When I started writing, I had no idea what to expect. With the support of some loyal readers, to whom I give thanks, I have continued my ramblings - I do enjoy a ramble.
I really am grateful for the support of family and friends. I try to tailor my content to their interests, as much as my own. Walking, films, TV, football; that's the diet you'll get here (sums up my lockdown lifestyle). Little or no politics, although I'm not averse to the occasional dig at the whole political class. I don't really aim to be opinionated or controversial, just hopefully interesting.
Writing has proved an enjoyable pursuit for me in difficult times. I'm a quite private person, so opening up my innermost thoughts (occasionally) has been a difficult judgement but the blog can sometimes be about me as well as the world at large.
I get enjoyment too from researching topics, often set off by an article I read in the Times or other online content. A reference to a book leads not only to reading that book but to a blog post too. That was the case with the Three Body Problem and Freakonomics.
I'm watching football on TV while writing this and am intrigued by one of the Aston Villa players - Marvelous Makamba. What a name! He's Zimbabwean, so is Marvelous a common African name? Or is it a nickname? I found Marvelous Marvin Hagler, an African American boxer; that was at first a nickname but he changed his name to become Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Very modest. Other than that, nothing. But all credit to Makamba's Mum and Dad; good name. Although checking out his footballing skills, he may be struggling to live up to it. For balance, I should report that he is actually a Zimbabwean international.
Ten minutes to go and Villa are one goal down. Maybe Marvelous can score an equaliser?
No, he's been substituted. Anyway, Villa are a hopeless case I think. They are probably going down.
More rambling.
African names are in many ways similar to European ones except that here they come through Hebrew Greek or Latin and lose their meaning, Daniel for example means God is my judge and Gabrielle is God is my strength, a good pairing. Elias is The Lord is my God and Isaac is He will laugh, while Simon is Listener.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in East Africa I had students named Gold, Diamond, Gift, Wonder and Gracious amongst others. And I think of the old Puritan names of the 17th C - Faith, Hope and Charity and Patience and Prudence and even Zeal for the Lord. Let’s hope those babies lived up to their names. And let’s hope Marvellous continues to be.
I do value your comments, Jane. Thanks a lot; keep them coming, there's a lot for us all to learn.
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