I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees, asked the Lord above for mercy, "Take me, if you please" (Cream)

Wie geht's?

Cream massaged Robert Johnson's original lyrics but the theme remains intact: a crossroads is a location of significance where directions can change in a second. According to Cream's slight revision, it's also a sacred place where penitents can gain potential salvation.

I was reflecting on these lyrics after reading a passage of Paulo Coelho's Maktub:

Crossroads are sacred places. That is where the pilgrim must make a decision. This is why the gods tend to sleep and eat at crossroads.

Whenever paths cross, two powerful energies coalesce - the path that will be chosen and the path that will be abandoned. Both become a single path, but only for a very brief period of time.

The pilgrim can rest and sleep a little, or even consult the gods who inhabit the crossroads. But no one can stay there forever; once his choice has been made, the pilgrim must carry on and never think about the path not taken.

If he does the crossroads become a curse.

This resonates, doesn't it. Many of us have found ourselves at a crossroads during our lives. It involves weighing up options, reflecting on possibilities and waiting for a sign.

Love and peace - Wozza

She said, "There is no reason and the truth is plain to see" (Procol Harum)

Wie geht's?

This one is in praise of lava lamps. 

I've got one in my music room, by my turntable and I love watching it. It's very therapeutic.

Mine has a bronze holder, with a deep red wax (lava) doing its silent up and down thing (as I type) in a translucent liquid.

It's endlessly fascinating watching the lava balls bounce off each other as they rise and fall.

Lava lamps are a relatively new phenomenon - invented during the Beatlemania years of the 1960s. They are often associated with the sixties hippy culture, but in NZ I think it's more of a hip seventies thing. Great that it's still a thing in 2024.

I urge you to get one and luxuriate in its mind-blowing display.

Love and peace maan - Wozza

We laughed until we cried (Dan Fogelberg)

Wie geht's?

This one's about a movie we haven't seen (yet).

For three weeks now Jacky and I have made plans to see The Fall Guy at the Waipukarau moving picture palace (a.k.a. The Civic Theatre).

We should really have taken the hint from last weekend when we arrived for the 4.00pm Saturday showing only to be greeted by a sign on the locked door saying the screening of this movie was not happening (at least we presumed that's what the big thick Sharpie-made line through the words The Fall Guy indicated).

Today was another failed attempt as we were both cream crackered after the working week, so schlepping around in our pjs in front of the warm fire was just too enticing.

Maybe next week, after work? Yeah, right.

Love and peace - Wozza

To live means to take risks (Paulo Coelho)

Wie geht's?

There aren't too many writers who stop you in your tracks and make you think about your life.

That lead quote comes from the preface, the first page in fact, of Maktub, Coelho's book that collects teachings from various sources and presents, as he puts it - an exchange of experiences.

Maktub is an Arabic word that can be translated as - it is written. No co-incidence that it's been in the right-hand column of this blog for many years.

I've reached page 44 in Maktub and had to pause to let the following sink in.

When the traveler was ten, his mother sent him on a physical education course.

One of the exercises involved jumping from a bridge into the water. He would always go to the end of the line, and terrified because it would soon be his turn, he would watch as each boy ahead of him jumped in. One day, his teacher - seeing how afraid he was - made him go to the front so that he would be the first to jump.

He still felt afraid, but it was over so quickly that he lost his fear.

The master says:

Often we simply have to let things take their course. At other times, though, we have to roll up our sleeves and act. Then, the worst thing you can do is to put off the moment.

Love and peace - WNP

Up in the mornin' and out to school, the teacher is teachin' the Golden Rule (Chuck Berry)

Wie geht's?

Asher turned five this week! 

Jade and Chris put on a lovely day for him complete with bouncy castle; piñata; friends from day care; family and friends; Hot Wheels cake made by Jade; official photographer (JFP); balloons; pizza/ ice cream/ lollies; and presents galore.

Of course, this also means that he's off to school. 

There have been many milestones in Asher's life so far, and this is another biggie.

The learning process began 5 years ago, school is merely a more formalised aspect of the process. It's important though, and will be his life for at least the next 12 years.

We all remember that first day at school, age 5, don't we. There's an anxiety edge, excitement, awe, and a large dollop of trust associated with the day. Mostly though - innocence, and vulnerability because of that innocence.

There is such a responsibility, being a teacher for any age group. As I've said before, I love that I chose teaching as a career.

These days, I especially love visiting the primary classrooms and being engulfed by wide-eyed enthusiasm from the students. Their warmth and eagerness to learn is infectious and inspirational.

All the best Asher, as you start this next phase - be a sponge and make as many mistakes as you like. Look and learn. Grow and prosper.

Love and peace - Papa