As I Was Saying...

Well, it's Sunday today and I was not on duty. I thought it would be a good idea to go for a little recce trip before 10.30am Church service. So off I went to Marine Cove for MacD breakfast, and then to its 'backyard' to have a look-see. Well, I did like what I saw. Doesn't it look serene? This picture was taken around 9.26am. It was a little sunny, though the image's a bit darkened by the backlight. I think it would be ideal much earlier in the morning.

Ever since I started thinking of getting my own set of wheels, I had my mind set on driving it to the beach for a little picnic to enjoy a bit of the morning seabreeze. A couple of must-have items to pack into the trunk - my foldable (director's) chair I bought from Perth the last time I was there for a semi-fishing trip and a cooler box for cold drinks. I'd probably bring a book for the season to read, or my notebook to...erm, there probably would be connection there...(dang!) well, maybe I'll process my thoughts using Word and upload later.

Mmm hmm...my idea of a relaxing day. Alright, I wouldn't mind a friend or two tagging along, just don't expect me to play beach volleyball or build sandcastle. Uni days in Perth were marked with picnics and bbqs at the Esplanade park near where I lived. They felt especially good during near-winter afternoons where the sun gave enough warmth to allow for a less indoor-ish season. The grass there are good to lie on without mats.

I'm so going to make this happen, but ironically, I'm hoping for more spontaneity in this. Not going to plan it too long prior. It's more fun this way. Though, after saying all these, I wonder how spontaneous it could get unless those items are permanently stored in my trunk. One checked, one more to go...

So I finished watching the movie, The Queen. And back on the topic of behaving unaffectedly, here's something she said at the end of the movie to her Prime Minister, whose wife had earlier accused her (behind closed door) of being an emotional retard...

"Nowadays, people want glamour and tears, the grand performance. I'm not very good at that, I never have been. I prefer to keep my feelings to myself. And, foolishly, I believed that was what the people wanted from their Queen, not to make a fuss, nor wear one's heart on one's sleeve. Duty first, self second. That's how I was brought up. That's all I've ever known...but I can see that the world has changed, and one must 'modernise'."

I'm certainly in no position to authenticate the above statement, nor would I want to. It just seems to me that sometimes, it's necessary to remain unmoved by what's happening in the surroundings. I could list down a few reasons:

1. What's expressed might not be the real sentiments - mere hypocrisy or exaggeration to bring attention to oneself;
2. Being emotional is not going to help one best think of the next course of action;
3. Self-control is a virtue, a fruit of the Spirit.

Having said that, Jesus said to "rejoice with those who rejoice" and "mourn with those who mourn". If that's the language the other is operating in, it would be helpful that those intending to show support express in a similar manner without going out of character, with consideration to others, and most importantly, in the love of God.

There are individuals operating in the extreme where they simply deem it 'cool' to show minimal emotions. At one glance, they might appear to be poised and confident. But who is to say that, perhaps, they are just acting cool? Or more unfortunately, have become incapable of (awkward in) feeling for others. They are probably more apt at expressing through other forms rather than towards humans, for it would mean to make themselves vulnerable in so doing.

While we are on the topic related to The Queen, here's a little something on the side:

"They are most deceived that trusteth most in themselves."
To Edward Seymour, Lord Protector of King Edward, 1549. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 1.

"Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested."
To Erik, King of Sweden, in 1561. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11