Friday, August 22, 2008

Friday Frolic

Aside

If you are of an age where heart, strokes and BP problems loom, do read Kenju’s post (Side bar) ‘It was August 17th 2007 . It is the post on Sunday August 17th 2008. I have just been reading it aloud to MTL and I think men particularly should read it.

Granddaughters A and F have both done well in O levels, or whatever they are nowadays, so they can relax and enjoy the rest of the summer; we glimpsed it briefly on Tuesday in Watchet.

Whilst browsing I came across the following quotes: all from the same writer. Guess who?

‘Before the war, and especially before the Boer War, it was summer all year round.’

‘If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – for ever.’

‘It is brought home to you…that it is only because miners sweat their guts out that superior persons can remain superior.’

‘Most people get a fair amount of fun out of their lives, but on balance life is suffering and only the very young or the very foolish imagine otherwise.’

‘At 50, everyone has the face he deserves.’

‘As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents’

‘Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play…’

No this is just too sour and embittered, especially, whilst the Olympics are taking place. I have only a hazy knowledge of this writer and his/ her work. I’d like to know what caused this dyspeptic outlook on life. Or were they born disillusioned? With three books lined up to be read - feel free to enlighten me.

No it isn’t VirginiaWoolf – she wrote :

My own brain is to me the most unaccountable of machinery - always buzzing, humming, soaring roaring diving, and then buried in mud. And why? What's this passion for?’

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just read the post on Kenju's site, this is the reason I had to give up my job last year, mine was brought on by stress and was affecting my body in many ways. Needless to say a few months on and I am back to my old self, just goes to show.

Pat said...

LOM: well done that girl! We all have to learn the hard way but sadly some of us never do.

Anonymous said...

Eric Arthur Blair ... was the embittered writer, although I have always liked 'at 50, everyone has the face they deserve'!

Don't know Eric Arthur Blair? You do but by his other name, George Orwell!

Now off to look at Kenju's post so expect another comment from me in a minute!

belleek

Anonymous said...

me again, Mr Kenju remind me of my father - he had a couple of strokes from which he recovered apparently 100%. But the memory loss got worse and worse and now they think it is dementia.

Worse things had happened to my dad in his life to cause a stroke or high BP so it was odd that it happened just while he was gardening.

belleek

Anonymous said...

Just read Kenjus post. This is something that is always at the back of my mind.

If a had a disabling stroke or heart attack I don't know what would happen. I live alone. Visitors are very rare, just the meter readers nowadays. I tried to get a 'Lifeline' emergency gadget to press if anything happened, but it was going to cost £47 per month; no way could I afford that! If I was on a means-tested benefit it would be free.

The neighbours? No way. One is grumpier than me and very selfish, and the other side are very rarely at home.

I just have to pray that my health remains stable.

Anonymous said...

Orwell, of course.

I read Judy's post yesterday and it was quite enlightening.

Cheers.

Pat said...

Belleek: I get so cross when my comments disappear on MY blog - as has happened to my response to yours. I do know a bit about him - Animal farm - and that he lived for a time on Scottish Isle and I fancy he worked in a mill at one time but WHY did he become like this . Who or what rattled his cage?
I am very sorry about your father and I hope it isn't Alzheimers; my brother died with it. They can alleviate it a little now - in the early stages.

Pat said...

Keith: it is very difficult for anyone alone and sooner or later we all are. At least you are still not very old and can get about and enjoy life albeit grumpily

Randall: I knew you would know that but do you know WHY he was such a pain in the bum.
I hope lots of people read Judy's post

Kim Ayres said...

Just read Kenju's post.

One of the major reasons for my wife and I changing our lives and lifestyles 3 years ago was the realisation life was getting shorter and we wanted to spend as much of that time together in the best health.

The irony of my current condition hasn't escaped me.

Meanwhile, thanks for the hugs when I was in a grump - much appreciated :)

kenju said...

Pat, thanks for the link. I hope lots of people read it, too, since some need to be pushed in the direction of doing what is right!

Anonymous said...

Orwell, otherwise known as the original Blairite ;-)

Pat said...

Kim: I'm sure you and Maggie made the right decision and it's also great for the children; so many of them miss out on their parents these days.

Judy: yes it's one of those posts that can really make a difference. It was good of you to write it.

Stu: thank you for the further info.

OldHorsetailSnake said...

Boy howdy, wish I were as edicatted as you'all.

Pat said...

Hoss: y'ain't foolin' me Buster!

apprentice said...

I think Eric was spot on, especially about the fun bit, that's why we should make hay when and if the sun does shine. Though I suspect the miners these days are all Chinese. I think most Brits thought like this, till we bought into the "live your dreams" X factor tosh :)

He wrote on Islay. Will Self has just visited the same cottage to do some writing of his own.

Pat said...

Anna: thanks for that. the trouble with the 'live your dream' maxim it can often be at the expense of others 'love your dream and sod the rest'
I envy Will Self his time on Islay.

granny p said...

Ah well...the world according to Eric... As for poor Kenju. Aren't some men idiots? Mine isn't, thank god but have just spent a week with grieving widow whose idiot husband (idiot for these reasons) dropped dead on her just before Christmas last year. And she's angry; of course. As well as sad. Kenju's man got off lightly. Or maybe he didn't. And she didn't. These personality changes post stroke are a nightmare. (I've come across them.) Glad MTL is well medicated anyway.

Can't remember what Eric died of. But don't think dyspepsia necessarily leads to ignoring of health. In his days anyway there was much less preventative stuff around. We're lucky. If we're not too stupid to make use of it.

Pat said...

Granny.P; I suppose in the end one has to just let them get on with it but when you can see them killing themselves it's hard. Sometimes I wonder if they would be happier with someone who didn't really love them and would let them do as they pleased without a murmur.
I suppose that is how partners of alcoholics and drug addicts feel which makes my problem of cakes and biscuits seem ludicrous. Well done Beloved!

Mary Witzl said...

I was so proud of knowing who said this (by the time I got to the end, anyway), but everyone else has beaten me to it!

Thank you for that hug, by the way. I keep telling myself that only serious writers who put their work out there get lots of rejections, but it doesn't always help.

Pat said...

Mary: well done!
We are not alone. Some of my best friends...

OldLady Of The Hills said...

I have read very little Orwell....It just was never my cup of tea...Though, I do like that 'you get the face you eeserve at 50...! LOL! Too bad it doesn't stay that way.....!!

I had read Judy's post....I think I would find it near impossible to live with what she does....But, I also understand Mr. Kenju, very well.....Sometimes all we van do IS what we can do.

Pat said...

Naomi: in sickness and in health...
It ain't easy.

rashbre said...

Yup - Keep the Aspidistra Flying etc.

I still remember the advice in 'down and out' about scraping garlic over dry bread because when you eat there's a more lingering taste and it feels more like a full meal.

Jean-Luc Picard said...

Virginia Woolf is a favourite of mine. 'Mrs Dalloway' & 'The Waves' are very stirring.

All the other comments have been most informative.

Michele sent me here.

Pat said...

Rashbre:'there's a more lingering taste' and a lingering aroma too no doubt but good idea nonetheless. The only Aspidistra I'm familiar with is Gracie Fields' although it sort of rings a distant bell?

Jean-luc: that's what we like to be :informative:)

The Preacherman said...

My dad in law had a stroke - which is one reason I haven't been around much lately. He's ok now. I spent a lot of time in the hospital with him 'cause he's a stubborn old sod and Caz and her mum wouldn't have dared say what I did. It worked.

He's never been a tactile person but he gave me a hug the day he came out.

Just finished cutting his hedge under strict instructions how it must be done.

I won't hit him he gives me a beer when I've done ;-)

Pat said...

Manic: he's lucky to have you as a SIL. I hope he realises that. Sorry you are having extra stress. Hugs to you and the family.xoxoxo

Bobkat said...

My! I know how Virginia feels. Those quotes are certainly on the 'glass-half-empty' side of things. I think some of the quotes are quite true, tempered with a little more joy perhaps. However, I think you do end up with the face you deserve. Of course, this is a good time for me to say how wonderful you look :)

Thanks for the thoughtful visit. I really have been feeling awful.

Pat said...

Bob-kat: poor you! And this isn't the cheeriest of posts. Hope you can rest and get better soon. Forget Virginia - she didn't have the answer.

Anonymous said...

As far as I've ever been able to work out, "one day at a time" is the only answer that matters practically.

I knew it was George Orwell!!! I'm just starting a book by Hitchens called Why Orwell Matters.

I think there are bleak viewpoints like this because some people are cast that way. Not such a great deal for them but good for society as a whole, perhaps. All points heard sort of thing. There's a lot of truth in what they say and ask, we can sense it, but as to a blueprint for living and thinking, they will tear you apart. As indeed it did poor Virginia.

Pat said...

Sam: that sounds like an interesting book; I'm being snowed under with books I want to read. You may perhaps do a post about it?
Didn't he write 'Down and out in London and Paris.' and 'Diary of a Nobody' Oh yes to the first - no to the second. And I muddle him a bit with DH Lawrence.
Indeed poor Virginia - with pebbles in her pockets.

Eryl Shields said...

Just read Kenju's post, what is it with some men?! It's infuriating. My husband is way too heavy and continues to eat ridiculous amounts of food. And stupidly unhealthy combinations too, whenever he gets the chance. I watched in horror as he ordered a gigantic white bread sandwich filled with ham and cheese the other day. And then listened, later in the week, in amazed silence when he proudly told our sister-in-law that he eats a lot of fruit: he only ever eats fruit if I serve it for pudding, and then he drowns it in cream. He gets angry if I comment so I've given up, though I have told him I won't nurse him if his health fails him. And I won't.

Pat said...

Eryl: you have my heart felt sympathy. Could you persuade him to read Kenju's post or - as I did - read it to him. He sat nodding wisely and agreeing and taking b----r all action. When family come is the great excuse to fill the house with tons of every kind of cheese - much of it left after they go plus every kind of biscuit (he shops because he knows I wouldn't buy 3/4 of the stuff) then he diligently eats it up. The other day I saw him spreading a soft gooey cheese ON best cheddar. I so love having a face like a frozen prune. I don't know how old your husband is but 48 ish is a danger age and when my first had his. So you can see I am completely on your side. And als think your reaction is probably the only one to take - tough love.

Eryl Shields said...

Cheese on cheese, good lord! Stevie pours cream on ice-cream and I thought that was bad enough. He is 48. He would read K's post but wouldn't relate it to himself, he thinks he's indestructible.

Pat said...

eryl: doomed! It would be funny if it weren't so goddam serious.