East by North East

I've lived here for 20 years now, and until last night I'd never been to Dennistoun. It's quite nice, but I'm not sure I want to live there yet. Glasgow's not New York, or Tokyo, or Mexico City.

God knows how you'd be expected to come to terms with those places. Actually, sometimes I feel like I know London better than I know Glasgow. Safety in ignorance. Watch the lights.

60 Yard Pass

Bukowski has a poem called '60 Yard Pass' about most people not being much use at what they do, getting discouraged with their existence. Today I know what he means. It makes you want to do worse yourself, just so the quality of your own work doesn't attract further hassles.

You know how geniuses sometimes act dumb because they're frightened of the power of their own minds? A bit like that, but without the genius tag.

Anyway, the sun's outside and soon I will be as well. Oh aye, and I just thought of an old Beat Happening song called 'Indian Summer' - currently languishing unplayed on vinyl in my parents' house.

Sad thoughts altogether: where's the space when you need it?

Conas tá tú?

Just remembered something strange from the holiday. Sitting with Anneli in a nice al fresco restaurant, a voice comes over from the right: Conas tá tú?

Turned to see a smiling waiter. Tá mé go maith, agus tú féin? Turns out he spent a few months working in Waterford and recognised the hoops. There was a map of Ireland behind the mixologists at the bar as well.

Weird, wonderful and genuine folks. I'll go back.