Crucifixion

This crucifix in a church in Colmar (Kolmar) is perhaps the one spoken of by a friend I made at the Brisbane exhibition of the American Impressionist and Realist painters. A conversation began because we were both taking notes ... for the same reason .... memory failure ... hopefully the notes would jog the failing facility. He had been a committed footballer and a Vietnam vet, but could not talk about Vietnam. I asked him how art had impacted on his life and what it meant to him in addressing Vietnam. "Hard to say" he said but he then spoke of many visits to European galleries and his enjoyment of investigating information about the artists. Art had become a form of healing for him. Then he spoke of THE highlight for him. "Go to Basle then catch a train to Colmar." There you will see the most amazing picture ( I did not pick up whether it was painting or crucifix) True suffering, even the cross beam was bent. More than just physical suffering.
He doesn't attend church now .. too many questions relating to suffering and evil in mankind. I encouraged him to remember this picture / image. For in Christ's suffering is the clue to all other suffering and all loss.

Sustainability into 2020

I have hesitated to do this entry - Father supporting son however James has ventured on a Journey less travelled but one which all of us individually and corporately should be commencing. I will review and edit this story as new things emerge.
The first invitation is to visit his webpage www.jswanston.wordpress.com/ where he has spelt out some of that vision for sustainability as well as an introduction to other interests he has.
Then visit www.carbonvoyage.com/ . Here an invitation to consider a new way of travel in London. This does not exclude the experience of the double-deck London bus. However getting from A to B in a carbon friendly way and with a prospect of a cheaper fare will I am sure be to your liking.

Music as Unexpected Delight

Katrina reminded me of this the other day on her Facebook site when she reported hearing a busker play a favourite song. That he played in the tube area was the unexpected but it gave her great delight. The story of music on this blog indicates many others for me.
The photo above I took in a side room of a large hotel in Beijing where we were staying in 1991. I bought 4 cups of coffee to allow me to listen. A magical moment.
Coming home from a Scout Jamboree in Melbourne .... it was 2.00am in the morning as the train came into Junee Railway Station. I could hear the sound before we reached the station. I was awake and thrilled. A Jazz Festival had descended onto the station. Stunning, marvellous ... I relived the experience for many years. The rest of the journey to Sydney and then to Lithgow was a Jazz filled dream.
The Doch Gipsy Orchestra concert to which Jocelyn and I had been invited was simply JOY. That we had been invited to a meal and concert was special but to listen to such a variety of sound kept fingers and toes moving all evening. Another remarkable aspect of this evening was the way each section of the band played solo items which delighted the rest of the band. They as individuals responded with great enthusiasm for the individual contributions to the concert. Sadly I learn from friend Christie that the band no longer exists. The core group has moved on to other ventures.
The East European band on the walk along the Thames three weeks back was again a special occasion. The demands of family members to move on was reluctantly agreed to .... I could have stayed much longer.
The music at Holy Trinity Brompton on Good Friday belongs here as well. Choirs and soloists contributed to a very special occasion.
Obviously this entry will be edited from time to time. I acknowledge that to play CD or tape of favourite music will always bring pleasure and memories but there remains a special place for all of us from Music as Unexpected Delight.