Cold. Eyes scrunched into the wind, fists punched into pockets, jaw clenched into face, walking at a forward-slash angle, mouth sneered in defiance. Cold.
There are those that were prepared. Soviet greatcoats, gloves like chinchillas, hats stolen from Buckingham Palace guardsmen, boots like tanks. Then, the Unready: flimsy suit jackets with lapels upturned, scarves wrapped forlornly around heads, trousers flapping around legs like sails.
‘There’s only one thing for it,’ each of these people realise in crystal-like moments of clarity.
Hot. Barely-absorbed suntan lotion running down your face in rivers of sweat. The lenses of your sunglasses hot enough to cook an egg on. Praying in thanks to your ancestors and whoever invented flexi-time. Lighting the signal fires of supermarket briquettes. Pulling out Those Shorts and That Shirt from the wardrobe. Hot.
‘There’s only one thing for it,’ each of these people realise in crystal-like moments of clarity.
Despair. The failed interview, the lost job, the lost friend, the failed relationship. Slaps on the back, squeezes of the shoulder, hugs, encouraging smiles, muttered curses and small words. ‘There’s only one thing for it…’
Elation. Jubilant, exuberant, exalting, life-affirming joy. The nailed interview, the new job, the big win, the big three-oh, the perfect day, The One. Fist pumping, jumping, happy swear words and ear-to-ear grins. ‘There’s only one thing for it…’
Nothing on telly.
That new place.
Heard they have new beers.
Film doesn’t start for an hour.
Long wait before next train.
When all you have is a hammer, all your problems look like nails, so the old saying goes.
But it’s one hell of a hammer.
Well written! Congrats on getting FP! 🙂
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Thanks 🙂
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Do you have a preference then of these hammers like elation then?
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The ones that create the best memories – or lack of memories!
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The best of course! http://www.segmation.wordpress.com
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Amen!
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Looks like a really neat and clean beer bar.
Check out my music blog.
Cultclassik.wordpress.com
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and what a beautiful bar to wield that hammer in!!
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Ha! The poetry of beer. Well put.
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Perfect read for my coffee break! Thanks. I am taking the hammer saying with me, I’ve never heard it before.
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haa…and hammer it is!
well done. the bar looks very slick.
congrats.
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Nice!
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Well written. I felt like I was there—in each scenario. Really, impressed.
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Thanks for the kind words, Jessica.
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A modern Mjollnir. 😉
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Haha yes by the power of BEER!
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We used to have bars like that in Birmingham……. sigh. 😦
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Where is that bar? Reminds of many I frequented back in good old Blighty
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Very well written. Congrats on being freshly pressed. I am a first time visitor and I will be back. Thanks for sharing. Angelia @ http://dixielandcountry.com
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Thanks, I’ll check out your blog.
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Great descriptions of our various states of being, beerdiarist.//mm
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Thank you/
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great post.. love this..
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Cheers Eric!
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Very nicely put! Katie B @ Minerva Collection – UK Handbags & Jewellery
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Thanks Katie.
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Interesting subject. I like the color and seemingly untouched detail and clarity.
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Great Post and an awesome blog.
Check out this site…
http://tshirtlegend.com/
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Gorgeous bar…so would love to visit there.
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Brilliant piece mate.
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Beuatifully and evocativley written.
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Very well written. I’m a first time reader and I will be following you. I loved the imagery and I’m excited to read more from you 🙂
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Very well written! I’m a first time reader and will be following you 🙂 I loved the imagery and can’t wait to read more from you 🙂
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Heh – very cool.
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