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    Secrets and lies!

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    When deciding about what to call myself, in the 'Blogging World', I was mindful about, why I wanted to blog in the first place.  For many years I was living a life that was an illusion, perpetuated by those I worked for.  At Oxfam I had been living a lie and I didn't even know it. Personally I had spent a lifetime, believing what people said to me.  I took their comments and statements at face value, I had no reason not to. Of course as time went on, I realised that not everyone told the truth.  In fact, most people I had met were born liars.  I initially called myself 'The Bare Naked Truth Blogger' and most recently 'The Real Truth Blogger'.  It is important for me to tell the truth, as I see it. When you experience the terrible things I did, the absolute truth is all that is required to recover.  Even today, I still don't know the actuality, of what happened to me and others at Oxfam.  Part of being a blogger, is to finally get veridicality, honesty and fairness, so I can move on with my life.

    It does seem that at Oxfam at least, unjust treatment of others is alive and kicking. I still hear bits of information, about an organisation, where credibility continues to crumble, through deception and deceit. Good Managers continue to resign, complain and ask for direction, where there is none.  Frankness, openness and explanation, would go a long way to solve these organisational problems.

    Today, truism and the continued search for factuality is the most important aim or goal in my life.  I hate and detest liars, people who hide facts and those who seek to deceive!  I have seen and suffered first hand, from some terrible individuals.  I never expected, that moving to Spain would be the answer to all my problems and would eliminate such people from my life; I am not that naive, but I have been pleasantly surprised by those I have met and formed bonds with here.  There are those that tell untruths, of course. I learn every day how to tell a liar, but it does seem that this particular group of people, expats and friends are not like those I left behind.  There is a willingness to help others, in my new home, that I haven't experienced since the 1990s, in the UK. The residents are a lot more honest with far more sincerity, compared to what I have been used to in recent times.

    That doesn't mean I have not come across opportunists and manipulators, liars and storytellers, because I have.  There are those living here, who obviously came from more dubious circumstances.  Not many, I have to say, a very small proportion, but like anywhere, they are here, trying to get out of people as much as they can and preying on those more vulnerable than themselves.  That I have seen first hand!  Of course I continue to give advice to those I know, who are close and hope, they at least listen to what I have to say.  After all, I have been at the other end of rumour, falsehood and suggestion in the past and really have learned from it.

    ​It is very difficult to impose one's views on anyone.  If I had taken notice of all those who had given me advice, I would probably be in an even worse position than I am now; but it is still important to have a voice and offer an opinion, especially when you understand yourself to be correct.  Speak loudly; the noisiest you have ever bellowed, in order to get the facts across.  If you don't and allow a situation, that you believe to be wrong, to continue, you are as guilty as those who have caused the pain in the first place. One should always have the courage of one's own convictions, even if one does turn out to be wrong.  Sometimes, you just have to speak up, as in the case Oxfam, a friend in need or in an official capacity;  if you don't the guilt and responsibility is all yours.

    I am indeed opinionated; I bite my tongue too much, especially these days.  I am also older, wiser and been through far more than anyone could ever imagine.  For those reasons alone, people I care about should listen, before it is too late.  I have no reason to explain this entry any further, but those who are referenced within this text, will understand who they are, who I am talking about and what they need to do.  As individuals, we can't continue forever, picking up other people's pieces, especially when one has one's own life to repair, so I am hopeful that ears are listening and eyes are wide open, so catastrophe can be avoided!
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    Memories!

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    The Mansion

    I have spent the last few days, going through old memories, from back in the 90s.  I came across some old Mansion party  tickets.

    A group of us used to reside in a large house, which is no longer  there, demolished, shortly after we left.  

    Yes, we used to party every weekend; only lived there for six months, but the memories from that time, have remained with all of us, who stayed there at the time!
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    Do what you feel is right!

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    When somebody close dies, inevitably we spend time remembering that person, in a way that is unique to us, as individuals.  I used to be pretty sentimental in the past, have many photo's of great times and used to  have a memory box.  A box of things given to me by others, I loved.  In 2005, I spent the whole year scanning, bits of paper and memories into my computer.  It was the only way I would have the courage, to then throw these tangible memories away.  In reality I could not bare to part with them, unless I had a record, somewhere, of their relevance to me!  I never look at these snippets of digital information as a rule, unless times and circumstances dictate otherwise.

    We all deal with grief in very different ways and nobody should tell us how to apportion our emotions and feelings, or when the right time is to mourn; grief is a deeply personal sensation. For some there can be an unwillingness to accept what has happened, as they search within themselves, trying to find answers, as to why?  Why him or her? Why now? Why so soon?  This is all perfectly natural.  Others may prefer to just sit and think about that person; quiet contemplation.  I always accept death these days; I have seen plenty of it, especially in recent times.  My own mortality, has also played a factor in how I deal with grief. Immediate forbearance of a situation, is the best way forward for me.  I have spent far too long in life, questioning the why's and wherefores of things and understand more than most, just how fragile life is.

    Rather than mourning a death, one should celebrate that person and what they did in life.  The meaning someone has to me, will always be expressed; I am not afraid to have an opinion. I have always believed, that no one, important in our lives, should be forgotten.  As people, we should always remember those who passed before us. There is much to learn from respecting others in life.  This should always be reciprocated in death! Keeping someone's name alive, is extremely important, even if others would rather never talk of them again.

    Reaching out to a friend, when  they are alive should be foremost in our actions. I have fallen out with. lost touch and  moved away from, many different people during my lifetime, without a second thought.  To be honest when I was younger I paid less value to friendships, than I do now.  I am a lot more maudlin these days, with higher regard, for those in my life. I lose touch less and appreciate friendships far more. Moving to Spain has taught me about the significance of others.  I have rekindled many old friendships and embrace everyone for who they are, faults and all.  Living in another Country has allowed me to become a sentimental old fool!

    Losing a close friend is hard.  In truth replace the word grief with guilt and you will have a small idea about what I and others could be dealing with.  As human beings we should interact more with those we hold dear, but we don't.  We always say the same things when someone dies, yet clearly always make the same mistakes.  When I say 'mistakes', what I truly mean is, we lose touch, lives move on and friendships dwindle.

    We should all take care to understand the relevance of those we grew up with, spent time alongside and experienced, cherished memories, shoulder to shoulder.  Our busy lives and that of our friends just tend to get in the way and the natural order of things dictates the eventual outcome.  

    There are many people I should reach out to, lots I already have done, more I will in the future and sadly a large number I never will contact again.  Memories are important, especially as I grow older.  For some of those I had the pleasure of knowing, I want to keep those reminiscences alive.  Annie was one of those; we never really lost contact, as such, because that was something neither of us wanted to do.  We did have rough patches, but who doesn't.  Essentially though, as young adults, on a gay scene, finally being who we wanted to be, coming out to the world, breathing a huge sigh of relief, we, all of us, at the time, understood one another.  If I had lost Annie, I would have lost a part of me!
    Just had a root through my disorganised digital memory box, to try and find a few more memories of Annie.  I will certainly post more as time goes on, as I think everyone should.

    These memories are very important, mainly because I don't keep these type of things anymore.  I don't have the space and people don't tend to send cards or draw pictures in the same way!

    So, Annie decided to take her own life.  Like many of us, from that time, she suffered from depression and just wanted to be loved and accepted by all those around her. It is difficult growing up on a scene; Southampton's scene was particularly hard!  She was part of a community of individuals battling to survive at a time, when this Country wasn't as liberated as it is now.  Homophobia and abuse was commonplace, but together, like a family we tried. at least, to live together as a unit, looking out for each other.

    My enduring memory of her, will be the outrageous outfits she wore.  She even persuaded me to wear net curtain, to The Magnum Club one night, which I duly did. She was a big part of the 90s club scene, as were many of us.  I have many happy memories from that time.  People were different, loved their friends unconditionally and wanted nothing in return.

    In the end, I left Southampton and The UK, because the nature of the Gay Scene had changed.  It was no longer a happy place to be, carefree and accepting, it had become a source of many of my problems, like Annie's.  People no longer looked out for one another or stuck up for their friends, they were too worried about their own self gratification.

    Annie will be remembered for who she was.  She will forever be that person, in people's hearts.  She was a good, giving and loving human being, who will always be a part of the most memorable time of my life.

    Sleep well!
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    R.I.P. Annie!

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    My friend, andrew baxter!

    This is a difficult one to write! I met you in 1992; colourful, smiling face and warm heart; Annabel Baxter, as you were then.  You were family in every sense of the word.  We all went through so much together, good and bad!  I am truly lost for words, just tears!

    Thank you for being the family I never had and the friend who always gave. We couldn't always cope with each other.  Sometimes we didn't talk for years.  These last few weeks we had talked more than ever.    I was looking forward to welcoming you to our new home in Spain, instead, one day you will welcome me to yours.

    Rest In Peace, Aunty Annie.  You will always be in my heart and memories.  Be happy now; I'll see you one day soon!
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    First Day!

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    Thank you Jamie for the good luck message, in your own unique style! x

    My first day at School, yesterday, was fantastic.  I am teaching older children, of primary age, up to ten years old.  I have to say their standard of English was superb and would put the abilities, of kids, of a similar age, in Britain, to shame.  I had a lot of nerves before I started and although slightly disorganised at the beginning, it seemed to go well. Maybe, just maybe I have found my vocation in life!  Thank you to everyone for their many, many messages of support!
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    Spanish Fiesta Nacional !

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    The 12th October is Spain's National Day, its Nacional de España. ​It is held each year on this date to commemorate Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on behalf of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492.  There you go, a little bit of Spanish history for you!

    The Palace said in a press release, “The commemoration of the National Day aims to solemnly remember moments of collective history that are part of the common historical, cultural and social heritage, assumed as such by the vast majority of citizens.”

    It was a wet 'Red' day, as the Spanish call them, which reminded me very much of an English Bank Holiday.  To be honest Spain has a lot of Fiesta's or holidays, but this one, is the main one.

    It was also the day before Katie flew back to The UK, so we decided to pop into Zest for a few drinks and something to eat; we got a bit squiffy to be honest.  Finally we went to the exceptional Belfry in Masa Square for the mid week carvery, where we met Dawn and Paul, having a lovely, if not at times, a little emotional, night!  Emotional, because all of our partners are in different parts of the World working away from home, while we are all still here, keeping the home fires burning.

    A great 'RED DAY!'
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