30th September 2017: Help For Puerto Rico / Jocular Comedy / Kanye West-Zane Lowe Interview

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for the people of Puerto Rico, and all who are helping the people of Puerto Rico.

for Jon Lovett & Jon Favreau's riffing during an advert for wine during Lovett or Leave It.

for the 2013 Kanye West / Zane Lowe interview.

for the Capotain hat.

29th September 2017: Video Footage / Education / Shame / And Still I Rise

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for video footage sent from Crete, capturing my brother & father playing music at Tropica.

for the education and help that has given me the possibility to tackle personal shame

for the poem, And Still I Rise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqOqo50LSZ0

28th September 2017: Julia Louis-Dreyfuss / Doctors / mother!

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for JLD turning such personal news into a call to arms for the help of others. It takes a special kind of courage. A brave and brilliant woman.

for DOCTORS NURSES HEALTH PRACTITIONERS MEDICAL RESEARCHERS DOCTORS NURSES HEALTH PRACTITIONERS MEDICAL RESEARCHERS DOCTORS NURSES HEALTH PRACTITIONERS MEDICAL RESEARCHERS

for mother! that had Mum running up the stairs at various intermissions this evening, feeling the need to discuss a new idea that the film had stirred.

27th September 2017: Completion / Corbyn / Newsnight / Sunday Adelaja

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for the feeling of completion after placing the last book back on a shelf from reordering the family library.

for Corbyn highlighting Myanmar in his conference speech and appealing to Aung San Suu Kyi.

for Newsnight’s incredible report on the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

for my friend sharing the following quotation: “Remember! If during the day a person didn’t do anything concerning his purpose and calling, he did nothing at all” ― Sunday Adelaja  

26th September 2017: Call From Crete / Return Request / Votes Against Graham-Cassidy Repeal Bill

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for a thoughtful call from my brother on holiday in Crete.

for this carefully unfolded request inside a copy of a poetry book.



for those who voted down the further attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

25th September 2017: Gbenga Akinnagbe / Book Collection / Plants in Autumn

Today- grateful / thankful

for Gbenga Akinnagbe’s heavy and hard stare!

for the relived feelings whilst organising and refining a shared book collection.

for the way the plants in the garden are responding to the season.

24th September 2017: Rise For Syria / Golden Ratio / 22:22

Today, I'm thankful for a group meditation at St. Peter's Church, joining a united Rise For Syria event. #refugeeswelcome

I am grateful for a story explaining the Golden Ratio through the idea of the Big Bang.

I am thankful for the satisfaction of catching a clock display at 22:22

23rd September 2017: Dream About Breaking & Entitlement / Turkey's Oppression / Returning Home

Today, I am thankful for a dream wherein I broke a small artifact at foot-level in an Antique Shop. When I apologised to the shop assistant (a man of around 50 years of age, with close-to-black short hair) he was unmoved by my gesture, and addressed the situation with a casual contempt for me, explaining that I needed to pay. When I said I was willing, he remained scornful. I indicated I felt it was possible to acknowledge my address and also direct me to pay. He shrugged, and walked out of the front door. Spotting a woman (who was younger) who worked in the store, I explained the situation to her and explained I was angry about having feelings ignored. She empathised and helped me to pay for the item. I then woke up. This dream alerts me to an entitlement I must hold onto subconsciously, that even when I break something, whether accident or otherwise, I hold an expectation of acknowledgement for my feelings, my apology. I am not owed this. I must amend the situation, this is all. Though I have sought to tackle this in my conscious mind, I am thankful that this dream reminds me more work is to be done to grow.

I am grateful for being educated in a personal account of the struggle of approx. 150,000 union members affected by Erdogan's tyrannical regime. The resilience and faith of this individual in spite of cruel oppression shows incredible resilience, but a pressure no-one should bare.

I am thankful for the feeling of returning home after an emotionally and spiritually engaging trip away.

22nd September 2017: Family / Strength Of Character / Improvisation

Today, I am thankful for Family. When I was younger I was deeply confused by the notion of Family: One way I read it completely wrong was to obsess over the hypocrisy of those who put blood relatives ahead of those who are not (another form of gang) and operated to address that imbalance in my own life to a problematic effect. I am grateful to have a present understanding that ignores that framing, and which observes the practices of love, dedication, patience and support, and to recognise those who have sought and persisted to involve me, in spite all of my failings, in their lives which employ these behaviours. Family is a living thing. Family is limitless and complicated.

I am grateful to share time with a close friend, to witness their strength of character.

I am grateful, after a long time, to be able to watch a close friend perform, this time with in an a group called Classic Andy @ The Nursary. It was lovely to spend time with them all too.

21st September 2017: Lee 'Scratch' Perry / Old Friend Dances / Friends In London

Today, I am grateful for Lee 'Scratch' Perry and the light shining from his mirrors. Push up, Mad Professor!

I am grateful to catch up with an old friend and share some dances.

I am grateful to my friends having me 'round to stay.

I'm thankful to be in London for a while.

20th September 2017: Decluttering / Gig-Poster Art / Tony Hale

Today, I am grateful for the feeling that cleaning out a wardrobe give, donating no longer needed clothes. It's amazing what psychological weight is added by putting off removing unwanted e.g. attire, and the space that you reacquire when you remove clutter.

I am grateful for the unique glory of gig-poster art.  

I am thankful for the physical comedic acting of Tony Hale. He always serves the scene, and is full of invention.

19th September 2017: Friends / Mersea / Dream

Today, I am grateful for my friend's generosity and thought, near and far.

I am thankful for Mersea and its calming atmosphere. Also, the hospitality and delicious food at The Company Shed, and also the landscape and view at Cudmore Grove Country Park.

I am thankful for a curious dream, in which I was in a terraced street (I believe in Leeds) and also, inside the house I was stood outside of, in the living room. Four people arrived one at a time, and I greeted them (outside and inside). One had a pretty convincing orange bob wig on. As they compiled in the living room, it dawned up me that they were meant to be with one another, a gang perhaps? a theatre troupe? I have forgotten some key parts of the narrative revelation, but not the feeling.

18th September 2017: Phonecall From My Brother / Serendipity / 34

Today, I am thankful to get a thoughtful call from my brother before he heads out to join Dad in Crete.

I am thankful for serendipity, and how creative passions can shorten distances between like minds.

Tomorrow (Today) I'm 34 - I'm very grateful for these years of life, for the wild ocean, the lessons and instruction.

17th September 2017: Walking For Becky / Phone-Call / Bill Batte

Today, I am grateful to join a crowd of people taking part in the Memory Walk to raise money for Alzheimer's Society. Those involved in organising Walking For Becky are doing excellent work raising money and awareness that alzheimer's disease can sadly effect younger people as well those who are older. Becky was diagnosed with Fronto Temporal Lobe Dementia at 31 years of age, and her friends and family are supporting the research so future generations can be protected from this disease.

To support 'Walking For Becky' please visit:
bit.ly/beckyalzheimers

 

I am grateful to share a phone-call with a friend I have not spoken to for a long time.

17th September is the day my mother's father, Bill, died - 37 years ago today. Unfortunately he died before I got to meet him. I am grateful for the happiness he has given my Mum, and that when you hear her talk about him, you know he made her feel special and loved.

16th September 2017: A Friend's Bravery / Bramhall Park / Cod & Chips

Today, I am inspired by a friend's bravery, and thankful for it.

I am grateful for luxury of time to saunter around the Bramhall Park; a beautiful place with twisting pathways guiding our walk.

I am thankful for the combination of Battered Cod & Chips.

15th September 2017: Manchester Friends / The Peer Hat / Bramhall Friends

Today, I am grateful to see some good friends, and meet the father of two brothers.

I am thankful to spend time in the majesty of their new pub, The Peer Hat.

I am grateful to see my friends in Bramhall, and see their daughter who is now talking and running around.

14th September 2017: Thordis Elva / A Friend's Baby Girl / Ryan Adams

Today, I am thankful to Thordis Elva (@thordiselva) for her incredible work and vision.

I am thankful to catch up with old friends, and I am so pleased their little baby girl will soon be rocking the world.

I am grateful for Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) for a great show tonight, bringing back and mixing lots of memories.

I am thankful for the existence of the Hammond B3 organ.

I am grateful to be in Manchester

13th September 2017: Sparrows / The Old Police House / Songwriting & Awareness

Today, I am thankful for the pleasure of watching sweet, cute little sparrows all bathing together in a shallow birdbath. They were really happy and enjoying themselves side-by-side one another, making big splashes.

I am grateful for Mariam Rezaei & Adam Denton for taking over and giving The Old Police House its best life. Some of the sounds and feelings from times in those rooms will stay in my ears forever. Where will the energy travel to next?

I am thankful for writing songs, today, in particular for the way they expose parts of myself my self-awareness fails on noticing.

12th September 2017: Shame / Disused Railway / Ripe Tomatoes

Today, I am thankful to share a call with a close friend and exchange some feelings about personal shame. I am so lucky to have a friend like them.

I am grateful for the opportunity to walk a familiar disused railway, with the midday sun perforating the leaves of trees hanging overhead. Though I felt the presence of depression nearby today, such nature helped.

I am grateful to be able to pick some ripe tomatoes from the garden.

11th September 2017: Gina Millar / Nebuchadnezzar / Knowing Myself

Today, I am thankful for Gina Miller's continued scrutiny and tenacity.

I am grateful, that when I was walking earlier, Nebuchadnezzar started crawling in front of me, occasionally looking over his shoulder to make sure I was following. I tried to dodge his turns, hopping from foot-to-foot. His eyes always caught mine.


I am thankful to know myself as clearly as I ever have. May I keep learning.

10th September 2017: Suicide Prevention / Great North Run / Esther The Wonder Pig

Today, I'm grateful to anyone who made the decision to keep going, and take on tomorrow. Step by step.

I'm ever thankful to the North East, and the glorious celebration that is its Great North Run, the people and landscape engaged in a dance, full of energy and generosity.

I am grateful for the ever joy the beautiful Esther brings
@EstherThePig

9th September 2017: Suicide Prevention Month / Blowers / Great North Run

Today, I am thankful that many take time to acknowledge September as Suicide Prevention Month (with tomorrow being World Suicide Prevention Day). I am so grateful in particular for the work Papyrus, The Samaritans and CALM do in helping to prevent the loss of life.

This afternoon was bitter sweet as Henry Blofeld gave his farewell over the radio. Thank you Blowers for elevating cricket commentary into an art form reaching far beyond the definition. Unforgettable!

Tonight, I am thankful for all those wonderful people who have been training for tomorrow's Great North Run, and raising support and money for many charities. Enjoy getting yourselves to South Shields and may the sun not be too bright above. 

8th September 2017: Artwork In Crete / Hurricane Irma / Gogglebox

Today, I am grateful to receive photos of Dad in Crete, with some of his artwork displayed. I'm really pleased for him to have this work on show opposite the islands that inspired their creation. Frames within frames within frames within frames.

I am thankful for the strength and compassion of people helping one another to evacuate the island of Barbuda, and hope for the safety of all in Hurricane Irma's path.

I am thankful for Mum's glee at the return of Gogglebox. I love sharing time with her watching that show. It's nice to spend some regular time in an escapist place.

7th September 2017: Mum's Childhood / St Elizabeth's Hospice / The Mix

Today, I am thankful to learn more about my mother's childhood, through stories I was hearing for the first time.

I am thankful to St Elizabeth’s Hospice in Stowmarket for supplying me with an excellent travelling companion. The shop assistants were lovely.

I am grateful to The Mix (also in Stowmarket) It's a wonderful place that offers a range of programmes and facilities to young people. Their café also provided a wonderful place to share lunch with my Mum and my Aunt.

https://www.themixstowmarket.org

6th September 2017: Labrador / Jonah Ryan & Richard Splett / Poo In A Jar Memory

Today, I am thankful for a walk in the damp air, with the beautiful morning sun glowing orange. On that walk I am thankful for the enjoyable exchange I had between a lady and her very enthusiastic Labrador.

I am grateful for the warmth and joy Jonah Ryan & Richard Splett's relationship gives me.

I am thankful to wake up this morning to a message by a close friend, quoting the BBC 'poo story'. He is such a good friend he gave me a poo in a jar once as a birthday present. We will always have Paris.

5th September 2017: Doctor / Stop & Chat / Rohingya Refugees

Today, I am grateful for my Doctor's help and direction.

I am thankful for a moment passing an old friend this morning, both acknowledging that particular now was not the time for a 'stop and chat'. It was comfortable.

I met an American woman once in 2003 who was making covert trips across the border, bravely transporting aid into Burma. 2017, and I am thankful to Fortify Rights and others trying to get necessary supplies to the Rohingya Refugees and I hope for their safety.

4th September 2017: Dad trip / Pip's Course / McStrike

Today, I am grateful that Dad has arrived safely in Crete for his holiday.

I am thankful that a friend has started a course today that she has been excitedly/nervously anticipating this summer. She'll rock it!

I am grateful to all those who supported those involved with #McStrike at Crayford & Cambridge today. This demonstration highlights unacceptable working contracts/conditions and hopefully will lead to change as well as inspire workers beyond McDonald's. 

3rd September 2017: Charlie Chess / Antifa / Bird's Custard

Today, I am thankful for the continued joy that playing chess with my friend Charlie gives me, and seemingly him as well. I've loved that game a long while, and even though he learned how to play much later than me, we're pretty evenly matched now. I need to improve quick!

I am extremely grateful to those who have been involved in Antifa, for putting themselves in risky situations to ward off fascists from public spaces. I, as we all, benefit from this action.

I am thankful for delicious Bird's custard. It is a perfected recipe.

2nd September 2017: Mum's Story / Smart Phone / Childish Behaviour

Today, I am thankful for mum telling me an interesting story from her childhood, involving a woman who set the standard for her appreciation of macaroni cheese.

I am grateful for the luxury of having a smart phone, and the way in which apps play a huge part in shifting how easy it is to access various information and tools. I hope that these become as accessible as possible for everyone.
 
Every Saturday, Mum returns from town with bags of shopping. Within these, is a paper that Dad insists she buys because it contains his favourite crossword, sacrificing all political positions for this drug of choice. The focus of my thanks is on the childish behaviour he is unable to control as Mum returns. He races up to the house as she enters the door, and sniffs around the bags as she unpacks the shopping, impatient for her to hand him the paper so he can race back to his shed to embark on an afternoon of puzzle.

1st September 2017: Chocolate / Garden / Munroe Bergdorf

Today, I am thankful for the giggles that my Mum had because I accidentally ate half of a chocolate bar that my Dad put in the fridge, reserved as a gift. This misunderstanding tickled her much more than I would have imagined.

I am grateful to be entrusted with the garden duties for the next six weeks in Dad's absence. It's a beautiful garden, and there are profound rewards to tending to such a place.

I am thankful to all who consider a company's ethical values when choosing to give or not give them custom (where means makes this possible). Today, I hope L'Oreal are rebuffed for their ignorance.