Nick's Top Five Bits n Bobs

Hello, friends. If you’re taking the time to read this, I appreciate you making this post a small part of your day. I know how busy life can be, what with all our regular commitments— work, relationships, hobbies, and leisure. I find myself in a particularly busy season, with the holidays on the horizon and balancing out my time between long term writing projects, relationships, and life’s regular responsibilities. Therefore, this post will be something different from my previous posts.

I think it’s important, from time to time, to slow down and reflect—even in a small way—on the things you’ve been doing, seeing, reading, or experiencing. So, this post will be just that: an attempt at something new and a different way to engage with you. A phrase I’ve picked up on here in the UK is “bits n bobs” and it is often used in reference to little things or parts. What you’ll find below are the “bits n bobs” that have been on my mind, or in my life, or occupying space in my life, followed by some brief reflection. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to make your own top five Bits n Bobs. If so, please do share. Either way, enjoy!

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Nick’s Top Five Bits n Bobs

1. “I doubt I have any special talent for writing, but if I stick with it at least I can become more enlightened. Otherwise, what’s the point, right?” from Hear the Wind Sing by Haruki Murakami.

   1. I recently finished reading this book by Murakami. It was his first book and he wrote it when he was 29. Though it comes from the mouth of one of his characters, I can’t help but suspect he wrote these words with himself in mind, not knowing which path his life might take. A lifetime later at the age of 76, Murakami has roughly 15 novels, 6 works of non-fiction, and several short stories to his name. As someone in the early days of my own book writing, I read this book for leisure and as a crash course on formatting for my own works. I’m not sure I’m capable of becoming as prolific of writer as Murakami, but I share his hope that I might become more enlightened along the way.

      

2. My wife and I recently visited the small Scottish town of Stirling. It’s referred to as the gateway to the Highlands which to me sounds like something out of a great myth. What made this small little town feel particularly ominous and special is its ties to history. Great historic figures like Robert the Bruce and William Wallace fought battles in Stirling and the city itself became a symbol of independence and freedom (from what I understand). I’m not sure why, but there is something special about walking around in a place where great people of valor, courage, and purpose once lived their lives.

   

3. “And we who do our best to live, why don’t we live even more!” from Vincent Van Gogh in A Life in Letters

   1. I just started this book and it chronicles the relationship between Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo, through letters they exchanged over a number of years. It’s been an interesting read and you certainly get an insight into Vincent and the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced. I can’t help but feel sad though reading this quote, knowing how his life came to an end.

   2. The thought has also crossed my mind that it’s an odd thing to be reading these letters from Vincent. I can’t imagine he ever thought the world would see them and because they’re to his brother whom he deeply cherished, he’s more transparent, vulnerable, and flippant in what he shares and says. Not many of us would choose to share that side of ourselves with the whole world; only those whom we deeply love and who deeply love us can bear it rightly. It would be like if someone published the text messages I’ve sent to some of my closest companions, though I’m certain my exchanges would be far less profound.

   

4. I’ve recently been playing Borderlands 4 on Playstation. The Borderlands series has always been one of my favorites and this one has proven to be just as fun as its predecessors. I’ve wondered what is it about this game—and games in general—that I enjoy so much. A truly great game gives you a sense of adventure and Borderlands delivers on that front. But I also think, for better or for worse, games give one a sense of accomplishment and success. There are times in life where opportunities to succeed feel sparse or out of reach and beating a boss in video game or completing a quest, gives one that sense of victory they’re looking for. Sometimes we find ourselves defeated again and again by the real life monsters we wage war against. That’s why it can be especially important to win a battle—if only in a video game— every now and then: to show us that it can be done and to keep that fight alive in us. However, it can feel just as devastating when we can’t even find success there either.

5. Our water tank broke recently and so we have had no hot water to our house. We’ve scheduled for some people to come in but until then we’ve been going to the gym to use the shower. If our gym routine was shaky and inconsistent before, its never been more consistent and we’ve never been more committed than now. It’s funny how major life inconveniences can actually be fertile soil for building good habits and even prompt you to start your day earlier—a thing I’ve never been great at doing but have always felt is good.