Landschlacht, Switzerland, 28 January 2017 As those already acquainted with myself already know, I earn my income in two ways: I am a Canadian, resident in Switzerland, working as a freelance English-as-a-second-language teacher and part-time Starbucks barista. And while both physical and psychological health remain I wish to continue to do both jobs for a… Continue reading The cure for Wanderlust?
Category: Psychology
The sorrow of Batman
Istanbul, Turkey, 10 September 2016 In Istanbul, extraordinary experiences are found around every corner. Here, dervishes whirl, müezzins call from minarets and people move between continents multiple times a day. Istanbul is home to millenia-old monuments and cutting edge art galleries – sometimes on the same block. It is an utterly beguiling city full of… Continue reading The sorrow of Batman
Eye problems
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 9 January 2017 Today is my first day back to work as a teacher and this, of course, involves planning. Planning involves going through my wee little library here at home in search of interesting material to share with my students in the hopes that as they learn they might also be entertained,… Continue reading Eye problems
One foot down
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 6 January 2017 “An aged man is but a paltry thing, A tattered coat upon a stick, unless Soul clap its hands and sing, and louder sing For every tatter in its mortal dress.” (William Butler Yeats. “Sailing to Byzantium”, The Tower) Above: William Butler Yeats (1865 – 1939) Yesterday, working at Starbucks… Continue reading One foot down
The Wolves of Washington
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 5 January 2017 Sometimes I believe that there is hope for us simple humans. Other times… I am not so sure. Been reading lately of the US Republican Party seeking to dismantle or at least disable the US House Committee on Ethics. It has many functions, but they all revolve around the standards of… Continue reading The Wolves of Washington
The Last Sigh
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 4 January 2017 Outside my window, upon the streets of this wee hamlet, the snow remains. Beneath the snow nature sleeps, awaiting the resurrection of spring. Yet life continues nonetheless… Cows and sheep graze beneath the snow for succulent grass. Birds continue their happy carefree melodies. Humans scurry and hurry about, seeking sustenance… Continue reading The Last Sigh
The Assassin´s Resolution
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 2 January 2017 “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.“(Mahatma Gandhi)(1869 – 1948) “Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)(1749 – 1832) “The best way to predict the future is… Continue reading The Assassin´s Resolution
Canada Slim and Last Year´s Man
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 19 December 2016 Now, Belgians love a good celebration, but a big night in the Belgian boozers often leads to mornings of regret and grim reflection. Being the chaste daughter of an English curate, nights in a bar were probably not part of Charlotte Bronte´s story, but her unrequited love for a married… Continue reading Canada Slim and Last Year´s Man
Canada Slim and the Teacher’s Travels
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 14 December 2016 They are beloved by everyone from misunderstood teens and fools for love to the serious-minded middle-aged and those of a critical bent. Now the Bronte sisters are taking centre stage again as the bicentary of Charlotte´s birth (born 21 April 1814) brings a host of events at their Yorkshire home… Continue reading Canada Slim and the Teacher’s Travels
The Ministry of Truth 2084
Landschlacht, Switzerland, 7 December 2016 “Those princes who do great things have considered keeping their word of little account and have known how to beguile men´s minds by shrewdness and cunning.” (Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince) What is truth? Above: Walter Seymour Allward´s Veritas (Truth) outside the Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Canada What is fact?… Continue reading The Ministry of Truth 2084