I have spoken about the 'brain' in an earlier post. I transfer specific sections to each new edition of the brain. Music, books and movies in particular. I do find it difficult to make inroads on the watch/read/listen lists.

I did watch 'Cinema Paradiso' the other day. Strongly recommended by a friend, it was a quaint old Italian film (1988). The banter and communication between Salvatore and Alfredo vividly reminds me of my grandfatherly relationships. It was a beautiful thing to see captured on the screen, it really pulls heartstrings. The way Alfredo delicately taught Salvatore the deft tricks and techniques of cinema projecting was very intimate, lovely.

One idea really tore me. All of my grandparents have/had masterly skills at something. It occurred to me, perhaps egotistically, that my fellow grandchildren have never really appreciated their skills, never tried to learn or absorb any of them. Whether the simple things like knitting or cards, or a little more complicated, like carpentry, paving, painting, music, I always tried to learn something from each of my grandparents. Maybe I was uniquely placed, just a little older, but all the windows are not yet closed.

I know though, that when ever I shape a piece of timber, mix some concrete or play some music or cards, one of their tips will spring to mind and always make the job better. I reckon that is something to be shared, don't miss out.

"You can always add water, you can't take it away"