Weekend To Remember

I will start by retracting some but not all of the criticism directed at online dating in my previous post.

It appears I wasn't the only one trying out Zoosk purely for research and curiosity reasons.

A delightful person responded to one of my messages!

And we have met, several times!

And...erm...watch this space :)

Yes, I can honestly say I am surprised and bewildered to have found a genuine sparkling gem in what at first seemed to be a dubious market place stocked with unlabelled goods.

I must desist from the annoying habit of jumping to premature conclusions!

On an equally cheerful note, I announce another extremely pleasant experience that happened Saturday night ( no, not that  -_- ) in Basingstoke.

I was at the New Inn pub with pals (and my delightful new-found gem) to listen to my friend Lisandra playing her live gig. 

I was called up to do a song (something I love doing) and then returned to my table, humbly acknowledging the applause (something I love even more) when an unknown chap in the crowd approached me, shook me by the hand and introduced himself as Ralph.

He knew my name and informed me of how much he loves my blog!

Ralph went on to tell me how he is also thinking of starting a blog and reads mine for inspiration.

Thank you Ralph. You will succeed !

I don't know if all these wonderful surprises are actually good for my health but I'm sure as hell not about to start complaining.

A special thanks and huge hug to Lisandra. 

A heartfelt thank-you to my beloved friends Claudia and Marco, for their enduring friendship, boundless love and selfless hospitality. And also for accepting my precious new friend, with their customary charm and open arms.

And last but not least, thank you, sweet P, for making me tremble in anticipation of our next encounter <3

:)

Friends Fill my Life With Joy

Last Saturday I drove down to Farnborough in Hampshire to meet for the first time a man I have come to know over the last two years through his blog writing.

Dicky Carter and I had a couple of beers and a good chat - the kind of informed conversation expected from long-time friends.

We met up in The Crown And Cushion pub in the rural setting of Hampshire. A typical olde English Inn dating back to the 16th century, The Crown and Cushion oozes warmth and old world hospitality.

Dicky was exactly as I expected. His views and opinions matched my expectations to a tee.  I was instantly convinced he writes his fine blog openly and from the heart.

I would have liked a longer session and could easily have sat in that cosy pub sampling all the fine ales and continuing our interesting conversation, but I was en route to Basingstoke, a further 45 minutes away.

It was a pleasure meeting Dicky - I hope we can meet up again soon.

On to Basingstoke I went to meet up with Claudia, my dearest friend from Madeira, and her husband Marco. Claudia's work led them to leave Madeira some 6 months ago, much to my delight.

I arrived at her address just as the heavens opened up with a monsoon-like downpour. Claudia came to meet me from the car with an umbrella small enough to make not the slightest bit of difference. But it's the thought that counts.

It was lovely to see her beaming smile and to greet her with a huge hug, so far away from our familiar setting of Madeira. We went straight to the local pub to meet up with Marco, who was having a pint with some friends.

After the brief interval of dining at their home (my favourite Portuguese dish of bacalhau) we went straight back out to the pub, where a night of excellent live music made me feel as if we had never left The Warm Up Cafe.

Marco, Claudia, Lisandra and I at The Warm Up Cafe - Madeira
about a year ago. The night we all wore Johnny Walker
promotional fake specs

Back at the house some few hours and many beers later, we continued chatting until 4am. Just as my eyelids began to struggle to stay apart, we all called it night and staggered off to bed.

My phone woke me up at 8am with a call from Mattie asking if I was already on my way to pick him up - an hours drive away - to take him fishing.

I got out of bed and made my way, silently, to the kitchen downstairs, in order not to wake my hosts. Just as I turned on the kettle I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Claudia appeared seconds later, smiling and looking none the worse for wear, and promptly insisted on making me breakfast. My objections were not taken seriously and soon the exotic aroma of fresh coffee brought me out of my alcohol-induced drowsy state.

I left some minutes later, jumped in the car and drove away, just as a wave of sadness engulfed me. On  the rear view mirror I could no longer see Claudia, and I was missing her, all over again.

So looking forward to the next visit.

:(



 

100 Words: When the people I love fall in love with people I love

Having a large group of friends in a small town - as I do - means that often someone is falling in or out of love, at times within the group. The dynamics change constantly.

Most of time it is heart-warming to see people I love falling in love with people I love. Some problems can arise when a couple fall out and one doesn't know how to appease both parties.

But in one particular occasion, that heart-warming feeling gave way to heart-ache when, someone I cared for  more than I realised, fell in love with someone other than me. The perceived rejection stirred up hidden  emotions and made me question how solid a friendship can be when tainted with romantic undertones.

The price one has to pay to have friends of the opposite sex!

:)

From London, with love

Coming up to two weeks in London and I'm missing my friends in Madeira even more than I thought I would. The worst times are when I'm home alone, in the evenings - something I never experienced in Madeira. I was never home alone in the evenings in Madeira.

"I dedicate this heartfelt post 
  to the ones I miss the most"

Lisandra

Lisandra...you  more than anyone else, know how I feel about so many things in life. As I feel I know you too. I miss our long conversations. I miss hearing you sing and play guitar. I just miss you...terribly.

Claudia

Claudia...I know you're no longer in Madeira but I feel I should include you in this post as you were very much a part of the Warm Up gang. I loved our chats and our singing together. I'm glad you're over here now, and look forward to seeing you soon when I get down to Basingstoke. You always made me smile even when I didn't feel like smiling.

Carla

Carla...towards the end of my stay we didn't see as much of each other as I would have liked, but you did live out of the way - out in the sticks. I miss our long long nights when the booze flowed as freely as the conversation.

Rubina

Rubina, I'm glad you returned from university in the Algarve before I left. I've only known you briefly, fleetingly, but I feel I got to know you in the short space of time. I miss our breakfasts on our way home from a night out.

Nadia

Nadia...my tea-drinking buddy and chef extraordinaire. I lost weight as soon as you left Porta XXXII Restaurant. I got you addicted to black tea with milk (very English) and that despite your early objections. You were convinced tea was medicinal and coffee recreational. I miss our profound conversations. See you soon, in London, when you when you come over.

Sofia

Sofia...I find it impossible to feel miserable when you're around. You are like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day. You're always happy, even when arguing with Nadia :) And you can certainly handle your drink...apart from that night in S Vicente...out of the car window...I won't say more.
"You'll remember me when the west wind blows, upon the fields of barley"

Mimosa

Mimosa...I miss our coffees in Camara De Lobos and our trips to the various village fêtes. You and I would carry on talking while the others who couldn't keep up would fall asleep. You're a kind gentle and sweet person and I miss you.

Juan

Juan...keyboard player of the highest calibre and with the integrity to match.  I used to call you brother for a very good reason. You're one of the nicest, kindest guys I've ever known and I can't wait to see you when you come over on holiday.

Magda

 Magda...I never saw enough of you, but you had your reasons. Still, the time we spent together was pure joy. Now its down to Facebook chat until my return visit. I'll try to get there for August and the village fêtes you like.

Kat

Kat...I only got to know towards the end but you left an indelible impression on me. I'm glad I persuaded you to get up on stage and sing - and you did it brilliantly - and now I hear they can't get you off the stage for love nor money! You're a lovely, funny and talented person.

Alejandra

Alejandra...I've only known you a short while, but as I write this I am missing you terribly. Thank heaven for Facebook. I can't wait to see you when you come over. And, I never never never never never never never ever exaggerate - apart from when using the word "never"  :p

PS. the only reason I've left you until last is because we've only just stopped chatting, a few minutes ago.

:(

To my absent friends, with love

After reading a message on FB from a friend who has since moved away, I decided to dedicate this post to those special people who have touched my life and left unforgettable good  impressions.

Martin Uvgard: Singing partner and source of laughter

You have moved back home to Sweden, settled down and are now raising a family. I know you miss the old times, you've said so on FB. The music sessions in particular, and, I hazard a guess, the regular road trips. Your sense of humour, which I particularly liked, ensured laughter every time. Remember the "sweet potato" scene? I miss you, pal, hope to see you soon.

PS. Maybe a trip to Serra D'Agua Poncha Bar and a beer and song at Warm Up after?

Stefan Wiksten: Road trip and drinking buddy.

You have also moved on, back home, and I miss your company. You were always present at my gigs and always available for whatever was going down. Your ability to consume vast amounts of beer and always remain in control, inspired me. See you soon pal, and don't eat yellow snow!

PS:all the drinking establishments in Madeira (all 6000) send their kindest regards.

Keith Hazel: Bringer of peace and order.

It's been some years since we last shared a drink and a chat; you are in the UK and I'm here. Nonetheless, I know we will meet up again, some time, some place, and catch up on the gossip. Your kindness and understanding shone through, like beacons of hope in the darkest hours. See you soon

PS. Man U still sucks

David Meacock: The kindest person I've ever known.

We've been friends for many years, but fate has taken  us to different countries and different life styles.. You were my kindred spirit, my shoulder to cry on. We have the same sense of humour, based on  wit and observation and share the same desire of helping all those who are less fortunate than us. Empathy and humour you have in abundance. See you soon pal, and maybe a trip to Twynersh.

PS. Still the technophobe and the only person on earth without a FB account?


Darren Conolly: The bravest man I have ever met. RIP.

You were living under a death sentence from a crippling, inoperable  brain tumour, but still had more courage to confront everyday problems, than I ever will. The chemotherapy sessions left you so ill you could hardly talk for days at a time, but you wanted to come to work, as you said, for a laugh, but I knew you really just wanted to help me. Unlike the other names above, I have no chance of ever meeting you again, and that saddens me. You died so young, not even making it to thirty. Thank you pal, you were an inspiration, a beautiful person and I miss  you terribly.

PS. If only there was "the other side", we'd meet up again :(


And to other significant, absent  "friends":


L.M: If only...

T.O: Your sparkling beauty always lifts the gloom.

S.P: In my dreams we're still a couple.

M.B: Always on my mind. Jag älskar dig fortfarande.






And last, but not least, to my "absent" blog friends, whom I've got to know over the last two years through their writing and believe that if we ever meet up, we'll know so much about each other we'll all get on and have a great time.


 Hugs to ;  Momma C,  Dicky,  MC,  Angeline,  Jules,  Tempo,  Dan,  Kane,  Kelly


:)

A letter to to Isabel - my dearest friend

The other night while we were out with our other friends, you told me you adore me. We hugged tightly and it felt so comforting and right. I adore you too.

You are my most precious friend.

And you know it. I've made it clear on a number of occasions.

We are friends who enjoy each others company immensely. We talk for hours about anything and everything. We share our thoughts and opinions, happiness and sadness in equal measures. We have so much in common.

I  had never had a "real" female friend before you. Only acquaintances and colleagues. Or lovers.

I was under the wrong impression that if I liked a girl enough to be friends with, I would want to take it further - beyond friendship.

I was wrong.  All those wasted years, I was wrong.

Our friendship is undemanding, selfless and unconditional. It has no ulterior motives or hidden agendas. Our friendship is enlightening and rewarding. It is something I treasure and want to keep for ever.

I love to see your huge smile when we greet. Its like you haven't seen me in ages, when in reality we see and speak to each other most days.

I love the way we constantly hug; the way you snuggle up to me. We're so comfortable with each other that some people wrongly assume we are lovers.

Those people are wrong. We are not lovers, we are friends who love each other. And I am eternally grateful for that.

The chains that bind lovers together are made up of fragile links of terms and conditions. Unlike our friendship, which is bound with love, respect and acceptance.

We will never compromise our friendship by becoming lovers. Real unconditional  friends don't turn into lovers just as lovers don't turn into unconditional friends.

Life is so much more fulfilling and balanced by having a true friend of the opposite sex - it's a shame it took me so long to realise it.

Hugs and kisses

Sincerely yours

xx

Update from Paradise - A night to remember

My Sunday night gig at Moynihan´s Bar started around 21:30, when I decided to start playing despite the fact there was only one table of three customers present. Just as I started to sing, one of the three asked the barman for the bill and I thought; that´s it - early night for me! No point playing if there are no cutomers. I don´t get paid handsomely to entertain the bar staff.

Just as my first song was coming to an end I noticed a group of four people come up the stairs and take the table right in front of the stage. By the time I finished the second song another 4 tables and at least 12 more people had arrived. The place was filling up steadily and I was in my element.

Some 10 minutes later my pal from London, Frank, who´s on a week´s holiday, arrived with some people.

A while later,Victor, a friend who is a singer with a local band, also turned up. I persuaded him to sing a couple of songs and the night really took off.

I love the adoration directed at me by the crowd when I´m giving a good performance. Priceless. Who doesn´t like to be liked?

By midnight, after two T Shirt changes and some 3000 calories lighter, I packed up the guitar and joined the revellers for a well deserved drink. My way of replenishing lost calories. The best way I know. If anyone knows a better, more enjoyable way please leave a comment below.

After a couple of cold pints of beer, a group of us went down the road to The Warm Up Bar, where, rumour had it, a jamming session was underway.

At Warm Up, the stage was set and the place packed with musicians and their friends. Brilliant atmosphere as we all started to take turns to play and sing.

Victor, Dennis, Nathan, Juan, Lisandra and myself sang and played until 4 am. Unexpected, unrehearsed and utterly fabulous; easily the best ever jam session I have been involved in.

I say a special thanks to Victor for his stunning stage presence and brilliant voice and also to beautiful Lisandra, who demontrates how kind nature can be to some people by giving them singing talent and physical beauty in unimaginable proportions.

I for one would have carried on had the bar owner decided to keep the place open. I believe so would all  the others. Pure enjoyment, playing and singing for no reward other than self gratification and sharing magical moments with friends.

Friends united by their interested in good music and having fun. Friends I will cherish for ever more.

Priceless experience. As the old saying goes, the best things in life are free.

I am so looking forward to the next session. And this time I will take pics to better share the experience with you.

:)