Individualism has a stronghold on the inland waterways today but I’d argue it always has had. Even in the days when homogonised corporate commercial barges plied their trade, the roses and castles adorning cabins and water cans made individual statements about the people on board and their desire to make their home/workplaces more attractive. Today’sContinue reading “Where creativity and individualism flourish”
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The power of individual change agents
Seeing the changes being wrought on the landscape this week by HS2 prompted this week’s blog. We’ve been travelling the Grand Union to Napton Junction where we turned onto the Oxford Canal. Both evidence the changes of HS2. Travelling on from Leamington Spa we saw the impact on the landscape of the southern section ofContinue reading “The power of individual change agents”
Water water everywhere…can you help?
Water is a major global problem for us all, and it’s getting more acute. The United Nations General Assembly back in 2010 recognised access to safe, clean, and affordable drinking water and sanitation as a basic human right. Living and working afloat makes us hugely aware of water – we need it to stay aliveContinue reading “Water water everywhere…can you help?”
Reflections on what matters
In the past 10 days we’ve both been away from the boat which has given valuable time for reflection. Reflection about what really matters. Living and working afloat as we do provides two key essentials that are reaffirming and invaluable – choice and freedom. To be free to go and help instantly where and whenContinue reading “Reflections on what matters”
Teamwork triumphs
Solutions to what may seem insurmountable odds come in multiple guises and so often the answers lie in the shared endeavour of teamwork. It’s true in physical and academic endeavours; in engineering and business. Teams are valued in the real world but often not appreciated in Higher Education – at least by student team membersContinue reading “Teamwork triumphs”
Sestercentennial journey and multiple lessons
Six months ago we started travelling the 46 miles of the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal. This week, 250 years after it was first opened, we finally completed its 43rd lock and passed under its final bridge. It has been a fascinating lesson in history, geography and England. As slow travel goes this is probably aContinue reading “Sestercentennial journey and multiple lessons”
SOAR-ing Peace – beware complacency
Peace is good for us all, as individuals, as businesses, as a nation, but is only really valued and appreciated after turmoil. We can become complacent when faced with Peace that endures which is dangerous. Stability and growth require Peace. We humans need constant reminders of the importance and beauty of Peace to prevent usContinue reading “SOAR-ing Peace – beware complacency”
Goal setting for life
Goals are strange things – they can motivate and inspire but also leave us feeling bereft when we achieve them, or failures when we find them unattainable. Since the autumn of last year when we left London after Steve had achieved his goal of running the London Marathon, we’ve been heading slowly, circuitously around theContinue reading “Goal setting for life”
Travelling through time and place
This week has taken us 47 miles and 46 locks through Shropshire into Cheshire, back to Shropshire and then to Staffordshire. We left the Llangollen Canal in glorious sunlit days preceded by moody misty starts. Through lush green Cheshire countryside we made good time, going with the flow of the River Dee waters hastening downContinue reading “Travelling through time and place”
Dramatic revolution afloat
Three key lessons this week: Take NOTHING for granted in your life. Be patient – good things are worth waiting for. Technology can be marvellous in many ways! Loyal blog, Instagram or Facebook followers will be familiar with stories of hand washing on towpaths alongside water taps, hunting down laundrettes and lugging bags of washingContinue reading “Dramatic revolution afloat”
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