With my toils completed yesterday
and not a lot to show from the traps, I am now looking forward to the
party at the Manor this afternoon, but first a revelation concerning the
rest of my life!
On the 28 August 1963 American Civil Rights Activist Martin Luther King Jr. announced to the world "I Have A Dream" calling for an end to racism in the United States (and the World). 30 years ago I had one of my own, and while sadly Mr King's dream remains unfulfilled, in its entirety, (racism, sadly, STILL exists) my own has come to fruition this very day. Even that long ago the 'rot' was set in, with regard to our Society, with Politicians stealing our tax-pound (via their expenses) thinking they were safe wrapped in the shield of their private club. Bankers also were sat in high office devising plans to deprive us of our savings by way of massive bonuses which, even after a number of their establishments 'crashed', the practise continues. The Clergy, regardless of denomination, who "suffer little children to come unto them" in the name of God (whoever she is) along with others in the Public Eye, and honoured by us all, have been abusing those same 'little children' while their pay-masters played cover-up or simply cast a 'Blind Eye'.
On the 28 August 1963 American Civil Rights Activist Martin Luther King Jr. announced to the world "I Have A Dream" calling for an end to racism in the United States (and the World). 30 years ago I had one of my own, and while sadly Mr King's dream remains unfulfilled, in its entirety, (racism, sadly, STILL exists) my own has come to fruition this very day. Even that long ago the 'rot' was set in, with regard to our Society, with Politicians stealing our tax-pound (via their expenses) thinking they were safe wrapped in the shield of their private club. Bankers also were sat in high office devising plans to deprive us of our savings by way of massive bonuses which, even after a number of their establishments 'crashed', the practise continues. The Clergy, regardless of denomination, who "suffer little children to come unto them" in the name of God (whoever she is) along with others in the Public Eye, and honoured by us all, have been abusing those same 'little children' while their pay-masters played cover-up or simply cast a 'Blind Eye'.
In my usual inimitable way I'd sum up with the lyrics of a song as I am now
Huddled in the safety of a Pseudo Silk Kimono
Wearing bracelets of smoke, naked of understanding
Nicotine smears, long, long dried tears, invisible fears
Safe in my own words, learning from my own words
Cruel joke, cruel joke
Wearing bracelets of smoke, naked of understanding
Nicotine smears, long, long dried tears, invisible fears
Safe in my own words, learning from my own words
Cruel joke, cruel joke
Huddled in the safety of a Pseudo Silk Kimono
A morning mare rides, in the starless shutters of my eyes
The spirit of a Misplaced Childhood is rising to speak his mind
To this orphan of heartbreak, disillusioned and scarred
a Refugee - Refugee.
The Fat Kid with Jim the Medic
Yakushima Island, Japan 2007
A lot of toing and froing to Parley and back, there has been lots
of time to get things exactly as required.
Please note the Magic Carpet ready for take-off!
My first choice of image for the back panel had been one taken
in Venezuela of a Sunbittern with outstretched wings. In the event
I settled for a far more powerful creature seen in
Wakkanai, Northern Japan.
STELLA'S SEA EAGLE
The lyrics best sum up the whole of my life but more particularly
my travels with the Skinny Nipper (above) from Delhi to Amritsar
then on ward through the Himalaya Foothills touching briefly into
the region of the Hindu Kush and Kashmir.
Page and Plant - Unledded - Kashmir
Please, Please click on this LINK for a musical extravaganza.
If it doesn't bring a tear to the eye, the Milky Bars are on Me!
Ever inspired by the words and works of
James (Jimi) Marshal Hendrix
my last home in Weymouth was named 'Slight Return'
Another reference to Mr Hendrix and certainly my favourite catch phrase.
Purple Haze is all around
don't know if I'm going up or down
acting funny but I don't know why
s'cuse me while I kiss the sky
Having sold most of my possessions prior to all of this,
around me are just those important trinkets which hopefully on day
will go to my Grandchildren!
PS - all of the flags are not yet in place, just 73 which is half
the total number to be displayed.
All 'creature comforts' on tap with my last remaining
KHADAG
(the blue Mongolian scarf)
While the 3 Fat Lads were travelling the Mountain Steppe we stopped at many
.jpg)
OVOO
My first crossing of the Arctic Circle as a 16 years old
Junior Seaman, a crew member of Her Majesties Ship 'KEPPEL'.
(left) first crossing of the equator in 1966 onboard
HMS ESKIMO
there have been many more since then.
(right) After numerous other crossings of the Arctic Circle this one
had exceptional novelty value, as we crossed 'UNDER' it onboard
HM Submarine ALCIDE.
(left) As a civilian the arduous journey across the Arctic Circle was completed 'overland' in 2007.
As far as I know there are no certificates issued for crossing Capricorn and Cancer
but as if to complete the set (right) crossing the Antarctic Circle also in 2007.
Small trophies or trinkets of extensive travels in the USA
BOW and
Arrows sold to me by a Shoshone Lady, whose name
I don't remember, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Unlike my
MANDALA
which was acquired from Sarah Passing Cloud
of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.
All part of many visits there to successfully journey through every State.
She also made and gave me a small tortoise broach made
of threaded beads which I managed to loose on the first day of wearing.
DREAMCATCHER
My 2 daughters commissioned this oil painting of Jimi playing his
'Sunburst' Fender Stratocaster at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival
for my 50th birthday.
A 'Voodoo Doll' was 'given' to both Lisa my youngest daughter
and myself by the Chicken Man in New Orleans.
.JPG)
On the advice of my Wingers and Nomadic friends Paul and Tess
I bought this ingenious (Czech Republic) piece of equipment, a
REMOSKA
.JPG)
The first 'outing' was a Guineafowl which you simply put in the
pot along with all vegetables, replace the lid (from where the heat emanates)
and leave for 90 minutes, then Voilà, a full 'roast' dinner.
What Home would be complete without a Moth Trap
and somewhere to process the Insects????
A LAD'S PLAY AREA!
There are a number of small but very functional Caravan Sites on
Dorset / Hampshire border, where I feel most of my remaining days might be spent.
However, if you do see 'Slight II' in your local don't be slow in affording me
a FREE pitch, a nice hot dinner and a bottle of fine Claret
Safe in the Sanctuary - Safe!
Yakushima Island, Japan 2007
While
all of this may sound sad, personally I have never been happier having
learnt years ago how to side-step ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that gets in
the way of happiness and well being.
Pseudo Silk Kimono - Marillion
Coinciding with my 68th birthday I have finally fulfilled the DREAM
moving into my new Chuck Waggon this very day!
moving into my new Chuck Waggon this very day!
of time to get things exactly as required.
Please note the Magic Carpet ready for take-off!
in Venezuela of a Sunbittern with outstretched wings. In the event
I settled for a far more powerful creature seen in
Wakkanai, Northern Japan.
STELLA'S SEA EAGLE
my travels with the Skinny Nipper (above) from Delhi to Amritsar
then on ward through the Himalaya Foothills touching briefly into
the region of the Hindu Kush and Kashmir.
Page and Plant - Unledded - Kashmir
Please, Please click on this LINK for a musical extravaganza.
If it doesn't bring a tear to the eye, the Milky Bars are on Me!
James (Jimi) Marshal Hendrix
my last home in Weymouth was named 'Slight Return'
which refers to the time when Hendrix and old Airborne Division buddy Billy Cox et al
recorded the extraordinary track Voodoo Chile (the American black man's
way of pronouncing Child). It took just one 'take' and so excited was
Jimi to achieve such a feat he invited his band to a 'Slight Return' to
the studio to keep the buzz and do it again. On the EP Record the number
is referred to as Voodoo Chile (Slight Return). No reason then not to
name the new Chuck Waggon 'Slight II'.
Purple Haze is all around
don't know if I'm going up or down
acting funny but I don't know why
s'cuse me while I kiss the sky
around me are just those important trinkets which hopefully on day
will go to my Grandchildren!
PS - all of the flags are not yet in place, just 73 which is half
the total number to be displayed.
KHADAG
(the blue Mongolian scarf)
While the 3 Fat Lads were travelling the Mountain Steppe we stopped at many
which
are a type of shamanistic cairn found in Mongolia,
usually made from rocks or wood. Ovoos are often found at the top
of mountains and in high places, like mountain passes. They serve mainly
as religious sites, used in worship of the mountains and the sky as
well as in Buddhist ceremonies, but often are also landmarks. When
travelling, it is custom to stop and circle an ovoo three times in
clockwise direction, in order to have a safer journey. Usually, rocks
are picked up from the ground and added to the pile. Also, one may leave
offerings in the form of sweets, money, milk, vodka etc and of course a
Khadag. If one is in a
hurry while travelling and does not have time to stop at an ovoo,
honking of the horn while passing by the ovoo will suffice.
.jpg)
The
people wherever we went, even in the most remote corners such as the
top of this plateaux in the Gobi Desert, were extremely friendly and
shared with us what they had.
Birthday Presents from my 4 Grandchildred, placed in such a way
that I can dream of them!
My first crossing of the Arctic Circle as a 16 years old
Junior Seaman, a crew member of Her Majesties Ship 'KEPPEL'.
HMS ESKIMO
there have been many more since then.
(right) After numerous other crossings of the Arctic Circle this one
had exceptional novelty value, as we crossed 'UNDER' it onboard
HM Submarine ALCIDE.
(left) As a civilian the arduous journey across the Arctic Circle was completed 'overland' in 2007.
As far as I know there are no certificates issued for crossing Capricorn and Cancer
but as if to complete the set (right) crossing the Antarctic Circle also in 2007.
Small trophies or trinkets of extensive travels in the USA
BOW and
I don't remember, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
MANDALA
which was acquired from Sarah Passing Cloud
of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.
All part of many visits there to successfully journey through every State.
She also made and gave me a small tortoise broach made
of threaded beads which I managed to loose on the first day of wearing.
The
North American Indian Mandala out-dates the Tibetan version and is
considered their most prized possession. Being a
descendant of the plains Indian Dance Shield and Medicine Wheel,
prayers for survival, spiritual blessings, powerful visions, physical
protection, and long life go into the making of the traditional mandala
as it represents the interwoven threads of creation, and the wonder of
diversity in Mother Earth.
Mandala
is Sanskrit for circle and introduces us to the great circle that we
find in life, as well as the universe. For some this circle is sacred,
for others it signifies creation and our journey, for others this great
mandala is used for healing. The great mandala is found everywhere on
the planet, throughout various cultures, bringing for its people a great
sense of peace and understanding. Native American mandalas are no less
than any other, found across the country in every tribe. - See more at:
http://www.meaningofmandalas.com/native-american-mandalas#sthash.p5qDMWgq.dpuf
Mandala
is Sanskrit for circle and introduces us to the great circle that we
find in life, as well as the universe. For some this circle is sacred,
for others it signifies creation and our journey, for others this great
mandala is used for healing. The great mandala is found everywhere on
the planet, throughout various cultures, bringing for its people a great
sense of peace and understanding. Native American mandalas are no less
than any other, found across the country in every tribe.
More ancient than the world renowned Tibetan mandala, one such Native American mandala comes from the Shaman. Within the center of the mandala is the healing power of the circle. Black Elk found the sacred healing within the balance of the four directional points of the circle, referring to the mandala as a sacred hoop. This can be seen, for instance, in the medicine wheel of the Native American cultures.
- See more at: http://www.meaningofmandalas.com/native-american-mandalas#sthash.p5qDMWgq.dpuf
More ancient than the world renowned Tibetan mandala, one such Native American mandala comes from the Shaman. Within the center of the mandala is the healing power of the circle. Black Elk found the sacred healing within the balance of the four directional points of the circle, referring to the mandala as a sacred hoop. This can be seen, for instance, in the medicine wheel of the Native American cultures.
- See more at: http://www.meaningofmandalas.com/native-american-mandalas#sthash.p5qDMWgq.dpuf
Mandala
is Sanskrit for circle and introduces us to the great circle that we
find in life, as well as the universe. For some this circle is sacred,
for others it signifies creation and our journey, for others this great
mandala is used for healing. The great mandala is found everywhere on
the planet, throughout various cultures, bringing for its people a great
sense of peace and understanding. Native American mandalas are no less
than any other, found across the country in every tribe.
More ancient than the world renowned Tibetan mandala, one such Native American mandala comes from the Shaman. Within the center of the mandala is the healing power of the circle. Black Elk found the sacred healing within the balance of the four directional points of the circle, referring to the mandala as a sacred hoop. This can be seen, for instance, in the medicine wheel of the Native American cultures.
- See more at: http://www.meaningofmandalas.com/native-american-mandalas#sthash.de6dNffR.dpuf
More ancient than the world renowned Tibetan mandala, one such Native American mandala comes from the Shaman. Within the center of the mandala is the healing power of the circle. Black Elk found the sacred healing within the balance of the four directional points of the circle, referring to the mandala as a sacred hoop. This can be seen, for instance, in the medicine wheel of the Native American cultures.
- See more at: http://www.meaningofmandalas.com/native-american-mandalas#sthash.de6dNffR.dpuf
Mandala
is Sanskrit for circle and introduces us to the great circle that we
find in life, as well as the universe. For some this circle is sacred,
for others it signifies creation and our journey, for others this great
mandala is used for healing. The great mandala is found everywhere on
the planet, throughout various cultures, bringing for its people a great
sense of peace and understanding. Native American mandalas are no less
than any other, found across the country in every tribe.
More ancient than the world renowned Tibetan mandala, one such Native American mandala comes from the Shaman. Within the center of the mandala is the healing power of the circle. Black Elk found the sacred healing within the balance of the four directional points of the circle, referring to the mandala as a sacred hoop. This can be seen, for instance, in the medicine wheel of the Native American cultures.
- See more at: http://www.meaningofmandalas.com/native-american-mandalas#sthash.de6dNffR.dpuf
More ancient than the world renowned Tibetan mandala, one such Native American mandala comes from the Shaman. Within the center of the mandala is the healing power of the circle. Black Elk found the sacred healing within the balance of the four directional points of the circle, referring to the mandala as a sacred hoop. This can be seen, for instance, in the medicine wheel of the Native American cultures.
- See more at: http://www.meaningofmandalas.com/native-american-mandalas#sthash.de6dNffR.dpuf
A
basic one was bought from a Navajo Trading Company in Laural Canyon,
California in 1998, since when in true tradition of the Native People I
have added my own adornments of birds feathers from all over the world.
There are a number of stories relating to the origin of this mighty fine
and powerful object including Shamen travelling to the Dream World to
cure nightmares. Of these, the one I was told on purchasing mine is my
favourite.
Hundreds of
years ago a Grandmother entered the tepee to find a young child about to
kill a Spider. Taking the hapless creature from the youngster she
explained that Native North Americans only kill for there own survival,
such as food, warmth etc, use every part of the prey and very much
respect and revere it. The reader will not be surprise to learn that the
Spider was of the Magic type and told the woman that for saving its
life he would take away all their Bad Dreams. It crawled to the 'smoke
hole' in the top of the tent and across the circle (a symbol of strength
and unity to all Indians) spun a web but leaving a small hole at the
centre. He told the woman that from then on all Bad Dreams would be
caught on the gossamer while the hole would allow the Good Dreams to
pass through, slide down the feathers and into the child's mind. As I
was told, every child is given a Dream Catcher at birth to place close
to their bed throughout the rest of their lives and adorn it with
whatever they please. On the basic construction Bad Dreams are
represented by small bead which may not be seen on the photograph. Some
of my feathers (all taken from dead birds or found on the ground)
include Helmeted Guineafowl, Madagascan Nightjar, Hoatsin, Scarlet
Macaw, Galah, pinion feathers of Woodcock, Golden Eagle and the tail
feather of the only Pheasant I have ever shot (and eaten).
for my 50th birthday.
and myself by the Chicken Man in New Orleans.
Having
taken a silver coin from each of us, he blessed it then tucked it
inside the dress of the doll and said it would protect us and bring good
luck. Only 2 days later Lisa lost the expensive camera she had recently
bought in Australia. Later that night there was a knock on our Motel
door and there stood the taxi driver who had found it in his cab. Bless
the Chicken Man (who I know has since passed away) and the Cabbie who
got the requested Post Card from England in lieu of a cash reward. He
also managed to source John the Conqueror Root for my personal Mojo -
"but it just don't work on you"!
The Dragonfly was a casual gift from Bowie and Sheila.
I bought this ingenious (Czech Republic) piece of equipment, a
REMOSKA
pot along with all vegetables, replace the lid (from where the heat emanates)
and leave for 90 minutes, then Voilà, a full 'roast' dinner.
and somewhere to process the Insects????
There are a number of small but very functional Caravan Sites on
Dorset / Hampshire border, where I feel most of my remaining days might be spent.
However, if you do see 'Slight II' in your local don't be slow in affording me
a FREE pitch, a nice hot dinner and a bottle of fine Claret
Safe in the Sanctuary - Safe!
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Have to put my hand up..And, admit to tear or two...
ReplyDeleteor three or four....! Not only coming from the heart,
but the soul too! Fantastic post! Loved it!
And...While l'm here...HeHe! Politicians...(Can l use
that word).
This country, at least, is run by liars, cheats and thieves!
That has already been proven, even our local MP, stole,
yes stole, £4,300 on expenses for a new fireplace and pond.
He paid it back, along with ALL the others, no more was said.
Funny! What came into my mind was the thought, on a 'wall'
and a 'firing squad'. "Nuff Said",
Better stop there...Otherwise l shall go on for ever...! :>).
Lovely post Capt...lovely...!
good luck to you, and in ALL you do....I go through your
posts, quite a few times...But, this one is a bit special....!
Thanks....!
Remember...
"Live simply, Love generously, care deeply, speak kindly".
Thanks Willie for as ever kind, gentle words. Early days I know but am already getting a Great Buzz. Like living on a very clean Submarine that doesn't 'dive'.
DeleteRemember....
Eat when you're hungry, drink when you're dry, Bonk when you're randy, Live 'til you Die!
As my old Boss Les Evens used to say.
Great post Paul. God speed on all your travels for many more years we all hope.
ReplyDeleteOf course one thing is for certain, you will never be in a traffic jam as you will always be at the front.{:))
Hi Roy and many thanks for your kind words. Must say I do have a little concern about 'Kashmir', reading and driving do not make the best of bedfellows?
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes to You and Yours