Crime Figures
I’ve
just corrected my last entry. I marked it down as day 24 (10 days too
short). Since I started this diary I’ve written 40 articles (including
this one) which is more than a week’s work in just over a month (and its
not my job).
I’m
looking out on an intense sunset marking the end of another day, a day
where I recorded one of my own songs written in a hotel room in Atlanta
Georgia. Its the longest video I’ve posted because it includes an
explanation of how the song came about and what significance each verse
and the chorus has. It’s an embellished story of my trip to Tennessee
and the country song that came out of it.
when you have a home secretary proud of the decrease in shoplifting at a time when most shops are shut
Yesterday
I recorded a song I’ve loved for 40 years but have only just learned to
play. I love playing it and am pleased how the recording came out. I
think it sounds professional and that’s significant, not because there’s
any money in it but because it helps my confidence. For all the
concerns arising from the lockdown I feel more confident and am enjoying
playing more than I have for a while. Its also been a good time to
improve my writing skills. I just need to improve my work rate and get
reading — I’m embarrased by how few books I’ve read in my lifetime.
I
sense many have settled into a new normal and I suspect that’s not
specifically down to the pandemic or the nature of the lockdown.
Whatever strange situation we find ourselves in we learn to adapt
because that’s part of our survival instinct. The only alternative would
be to go stir crazy. And new challenges inspire invention and
creativity. Added to that is the built in, but irrational, sense that if
we are denied what we need we will die. The novelty of discovering that
we are more adaptable than we believed can be liberating and refreshing
— even exciting. Unfortunately its short lived and we need to be
prepared for when the bubble bursts.
Another
product of this lockdown is an unhealthy dependence on those at the
helm. Regardless of how well they are handling the crisis they are
driving the agenda and its only natural that we look to the government
as we are more dependent on their decisions than we would normally be.
Cast adrift on this lifeboat, the world outside is not friendly or
assuring. But while there is a benefit in having a designated leader it
also limits your options. Challenging that leadership can be unsettling
but there is a need to recognise that one can be both a team player and
be objective.
That
sense of perspective helps when you have a home secretary proud of the
decrease in shoplifting at a time when most shops are shut.
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