The highest of high society was called to order on the first day of the month, February 2021. Many had perished in the fires and the flood that proceeded. Tropical storms had ripped right though the quaint town south of Barbados. A tumult, without relief for twenty six consecutive days. Electrical poles were ripped from the ground by strong winds that suspended and slung about debris like it was in an underwater vortex. Gravity seeming to ebb and flow at whim. The eye of the storm conveniently situated itself overs Parchfield manor, a white two-storey gettaway, for the white haired and weary hearted governor of the neighbouring Barbados. Being on holiday at the time, to escape the heat of summer and an investigation from internal affairs. Prayers of many languages could be heard in muffled sobs, perhaps coming from inside the manor and under the wooden staircase. The Manors occupancy had risen to bursting point, as if it were an ark upon the sole hill of salvation. Many of the irregular tenants were of either a political or intellectual background making up the greater portion of the day to day haut monde. This would be the governor’s very own renaissance as the front door burst in from it’s hinges in a gust that seemed only to re-double in force. Bodies were flung everywhich way as clinging hands gave way and people found themselves sliding down the hall, out the back door and into the neighbouring field. Fragments from stained glass windows mixed with ordinary wood-chips in the filed and the grass shoots bent and bounced without pattern.

“You can go”

I’ve broken my collarbone.

Dad says: Broken legs are worse

B says: I’m pregnant.

A says: I have a new motor bike!

One shouldn’t compare. It’s all news. Relevant. Now I sit about, right arm in a sling. Wishing I took it a bit slower, careful. Paid leave is a blessing – working away, accumulating time off if anything goes wrong. And now it has, bone mending time. Some scrabble and sitting about. Catching up on old plans, a time to read. Shooting pains, no sports to speak of – maybe a walk and a tid bit of shopping. Destroyed from force, shoulder barging the earth with all my might. Swapping positions with my mountain bike over a gradual set of sweet jumps. Rookie mistake, trap for new players. And now I can’t sleep comfortably, pained splintering prickles in my skin.

Those who do not learn from the past, are destined to become it.

Serving others will serve you well.

Blue brain. I think a thought, I suppress it. Not press, it doesn’t go live. Nothing is issued. No print. No headline. Just a void, the rhythm is disrupted in my thoughts, the response that should have been. The freedom of hot air.

One example that has nothing to do with curiosity, but self-assuredness: During a discussing with Jassy, there was strong opposition towards Bezos’ ideas prior to Amazon releasing their Kindle line. Jassy was arguing that Amazon were not in a position to develop and distribute their own electronic products. Bezos would not budge, but appreciated and acknowledged (later) that these were vital elements of resistance from his followers. As the divergent opinions meant that the decision needed to better considered and robust. It helped Amazon to avoid costly mistakes and plan better in advance. It also sent signals to other staff that their opinions mattered and their feedback was useful in ensuring the vision was shared and pitfalls were avoided. Furthermore it laid down a precedent of future decision which would be a collective effort of ideas and action. ​

Positive and negative feedback, that’s my jam.
Its your bread and butter and now you’re in a pickle.
Spread out.
I’m a happy little vegemite.
Peanut butter jelly time.

Types of Negotiation:
Contend by standing firm on the issues and expect agreement by the other party conceding.
Concede, you bring the negotiations to an end by agreeing with the other party
Compromise by splitting the difference between ‘wants’ so that you both get something.
Creative compromise, find solutions that add value to issues so that you both gain something but not at the expense of the other party
Walk Away(non-negotiation)

All is well in this southern town. Spring has done it’s thing and warm weather floods in like welcome guests at a pool party.

You change to a speaker when their word is used.

Speaker 1: Today
Speaker 2: Hips
Speaker 3: Tally
Speaker 4: Fire

TODAY is an ordinary day, just back from a weekend away with my partner in Maydena. We went for a few wonderful adventures; Junee Caves, Mariott Falls, The Styx and Mt Field East. I was pleased to get some mileage in my legs and begin some light training for the overland track later this year. I remember my HIPS took the brunt of the weight from my pack and that was really the only ailment for the entire journey. This year, we’ll be going as a large group which should be fun. Naturally, more people mean that more can go wrong – but I like to imagine that the fun will be magnified and the joy will increase in magnitude. We will all grow and share in a wonderful experience. I’ll need to TALLY the complaints, for future reference. Then again, it might be best to forget. I know that a different friends groups last year had a significant falling out because of some minor disputes. I would hate for people to clash and not be able to make good again. It’s such a shame that some friendships dissipate, and others are thrown on the FIRE. Some people just can’t survive the crucibles. I’m sure that November will bring fine weather, and hopefully that facilitates feelings of friendship and camaraderie. Between now and then, there’s a few things to organise and some training to do; but for now I’m content to say that this weekend away has been an adventure – full of laughter, exploration and love.