Make Love Not War... (apparently Conditions Apply)

Same-sex marriages don't harm anyone. Everybody lives once and should be able to do so with the same rights as everyone else. A religious belief or a personal preference should not be the basis of any law. Aren't laws supposed to be in the best interest of the people? Some people can't get married because others are 'uncomfortable' with it? It is 2012 and I cannot believe this is still a topic of argument out there. I guess it will be for a while.

Young Love

It's yet another rainy day in Maidenhead but this young couple doesn't seem to let that take away the bank holiday.

Cooped in the house, this was a refreshing sight.

When it rains on a weekend.. make lemonade? o.O

I don't always like rain. Mostly because of what it does to my hair but yesterday I took my umbrella with me(applause) and was hoping it would drizzle. It was one of those days you step out with an idea or a picture in mind and then you find a place that's perfect for the picture.

A Weekend at the Art Exhibition

The conversation with the taxi driver on our way back from the art exhibition regarding his booklet on popular art pieces, that my sister was leafing through, made us chuckle.

My Sister: So, do you like art?
Taxi Driver: Na.. I just like to look at the prices and laugh.

From the numerous art galleries and art exhibitions I have been to, I have learnt to not be harsh on the paintings. At one point I used to make fun of the art that I didn't understand but now it's more of a respect for the artist that sees something I don't. Growing up kills some of the little joys of life. Being a part of an art exhibition, albeit just helping my sister set her space up, made me see things differently. The artists that paint, seemingly strange paintings, become people that are looking for other people that look at their art and see what they are trying to express. It makes you want to try and understand them. It's almost like a challenge. Never before have I seen the overused proverb, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" be proven like a theorem.

Music

Is it just me that doesn't bother remembering names of all the singers and bands I listen to? Don't get me wrong, I love music. Very often I have a playlist playing and don't stop to check who's playing that song I am tapping my feet to. Leads to a lot of 'ummm' situations.

Image Source: http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/287004-musically-oblivious-8th-grader

The Picture of Dorian Gray- A Great Read

I have always fumbled when asked about my favourite author like when asked about what music I like but that's a story for another day. I love reading and try to make time for it although internet has taken away that beautiful hobby from me quite effectively. After not having read in a long time, I picked up Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and felt an instant connection. There are lines in there that make you pause for a moment because you have felt it before but never thought of putting it in words.

"It was the passions about whose origin we decieved ourselves that tyrannized most strongly over us."

That covers about everything that has ever bothered me beyond reason. I suppose believing your imagination is a form of deception.

"I never approve or disapprove of anything now. It is an absurd attitude to take towards life. We are not sent to the world to air our moral prejudices."

This, I believe, is the best attitude to have towards life. You also become a lovable person when you don't act like a sanctimonious git.

"There is always something ridiculous about the emotions of people whom one has ceased to love."

I wouldn't have used the word 'ridiculous' but then I am nice, in general, but he got that right too. It's hard to understand emotions that you don't feel.

"One can always be kind to people about whom one cares nothing."

It's true. I have never been mean to people I haven't cared about. Lucky you if I care about you! Must sound childish but what are we but children that know how to behave to be taken seriously. A hundred years since he wrote that and it still holds true. And I have a favourite author.

The Monument-London

I honestly don't understand why The Monument to the Great Fire of London, built in the 1670s is not as popular as it should be. Having lived in UK for over a year and having been to London a lot, I have never heard of The Monument or that of being able to climb the 311 steps, for which you get a certificate by the way, and look at the city from high up. I don't remember what blog or website I was looking at when I came across this but boy am I glad I did. It not only gave me a great photo-opportunity, but the top of the monument lets you detach yourself from the crowd and quite literally look down at them (not that I enjoy doing that). There was a little fog thing going when I went there and that just added to the mystique.

The Gherkin at the right-hand top corner.

The Shard, under construction.

           



You can see a lot of the popular London architecture including the Gherkin, the Tower Bridge with, pardon me, the Testicle next to it, the Shard under construction and the building with the three holes on top, which I now find is called the Razor, and the London Eye in the Horizon.

The spiral staircase from the bottom of the stairs.
                                      http://www.flickr.com/photos/dropcrack/6841027626/in/photostream                                                  

You will have to climb the spiral staircase to get to the viewing cage at the top of the column. The spiral looks great in pictures both from the bottom and the top of the stairs. Along the stairs, there are viewing windows that can be opened. It's a great activity and a must-see. Takes about an hour of your time at the most and is something you will remember.