And when we were wrong promptly admitted it…..

The above quotation is from step 10 of the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. But we don’t need to be a raging alcoholic to be wrong about something or to hurt other people, either intentionally or by accident. Everybody, and I mean everybody, up to and including you and I makes mistakes. The thing is, very few people will admit their mistakes, sincerely apologise, and then do their best to make amends. Most will never admit they were wrong. Most will make a mealy mouthed fake apology such as; I’m sorry you feel like that….. And most people will do nothing to put right their wrongs. At the very top of the list of those who would never admit they might have been wrong are all the politicians there ever were, closely followed by almost everyone with whom you have ever been in a romantic and sexual relationship ~ especially most husbands and wives. I made a mistake yesterday, for which I sincerely apologise. Putting right the wrongs and making amends often takes far more time and effort than the instant it took to make the mistake in the first place. I can only try my best.

Jack Collier

Real men make mistakes and learn from them. ~ Rick Riordan

There’s a Greek Temple here in the North East of England. Penshaw Monument can be seen for tens of miles around, and is far more a symbol of this part of the world than the rather tasteless, rusty, Angel of the North erected just a few miles up the road. One can just imagine the reaction of the locals as this massive structure was going up; ‘Howay man, divn’t be daft… It’s a mistake tha knaws…’ But there a deeper story here that even my American companion doesn’t know. The monument was built to celebrate the flawed achievements of John Lambton, Governor-General of British North America, and the architect of the laws and constitution for the governance of the relationship between the United States and Canada. It is also notable that the whole thing is deeply Masonic, as is much of the history of the USA. Of course, also just down the road is the ancestral home of the Washington family, of first President fame. All I know is that a Greek Temple, in County Durham, doesn’t look at all out of place.

Jack Collier

Life is the dancer and you are the dance. ~ Eckhart Tolle

Over here in Blighty there’s a popular television show which is nothing more or less than a ballroom dancing competition. Strictly Come Dancing aside it strikes me that not many people trip the light fantastic these days, which is a shame in so many ways. For one thing, learning to dance improves physical and mental fitness as well as teaching good manners, deportment, and dress sense. Ballroom dancing also allows relative strangers to hold a carefully chosen member of the opposite sex in their arms, quite intimately, in public. Back in the day I was quite the terpsichorean gentleman, having learned all the basics at grammar school. Sadly, these days I doubt I could do the St. Bernard Waltz, never mind the Military Two-Step or Tango. With the festive season coming up I believe I’ll resurrect the Mr. Bojangles in me. Could be well worth it.

Jack Collier

If God wanted us to fly, He would have given us tickets. ~ Mel Brooks

When one is fortunate enough to be in a long-distance relationship, then a hell of a lot or air travel comes along as part of the package. Hell being the operative word there. Despite being a very experienced business traveler I wasn’t remotely prepared for the joys of sitting at the back of the aeroplane, and the long layovers at out-of-the-way airports that go along with cheaper flights. The worst misery of all is to be trapped in the middle seat by a couple of overweight passengers, or messy inebriated slobs, or unruly and out-of-control children. Or spending the night in somewhere like Reykjavik airport. So now I have some simple rules when I buy my tickets; direct flights or a 3 to 5 hour layover, and pre-book aisle seats in premium economy. And, I will never, ever change seats with anyone. Apart from that, air travel is a joy to all mankind.

Jack Collier

I might just delete this later…..

Believe it or not I tried to take a self-portrait this morning; reason being I had my hair cut yesterday and a very good friend asked me to send her a picture of the result. Twenty minutes and an equal number of photographs later I came to the inevitable conclusion that I will never be able to take a ‘selfie’ I am even remotely happy with. I’ve come to another conclusion; that some people look good in their self-shot-portraits, while the rest of us look like Quasimodo. The friend in question always looks fabulous in any photograph, including the pictures she takes of herself, which makes me even more reluctant to send her one of my efforts of that ilk. Face it, the camera loves some women while the rest are lucky the lens doesn’t crack.

Jack Collier

The Land of the Prince Bishops

Had a Grand Day Out visiting one of my old haunts ~ the ancient City of Durham. There’s been an important Christian Church in the incised meander of the River Wear since the 7th Century, while today’s Norman Cathedral was begun in about 1098, and still isn’t quite finished. (Nor will the work ever end on this most impressive edifice.) Modesty forbade me to take Holy Communion there yesterday.

Jack Collier

to provide a perpetual source of income for the king ~ Hugh Wilmott

From its founding in about 1132 AD this magnificent abbey was a place of prayer and quiet meditation for Cistercian monks in the middle of the North Yorkshire Moors ~ until its seizure by King Henry 8th money men in 1538. In a picturesque wooded dale hard by the River Rye, this magnificent Medieval / Norman church was of major significance in the religious and architectural life from the 12th century until today. It is to my regret that I only visited this place in the last week or so, despite it being within an easy drive of my home. We oft ignore that which is closest to us.

Jack Collier

Only a madman would take coals to Newcastle ~ Walpole

Yesterday I visited Newcastle upon Tyne for the first time in a couple of decades; some things have changed, and some things have remained the same. The River Tyne still flows, although it’s cleaner than it used to be when I was a lad ~ there’s no coal being shipped out of the North East anymore. The sun was just about shining, so there was no Fog On The Tyne either, (you’d have to be born a Geordie to catch that reference). There were more people from more ethnic backgrounds than there ever used to be in this part of the world. The famous Five Bridges have become six. And, all the banks had been turned into wine bars and Italian restaurants. All in all though, Newcastle is still the one of the very best cities in Christendom. Just ask any real Geordie.

Jack Collier

even from the tomb the voice of nature cries ~ Thomas Gray

The 13th Century Anglican Church of the Holy Cross in Haltwhistle, Northumberland occupies a site of worship that has been in use since the early 7th Century, most likely founded by St. Aiden. All English Country Churches bear witness to the long history of this green and pleasant land; this wonderful building is no exception. And, like in all English villages, there are a couple of inns within a cricket pitch length of the church door. If you want a beer and lunch in England, just look for a church, and there will be a pub very nearby. It’s almost a rule.

Jack Collier

It’s a very long walk to the top of Hartside in the North Pennines, but the view is well worth it. Although it will most likely be grey, misty, and cold up there. (we drove, and that isn’t easy either)

The North Pennines; what were the Romans thinking to swap Tuscany for that fell bleakness?

Jack Collier