idiots
There are usually a few bits missing: knowledge about the dietary needs of our partners, any scrap of empathy for the ageing process, a memory capable of retaining information about birthdays, anniversaries or conversations.
I am sure you will have your own list of missing components…
made in the Moorlands design and images ©Tom Tomkinson
get some style
If you are a Goth, dress like a Goth. If you are a Vicar, dress like a Vicar. If you are a Goth Vicar – well, don’t ask me. Maybe ‘style’ is about those embellishments that add some individuality to our uniformity: Jeans that are slashed at the knees, daffodils hanging limply from a back pocket, a tee with pretend pockets, eyebrows that look like stiff hairy caterpillars, a cap worn upside down, a wig like a dead blackbird, glow in the dark shoes, jewellery made from beach stuff.
We don’t have to comply absolutely with our chosen style stereotype. We can decorate it so it says something about who we are.
made in the Moorlands design and images ©Tom Tomkinson
after you
Taking care of yourself is no selfish act – it is the priority which keeps you fit to help others.
made in the Moorlands design and images ©Tom Tomkinson
great strategems
To quit or not to quit, that’s the question. If you have any dealings with strategic planning, business innovation, product development or business rationalisation of any sort you will have a perspective on knowing the value of abandoning a dying proposition.
The spectre of irrationality and self delusion can creep unseen into our planning processes posing as innovation and originality. Beating the dead proposition saps our vigour, dampens our enthusiasm and blocks genuine innovation.
made in the Moorlands Design and images ©Tom Tomkinson
taking care of the donkey
Short-term romance is fine; we can throw all our energy at it without being too concerned about the responsibilities, intensities, frustrations, aspirations, commitments, consequences and enrichments of long-term love.
made in the Moorlands design and images ©Tom Tomkinson
monkeys in suits
They are out there, but they don’t know who they are. Being oblivious to much of what goes on around them and to the impact of their wayward behaviour and habits which is key to recognising the breed. Those that I have met have been both engaging and entertaining. Long live the corporate maverick!
made in the Moorlands design and images ©Tom Tomkinson
something to say?
When it comes to communicating complex ideas and concepts, they say you should imagine you are talking to someone from another planet and explain your subject clearly, concisely and in simple terms. It is unwise to assume that people (and aliens) have the knowledge and understanding to grasp what the heck you are rabbiting on about.
made in the Moorlands design and images ©Tom Tomkinson
golden cage
For every singing bird that seeks a place in your heart, a dozen crows with bad attitudes are looking for a quick fix. I guess that’s the dilemma. So open your heart just wide enough for singing birds to squeeze in and keep a baseball bat for the crows you meet.
made in the Moorlands design and images ©Tom Tomkinson
moon and stars
made in the Moorlands design and images ©Tom Tomkinson
up and down
made in the Moorlands design and images ©Tom Tomkinson
World of Woodnuts 