one, as we speak (rapidly cooling, hmmm), but I shall not bore you to tears about my love.

I went to The Stanley Picker Gallery, for a talk by Marloes Ten Bohmer (www.marloestenbhomer.com). I found that my love of Modernist and Functionalist design principles were shared and used effectively by Marloes (Dutch footwear designer). She seems to be really involved in breaking down fashions of shoe design, and starting the designs from the basics (following the 'form follows function' rule). Personally, I found it eye-opening, in realising how regular, footwear design is, before being broken down ergonomically.

OK, music. Playing my iPod, and i listened to at least 5 different versions of 'Karma Police'. Asides from Paranoid Android, it alone, perfectly sums up the OK Computer album for me. Perfection.

   Track 6. Karma Police

I should perhaps note, that this was the first song that I learnt to play on guitar, around Christmas '97 (i think...). I fell in love with the whole album thereafter.

Whilst on the topic of music, the new BRMC (black rebel motorcycle club) album is out Monday 18th. : )

http://blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com/specteratthefeast/

Through watching 'The Peaceful Warrior', I was given a very useful quote, that i want to share with everyone.

'The journey is what brings us joy, not the destination.' 

....on and on....and on

My play continues...
... end of the week! My first note this week is an instruction, to not only 'like' on Facebook, but please visit this mighty fine restaurant/cafe for yourselves.
 facebook / CaffeCalabrese
It serves good Italian food throughout the menu. The pasta was damn good, on visiting last week, and my delight in having their Tiramisu for dessert, was amazing. Tasty. Quality. Best ever. 'Orgasmic' is a term that i have in my head, but I will refuse to use it in relation (everyone will tell me off). It was damn good!

OK, I change the topic from Tiramisu and sex, to something a lot more regular but just as good, maybe! The sun! It lives! Sometimes here in England.  I felt the light (of the sun), earlier this week. It has now rained all day, but it is March. After having no sun for about a year and half, i took photos to record proof! I'm English, I am allowed to complain.

The photo is supposed to emphasise the sun, as it shines through a maple tree on Maple Road, Surbiton.

As soon as i took a few versions of the above photo, I was sat in a cafe, playing with the photograph. I know that I am 'old school', in that i do not use 'Instagram' or 'Flickr' or any image processing on a mobile phone. It lowers the resolution of your image. It hurt me to realise that my image was becoming very pixelated, so fortunately saved one to take home. Social media has become too easy for its own good.

Anyway, I have made a resolution, following hearing these comments...

"You flirt with everyone"...

"five minutes after meeting them"

I realise that this is very true. Unfortunately, 'flirting' is seen by many as a negative. My resolution is to not compliment randoms, or seriously cut down. I must only do it, if it is truly heartfelt. Hmmmm.

My next note was recently made, yesterday. I was moving down the pavement, in the late afternoon. Blustery weather meant that along with everyone else, I was keen to get home. Now, virtually all of the time, I am slower than everyone else, apologising if I ever hold someone up. Yesterday, I (wheelchair) found myself travelling behind these two women pedestrians (walking). I stopped, gave plenty of a gap, which i found reduced almost immediately. They were not walking slowly, but seemingly to stop at random shops, blocking the whole pavement in doing so. As I scooted past they stepped back into my path. Amazingly not hit. I am not going to cite nationality, or age, or whatever, but 'OMG, SOME PEOPLE!!!'

I was riled by the total 'lack of courtesy'. I stopped to note this on my phone. I realised, that most people will not consider any wrong doing, maybe I have become too used to everyone's good manners, politeness, and kindness/help towards wheelchair users. Hmmm.

OK. Breath. Calm down. Right, erm yeh the post below, 'play on...', provides useful help when trying to source mp3s from somewhere other than iTunes or Amazon. However I wish to say that this not your only alternative, rather it is proof that we should not fall into the duopoly (a monopoly by two companies).

Indian Summer
Stereophonics album 'Graffiti on the Train' 

Play on...

Hello, an unusual 'mid-week post', as I want to tell you my woes of yesterday, and share with you a magical discovery. 
I planned to CD shop yesterday, to buy the new Stereophonics album on day of release. I am a fan, and  fear not, I comply with my new years resolution, as the band is a former favourite from many a year ago! Hehe. I bought it, and also wanted a Norah Jones CD, although not knowing which.
Shock, Horror! There were not any in stock, or available to order! She is not some new, obscure, unknown, I was given no choice but to download an MP3 (breaking the resolution of mp3s of new artists, cds of old).
Atleast I got the chance to return home and research, which album I wanted. Did so, but I resisted downloading from ITunes or Amazon as they virtually run the whole industry in a duopoly (not good).

I discovered a different route of downloading mp3s. OK, you have to pay a minimum of £10, up front. However, In doing such, one can download mp3 at  10p per track. I ended up buying two Norah Jones albums, for about £3.50!

Obviously, my suspicion arose, but legality is assured in a whole section of the website.

Anyway, please follow the links
http://patrickgoodacre.blogspot.co.uk/p/music.html

inspiration

Visual communication...

?

Words are visual? No? Oh I don’t know…

Anyway, I type this relatively early, as I predict it may be a lengthy post. We’ll see. I was facing ‘mental anguish’ earlier this week, so I noted on my phone, focussing on positive factors…

-       Life is tough but I have/ and continue hopefully to show you the wonder of being human. Our existence is something so great. So great that words cannot describe it.

Incredibly fortunate, I know I am. I currently search for paid employment. I love my volunteering roles, very much. It helps having passion for the cause. Although I search, I have learnt (or, had reinforced) and want to preach to everyone that the most important thing in life is not money, or even ‘love’, but health. If one does not have the health to do something, one cannot. In a way, this is something that can be thought of, quite logically. Basic bio-mechanics, maths, tell us what can happen.

OK, enough of the deep talk. Music. Below is ‘Atoms For Peace’. Hehehe, ‘deep music’.

‘Different’, I prefer to refer to it. As a lifelong Radiohead fan, I welcome any art by Thom Yorke. For me, he constantly lights the pathway of future music…

I bought ‘Amok’ (album released by artist above), on day of release, Monday, as I knew that I faced no trouble of getting to the cd shop (I will obey my new years resolution, stated on this blog). MP3s are the way forward. However, I immediately face dismay as the whole industry is in a duopoly, seemingly. If anyone knows of an alternative route of downloading mp3s (other than ITunes or Amazon), can you please email me?

  patrick.goodacre@yahoo.co.uk

I tried. I was out and about earlier in the week, and I made the conscious effort to smile or wear a happy/content face, even though the weather was very grey, horrible, and everyone else was showing faces of depressed misery. I must admit that I tried but failed. Even I, was wearing a glum face after a few hours!

It was miserable. So, I kept telling myself that ‘everything has an opposite.’ The only reason we find it depressing, is that it can be so good yet we don’t take any notice. Hmmm.

An extract from a very good, thought provoking book I read at the moment.

‘Mastery of Fate and Your Forces and How to Use Them’ by Christian Larson

Wednesday, my voluntary work was cancelled, so I had free time. I spent the morning pondering what could be done. I had an idea. Up to Central London.

I arrived in Waterloo, and on route to my destination I took this picture (below). I had grown up with my father working as a town planner for the ‘Corporation of the City of London’. Sir Christopher Wren’s St Paul’s cathedral was recognised by me and hopefully a large proportion of everyone, as an iconic piece of design. I used to think that this was so special, it was comparable to the Eiffel Tower in Paris (by far, the tallest structure in the city).

I guess, I was wrong.

The sheer humungous scale of ‘the Shard’ (right), dwarfs ‘St Paul’s’ (left)

Anyway, I continued onto my final destination, the home of coffee’, the ‘Bar Italia’, Soho. A double macchiato was drunk. Proper place, proper coffee.

Damn good!!

So, I sat there, enjoying tasty coffee, as I begun to realise that this was not the area (Soho) to be my usual self and pathetically attempt to flirt/chat up good looking girls! So, silence.

A permanent change maybe, we’ll see…

Anyway, another, alternative, view of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square

?

To finalise this week, a couple of photos. One of my Bianchi, showing its current use a piece of beautiful decor in my hall, and a hat stand. My ever-worn hat lives on the handlebars.

 

My last pictures show some bent plywood, which I moulded for part of my final 'major design project' at Loughborough University.

Eight years ago...

Now...