Talking About Books – Now Isn’t That Nice!
Many years ago I read a book by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. The absurdist classic ‘Slaughterhouse Five’. It has a narrative that combines autobiography and time travelling aliens, highlighting the absurdities of war. It had a profound effect on me.
A few years later I heard him interviewed by Phillip Adams. They discussed many topics; however the one thing that resonated with me was his recollection of his two uncles, ‘Good uncle’ and ‘Bad uncle’. It wasn’t that the bad uncle was so terrible, rather that his outlook was a very negative, whereas his other Uncle was able to appreciate those special moments, to recognise what is truly important in life. Poets and pop stars alike have coined many phrases over the years but I think his Good uncle summed it up rather well. They would perhaps be sitting in a park, throwing a ball or maybe just sharing a ginger beer, then GU would turn to KV and say “If this isn’t nice…I don’t know what is!!!”
In today’s world, with all its sensationalism , technology , reports of global financial meltdown and the like, perhaps we should take more time to slow things down, reflect on what is really important to us, ask ourselves what do we really value. Maybe this is the year to try a bit harder, be more thoughtful, set more personal goals and maybe shake up our routines. Sometimes it’s just easier to keep doing the same old things.
We have lots to Celebrate in this wonderful City which is Sydney, The January festival is on the horizon, with all its colour and energy, and those Icons of Summer sport , Ashes cricket and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race…. Super maxis, picnic rugs, children’s laughter, mateship……..if this isn’t nice I don’t know what is!!
Season’s greetings 🙂
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