Tragedy in Norway

I, in common with most humane individuals was horrified by the events which unfolded in Norway and sickened by the cost in human lives. It is impossible to guard against such extreme behaviours but this seemed so barbaric if some of the reports I've seen or heard are to be believed the perpetrator went back re-shooting the victims to ensure they were dead. Everyone will have a theory as to why this happened and doubtless there will be much resultant brow beating as people ponder if the 'clues were there' and 'what happened to precipitate this action' and 'could it have been prevented?' The simple answer is probably "no" because none of us can see directly into another person's mind and know what truths are lurking there, no matter how well we think we know them. We are all individuals and are fallible. We all make mistakes from time to time, bad decisions and have to live with failure. On the flip side we all make things go right, do something useful and helpful sometimes without even realising it and make positive steps forward too. It is the essence of being who we each are. I doubt there is a person who has never or will never do something completely out of character at some point since the synapses just do not fire correctly all of the time. Check out any computer....they all need a reboot from time to time and people do too. Fortunately such extreme behaviour is rare.

It is not only the victims, but also their families and friends who deserve our help and sympathy. How can they ever begin to understand why this had to happen to them when they were just having fun or going about their daily lives. We cannot bring back those who have been lost, we cannot refill the gaping holes their loss leaves behind, but we can express our heartfelt sympathy to those who need it and show them that in this crazy world genuine, humane, kind and understanding people still exist and still empathise and care.

I have been lucky enough to visit Norway more than once. It is a beautiful country and its people are justifiably proud, resilient, helpful, hard working and honest. If any nation can pull together and rise above this tragedy it will be Norway. However, in a way because of this, the tragedy of this weekend seems all the more misplaced and unfitting.

To all those who have been effected, you are in my thoughts.

Bees Return

It's so exciting because I have just taken delivery of some new bees. I used to have several hives and one by one they all deserted me. The last lot even left me brand new honey as they left as if they were saying 'thanks for looking after us but we're off now'. It's lovely to have bees back. They make me feel very humble. They work so hard and human communities could do much better if we studied bees and saw how their communities work. They are fascinating to watch, all those comings and goings and how they cool the hive down if it gets too hot inside by fanning their wings, dance to communicate, specialize jobs etc, etc it's amazing. We all know bees deserve our respect and we rely on them for so much, including our own survival. I've been to tell them how great it is to have them here with me, to let them know they are welcome and wanted....I am told this is what you should do....I just hope they choose to stay this time!

Old head and young shoulders

I have just accompanied my daughter on a trip to view a potential university! I mean it already is a university where she is considering becoming a student! It took me back to when I went to university all those many moons ago when we used libraries full of books, microfiche readers (remember those anyone?), card indexes, journals in stacks and those film readers for newspapers and other documents! We never saw a computer in a library in those days and to use one in the university at all you had to have a proper user name and log on to the 'mainframe' for which there was always a queue.

I spent many happy hours looking for books which someone else had beaten me to borrowing, or in perusing journals before writing copious notes. University life was exciting. It was the first chance to stand on one's own two feet, to be responsible for one's own life, actions, food preparation and even washing! I learnt about the subject I was studying which would set me up in work (well that was the plan) for the rest of my life and also social and interpersonal skills! It was a hugely important experience and set me up for an independent future.

I found myself checking out the toilet facilities as my own late mother did for me (and which my English teacher reliably informed me her mother had done for her when she had gone to uni too!) because it's what we do isn't it? I found myself silently tutting over leaky pipes and damp patches. I had to know if this place was going to be good enough for MY daughter, who naturally is far too good for them! 

I know she will enjoy this, she will come of age, learn to look after herself and not need me anymore! So of course, it has to be exactly right. Only now do I truly understand why my Mum did this too. It's a dramatic and life changing time for us both and soon nothing will ever be the same again. It is a physical manifestation of this change, the last time I can inspect before my 'little girl' is gone for good and is her own boss and in charge of her own life and choices. I'm not sure I'm ready or ever will be. I am certain this has come around far too fast as I now appreciate it did for my Mum too. I know I'm not the first and I won't be the last who feels this way but it has to be as perfect as possible for both our sakes and the future beckons to us.