Don't Get in a Flap

I think i managed to navigate April Fool's Day pretty much unscathed today... how about you?

Did anyone catch the hilarious April Fool's gag/BBC iPlayer advert that ran this morning. What is unique about it, is that the story was apparently broken as a joint effort on the part of the BBC, GMTV and at least one national newspaper.

It's not unusual for the media to pull stunts to commemorate the date, but this is the first time I can think of when differing media companies have conspired together on the same story, to increase the chances of some poor gullible sap falling for it.

The Beeb have done well out of it, as the trailer serves as an advert for their iPlayer service.

If you didn't see it, here is the clip in question:

All that it remains for me to do, is say that I hope you enjoyed this day of fiendish pranks, tall tales and good natured hilarity... and that you survived it relatively unscathed.

The 'F' Word

No I'm not talking about cussing... I'm not even talking about food, I'm talking about something far more important than that.

Fun.

It's occurred to me that it's been ages since I just wrote something light hearted and fun, and that's a little frustrating for me. Every now and then we all need to just blow the lid off our overindulged sense of importance or seriousness and let it all out in a good bout of smiles and laughter.

That's not easy round these parts, people are spread out far and wide and it's not so easy to hang out with them.

Hopefully in a few months I will be mobile again and I will be able to see some of the faces I have missed. I also have a bit of a madcap idea to loop the nation in a "tour" of people I know... both friends I have made in the flesh... and a few people online too.

I went down the town centre to hang out at a pub disco the other night, but the town is largely dead. I think this is a combination of things - people having to tighten the belt in the aftermath of Christmas, being an obvious one. There are other reasons too, some of which I'm sure will become obvious if you scroll back to the events of last October/November.

Another thing is that I often relate differently in groups to how I do with individuals. When I'm with one person, or I've got the attention of an entire group... I tend to be a lot more focused, I'll usually be talking about heavy stuff in those situations. When I'm not at the forefront, when I'm one of many... I'm quite the opposite, I tend to be chilling out and up to silly mischief. I think people often forget that I have two sides; when they talk one on one, it often seems that they feel obligated to be serious with me all the time.

No. No. No. No. No.No.

No.

I want to have fun, just like everyone else. It's the simple things you treasure: putting your finger in the mixing bowl and scooping up a glob of cake mix, flinging yourself as hard as you can around bouncy castles, watching cheesy 70's shows/movies that as a kid you though were really good and instead now appreciating them now for their complete and utter nafness, running around in silly costumes... you know the kind of stuff I'm talking about. There is a time to be serious and there is a time to be random. Too much of the former and you'll end up a starchy fuddy duddy; too much of the latter and you'll miss some of the great learning experiences that come your way.

Me want fun!

The White Stuff!

For the past two days, it has been snowing in the land of Alcester.

It has been so long since snow has fallen in abundance in my town. Firstly, it's in the centre of a valley, so we only get a light dusting. Then of course we have climate change to contend with. If the people of Britain had any doubt the climate was changing, they only need look to the Mr Whippy vans that have been out in Stratford-upon-Avon serving ice cream from January.

So, substantial snowfall is rarer these days. I always remember with fondness, the time when there was a blizzard on Christmas Eve. I was a child at the time and we had to walk all the way to the midnight service at Arrow. That was many years ago, before the bypass was built... before the Elephant Tree was cut down. I dragged my handmade ply wood sled all the way up and back again. The snow was deep, so deep... and my sled was no use at all.

That was probably 25 years ago now... and yet people talk of snow, like it never happened over Christmas. Maybe they just haven't noticed winter gradually getting thrown out of whack.

Cold, snowy days like this always remind me of my childhood. The gentle crunch of virgin snow beneath the boot. The huddling of the family round the radio as we listened to BRMB (there was no Warwickshire radio station then), to find out if our school had been closed... and the exultant cheer that followed when we discovered it inevitably had.

The way I see it, when days like this come... you can either be extremely mature and sensible... and bemoan the delays in travel, as well as the disruption to adult life... or you can recapture your youth, get out there, have snowball fights and/or build a snowman or some other effigy.

Guess which way I jumped?

I ran out the door taking a few tender and gentle steps on the new covering of snow, and then I ran and jumped for joy in the street. Now at 7.15, this is not something that is in my nature... but the snow had energised me and I ran amok with excitement.

I walked to the High Street to await my lift for work. I got bored so I decided to build a snowman outside the Post Office. I only got halfway up the torso before I had to leave. Once at work, it quickly became apparent that not many others would make it and most people left once official word had been given. I stuck it out till 4, trusting in Rob's judgement.

Sadly when I got home, no trace of my snowman remained. He'd been kicked in. I had hoped someone would have understood what I was doing and finished it off. Unfortunately though, it seems a lot of people are more destructive in their nature than they are creative. We need less of that sort of human.

Today I have the day off from work... I haven't ventured out yet... but it is still snowing.

Truly there is beauty in all God's seasons.