GO! Tell Tales of the Unexpected
February 20th, 2008 by mikeMike here,
I’m reading The Irresistible Inheritance of Wilberforce by Paul Torday at the moment after his publishers sent me his book to help me do an interview with Paul about his new book.
Here take a sip:
My life has been mapped out for me. I would break the hearts of my parents, of old Simon Hartlepool, and especially I would hurt Ed, if I suddenly changed my mind. That’s not how one behaves. One’s not allowed to do the unexpected. Life isn’t allowed to be unexpected.
Often we live our lives by maps other people draw up for us. Our parents, friends, family can all decide what is best for us and to step suddenly of a path that they have laid down before you can be a hard thing to do.
So have you ever stepped off and done something that meant following your own dreams or breaking from what was expected from you?
Do tell us your Tales of the Unexpected.
if the rest of it is like that it won’t sell
he writes terribly
I’d take a pillow to your interview with him as if he talks like he writes you’ll be sparked out after about 3 minutes
Urban Pagan - genius monicker, wish I’d thought of that one.
Welcome to the gang
*sticks 2 thumbs up in patronising 60s disc-jockey style*
LOL O’DB! Welcome back!
‘I?d take a pillow to your interview with him’
For me to sleep or to smother him?
And also good to hear diferrent viewpoints Urban, here’s another to bring some balance:
Susan Elderkin, FINANCIAL TIMES
‘What makes us want to find out about Wilberforce is Torday’s wonderful prose - the same simple, clear writing that made Salmon Fishing so readable.’
So that makes two of you who like boring books then?
Yep and all my friends who helped put his first boring book at the No1 slot in the bestsellers chart.
How many copies did you both buy?
Loads. Tesco made a mistake and offered a million club card points with each book. I bought a million, then cashed my club card points in to cover the loan. Now I own a cruise liner, a plane and Dubai with what was left.
It all turned out really well really.
Hi Mike,
We’re no literary critics, literally but behind the words we get the idea and thanks for the post bud on whats been our busiest day ever at flowers to date.
Many of us work hard without any direction or goals often to please others, to do ‘the right thing’ sometimes hiding our real talents, passions and our reasons to be.
To closest we can relate to this is when we’ve sacked our comfy corporate positions to travel. We will say though, slightly easier for us as no kids on the horizon as yet - having said (typed) that we met a few families on our travels who home schooled - one on a boat for the last 3 year as a family of 6 we know do exactly that in Dubai…
Alot of the genius today, real talent, is often what society deems a drop out from the system, dyslexic, bi-polar, short attention span and on it goes…the norms of what is right will hopefully slip away as the kiss upwards, crap downwards mentality GO’!s.
I’ll 2nd the last paragraph! Geniuses come in all garbs. Haven’t we seen that at Flowers?
Jem, I didn’t get the bit about “kiss upwards, crap downwards mentality”. Please…
Well BJ often in corporate life some of those who make it to the Management level kiss the asses of their superiors and crap down on those below, standing on those ‘below’ to get to the top.
A few have the guts ot speak their mind without worrying about the bigger picture politics…..
That’s why organisation charts with who is above who make it laugh - it should be in one big group hug circle with a common vision AND of course a level of authority distributed out according to skills,behaviour and leadership.
Ho hum!
Ta Jem. I know the concept, it was the expression I wasn’t sure about. Gotta upgrade my online English idioms dictionary!
Bridget is amongst the “few who have the guts to speak their mind without worrying about the bigger picture politics?..”
That’s no surprise eh? Ha!
Jimenem,
A small percentage, its not like they are all closet Einsteins mate.
Just as many sit in a room blowing bubbles and rocking back and forth shouting at the walls, wandering the streets randomly knifing people, sitting in the corner of an alehouse pestering normal folk, etc….however most go unnoticed.
The reason I guess you have this view is that when of the ‘drop outs’ does something average or even above average everyone wets themselves and gushes out how great this freak is.
Generally most ‘genius’ is down to hard work from a reasonably intelligent person.
You do seem to have a very ‘fairy tale’ view on the world.
How’s life back on the corporate ladder?
GIC, Jimbo here, Of course we have a fairy tale view on the world - its called hope - the world doesn’t have enough and as the layers of age are added on we’re not becoming more cynical - its a choice.
Why do under 5’s live in the moment and slowly get it knocked out of them as life goes on?
You are clearly in ‘the few’ - application of talent and hard work, inspiration / perspiration…but then what, successful exec retires at 40 having paid of the mortgage? To do what - you may already know but few do.
Whats your role then - are you ‘needed’ by society, your inbox, your phone, being called to meetings? I struggled with that during the initial stages of our time out…
Take all that ‘purpose’ away say when you’re 40 and your reason to be can slip away - no doubt there’s so much peeple plan with ‘all that freedom’ but it can often kill people as 40 quickly feels like 80 - for some.
Life back on the corporate ladder?
That’s the beauty - the last chapter of GO! Smell the flowers how returned to the same place but looking out through different eyes. Ideal as it may sound - there is no ladder! The gang have a common vision, mission and value system that I established over 3 months of workshops and now present the organogram in a circle with me as part of that circle
Group hug?
There’s nothing wrong with my view of the world (as far as I can see), to be honest that post is pretty condescending in as much as you believe 8 months extended holiday gives you the view that you know what we all need or want whereas what it did was tell you what YOU need or want.
I consider that 8 years out of the last 11 have been out on an extended working holiday as I lived and worked abroad and sampled a lot of countires and cultures. In fact working and living in them tends to give you a much more realistic idea of what the flowers there smell like. Had I made some wise investments when I was younger maybe I’d have jacked it in and gone off for a bit but I didn’t, my fault ubt I’m not complaining. As a result I’ve worked around. I don’t consider I’ve had stuff knocked out of me just because I have a very strong sense of reality, in fact I consider that having this strong mug of reality helps me see things for what they are and enjoy them more - mainly due to expectations never being shattered.
I work to live and will have the mortgage done by 40. Then I have a sound and secure base for myself and my impending family so they to can spend their lives living rather than worrying. I have no issues switching off the phone, e-mail or work. Just because when I do something I do it with a winning mentality does not mean that something is the be all and end all.
I don’t mind people having hope, the point I raised is you basically stated that a very high percentage of genius is attributable to disfunctional/retarded/freak individuals. Clearly this is simply a fantasy view of the world more in line with a spotty 19 year old University student who wears black, pierces their face and sleeps on a straw matress.
Those who have no idea of what to do after retirement lack creativity and the creative thought process, believe me I never have an issue with finding something to do in my spare time.
Group pint?
Eh?
Didn’t question your point of view - thats why you’re a founder here - you give the place more depth than we could….so do the others!!
There is a fine line between genius and insanity and what society terms ‘ normal’ in the norms of a clean shaven success with a big office…back to the rant of emotional intelligence versus IQ - EQ will become more and more at the fore….it has to.
Why have you taken this personally GIC - read what we put again…gave a ‘for instance’…why catergorise living before 40 with worry? With bundles of cash can come more worry - again in some cases….
Tell us then, when you retire (something that as long as I’ve a pulse I’ll never do as it reeks of slippers and feet up - RE tire - shocking) what you plan to do…out of interest - your calling and lifes purpose.
Would love a group pint but the ale is poor in Dubai.
So post 40 - do tell.
Who’s taking it personally? I merely went through your comment and answered it.
The original point was you were strongly hinting that genius and being a society drop out are inextricably linked. I was merely pointing out that most genius comes from hard work and intelligence, who invented Blu Ray DVD, not mad Bob who barks at the moon thats for sure. You are taking a tiny percentage of events that the media focuses on and extrapolating to the whole world, quite often as it happens.
Regarding retirement/post 40 interests, I could certainly put more focus into learning guitar (not really been doing this seriously so need to look at this), there are many books I really want to read, I could gain new impetus in learning Mandarin, spend time with the family, look at some outline ideas I have for products and spend a few hours at my Catia station bringing these to life, some days do absolutely nothing.
Its not hard to fill up the days, this is just a quick brain dump of ideas, plenty more.
The worries associated with bundles of cash are hardly in the same league as those associated with not having it.
Group random spirit shots?
Ok fair play….
Perspiration, inspiration and motivation.
And that’s only the guitar.
Group high five.
Awesome thread here! Thanks for the insight - on both sides!
I agree chook it is interesting to see the 2 points of view ….. cool
Hmmm not so sure about the book title Mike. Rather long.. and boring :)) I think Gary may have a point
“Life isn?t allowed to be unexpected”. Disagree!! The more spontaneity, the more surprises, the more fun ha!
Have you seen ‘Into the Wild’ btw? I saw the trailer at the movies yesterday, it’s based on a true story of a young guy who drops all and travels to Alaska and discovers life on the way. I’m SO going to see that movie! Would be great if we both read the book, we could swap impressions like for Kite Runner :))
Right, about the question. I think Bridget has often stepped away from what’s expected of her. The big ones: She refused to do science at school as her dad insisted and pursued her taste in languages and literature instead. She refuses to marry any of the nice guys her parents keeps introducing her to. She constantly steps out of the comfort zone that most crave. Quite a handful this Bridget can be ha!
Am I selfish in not doing as expected of me? I dunno.. you guys tell me! :))
Nope BJ you’re not selfish, just you. HA!
In fact you are a bit of an enigma one moment you seem mad crazy, the next profund, the next able to articulate complex ideas and themes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvMoRVrqx_I
Expectations or not!
Cool Bo, never seen that vid.
Looked like a cold evening…steam all over the shop.
Second that BO, great Band.
No one has expected anything from but to be great…
My mum always said be someone… I dont care who just someone…. and that some one should be you….
Took ages to understand what she ment but I got it a few years ago, stopped doing the right thing and started to do my thing, my grandmother was shocked when we moved states and that was the hardest part, but hey I have one life and regardless of any faith based nonsense I am have to live it…..
in some families life is what is expected in others it is what you expect in mine I expect no more or less than I am prepared to give it and that is as it should be….
AC,
Can you do me a favour.
Take time out to type a bit slower, I feel you are pouring out your thoughts too quickly. Its getting harder and harder to follow you, often I need to read your comments 2 or 3 times to get the gist of them.
Either that or once finished read through and then press submit.
Oh I turned red…
Just rushing I am sorry… GIC
And yes I do think faster than I type…
Ok will try and slow down……
Busy bee..
:oops:
IfollowedeverywordofitACIwouldn’tworrytomuch!
thanksmikeiamgladicanstillbereadandunderstoodlolololol
noproblemAC
‘organagram’
sounds like a scan for venereal diseases to me
as for me
being honest I’ve had a ball for the last 15 years not given a toss about authority made some silly decisions but ultimately am completely responsible for any cock-ups or successes I’ve had
I’m now moving forward and very happy and content. financially sound? not be a long chalk. arse? not at all
different people make different decisions at different times in their lives. nobody is right or wrong- just different in their life choices.
except me.
I am always right
LOL Urban and dead right - different strokes for different folks…
We encourage focusing on the future as above rather than dragging up anything in the past which we’ve abstained from doing and will continue to do so…
Whats happened has gone….present to future is where its at….
**Cue different stokes theme tune - its not showing on youtube at the mo***
Bridget is very pleased to hear things are looking up for you Gary and that you’re happy. Really.
What!!!???
Are you saying that Urban Pagan is Gary, Bridget?
Surely not.
I
I
I can’t believe it.
I need a lie down.
LOL
Well UP
thats makes two off us in the world
your right and so am I …..
are you sure not got any Aussie blood in those veins I thought only us aussies said believed that… :lol:
no aussie blood in my veins
just turkish heroin
lol
that explains alot … our old nemesis the turkish delight…heheheheheheh…
Hang on… I thought I was always right!
that explains alot … our old nemesis the turkish delight…heheheheheheh…
You are Ange… your aussie….. thats all anyone needs to know and explains everything…..
:lol:
Light the blue touchpaper and retire, Mike! Your post certainly sparked an interesting series of responses.
With regards the title, I keep looking for an extra word after ‘Wilberforce’—just one extra syllable. As if it doesn’t quite scan. I wonder if this is deliberate, this missed beat, or just a bit awkward.
As for stepping off and doing something unexpected, I think I made a habit of it for a few years, until that became expected! However, once I had children, I became a little more self-critical and less spontaneous in this respect, and have only taken those steps when I thought it would be to their advantage (or at least wouldn’t disadvantage them). Quitting my job in the UK and emigrating (without a job to go to) would possibly fall into this category.
Paul, you gotta be kidding! Something MORE to the title? Man, it’s already way too long!
A sure recipe for a long shelf-life: follow a 5-syllable word (irresistible) by a four-syllable word (inheritance) followed closely by a 3-syllable word (Wilberforce) in the book title! Is this guy into sequences or what?
Where are you based Paul? Welcome to Flowers!
Thanks, Bridget. My blog is based at PaperBooks.co.uk but I’m writing from Victoria, Australia. As for the book title (*hides face in hands, but types at same time!*), mine is a tad longer … but I think it works! It better work: it’s the only thing out in the public domain at the moment.
But Paul, you already have lots of feedback it doesn’t work.
I would urge you to swallow your pride and reconsider, it works for you but not for the intended audience.
? Gareth, are you talking about Paul Burman or Paul Torday?
hi Paul Burman
that sounds like something we did….
scary but feels great doesnt it…
Hi aussiecynic. Thanks for the greeting. Have been dipping into your blog (and BJ and Mike and others here—Uncle Tom Cobbley ‘n’ all) for a while now, so it’s good to communicate.
G’day from a neighbour (aussie and blogger).
so your in Oz too excellent…
Will be dropping your blog soon and I’ll leave feed back to let you I was there…
good to see another aussie….. yippeeeeeeee
no that my daughter has left the computer sorry for the gobble do goop… I shall leave you some feed back shortly when I stop by …
that was the english version….
:roll:
Great to have you both visit. Are you an emigre too? (Sorry, but can’t get the accents on the characters here.)
Well I guess so only several generations ago from the UK
but I am aussie born and Bred here matey…..
I checked out your blog early and the website very cool…. mind if I add you to my blogrolls?????
I would appreciate that very much. Cheers, aussiecynic. Did you catch the Go!Smell the flowers tree/snowflake at the links page?
I did I love how you have done the neat trick… am looking for a way to have my blogroll shortened.. it is very cool…
I will be adding tonight….. and updating posts…
Hiya Paul mate, yep you never know where a post is heading here at Flowers!
And seeing as everyone is interested in the title and length of it, I will ask Paul Torday in the interview and let you know his reasons behind it and its structure.
From a personal viewpoint my first reaction to the title was ?? and then it was so long I coudn’t remember it. Now I’ve nearly finished reading it, the title makes a lot more sense and sits better with me.
Hi Mike. When do you envisage completing and posting your interview? It’ll be interesting to see what comments that generates.
Was impressed what you did with that campfire story, by the way—such an unwieldy beast to tame, but you did it.
I hope to e-mail the questions to Paul Torday on Friday, as I should finish the book tonight.
Then it’s just a matter of how long he takes to reply.
And heh another author has just agreed to do an interview: Tom McCarthy of Remainder and Men in Space fame!
Cool Mike - do keep us posted so we can head over to the view from here and check them out….
That’s bloody great, Mike. You’re on fire! Am delighted. Told you, you’ll be the new Sir Mike before you know it. Congratulations.
Paul
first off shame about the book not everyone can write
secondly- congratulations on giving birth to two kids- you are a medical first
Urban Pagan,
Not sure about the book comment.
As for the two kids, you’re right, it did seem like a miracle at the time … and always good fun.
Paul I think Urban Pagan has confused you with Paul Torday re the comment about the book!
LOL
Welcome to flowers Paul….
Keep on keeping on, Jim & Em.
Thanks Jim & Em. It’s an impressive community of bloggers and posts at flowers.
Thanks Paul….this is just the start as we GO! to the community level in the next couple of months…
Plenty of thorns within the flowers and its great to have you around…feel free to jump in anytime!!