Well..... it amazes me how quickly events can unfold! After a massively emotional week for all concerned, the nastiness that invaded our wee village has almost entirely gone! Sure, the divisive folks are still resident here, but it seems that they've accepted an exit offer from the problem area, even if they are still trying to divert blame to the innocent. I don't really understand that particular kind of human being who cannot admit when they are wrong. I'm sure you've all met them. The clues are usually present in matters of trivia. A simple question will be raised, and an argument as to the colour of a dark-hued crow will ensue. There's some interesting reading to be had on the subject of so-called "Right Man Syndrome", if you can be bothered to seek it out. I hope that I retain the ability to hold my hand up, and admit my mistakes when I make them, learn from them, and move on. I've definitely had enough practice!
So, life in Llanberis is slowly returning to "normal". I expect that we'll hear a few tall tales, whilst sat in the bay-window of a certain local pub, but no-one will be concerned or surprised by them.
I admit that I'm relieved by the progress that has been made.
Away from all that unsavoury business, I've been keeping myself busy. Making noise, talking politics/religion with friends, and actually getting down to some writing, at last! Finally getting the Cidfloss website up and running, after last year's false-start/riot, seems to be in sight now too.



PLUR.

Irons in the fire....

It's been a busy month, here in the village. A fair bit of conflict, but a lot of co-operation too. A very good friend of mine is putting a film together which highlights his depressive illness, and gives an insight into how such things work. He is, I think, incredibly brave to do this, and I am envious of his ability to disclose intimate details of his past, and his condition.
He asked me to help out with the project, partly because we've worked well together in the past, but also as the subject matter parallels some of my own experiences.
After reading his first set of notes, I identified with a lot of the material, and was quite comfortable with some of the thornier issues he wants to address. His condition is much more severe than mine. He has had some quite serious manic phases in the past, and these have included some very destructive behaviour, as well as bouts of self-harm. I'm very pleased to be able to relate to much of his experience, and hope that I can be of some practical use to the project.
In participating in the making of the film, I also hope that I might learn something more of my own condition too.
Work begins in a few days. I'll come back with a few progress reports later...

By way of contrast, there's been some odd political happenings darkening our doors of late. "Trouble in Paradise", as one friend put it.
It all centres around a few peoples' lust for power and control. The stuff of a day-time soap-opera really, but serious enough to worry a lot of folks here. Basically, our local BNP supporters (thankfully there's only are few!) hatched a plan to gain control over a prominent business venture. What came to light was a tale of corruption, bullying, and bigotry. Not exactly what you'd expect in a sleepy North Wales village. Lots of, for want of a better expression, Anti-Hippy sentiment! So sad!
Somehow, I think we "hippies" will win out! The view's lovely from the moral high ground, by the way!


....More later.



PLUR.

A new year and all that....

So, we're into 2008!
As I've indicated before, there will be a few changes to the nature/style of my posts this year. I am so glad to see the back of '07. What a grim year! If it wasn't for a few vitally influencial factors, I may not have been here to type this!
Whoa! That sounds a bit over the top, eh?
Well, no! I actually managed to look seriously at taking steps to remove myself from this plane of existance on several occasions last year! I have, however, had some amazing support from my wife, family, and friends, and my clinical treatment has proven to be outstanding. My current condition seems so far away from the dark places I visited in the last 18 months or so, and my understanding of who I am, and what I do has increased beyond belief!
I'm getting to grips with whole "personal blog" thing now. It really is a difficult process. I tend to avoid all the social networking sites. I've read so much bullsh*t posted by folks I know very well, and find the whole ego-driven, self-promotion thing a little nauseating. By contrast, I'll be developing this wee blog, as a way to help get myself understood. For various reasons, I've failed to do this at crucial times in the past, and I am determined to correct this. I suppose this blog is just meant for my friends and collegues, but I'm hoping some more distant aquaintances might find it puts them straight about a few things, now that the mist has cleared!
In the course of the year, Hedges, Dwarfy and I will be adding to the Cidfloss blog at www.cidfloss.blogspot.com too. Again, we're still all about putting information out there in our own way, but we do recognise the need to put more effort in. There still seems to be some misunderstanding about who we are as a group, and what we are trying to achieve, so I'm sure you'll welcome further clarification. Look out for tongues in cheeks...........!
Anyway, after a strange festive season of helping relatives recover from surgery, dealing with general family-politics, and failing to catch up with old friends, I'm certainly ready to look forward to a happier new year.


PLUR.