Here comes the sun...

Sunshine is magic. This sounds like romantic drivel, I concede, but I do believe there must be more than just poetic rhyme or reason behind this, having witnessed first hand the way it changes not just individuals, but whole towns, cities, countries...
Sunshine gives us hope. It lights up the day, the place, the people. It reminds us of summer, of holidays, of barbecues. It brings laughter, frolicking in parks, strolls along the river...
Sunshine gives us spirit. It makes us braver, sexier, cheerier. It tans us, warms us, soothes us.
Sunshine makes the flowers grow, the birds sing, the people give...
Today a friend and I decided to take a stroll across the city. We meandered through the parks and by the lakeside at sunset, and en route stopped off for some frozen yoghurt to cool off in the unanticipated but very welcome heatwave. As we stood pondering the menu, flitting between old classics and new favourites, the young gentleman about to pay took us all by surprise when he asked the cashier if he could pay for the entire queue's orders. Despite the fact that he had an unlimited card that was on the verge of expiry, and thus could easily afford the charitable gesture, this sort of kindness does not usually come about, and on this occasion had probably surged from the madness arising from the excessive heat (another by-produce thereof as well as the desire for cold dairy produce, it seems). This man, this everyday hero, burst through the private bubbles of all involved, inviting us to share in his good fortune, for no other reason than that he could... I'm grateful to him for the gift (free pud - who wouldn't be?!) but I'm also grateful to know that human kindness and generosity is not a mere myth, but might be waiting around the corner, a pleasant surprise when you least expect it...
Social barriers apparently begin to crumble when the sun comes out. Not only in conversation, where discussing a sunny day is never a faux-pas introduction, but in interaction, where approaching a random stranger or joining in on their game/chat/debate becomes a lot more tolerable and thus commonplace on sunnier days. Bad humours are forgotten a lot more easily when there is no drizzle to keep the mood dampened, and rightly so!
Thus... sunshine is magic. It makes the air taste of possibility. It makes the city tingle. It weaves a spell that leaves us with rainbow sunsets and rosy reflections, it sets buildings aglow with its dying rays, casts a wondrous halo about the twilit streets, tantalises us with the promise of tomorrow... sunshine is magic.

Creature Comforts

Then...


Trampoline. Bubbles. Lollipops. Balloons. Fireworks. Sleepovers. Popping candy. Starjumps. Pink lemonade. Hula-hooping. Make-believe. Party bags. Snowfights. Cuddly toys. Swings. Jelly and ice cream. Wishing wells. Skipping. Friendship bracelets. Dressing up. Action Man/Barbie. Midnight snacks. Fairytales. Staying up late. Water fights. Apple bobbing. Face paint. Frisbees. Food fights. Blanket teepees. Finger painting. Paper planes. Chinese whispers. Adventures. Candy floss. Marbles. Trolls. Collecting stickers. Free gifts in cereal packets. PG Tips monkeys. Cargo pants. Pop music. Toffee apples. Musical chairs. Space hoppers. Walkman. Discman. Pogo sticks. Rollerblading. Pass the parcel. Chocolate spread sandwiches. Pocket money. Riding without stabilisers. Gel pens. Bubble bath. Glitter. Calling for someone. Climbing trees. Grazed knees. Hamsters. Bubblegum. Tooth Fairy/Easter Bunny/Santa. Bouncy castles. Spaghetti hoops. Teddy bears' picnics. Go-karting. Sherbet. Campfires. Funfairs. Wellies and puddles.


Now...


Trampoline. Bubbles. Lollipops... Cups of tea. Fresh laundry. Cut grass. Cupcakes. Really long grass. Comfy. Candles. Starlight. Cheesecake. Romance. Streetlamps. Burritos. Walks. Cats or Dogs. Freebies. Sun. Cocktails. Photography. Cosy beds. Novels. Dancing in the rain. Flip-flops. Beer pong. Cards. Concerts. Staying up to watch the sunrise. Sofas. Beach parties. Baking. Fluffy towels. Chocolate fountain. Missing someone. Kissing someone. Disco dancing. Tapas. Sightseeing. A full fridge. Cinema trips. Lattes. Pub quiz. Ice cream in pints. Outdoor ice rinks. House parties. Art. Surprises. Lunch out. Wine tasting. Mattress testing. Foreign accents. Glowsticks... Campfires. Funfairs. Wellies and puddles.

Great Expectations

There's nothing quite as motivating as having something to look forward to, no matter how simple or how important; be it something new in your daily routine, such as an exotic food for dinner, or a more grandiose affair like a holiday or major life event. I daresay you will be familiar with the old countdown, the idea of 'this time next week, I'll be...' and so on. 
But even on a minute scale, the trifles that we are waiting for can sweeten the passage of time until their arrival. My direction, today, is therefore simple: count your blessings. Enjoy the flutters of anticipation, and savour the moment itself when it arrives, no matter how unimportant it may seem in the grand scheme of things. 
If you feel you haven't any meritable events on the horizon, then allow yourself to await smaller pleasures: a sweet treat, going to the cinema, trying a new look, taking the scenic route, seeing an old friend, spending some time in the sun, dining out instead of eating in... Whatever it may be, find something and let it brighten your day and increase your smile factor. 
There's really no point worrying over negative things either - if there is a solution, find it and amend the situation, if there isn't, then worrying will only make everything worse surely? So better to concentrate on the good, for being even just a little bit excited will make things that much more enjoyable. In the immortal words of one Mr. Bob Marley, therefore, "Don't worry. Be happy..." 

Bob.

At the request of a good friend, the name of this post is just that – a name. Perhaps an ostentatious title such as, say, ‘Sea Lord Lemuel Ferdinand of Pimm’ would have been better. Certainly seems like the name of some gregarious chap, I’d bet he wears a spiffing monocle and carries a cane... Anyway, it has a quaint charm, but that’s by that literary bye – which brings me to the crux of today’s ramble; the weird and wonderful wordery that is the English language. Other than being rather handily spoken in oh, let’s say, three out of the four corners of the globe, and probably that bit in the middle as well, English is a remarkable little series of signifiers and signifieds, sounds and meanings, rules and (more often than not) exceptions... It is delectable and marvellous and somehow utterly bewildering all at once. Think, if you will, about the following little morsels: 

• ‘I read a book.’ Did you imagine it to be present or past?  
• ‘I live here’ vs. ‘A live concert’ – same word, no?
• Though/thought – why does that ‘t’ change the way it’s said?
• Sunday morning/Sundae morning – or maybe both would be nice...
• They’re over there reading their books. – beware the Grammar Nazis should you muddle! 
• Scone – need I say more?! 

I was also flabbergasted (oh yes indeed) to learn of the magical word ‘ghoti’, to be pronounced either ‘fish’ using the gh in tough, o in women, ti in nation; or silently using the gh in although, o in people, t in ballet, and i in business. Such deceit! Such trickery! And yet it doth follow our very own rules – how are we to negate either form?! Such tomfoolery. 

Indeed, English oft seems to dance to its own tune. I’m not one to quibble it, it’s more fun to admit bemusement and marvel at its puzzles - but why there can’t be crannies without nooks I will never know. Next time you happen across an intriguing word or phrase, savour it like a boiled sweet rolling around your tongue - ‘discombobulated’ is a good one for size! 

I, on the other hand, shall just content myself with living for the day when I actually see someone waltz into a room... 

Scentsational

Sitting on the tube today, minding my own business, I was caught unawares as a lady sat down next to me who smelt of Fizzers (for those unfortunate enough not to remember these delights, they were small fizzy sweets from about 15 years ago, made by Swizzels, which looked like a roll of pastel-coloured pills - akin to love hearts. Très retro). I was immediately whisked back to days of musical chairs and party bags filled with parma violets, balloons, balls, and candy necklaces; days of make-believe adventures as cowboys and gold-rushers (oh yes, we dreamt big!)... As I smiled to myself, mind wandering off on a journey through the past, I found myself quite happy to have been spiritually transported to my youth by a mere smell, the simplest of triggers yet with such connotations as to spark numerous flashbacks. It wasn't the first time, and I doubt it will be the last - perfumes hold a memory of a certain person or place, certain food aroma combinations can mentally carry us off to a land once visited, even things as simple as wood-smoke, turpentine, cut grass or fresh linen can evoke a comforting notion of 'home'... 


And this can happen anytime, anywhere. Next time you're popping into the supermarket see if you can't feel the gentle tickle of an Italian breeze when you smell the lemons, or the bustle of a little seaside harbour as you wander past the fish counter, or the groan of a floury workbench where the mouthwatering fresh bread is kneaded. The smell of carrier bags as they are rustled open alludes to the goodies and treats they will soon be filled with. 
Think about your own reactions - inhale deeply and let yourself be spirited away for a moment next time you catch the scent of something that sparks a pleasant memory... Why not?!

These are a few of my favourite things

Forgive me, dear reader, for the latter philosophical interlude. Let me assure you that this little elucidation is a much more trivial morsel: that of new favourites. Be this, as it may, in relation to newfound culinary delights, a recently discovered shortcut, a ‘wow-I-can’t-put-this-down’ novel, a song that although sticks in the mind over and over is surprisingly pleasant therein, a now-adopted personality-defining cocktail, or just a newly learnt word or fact that has to be evinced wherever possible; there is something to be said for the frisson of excitement found when one realises one has developed such a fancy for something as to superlative away and label it ‘the best’. Indeed, it is fresh and invigorating to learn that whilst we can maintain the comfort of our old favourites, we still have room to adapt and take on new likes or dislikes, such as reinventing ourselves to be interested in photography, or taking a sudden shine to the colour purple. I am not insinuating that we should all aim for hipster status, proclaiming new opinions to stand out from the crowd. I just mean to say that it can be a rather good idea to look for new inspiration - seek out new pleasures, frequent new haunts, and by all means cultivate your happiness in whichever tiny things suit. Personally I’ve taken a fancy of late to mangoes, experimenting with spices, trying to voice compliments instead of just thinking them, and making the most of whatever opportunities come my way. I also happen to have a discovered a fondness for sloths.  And further to all this, as a childhood ditty goes, “Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold”. It is important that we keep in touch not just with our friends and loved ones but with the essence of ourselves. And it is also important to embrace new potential and develop new friendships. A stranger is a friend in waiting. This may not always be the case, and certainly may not always be a wise mantra to follow (beware of applying this in dark alleyways, for example...) but why not ask someone how they’re doing, and mean it? Why not say hi to an out-of-touch friend? Why not smile at someone who looks a little sad, just to cheer them up? And why not go out and explore the world around you, discover some new favourites for yourself, and make the most of it rather than waiting for that special occasion or rainy day - you only live once... 

Rainy days and Mondays

On particularly drab days, we seem, in general, less inclined to smile. Through the dreary drizzle we ‘trudge’ and ‘mope’ with heads bowed against the rain, in place of ‘strolling’ or ‘meandering’ along sunlit boulevards... Sunglasses swapped for umbrellas, we huddle ourselves away under waterproof layers, and raise our shields to divert the downpour. 

Call me overly British for talking about the weather, but it can be a real game-changer, and there’s a lot to be said for paying attention to pathetic fallacy: the notion of the mood reflecting the weather definitely takes body when the rains come down, as misery levels inevitably do go up. Heed must be taken on these days to not let such a triviality ‘dampen‘ our spirits (if you’ll pardon the pun).  


But if we take a moment, we might see the glistening raindrops chase each other down the window pane; the cherry blossom reflected in the rivery pavement’s mirrored surface; the way bright colours are accentuated as they stand against the backdrop of grey; the beaming smile of a wellied-up child stomping in puddles... If we never pause and appreciate whatever comes our way, we might miss the rich smell of the warm earth after a good soaking, the salty tang of the sea in the breeze, or the patter of nature’s drumbeat as it strikes the paving. For, after all, the sheer magic and majesty of a good thunderstorm or the delight of letting it all go and just dancing in the rain are surely rivals to a the calm enshrouding a balmy evening or the splendour of starlit dusk, are they not?
And yet we forget it all as soon as there is a dampness in the air. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not keen on unsolicited outdoor showering, nor the chilly sensation of moist feet in wintery weather. But the beauty of torrential rain is that sometimes you just have to give in, admit that your shoes are simply beyond drenched, and enjoy that liberating ‘squelching’ feeling that is associated with wet socks, or walking in flip-flops down a flooding road. 

And the best part about it all? When the sun comes out after the rain. The glorious surprise of warm rays placating the earth, transforming monochrome to technicolor, dappling shadows here and there, buds unfurling and stretching their petals in the glow, safe in the knowledge that after the rain, all will be right in the end. And ultimately, that a few drops of rain can be as beautiful and valuable as a nice dose of sun. Enjoy.