Silent Reflection

"(the) silence was so profound that I could hear my heart beat. Such silence is a remarkable thing. It drives you inside your brain. You're not on acquaintance with your brain a lot of the time because you're so distracted by everything around you. You don't think about who you are and your place in life or where you fit. In silence and aloneness like that you're driven to think about yourself and it is no bad thing..."

~ Billy Connolly, extract taken from the book 'Journey to the Edge of the World'.

It's only actually been a week of 'silence' since my last blog, which was appropriately enough entitled, 'Shot To Pieces!' I thought I needed a longer break, but suprisingly I now feel totally refreshed and rejuvenated. After completing the long charity walk I was indeed completely and utterly drained emotionally.
All the personal reasons why I undertook such an event suddenly caught up with me, and I was totally running on empty for quite a long time. Fortunately, I now feel that I've finally come to terms with the whole campaign, as over the past week I've reflected in silence on my life and where it's going. I believe I've finally gained closure on my past with regards to matters of the heart, and although it hurts I know that I can at last move on with my life.
So rather than dwelling on any heartbreak I'd rather concentrate on the present and on the future.
After all, I'm a pretty luck fella with minimal aspirations in life...I just need the love of a good woman to make me complete! Believe me, I'm working on it...so watch this space!

"But there's a fighter in my heart and my body's tough,
 The years may have been unkind, but they've been kind enough..."

Capturing the mood of my silent reflection, the photo featured with this blog is taken from inside the tranquil and peaceful Church of the Good Shepherd on New Zealand's South Island.
The Church sits on the shores of Lake Tekapo and was built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. The Church offers awe inspiring views of Lake Tekapo and mountains through the alter window and has been host to thousands of weddings since its dedication.

Next Friday is the long awaited May payday, and it can't arrive soon enough believe me, so hopefully many happy times will then ensue.
I'm out for a celebration with the lads & ladies from Mercer on June 1st, although nothing too heavy as the following day I have to be up early, as I'm venturing over to Dublin via the joys of Ryanair from Gatwick Airport. From there I'll travel down to County Laois and catch up with all my Irish friends and 'family'...and no doubt I'll enjoy the craik and have some fun!
Then my next 'awayday' treat occurs exactly one month later on July 2nd, when I'll be catching the train up to Berkshire to visit my dear friend Elona, to share a lovely pub lunch in the pretty little village of Theale, followed by a spot of retail therapy in nearby Reading. I'm hoping to purchase a new slim-fit black suit at some stage, as well as a new pair of funky glasses if possible ~ a fresh start requires a new wardrobe and a new image I reckon...although I may need the guidance of my style guru, Giverny!
Thereafter, there remains the possibility of a holiday in New Zealand in October, although nothing is definite just yet. It'll be great to catch up with friends in Christchurch, such as the TWL, but if it's not to be just yet then I'm a patient man, and I'll wait a few years before returning as originally planned.

Following on from the concept of 'less is more', I'll be posting my blogs less frequently than in the past, probably once a month...I wouldn't want to bore my avid readers with any ramblings not worthy of their time or attention!
In all seriousness, the blogger interface and browser that I use has recently been upgraded (again), but one interesting feature now available to me is that I can see how many readers actually view my blogs.
I can confirm that prior to this one I've written 23 blogs in 2012 so far, and the total number of views this year is around the 700 mark, with an average per blog of 30 ~ so many thanks for your continual support and interest, which is very much appreciated.

Incidentally, the peak figure reached was 50 viewings for my blog entitled, 'Easter: Tough Love & The Harsh Truth'...which just goes to prove that you must all be interested in my love life after all? Lol ♥

Take care, be happy, stay safe & have fun!

Ramblin' Steve