I love to read, although my subject matter is generally from a very narrow spectrum. The use of the written word to convey emotions is a gift with which very few individuals are blessed - the rest of us just write! A bit like painters? A select few are talented artists - the rest of us draw pictures, usually very badly! Lacking these abilities is not a disaster - so long as we are able to be understood, then the exchange has been a success. Whenever I read something that I find most captivating, I'm always in awe of the simplistic choice of wording that the author has used - why can't I do that? (Probably because I didn't take my education seriously and now seek to over-complicate where it is not required?)
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Two of the books that sit upon my library shelves.
Tackle collecting (the book being a 1987 offering - published by Southerby's) is not something I do, although Bev would strongly disagree - I continue to use my vintage gear, not seek to offer it a retirement home.
Fred Buller's masterpiece is a book which has inspired me since 1979. The research that went into this work
is phenomenal, especially when you realise it was done before the internet! |
The "dumbing down" of our nations education continues to gather pace - texting, twitter and umpteen other communications channels that disseminate instant drivel - William Shakespeare - what's he got to boast about? My study area, fortunately for me, is full of books - not in CD form; these are the real deal, bound paper copies - so with a tactile quality that digital can never hope to replace? The thrill I get from picking up a book is only equalled by the delight I get from reading the words held within the pages - proper writing, none of this txt short-hand crap.
It is very true that I despised my time at school , I still have a low regard for teachers - they should be forced to do a proper job before being allowed to go back into a school! (School - University - School! What basis for passing on education/experience is that?) But I remain forever in the debt of the UK education system - I can read and write, plus have a great love of mathematics, because some-one in my past made the effort to enthuse me!
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The inscription within my copy of the Doomsday Book!
I used to visit Fred's gun shop in Amersham regularly - it was the only place I could purchase
VB (Vick Bellar's) double-hooks. |
I thoroughly enjoyed school and did reasonably well at it, which I suppose helped my enjoy it, plus in the 50's/early 60's it was a simpler type of education. My main complaint is having to listen to teachers whinging on about what a hard and stressful job it when they get almost three months a year off on holiday, 5-6 weeks of it in the summer! Perhaps if they tried something really hard and stressful such as nursing, with just a few weeks annual holiday, they might realise how well off they are.
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