Since when ...

... have old farts been boring? Apparently since they started using Twitter [Dec 27, 2009, SMH]. And it is with respect to them and it that I beg to differ by saying, it all depends on how you use it.

Our family boasts longevity and there are a few nonagenarians and a smattering of centenarians in our tree. Bodes well for me - a bit of a late bloomer who thinks my time is now rather than in my 20s, as I originally thought. As for my rellies, old ... yes. Farts ... not for me to say. Boring ... absolutely not! There's plenty of life in them their bones and their humour and energy suggests that they are definitely living their lives to the hilt.

Case in point ... A few weeks before my grandfather died at 100, we came together as a family - including many of us travelling in from overseas - to celebrate the big event. The letter from the Queen was read, as was the one from the Prime Minister, and lots of accolades and wishes were shared all round. When my grandfather was getting ready to go home, I asked him if he was tired. "No," he replied, with a strong, certain voice, indicative of a man half his age. "But I have to go home so I can watch the wrestling." With eyebrows raised, I turned to my cousin, who added: "A new passion he picked up a year or so ago."

Ah, I thought. Why not?! He had risen through the ranks while the World stood witness to silent movies, motor vehicles, the loss of the Titanic, the Spanish Flu, two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Space Race, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the Rwandan Genocide, and he simply wanted to see out his final years in a style of his own making. He had certainly earned it.

My great-aunt stands tall at 98 and is anything but boring. In fact, her life is as full as it can be, and she never complains or withdraws from an opportunity to have fun. Every trip to Australia includes at least one visit to see her, and she happily and graciously welcomes me, as if I flew all that way just to see her.

Neither my grandfather nor my great-aunt were into computers, and certainly not Twitter, but I know for sure that if they had, it would not have been to be hip or groovy, to tell the world everything they were doing every minute - something that was never interesting even before Twitter - and certainly not because they had short attention spans. They would have found some creative use of that communication tool and made it worth following in anyone's book. That was their way - something that is sadly lacking these days.

When I first got into Twitter, I didn't know what to say, and didn't think I had anything interesting to share. Until I hit on the idea of twitter verse and began to use that vehicle to document, in 140 characters or less each day, my progress as I pursued a career in speaking.

I'm pretty sure no one reads my tweets, but that's not my intent. Instead, I use it to challenge myself on a daily basis to prepare an impromptu update on where things are at and what lies ahead. The stuff I write is cryptic and quirky, and only those who know what's going on actually know what is going on. Hopefully, by the time I get my career well and truly off the ground, I'll have an interesting tale for those who ask: "How did you get to this point?" At the very least, I'll have certainly enjoyed the ride.

I'm just saying that too often these days, people are all too ready to close the proverbial book on anything that no longer - if ever - connects with them. Dead Twitter may be, but that shouldn't stop you if you are creative enough to put it to your own good use. If that makes you a 'boring old fart', so be it. And if you are the only one left standing when all is said and done, congratulations. You will be one of the few who truly appreciate the art of 'succinct' - another thing that is sadly lacking these days.

Doggone it!

Australia Day it is, and what better way to start the day than with Vegemite on toast, narna on Rice Bubbles, and a good strong cuppa!

Days like today bring out all sorts of memories of family and home and harbour boat races and everyone gathered round the barbie, with snags and chops sizzling away. A beer or two to wash it all down, and then plonking ourselves down on the couch for some cricket or tennis - or both. Those were the good old Australian days!

Nothing quite like celebrating your homeland in the traditional way, even when you are miles away from it. A few phone calls to family in the great southern land and a check in with the kids to make sure they are making the most of the day - like swimming in the weir with their mates or working hard in the veggie patch - and makes you feel all comfy inside, even though it's bloody freezing outside and you can't see any green for looking!

Make light of it if you will, but it's tough being away from family anytime of the year. And that's why we wanted to help our friend by taking care of her little ones - Tika and Mojo (see tikabrown.blogspot.com) - while she was away. If one has to be separated from the ones they love, there's nothing more comforting than knowing that they are safe, happy, and well taken care of.

A few days ago, Tika and Mojo were happily reunited with their Mum - although still waiting for their Dad to come home from Afghanistan - and seem to have settled into their usual routine no worries. Yesterday we reconnected with my family down in Oz and a few mates around the world. At the end of the day, everyone was where they should be and we were all the better for it.

So, regardless of your nationality, mark this Australia Day by checking in with your family and friends, whether they are next door or around the world, and let them know you are thinking of them. If you can't walk to where they are, drive or take the bus or hop on yer bike, use Skype or Facebook or MSN, or simply make a phone call.

Take a moment to connect or reconnect because doggone it, in this hyper fast-paced world, it just feels good! And we are all the better for it!

Hiatus, anyone?

Okay, so if you are reading this blog and wondering where I've gone, wonder no more. I am taking an 11-day hiatus from blogging at 'words at random' so I can help my canine boarders maintain their daily blog - 'tika and mojo at rover's retreat'.

When they said they wanted to keep track of everything that happens during their time here, I figured, what the heck. Easy to set up and fun to see what they think about their vacation. Besides, it gives them something to do when they are sick of lounging around. If you'd like to follow along, feel free to visit tikabrown.blogspot.com - makes for some interesting reading, if Tika does say so herself.

Photo coming, as soon as I can convince them to sit quietly together long enough to snap a snap.

And then, when I come back to 'words at random', hopefully it will have a new and more interesting look. Even I'm a bit bored with it, so goodness knows what you think of it.

Anyway, gotta got - Tika is trying to push me off the computer so she can start on Day 3 ...

Later, friends!

While I was painting

When do you get your best ideas? Your creative thoughts? Your new directions? Usually, that all happens for me while I am either walking, watching television, falling asleep, or, as it turns out, painting.

After recently painting virtually our entire house and taking it from plain old white to lush contemporary taupe, pier and sateen, we offered to paint a friend's apartment. She had been trying to finish off her place for months, but, well, let's face it, it's always much easier and more fun when there is more than one painter at work - especially if they've already practised on their own place.

Anyway, it happened on New Year's Day while I was trimming her living room wall, taking it from off-white to stardust - where do they get such telling names for paint these days?! I was in my own space thinking about the sabbatical I was on and wondering why it had stalled. True, I had achieved much during the past few months, but I had not been able to voice my spiel, define my message, identify the link between each of my keynotes. I needed to proclaim my platform.

"What is the problem?" I asked myself. "Why is it so difficult? Are my concepts so obscure that not even I can see what I am about?" Time was a premium - I had to ramp things up quite a bit in January or I would not achieve my goal of relaunching my speaking career before I was less than a blimp on the circuit radar.

And then it happened. My brother's words, spoken for something entirely different, suddenly came into thought, resonated in my head for a few minutes, and obviously fell into line. And I knew. I knew I had found what I was searching for. And I knew that I knew because I did not miss a beat. I continued painting without pause or hesitation and simply smiled. Slowly, broadly, confidently. I smiled and I smiled and I smiled.

Now I am back on track with the last piece of the puzzle firmly in place. Everything flows together, everything makes sense, and it will all take shape with me at the helm instead of trailing far behind.

So, if you're stuck looking for that idea, thought or direction, try painting. You never know; it might be all you need to do. And if you're looking for a canvas, there are a few walls left at our place waiting to help you find your way!

It's a start

Is it weird to peg a few 'resolutions' before the new year even begins? Fortunately, I think the beginning of anything is when we start it, rather than when it is more formally recognised. And if my year needs to start right here and now, then so be it.

A few things about resolutions. Firstly, I think most are too wordy, contain too many guidelines and instructions, and imply weakness if they are not fulfilled to the max. Secondly, that they are generally stated while under the influence - of alcohol, fireworks, guilt, or other people under the influence - significantly ramps up the "ain't gonna happen" likelihood. Thirdly, the word itself feels shallow, short term, and giddy - perhaps the result of too many frivolous references to it.

With all that in mind, I'm going to go for 'philosophies' that set me in good stead for the rest of my days, rather than 'resolutions' that may fade before they even get started.

And so, for what it's worth - and I doubt it's worth anything to anyone other than me - here goes ...

Work philosophy - honesty
Health philosophy - balance
Psychical philosophy - contentment
Life philosophy - joy

If that doesn't paint a strong enough picture for you, check out your thesaurus where all will be revealed.

Nothing earth shattering, but it's a start. Happy new year, everyone!

Oh, Mr Burton!

I have marvelled at your handiwork for years, always willing to be immersed in worlds I could only imagine - although clearly not as well as you do! I have gleefully followed your journey from Edward to Sweeney to Alice and James, I've seen things look Batty, go Fishy and get Sleepy, I've watched unearthly Brides, factored in some Chocolate, AND counted all the way to 9. What an extraordinary ride! What a taste for the wonderful!

Now, at the risk of appearing starstruck or perhaps even slightly insane and stalky, let me just say, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I accept your offer to appear in your next film. I will also say that the only thing standing between me and success in this matter is you. And the actual invitation.

Just so you know, my schedule for the next few years is wide open, my passport is in order, I'm not picky about co-stars or genre, and I'm never late for tea!

Let's talk soon, Mr Burton. Oh, the possibilities ...

The fact of the matter

What to do when there simply aren't enough hours in the day? What to do when you have ideas, concerns and principles, but no time to share, express or further them? What to do when you feel the pressure to step up, but circumstances intervene? What to do when other things have to get done, but you'd rather write ... about something, anything? What to do when despite your best efforts, you can't seem to fit yourself into the equation?

What to do? Nothing. Life happens. Duty calls. That's it.

For now ...