I’m no chicken and my life is no chicken run

Question. What do John Terry, three MP’s, a Peer and a Senior Scotland Yard Officer have in common? Answer: they have all been found out as the chasm is exposed between what they stand for in public and what goes on in private.

For them the implications are huge. The John Terry brand is likely to face significant damage as the sponsors look elsewhere. The career of Ali Dizaei is finished, having been found guilty of what amounts to blatant bullying and abuse of public office, and our three MP’s and a Peer await trial.

Maybe integrity is beginning to count for more, in the so called real world.

Historians will know that there is nothing more valuable to their research than eye witness accounts, or true life stories from the people who lived during a particular era. It is at that point that the gap between spin and reality closes and a true picture emerges of what is happening from home to home and street to street. Not the sound of those who consider themselves above public scrutiny, but an all together different sound.

So you  powers that be, do not treat us as some brainless chickens all nicely caged in the chicken coop. We are free spirits and we will not dance to your tune or to the tune of any pied piper. Our lives matter, as does those who we journey amongst.  We too have a story to tell. Authentic, not glitz, up from the streets……………. carried with dignity and care.

And respect.

Just take a look at a new post by nightbadger for an example of what I mean. It is taken, quite literally, from the streets of a city in the North of England. Pain, sadness, abuse…………… but also dignity and respect. Maybe a few of our so called personalities should accompany nightbadger next time she takes a walk. Read her story here

Want to join our story telling revolution? You can do so here.

Every picture tells a story

If you have been following this blog and some of the more recent posts to the web site then this image will need no explanation. Taken just a few days ago the tenderness of a moment is captured; the fragility of life and also the wonder of life  so beautifully framed.

This evening I am grateful for courageous friends………  and for a mother who have chosen to share her journey with us.

If you have not yet read any of Redhead’s posts then follow the links in the blue column on the LHS of this blog. Alternatively read more here

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Yes you’re right, I think I might have it; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder I mean. After all, that’s what Forest Gump suffered from, right? So, I drive down our farm track…………. and I can’t stop looking, not at the bird life, nor the beautiful scenery but…………. for horse poo.

Sorry to go on about it; maybe that’s all part of the problem, but I am seriously worried. I mean, it’s Saturday; the day when we all relax, take in a  football match, maybe a few beers and plan an evening with friends……… and all I can think about is when can I get out to scoop some more! Now come on, let’s face it,does anyone out there know of anyone at all who is actually stock piling horse manure? Yes we might all know of people who at the slightest hint of a crisis buy out the local bakery, but hoarding the left overs of a horse’s dinner?

Right, have  just been on the NHS web site and have some definitions.

“Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition that is usually associated with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour. Obsessions: An obsession is defined as an unwanted thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a persons mind……………”

Okay, I am reassured…… all is good so no need to call out the men in white coats. Yes I might be obsessed but here’s my get out clause……… I actually want my obsession. Yes at this moment I am totally in love with the contents of a horse’s bottom. It is not, and I quote, “an unwanted thought” Rather it is, right now, a big reason for living-my everything! I completely love the stuff and can’t wait for my next encounter.

So Mr Jonny Viner, our new writer who has just posted a short story, thereby winning our w/e prize (see yesterdays post), may I suggest when life gets dull a dose of OCD. Choose your own obsession………… the best recipe for a dull day!

The book of Eli, a pint of Tetleys…and horse poo

Late this afternoon I took the Book of Eli to the pub. Yes I have this hour to kill on the after school activity run so I thought that would be a good thing to do. Now I was just dying for someone to ask me what I was reading. It would have sounded soooo cool to have said “the Book of Eli”! Far more street wise than the bible. In fact I had been practising my very best Denzel Washington accent all day for such a moment.

But alas, no takers.

Now “what are you reading?” is a question I really wouldn’t have minded as I supped my pint of Tetleys. The question I feared however was “what have you been doing today?” Yep that would have stung me cos how do you make “picking up horse poo” sound cool, especially at the start of the w/e? However its game on again with the snow having cleared, so off I went to scoop as much as I could get. With the horses having been moved you see, there is a limited supply. Now is the time to stockpile.

Yes I can hear you asking, but what on earth has this got to do with Stories from the Street? Well absolutely nothing but here’s a deal. Anyone who posts a story for the first time this w/e will get a free copy of our first two books and………… wait for it…….. yes, a free sample of horse poo, cling film wrapped in its own presentation box.

No kidding. Now where on the high street will you get a better offer than that?Thank you Colorado kid and Mark for your offer of different types of droppings (see yesterdays comments) but you have it straight from the horses mouth, or bottom as the case may be, only horse poo will do.

Any takers? You can register here and start to write. Regular writers of course are always welcome to post, but no promises as to a prize.

Have a chilled w/e everyone

The book of Eli?

Today I had time to kill. Normally I would be out striding across my  city, a walking gigantor; eating up the miles like a 21st century replica of Forest Gump.

Not anymore.

Alternatively I would be at my new pastime as I wait for the warmer weather and a rekindling of my becalmed landscape gardening business. Yes gathering horse manure from the surrounding fields has become a new obsession as I do my level best to go all eco-friendly with our 12 month old veg patch. The girls can hardly believe their eyes seeing me lovingly scoop each large deposit into my recently MOT’d wheel barrow. But alas, the snow scuppered that new hobby.

So to stop myself from slipping into the wanton decadence of daytime TV I took myself off to the cinema. I know it’s only one step removed from that most slovenly of pastimes, but I was intrigued by Eli’s book. Yes what is this new revelation that Hollyood was downloading on our post apocalyptic psyche, all carefully packaged in the Denzel Washington brand? What would draw countless numbers to the big screen and offer some survival tips to the apocalyptic fears in us all?

Well sorry to spoil the plot but I was hugely disappointed when all they could come up with was………….the Bible! A King James version to boot! So it’s the Bible that’s going to see us through the apocalypse is it? That instrument of control that has been so abused down through the generations?

Now before the comments start to flood in from you bible believing readers pause for a moment, for all is not what it seems.

Actually I did enjoy the film and have given nothing away for those who might go along to see it. However, what touched me most was that Denzel, in his journey through hell, has obviously been practising his gratitudes. If anything came over to me at all it was the genuine sense of gratefulness for life and all it holds. Somehow the words he most closely guarded had become part of him.

I know I bang on about it but it seems even Hollywood is getting the message now. Staying grateful keeps us located in each day, diminishes the power of the unknown and gives us grace for tomorrow.

So today, for anyone reading this who is facing your own apocalypse there is no book, no formula that can solve what you are facing. However, there is a path that even Mr Washington is discovering, the path of gratefulness.

There are few other weapons more powerful to staying present and to staring down our worst fears.

Thanks for reading.