A fun evening for the few who came along as we endeavoured to create flower arrangements with a theme of 'my favourite Bible story'.  Well mine wasn't my favourite, but it seemed appropriate: I took the line from Ruth "your people will be my people, and your God my God" combining assorted roses, some bits of tartan, a sprig of heather and a 'wee tartan scottie dug' or was it 'wee tartan coo'?  Anyway, here is one of the photos taken of our endeavours...

(c) Ken Fisher

Tomorrow is St George's Day (and, for that matter Shakespeare's birthday).  In recent times I have made mention of St David's Day and St Patrick's Day on this blog, but felt very uneasy at mentioning St George's Day.  Partly because I am an English person living in Scotland, and it could be seen as inflammatory, but more because like most English people I am embarrasses, ashamed at the way he, and more significantly the St George flag, has been appropriated by extremist organisations, some of whom have the audacity to call themselves Christian.  So I was thrilled to see this to which BUGB are a signatory, from the Christian-Muslim forum.  And how about this for a stunning photo...  (Oh, and I'm taking it as sign of divine approval for my flower arrangment theme tonight, if any church folk are reading!!)

Life in all its fullness - joy and sorrow, ups and downs, concern and celebration... this week, like any other has been a blend of those things.  I suppose, though, we only notice it when the spread of 'high' and 'low' is especially broad.  This week has had several especially wonderful high points, and one significant tragic low point, and I suppose that's why I am reminded what fullness of life really means.

Rejoice with those who rejoice

Weep with those who weep

And in the in-betweens walk alongside one another in observant companionship

Rejoicing with those celebrating new life

Delighting in aspects of church life

Praying for L and family, for peace and release.

... LORD, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

I have always been, and continue to be, a 'head' person rather than a 'heart' person.  I like life orderly and planned - even if it doesn't always work out that way.  Despite that, since being confronted with my own mortality a couple of years back (OK more than 2.5 now) I have allowed myself to be more spontaneous, to do things on a whim, just because they are fun or I want to do them.  I've always been partial to eating ice-cream cones on winter's days or supping hot chocolate with all the trimmings mid-summer, and I guess it is that side of myself I have allowed more freedom.

So last night spontaneity won over sense - it was a 'school night', sense said I should be tucked up in bed and asleep not standing in the cold cheering a pop star I'm not even that bothered about (sorry Mr B).  But spontaneity said this was a one-off, that it would gladden my heart, that 'what the heck, I can get an extra early night tomorrow'.  Of course that means sense has to take control today and make sure I do do that!

Two and a half years down the track I am settled back into pretty much the routine I had before all this began.  That's good, it means I am well, healthy and happy.  But it's also potentially bad, it means I am in danger of forgetting what I've learned, of allowing sense (except where it conflicts with workaholism) to rule everything.  It ought not to take such brutal experiences to make people learn to 'seize the day' in ways that energising, but often it does.

Compared with my life "BC" (before cancer) I am far more likely to go with my desires rather than always choosing the sensible option.  Red duffle coats, cake for breakfast (sometimes), late nights to cheer a pink Rolls Royce... these are among the good gifts, the silver linings, my experience has wrought.

I still have my workaholic, perfectionist, practical and even pragmatic tendencies, but I think that moments like last night are a valuable counterpoint to that.

My goodness it was cold standing outside the back of the Armadillo for two and a half hours, but it was fun!

A few piccies to make you all jealous...

And just as importantly, lots of awareness raising and fundraising.