Having asked the question ‘What the HECK is philosophy’ I got some interesting and thought-provoking replies. A cynical overview was that anybody can play, there are no rules, and over the centuries they have ‘out-thought’ previous idols.

Seneca comes nearest to how I ‘see’ philosophy. His works discuss both ethical theory and practical advice. Seneca regards philosophy as a balm for the wounds of life. The destructive passions, especially anger and grief, must be uprooted. He advises confronting ones own mortality, the importance of friendship and need to benefit others.

This blog post has the ingredients of panic. It will be published on Moodscope the day after our gathering, and I have 10 full days of travelling and sociability, so further investigation of my future sounds like a ‘PLAN’. People helpfully suggested courses. One was ice.cam. Looked at web-site – perfect answer, a two-year, part-time, on line Masters in Philosophy. A minor snag, would cost £25,000.

I am hoping that as an alumnae of London University it may give me entrance to one of the University libraries here. Winter days, taxi to library, spend the day there, study, maybe meet people. Need research and persistence, but as, with terrific back-up from a son, my book is now available on Amazon, feel I still have a bit of determination left in me. I know I shall fall seriously to bits if I do not have a project of some kind, and it has to be more than the minor activities here. Try as I might, and I can be patient, stimulating friendship, like interests and conversation are not on the menu. I will now put this on the back burner, to update when firmly in the UK. Changing countries, when done infrequently, is usually a shock.

Life took a new turn, which it can still do. My book was published, Daughter, to whom the book was dedicated met me at the airport with the book, we went off for a drink and I possessed it, just unreal, I have scrapbooks full of my articles in various publications, and have printed all my Moodscope blogs, but there is something magic about a book, even self-published, which people can buy of their own free will. Wow and wow again.

I got here, Terminal 5, well, thought I was in a film studio for a  James bond. In theory, I should have been met off the plane with a wheel chair, not there. Cabin crew said could I walk a bit, OK. The pilot caught up with me, told me to go no further, the people are paid for the job but are bone idle. Anyway, tougher than I thought when pushed.

UK, the noise! The people! Only Thursday lunch time, not holidays, could not get a table anywhere near the river. And the conversation! Group of loud, drunk young men every other word a swear word. Group of young girls, every small phrase started with ‘Like’ Fantastic 90th birthday party Sunday. Now convinced people think I am losing my memory, nearly every card had ‘90’ on it, to make sure! 

The Gardener

A Moodscope member