The Mind is willing...

...but the flesh is weak!

Never was a saying more apposite than applied to Marfan Syndrome. Just google 'Marfan Syndrome and high IQ' and you'll see I'm not just idly boasting.

I have a VERY active mind, I can achieve so much in my head, it's just getting my body to follow through on those plans that I find impossible.

Someone of no consequence at all said about me recently "...it still amazes me how someone can be so active and still be signed off sick". I didn't realise I was supposed to switch my brain off when I became too affected by my Marfan's to work. But, I'm flattered that they give my health so much consideration :0)

One of my favourite quotes, by TH White from The Once and Future King, really sums up my attitude to life...

“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.”

I've recently learnt something new, it's something I can do sitting down (I have to sit down a lot!), I can do it whenever and wherever I like (not that!!!) and pick it up and put it down when I get tired. I've learned to crochet! :0)

Now, not satisfied with just making things for myself and my family, I felt inspired to try and make some 'pocket money' from this newfound hobby. Being on a restricted income, it's not often we can treat ourselves these days. I've got my mum involved too, she's 79 and widowed so it gives her a focus and a purpose too and she enjoys it.

We made a few pieces and did a craft fair and I set up a web site. We didn't make any money at the craft fair and, so far, our outlay has exceeded our income but we enjoy it and hopefully it might lead to a few pennies so that we can treat ourselves to the odd fish and chip supper! :0)

Now, you'd think people would be happy for me? Maybe even applaud my efforts. Well, most are and do I think, but there's always going to be someone who wants to piss on your parade.

Some spiteful person reported me to the benefits office for running my own business. They asked me to come in for a chat, it turns out that not only is what I'm doing perfectly acceptable to them, they also advised me that I'm allowed to earn up to £96 per week under the category of "permitted work".
I had to laugh because not only has this malevolent presence in my life been frustrated in their attempt to bring unhappiness into my world, but they've also facilitated the passing of this little nugget of info!

Now, as much as I'd love to have an extra £96 a week in the coffers, unless I suddenly start to crochet at the speed of light (which is unlikely given my joint problems, and I don't mean marijuana!) then I can't see that ever happening. But I really must thank the anonymous arsehole out there for bringing this to my attention! Never has the phrase 'pissing myself laughing' been more appropriate! :0)

I'm reminded of a verse from 'Desiderata' by Max Ehrmann, which is another piece of writng I derive great comfort and inspiration from...

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

So, I shall continue to be myself and strive for my ideals and, though this may not be worthy of someone with a high IQ (tongue firmly in cheek there!), I dedicate the following to the knobber who trampled my honour in the sewer of their baser mind! :0)

My little secret...

I love food but I can't stand all the snobbery that can go with it. I much prefer substance over style, I'd rather eat excellent fish and chips sitting on a park bench than have a mediocre meal in some flashy restaurant. So, I wracked my brains about where to go for my birthday this year and then remembered a lovely little place we'd been to once before.


It's a small pub with lovely decor, located next to a lake on the edge of a forest and, more importantly, the food is excellent and the staff are really welcoming and friendly. The kind of place you want to keep all to yourself...but also tell everyone about!


I asked for a cocktail as an aperitif, namely a 'Cosmopolitan' but, being a country pub, I guess they don't get asked for cocktails very often so they didn't know how to make it. They asked me what was in it but I didn't know either! I said "you know, that cocktail they drink all the time on 'Sex and The City'", as if that would make them suddenly know!


They went to look it up on the internet and then this arrived at the table...apparently they didn't have any cocktail glasses so they used the nearest fish bowl!

Less 'Sex and The City' and more 'Benidorm', it was crying out for a mini umbrella and a sparkler! Still, it gave us all a good giggle and we had a lovely meal and evening.

And this is the view from the restaurant, over the lake. I just realised I forgot to tell you the name of the pub... ;0)