found us, Isle of Mull, Peter Cobley, Oban
Peter Cobley
found us - business consulting and headhunting
found us - business consulting and headhunting
UKAT
Peter Cobley
UKAT (here we go again...)
UKAT (here we go again...)
Isle of Mull, Tobermory, Peter Cobley
Peter Cobley
Turning on the Tobermory Christmas Lights
Turning on the Tobermory Christmas Lights
Peter Cobley
Peter Cobley
Tobermory photos. found us. End of the week.
Tobermory photos. found us. End of the week.
Peter Cobley
Peter Cobley
“The pen is mighter than the sword”
“The pen is mighter than the sword”

Peter Cobley

,

The joys of fell running, Kerridge Ridge, and Haruki Murakami

,

As I sit here after a good day, typing this blog, I reminisce to the days of late running the Saddle of Kerridge, to and from White Nancy and Kerridge Hill, and from there to further pastures. And what fun it has been.

Looking backwards to Kerridge Hill Trig, and village of Rainow in the Peak District.

I am currently spending some time with mother (“Muver”) at her establishment in Macclesfield. Try as I may I am not capable at 49 years of age of resisting being mothered, smothered, loved, told off, given advice, and needing to report in regularly. It is actually quite nice, and I’m having quality time with her. I am also quite thankful of my remembering to leave the toilet seat down.

Whilst here I am working found us, ticking the business along as the good ship navigates the choppy waters of Covid. But I have some time on my hands as industry begins to crank itself up. So what do I do?

Well I go fell running in the hills of my youth, where I grew up, and now realise have longed to return to. The isolation of solo running I’ve enjoyed. Myself and my thoughts, a drifting stream of consciousness that has allowed me to sort thoughts, worries, hopes and aspirations as I tread gingerly through the ever changing terrain. Wonderful.

White Nancy looking towards Bollington and Manchester city centre, wearing Merrell Nova Trail shoes.

I’ve really enjoyed myself and started around the 6 mile mark, and have now increased the distance to 12 miles with around 2k of climb as I take in the very much hidden Lamaload Reservoir that sits near to the Goyt Valley.

Lamaload Reservoir.

My latest run today was in wonderful weather and conditions; overall cool, with the sun breaking through the cloud cover at times. I was able to wear the sunglasses and simply enjoyed the freedom of being alone, getting fitter as I have put weight on, and have also not been running regularly.

STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/activities/5229383216

Haruki Murakami

All of this has made me think of a wonderful and book that I read a while ago. It is written by a Japanese author and whilst he is a crime writer, he loves running, and wrote “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running”. It is a wonderful book for anyone who solo runs and has a mind that is active. Have a read of it, it is well written, fascinating, and a perfect insight into the mind of the runner. It is clear we do not simply switch off when running, it enhances both the conscious and subconscious as we cover those miles.

Everyone needs a Mum (even at 49 and 6 months.)

Over in Macclesfield at the moment with “Muver”. This morning I was sat down and my hair cut, with help from Nicky Clake. Instructions issued, obeyed. I felt like I was a child again. It was nice.

IMG_0439.jpeg

Life and reality are always in flux, such is the nature of the universe. Ever changing, ever morphing, becoming something that is (the present), and was (the past), and may be (the future). Time is always moving.

But one thing that fascinates me about life and Time despite all this, is how it repeats itself, is circular, and re-visits the past (though obviously not the same past, as that is impossible.)

And I had that experience today. And a reminder.

I needed a haircut, Mum has clippers. I could not be bothered walking to a local hairdresser and all the hassle that entails in the current climate. So… I was instructed to a) get a chair, b) get the Nicky Clarke clippers, plug them in c) sit down, d) do as told, e) no shirt and tie required, f) oh, and check the Dyson is charged.

Off she went on her Motherly mission whilst issuing instructions. These were not to be negotiated.

Time Travel

In one moment all of 49.5 years of life dissipated instantaneously. And I travelled back in time in my head and body to being a child. It was as though I was released from the worldly worries of being an adult. I felt safe, calm, happy, and enjoyed the haircut. I’d forgotten what it was like to have yourself placed in the complete control and hands of someone else. It was an actual relief.

(And my hair looks funky. I even used some No7 putty. Sexy beast.)

Some musings

Whilst feeling more comfortable, I mused and learnt a few new things. (Or re-remembered stuff.)

  • Everyone needs a MUM.

  • It is funny just how much responsibility and worry we take on as adults in the Western World. Which leads to angst, and constantly chasing our tails. No stopping to simply look at the birds in the air, the leaves on the trees.

  • But in one moment, that burden was released by my placing myself in the care of another, which got me thinking.

  • Maybe we need to engage more with those parents we still have, and be taken back and reminded of what it was to be a child, and placed in the care of another. It is fulfilling as a human being, and a reconnection with life.

  • Maybe we need to take time out in a quiet place to “send” ourselves back, or to be a child again to relive the adult burden, and contextualise our current life.

  • That is not to say you can take yourself out of your own personal reality as that is living in a illusion. But is can place things in perspective and maybe lead you to conclude that things are not that bothersome.

  • Maybe we can learn to “hand over” to another. A loved one, a friend, a colleague, reminding ourselves of what it was to be a child. To have someone look after us and relieve the burden of modern life. After all none of us I suspect are that strong. A singular tree can be torn down by an inclement wind, but a tree in a forest has a better chance.

Guess the ages?

Guess the ages?

,

Why I like Fell Running, and a long overdue visit to Teggs Nose.

,

When times are tough, the mind racing, low moods embrace you, running a business makes your head hurt, donning the fell shoes, even when not in the mood takes me outside, and outside of myself. And this happened today with a visit to Teggs Nose.

Photo taken from Teggs Nose car park looking toward Macclesfield Forest.

Photo taken from Teggs Nose car park looking toward Macclesfield Forest.

I’d been up early, probably on the computer from 7.30am, and by lunchtime needed a run as my head was spinning for business and personal reasons. My mood was also low, but after speaking to a couple of friends perked up a bit.

Attired I set off, with no particular plan apart from running to the Trig at Kerridge Hill at a gentle pace, followed by some sun bathing whilst looking toward the village of Rainow.

I ran to the summit, sunbathed and relaxed letting the proverbial brain box wander, and avoided picking up the iPhone. All of this with beautiful views over the Cheshire Plain and down toward Rainow.

The mood grabbed me and I decided to head for the Teggs Nose Country Park and off I went on the undulating ascent via Rainow. Hot in places, but a nice cool breeze in places. I eventually hit Teggs Nose with the plan to get a soft drink from the cafe. That was not happening - closed. Thanks Covid.

Chilled out on a bench and took a photo toward Macclesfield Forest, and also took a business phone call from a lovely old business contact. Then proceeded to make my way back. A lovely descent with amazing views of the Cheshire Plain and Manchester.

View toward Manchester from a hill not far from Teggs Nose on the return route.

View toward Manchester from a hill not far from Teggs Nose on the return route.

It was a bit of a rocky climb up to Kerridge Hill, so I took a rest and again admired the views at the Summit. Tried to call a friend, gave up due to reception, despite a mobile mast about 300 metres away down the hill from me - how does that work? Then back along the ridge (Saddle of Kerridge) to White Nancy, with views into Bollington. And from there back to Macclesfield.

Why do I like Fell Running?

Well today it got me out physically in lovely weather in an area of beauty where I was lucky to grow up in (Macclesfield). But more importantly was the break and release from troubling mental pressures, a sense of resignation, coupled with low mood, uncertainty, worry, and sadness.

What fell running seems to do is take you out of that moment as you concentrate on where you are putting your feet, whilst taking in scenery. On the flat or downhills, and for that matter steep climbs my mind wanders as I concentrate on feet, terrain, breathing; and my mind seems to organise thoughts, put thoughts to bed, create thoughts. And it is the same for emotions. It is very therapeutic when having a bad day. I’d like to say shite day up until the run, but that is rude.

I’d suggest Fell Running for those who fancy getting up in the hills and off the Tarmac, but must confess it is not for everyone. Running up hills in this heat can also be rude.

Graham Greene’s “Travels with my Aunt”

I very rarely listen to anything when Fell Running as I prefer to hear the natural sounds. But today, being low, fancied some company. I’ve been listening to this book on Audible and continued listening when running. Highly recommended is all I can say.

, ,

Do you really want to be a "Personality"?

, ,

Mulling over media and it’s creation of personalities, or people who try to create a personality.

I do understand the fact that in any business promotion of the business, and your role is important for raising awareness amongst the industry community you work in, including clients. However I personally try and draw a line at self promotion to the detriment of the business that employs you (conflict of interest) and to the detriment of you the person, and your integrity.

For example I have begun to notice that LinkedIn is getting hammered with self promotion and it does concern me that older, more experienced individuals are setting the example or the height of the bar for the younger ones coming into the business. Do we want an advertising industry staffed by vacuous persons, only interested in self? I also do wonder if people read such posts, or to be frank can be bothered, have time; or if reading a post wonder if they obtained something of benefit, depending on what you define as benefit.

Is this a mid life crisis I ask? Is self promotion taking away from growing and teaching the new talent coming into the business, something I bemoan. Or maybe I am a 49 year old dinosaur? But that is how I was brought up at the start of my career when I started off in August 1994 in London in national press. And it is also what I have learnt out of the business through thankfully having bosses who acted as mentors and taught me that if you grow people, they grow you, the business. If you give, you get back. I discovered helping people in their career (and not view them as a threat) gives pleasure and where respect occurs it ultimately aids you if in a senior role with loyal and hard working staff.

“Our awesome responsibility to ourselves, to our children, and to the future is to create ourselves in the image of goodness, because the future depends on the nobility of our imaginings.” Barbara Grizzuti Harrison

It is not about going toe to toe with a youngster, it is about growing people, and thus you grow yourself and lead by example, and word will be spread in a humble and honest way by others about you. Awareness not by your words, your interpretation of yourself. You become unique, not another wrapped in self promotion on LinkedIn and other forms of social media. Do you really want to appear full of narcissism, full of self importance, full of your own belief and opinion instead of helping others? Instead of letting your peers judge you, which can and is a brave thing to do?

I am not against shouting out about yourself to your fellows in this industry, especially when seeking to make people aware of services, skills you offer, or you have something interesting to say. After all we work in advertising.

In finishing, do I watch the many videos I see on LinkedIn? No.



,

A post as we approach Christmas

,

Whilst “things” are settling into a semblance of “normality”, it is still turbulent waters we find ourselves in. I thought I’d waffle as to my thoughts on this. It may help people find still and calm waters.

Wessenden Reservoir - Sunday 6th December 2020

Last year saw Brexit causing angst, this year a truculent US election, Covid 19, with Brexit rearing it’s ugly head; and we have Christmas coming up which can be a stressful time. I (and Claire my wife) decided to furlough myself in April until it became sensible and viable to work fully. Running a head hunting and consultancy business in the circumstances would have involved banging one’s head against a brick wall. Taking time off is what I did, and it may help people assess their own actions, or for that matter what they do next. But everyone’s journey is their own.

I used the time off to learn about myself, read and learn, and also spent time in the campervan with Claire on a trip around Scotland. The point being my business was still there, financially we were okay, ticking things over. I lived in the moment, not casting my eyes back or forward (this did not mean I cannot plan) and constantly asked myself, “what is the worse that can happen?” and “do I have problem now, not back then, or what may happen?” You cannot change what has happened, nor can you change what will come to pass. But you can enjoy the now. And that’s what I did.

One thing that I learnt was by how much I could reduce business and personal expenditure. Whilst also not panicking. Sometimes you just go with the flow. It always surprises me just how little you can live on.

  • Examine your personal and business expenses. Ask yourself, do I really need to pay for this? Is it a necessity or a luxury?

  • Don’t be afraid to cancel commitments like serviced offices across to subscriptions. You can always reinstate them.

  • Start to put money aside, even if minimal. It creates reassurance and gives you a buffer.

Accept that all of us are playing a “time” game. So, ask yourself the following:

  • Does my business work?

  • Does this job work? Am I happy, working well in this role?

  • Is my personal life a happy one considering the above?

If the answers to the questions posed sit in the positive then you have the ingredients for success, and can accept that you have to sit it out, and use your time constructively.

If the answers are negative, then maybe current events are nature’s way of bringing to a close one chapter of your life, or nudging you into making a change. Have a think about it? Believe it or not in times of flux, opportunities outside of your comfort zone can and do manifest themselves.

Waterfall and weir at Wessenden Moor - Sunday 6th December 2020

What is the worse that can happen?

Yes, yes I know, it is a cliched phrase. But it holds validity. When all about you is a maelstrom, just stop and ask yourself the question. Because when you do so, you reduce the anxiety and the catastrophising to neutral. And you also realise that there is always a solution, or acceptance of the situation. And this does not prevent you from holding a sense of calmness or equanimity about you, or living in the present. Take each hour, each day as they come.

Some useful reading

  • The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Now I don’t agree with all in the book, but for the most part this book teaches you how to live and enjoy the now, not being shackled by the past nor the future. It creates self awareness of one’s own focus in life.

  • The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. A fascinating book that shows how we all work to routine and habit, and of how an understanding of this allows us to harness behaviours to achieve goals/plans, and personal fulfilment.

  • Why we Sleep by Matthew Walker. An absolutely fascinating book looking into sleep. Why would you want to read this? All I can say is it gives a valuable insight into the importance of sleep, how the mind works, and of how your looking after sleep and the mind reflects on your life.

Brun Clough Reservoir looking toward Diggle - Sunday 6th December 2020

So where do I find myself?

In all honesty, the time off suited me for a variety of reasons. And I never personally created the business to chase money, being more a question of enjoying life and helping others.

I now see myself ramping up the business in a sensible, soft, and considerate way. Being cognisant of the turmoil and hardship people are feeling and suffering.

I have sat it out and been patient and am still patient now. Things will improve and we will see changes. But out of adversity comes opportunity for change, and maybe you need a change?









,

Mr Ted's perspective on rushing and the "Media".

,

Ted the Terrier: Question, do Big People rush about more now than in the past? Are their lives more hectic? Is this something that I do?

Sniffing out good news and advice in a time of Media bombardment

Woof woof and good morning humans, Ted here. Nice and warm at “Hotel Macclesfield” with Pete’s Mum. Fed, walked, pampered whilst he’s up in Scotland with The Boss.

I hope he is relaxing in Hamilton. Big people; they always seem to rush about, read up and be concerned with what’s happening in the Big People’s world, and worry. But he does seem to take life easy, read books, and I enjoy walks as he is not always on his iPhone unless he’s got us lost again in the hills…

I think Big People seem so concerned with events in the world and sadly they are bombarded with and by the Media, and with technology access all this information which causes consternation, anger, worry, concern, and occasionally happiness. It seems to be more negative than good and I notice this in the way they seem so self absorbed. Also news does not have to be official; it can be local news, what he or she said, what they saw on a Facebook Group or in a Twitter thread and so it goes on.

So to my question? Do these humans rush about compared to old days?

People seem to have this idea that life has speeded up, that history has moved rapidly, and they live crowded and faster lives than those of their ancestors. I think this though is a result or product of media and artificial. Life is the same as those who came before but if humans engage with Media they lose control of our lives and yes they speed up, accelerate out of their own control. By Media I think it is commercial and non-commercial, especially Social Media. Media tells them about other people’s experiences, and they know more sooner, about more people, and so the seeds are sown for them moving from “themselves” to “ourselves” which can be an unnoticed and insidious shift, as life speeds up with their concern as to others and what they do and have.

They now know when royal babies are born, when distant wars are fought, when disasters happen. These “things” have always occurred, have always happened, and have swallowed and engrossed those who are immediately concerned.

Humans are also subject to the views, thoughts, behaviour of “outsiders” and so can be distracted by this and rush headlong into what they think they need or aspire for.

Hence the sensation of falling at speed into a way of life with no control, routine without purpose, a sense of stasis.

Me? Well I am dog, and I don’t have an iPhone, laptop, or read the news, or see what people are up to on Social Media. And you know what, that is a good place to be. I live for simplicity, do my own thing, don’t keep up with other dogs, and happily keep it simple. News? Well it is what happens to me in real time and thus I am grounded and happy. I say hello to my mates when I see them, but let them get on with their lives and don’t religiously follow them, to become subsumed in what they do, did, or could do. So for me life is calm, not rushed, in control, and contemplative. A nice place to be… Maybe the big people ought to try. Live their own lives, which does not mean being unconnected.

A thought for the day:

Obscurity can be a good thing. In not being known or engaging with other’s lives I won’t twist my values of life, and enter the rush we see. I move back to the past, connect with my ancestors and their own lives. I live my life as part of the world, not other’s lives.




, ,

in the early hours... thinking about the recruitment market.

, ,

Well it is quarter past four on Monday morning, 26th October 2020. I’m in Hamilton with Claire’s parents, wide awake, decided to come downstairs to work on the computer with a brew as I could not sleep.

Bracklinn Falls above Callander.

So, yesterday was a good day that involved a family walk with Claire and her parents around Bracklinn Falls, which are stunning, with part of the walk giving a great view of the mighty Stuc a Chronin (a Munro we’ve run up before.) It was a bit wet, well Scottish moist as I like to call it, but all were happy, especially when having food, wine, and brews in Minty the Campervan whilst looking at the hills.

Now I find myself wide awake, and I’ve been so since 3am, but I am relaxed and happy; chilled in fact. It is not the first, nor will it be the last time. I often wake up in the early hours and potter down to the kitchen for a brew, a read, a think. I learnt to do this a long while ago rather than rolling about in bed restless and worrying at not sleeping. I am able to get away with the lack of sleep, and have a suspicion this nocturnal part of me was grown out of living in a pub in Macclesfield for 20 years. I’ll probably drift back to bed and put some music on from Insight Timer by way of relaxing. Or will stay up. What will happen will happen.

What will happen will happen

This neatly brings me to my thoughts at this early hour listening to Radio 1’s Chill Mix on iPlayer. It’s okay, but more dance than ambient, which I prefer, so going to use Spotify to create me a radio play list around Radiohead, and here’s to hoping its not friggin’ depressing. (It wasn’t.)

Recruitment, job, role, employment, career, work and so this list goes on. It is about putting bread on the table, not worrying, and being able to have a good time, so I suppose pretty fundamental for most people. It’s also part of my business, head hunting, so worthy of some grey matter being allocated to it.

Found Us is ticking along nicely in the current environment, which to be frank is the equivalent of being Donald Trump’s hair stylist; a tall order. Many businesses are finding it tough as are individuals. I realise this from my own situation, talking to people, talking to business people. I must admit to having given a lot of advice over recent times to the best of my ability and experience.

My thoughts for people, those recruiting and those seeking to be hired, are below. It’s a bit of a brain dump, not in order and may help, and if so great. Feel free to drop me a message if you want a natter without having an invoice shoved under your nose. I presently have time to chat to people.

INTERLUDE: The Boss (the wife) came down and made me go to bed.

Back at it and it is 8.40am, about to have coffee and listening to Radio 6.

  • Jobs are out there as the economy has to roll on, and some companies are Covid robust. It is a question of realising this and not giving up hope, or becoming reliant on your current employer, furlough, or a redundancy payment - this is dangerous territory and can encourage boredom, loneliness, fatigue, sadness, and becoming stymied.

  • I notice that people struggle. They have in one sense become institutionalised in their career and are afraid to change to the point of financial pain, even where necessity dictates this. MONEY is still the same colour, the same thing, no matter how you earn it. So don’t be afraid to get a job of any kind. Why?

  • Well for starters you earn money, you have routine, you have company, you have self esteem, and worry dissipates. This is important to mental and physical well being.

  • I remember at one point in my life being a security guard in Boots in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, and at times chasing people around the gardens. For me when I look back it was a life making experience, not just monetary. with some hilarious moments.

  • There is light at the end of the tunnel. There are jobs in this this top 10 economy even if you cannot get the role you want in advertising.

  • And you can always head back into advertising and have a story to tell, one of initiative and resourcefulness, and probably some funny and sad stories.

  • You also have to look at yourself in the mirror and if you are on a high horse as to money, status, title, role, then GET off that high horse. You are fellow human being like all and sundry and need to be humble and be thankful for what you have; there are people out there in much worse situations. If you chase the aforementioned in the current climate you will reach a dead end, as you have to adapt. The “Glory Days” are over - have a listen to song and read the lyrics.

  • Now is about helping people and in return you’ll be helped back. It may not happen immediately, but life has its own way of saying thanks. I am not religious, but I do believe in Karma.

  • Try not to worry or panic. What will happen will happen. The recruitment market is in flux as people are loathe to move from roles, and there has been a decrease in some roles. You can expend a lot of time ruminating over factors you have no control over.

  • So, take control of those things that you can. You can search for roles, people, different industries, look at you financial budgeting for example.

  • We have to bear in mind that Covid is not just going to disappear and improvement is likely not to be seen until well into 2021, we have a hard fought US election in two weeks, Christmas, and the elephant in the room called Brexit. Remember, these are factors that are macro and out of your control, so let them roll on, and focus on your macro - and this also includes your mental well being and time for yourself, your family.

  • Do get out of the house, do go for walks, exercise, or take a coffee in town and walk there. Change physically will engender change mentally.

  • Lastly, wave the white flag if struggling, ask for help. Don’t be British and hide it away with a façade. Being honest wins you friends, help, and respect.

    Some photos of a walk yesterday around Bracklinn Falls above Callander in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park - I really hope it encourages people to get out.

The Lord of the Flies... the have's and have not's...

The Lord of the Flies… the have’s and have not’s…

The last couple of days have certainly been an eye opener in terms of the disparity between those in power, money, and position, and those not in power, money, or position. With the meeting of opposites polarising around Manchester and free school meals.

Dickensian Britain… appalling

I cannot seriously believe what has been witnessed by the populace over the last two days which I think shows the culmination of a sorry state of affairs in this country.

We have a group of people behaving no different to the storyline of Lord of the Flies, hence the usage in this post of a black and white photo from the 1963 film.

Ralph in the 1963 film.

“Lord of the Flies is a 1954 novel by Nobel Prize-winning British author William Golding. The book focuses on a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island and their disastrous attempt to govern themselves. Themes include the tension between groupthink and individuality, between rational and emotional reactions, and between morality and immorality.” (Wikipedia.)

The Present…

What was one is now two, or even more fragmented.

One camp is aggressive, self seeking, and violent. Not physically violent but mentally, morally, with a dash of the inhumane. We see MPs reject support for the North, then punish accordingly, the denial of school meals to children and the dreadful reasoning that sits behind this.

The other camp is brow beaten, fighting its corner, brutalised. Can it survive or will it rebel?

I am not taking sides here as I have my own views as to all the inhabitants of the Commons, and what it takes an individual to be there; but the behaviour of the Conservative Government and its leader shows a complete lack of empathy, of understanding, of humanity, of downright decency.

Where is out Ralph? Where is the sole fighter against oppression. Is it Starmer? Is it Burnham. It does not matter because we can all stand up against the oppressor. That’s the point. The common man and woman are able to stand up to this ego driven arrogance that is governing decision making. Ego driven from a background of birth and upbringing that only seeks to serve its own myopic viewpoint of the world - privilege and arrogance breeds the same. It is a circular argument with no break. I suppose a self fulfilling prophecy.

We have to stand up against this tyranny and fight for a better world, a better Britain. A society where we work together for equality. I am not against personal wealth or graft or entrepreneurial gusto. It adds to society. I am against the favour shown by a select few to a select few, stymied by borderline corruption, and an arrogance of knowing better and preserving “their” status quo.

Rise up I say, not violently, but with your voice, your pen, your very soul. For we have to fight for what is just and right.

Gratitude and Humility; and Insight Timer.

The post today celebrates my gratitude and humility at being happy with the skin I am in, and for what I have in the current environment. I think we all should be, whilst reaching out to the needy. And who knows about Insight Timer?

Why grateful and humble? Because of where I am. Last year saw the impact of Brexit, now we see Covid, Brexit, the US election, and the ongoing aftermath of 7 months of Covid. This has left people, civilisations in tatters, with a sense of lethargy, lack of meaning, and isolation.

I myself am so lucky to have Claire and Ted, family, a business (despite it being in the doldrums), friends, and the great outdoors including my blessed fell running. It keeps me occupied and my active mind under control. And suffering from OCD I have an active mind.

I am therefore grateful. I am therefore Humble. I respect what I have when others are suffering mentally and physically, whilst my home business of advertising finds itself in a vortex of uncertainty. What will happen as the furlough money ceases at the end of this month? This is one example of not being in control of events and that can be disturbing where you have seen years of routine, certainty, and happiness. It can be a horrid, horrid state of affairs.

Some things I learned that might help

  • Each morning I try not to pick up the phone immediately whilst getting the first brew. This I have discovered drags me into the real and leaves no time for me. You can end up being distracted and you lose control of your present moment.

  • Me time is important in the morning. By this I mean set some time aside before you launch into work and life, which I appreciate is not easy if you have children for example.

  • I make my brew and then settle to read something that is inspiring or though provoking. I allow myself to focus on me, my mental state, and physical state. This takes me out of the world and allows me to think about living in the moment, what was yesterday, and what may come to pass. But I am in control.

  • I use INSIGHT TIMER which some will be familiar with. Suffice to say that it is a resource for all sorts of meditation, talks, yoga, calming music and the like. It is a free resource and you can also upgrade if you wish. I make sure I listen (ideally in the morning before picking the phone up) to a meditation. This sets me up for the day.

  • The reading and meditation, or just do a meditation, even when driving or travelling to work, puts you in the present, in the context, makes you not feel alone, and understand we don’t really have worries, and can live in the moment. The problem is we pick up the dratted phone and are immediately thrown into the world and its issues - we then lose ourselves, our essence. We lose control of our wellbeing on awakening.

  • The mobile phone. Try, try, try not to pick it up first thing on awakening. The dog wags the tail, the tail does not wag the dog. Don’t let it take you away from you.

  • The morning can allow you to think about what makes you happy, the positives, and all that is negative dissipates and falls into place. You have control of your day, of you.

  • Give Insight Timer a go, it is so worth it, and your mobile phone in this case is actually good for this!

    Giving

    Presently it is understandable to look after number one. The world does seem to be going to hell on a crazed out of control horse at a rapid pace. We become isolated and insular as we cope, especially as a lot of us are working from home.

    But now is the time to give, to help, to get to know people. Why? Because in giving and helping we ourselves become stronger and happier, and we grow. We also help our fellow human being and this gives a sense of belonging alleviating loneliness. In connecting we are not left in our own mind, our worries. We get a bounce in our stride and a sense of achievement. It could simply be you smile at a stranger during the commute, or say thank you.

Give the Dug a Bone.

Sometimes I look to Ted the Terrier for a lack of inspiration, as against inspiration. Simplicity of life can be seen in Ted. He lives in the moment, and yesterday saw him munch on a bone, and that was it. Not complicated. He was happy and ignoring me.

A Terrier tucking into a bone, or for that matter just watching Ted always reminds me to keep it in the present and that we humans can over complicate things. Happiness can come from simplicity, and it can also come from the moment. Just focusing on your particular bone moment.

Now I am not suggesting we head out, buy a bone, and go caveman. We have to live in the modern age. For example, you are reading a blog entry on a SquareSpace site via a browser, potentially on a hand held device - pretty complicated stuff.

What I find is that when tasks and life can overwhelm me, I remind myself I am living in the moment and thus ought to deal with what I have to deal with now. And that could also include doing nothing. It brings me back to myself and my inner spirit and the task or moment in hand. It is quite a grounding and relieving feeling. At times when the world crowds in on me I sometimes see what Ted is up to and study him. The sheer simplicity of his life reminds me we actually only have the moment to enjoy and live in because if we dwell in the past we miss now, likewise for the future. Sometimes watching animals or for that matter nature shows how the natural flow leads to happiness or contentment.

As I said earlier we humans do like to complicate things, and after all we are animals with a big brain, so maybe going for a walk, looking at birds, the squirrel in the garden, or plain looking out of the window is all that is needed to curtail being spun around in the whirlpool of humanity.

At the moment a lot of people are struggling due to a lot of factors outside of the control of the average person. Uncertainty can lead to looking back and looking forwards and not being in the now. That is not to recognise what has been and what may come, it is more to switch off to these two things. Humans are very time conscious and nature and animals are not, well apart from seasons. The point being that life is being lived as I type and nature and animals don’t think of time.

  • Try and be happy now. Take a leaf out of Ted’s book and focus on your “current bone”.

  • The past is to be learned from but don’t live it.

  • Likewise don’t live in the future. What will happen, will happen, especially in the current climate. And you present moment could be to write down some goals. There is nothing wrong with planning.

  • Try to view life like a Ted - unclouded, uncomplicated, in the moment as one will achieve the task in hand.

  • Don’t let yourself steal the happiness of the moment from yourself.

  • Life is hard, but living now opens up a huge perspective. You see and hear things.

  • Nature, animals, the universe. Get out in it, even if busy. It will bring you back to now and take you from time wasting maybes or has been’s. I mention time in this bullet point, but ask yourself what actually is time?

    Footnote:

    “Dug” is the Scottish term for “dog”. My wife Claire is from Hamilton and the term is used all the time. I like it.

Only The Lonely... (Roy Orbison.)

If you read the lyrics of the song they are quite poignant and pertinent as of today.

OIP.jpg

“There goes my baby
There goes my heart
They're gone forever
So far apart”

Chorus.

In one sense the baby has gone, as has one’s heart. And this could be quite a testament as to today’s environment. People are the “baby”, the “heart” is maybe routine or spirit. The point is that people are drifting due to a lack of contact, a new way of working. The routine, the spirit that glues us all together, creating the grease of life is thin, and thins further as I type. In one sense the chorus lines split apart and thus the song, a well known song. A reflection on the order and society we are used to.

People, routine, working, living together are part of one holistic “thing”. We are in one sense an ecosystem within a bigger ecosystem, multi-dependent. In fact part of the universe that we all live in. A natural order. And it sits within nothing, it is as soluble as it is undefined.

Therefore, are we “far apart”? How can one be far apart if one is not joined?

The ebb and flow

I suppose the point I make is that life is disjointed and people are the same, as are their routines or way of life. But there is a glue that holds us together. When I studied Law at Lancaster (liberal and not Black Letter) I came across Natural Law. I was incredibly lucky to be able to study the epistemology of it all at the Faculty and it definitely left something on me, a taste so to speak. There is a “something” that holds us all together, a divine right and wrong that drives a number of us. Drives us? By that we are driven in one direction. I have seen many kind acts over these troubled times, and it reinforces for me the fact that there is and can be a way of life we can embrace as people, whereby we look after each other, or just show random acts of kindness.

Life can be very hard even for those with “money” and by that I mean they are comfortable. There is a new way in which we can work, and I have seen this with our neighbours alone. We now talk and chat, we connect, whereas before we were solo in our life in Saddleworth. So maybe we can see a new way in this adversity? Devoid of politics, spite, venom, and chasing status.

Have a look at: Briony

https://www.facebook.com/brionygunson

And so importantly Mike Pegg.

https://www.thepositiveencourager.global/mike-pegg-the-art-of-strengths-coaching/


How would you rate the support you received? Moonpig.

How would I rate the support I received? Poor to be honest. It takes a lot for me to rant these days , especially public. But being letting down by a British company, that did not seem to care, was galling when trying to support a home grown firm versus Amazon.

images (8).jpg

I’ve used Moonpig before, and I hasten to add successfully and with pleasure. But or some reason always ad hoc. This time was different, and all the annoying as I was so desperate, like a lot of people to cut down my usage of Amazon, since lockdown. And they are advertising heavily which caught my attention.

Very simply, Mother was off to Bath for the weekend just gone. The first time she has ventured out since lockdown. She is asthmatic and at risk and in her 70s - her situation and no one else’s. As you can imagine, nervous and under close medical watch.

So to help cheer her up and assuage worry I sent a card with photos of our Terrier Ted, something Moonpig excels at in terms of quality. With chocolates. All ordered last Wednesday with accepted delivery for Thursday 10th August. I then learn via a Post Office e-mail that all is not to be delivered until Friday after she has left. Get onto Moonpig customer services, who needed chasing to get a woeful reply.

  1. It was not mentioned at order level that there might be delays. It is buried on the help pages. Not acceptable and if I had known would have organised delivery for when she got back.

  2. Customer services were ineffectual. Sorry “Jack” but it is a fact.

  3. Can I point out I am not out for a) my £20, b) roses strewn before me. Just honesty as to delivery times and better customer service from a UK brand I was aiming to shift to. I’d examined the number of Amazon gift cards I was sending and it was horrendous from a personal and business point of view.

  4. I did try and change the Post Office delivery date online but failed, and doing this (to defend the Post Office) is not guaranteed.

I’ve uploaded the e-mail conversation with customer services - see here.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-hills/ - as a brand advocate, disapointed.

Epilogue

Maybe I am being a “customer arse” by publicising this. Maybe I am not accepting life’s rich tapestry including its up and downs. In the event of a potential forthcoming discussion, Mum got the card and chocolates on her return and was delighted, so well done Moonpig, and it is good; but that’s not the point.

Any feedback is welcome.

, , , , ,

Minty and camper_versions

, , , , ,

As an aside I’d like to mention, well promote camper_versions who kindly supplied and kitted out our VW T6 campervan. “Minty Tours” has seen many adventures.

Brora and “Minty”

Based in historic Darwen, their website is well worth visiting to see the latest campervans for sale, or to give you an idea for getting your own conversion. For us they sourced a long wheel base VW Transporter 6 registered December 2017. We wanted a LWB to give us more room to the rear for storage if we were on a big tour and wanted swimming, running, and cycling gear etc. onboard. We chose a short wheel base fit to give us the required storage to the rear (2 feet horizontal and 5 feet vertical) whilst including cooker, fridge, M1 bed (rock and roll bed), higher bed, leisure battery, and heater.

Crucial to to fit out by camperversion was the advice they gave to us for fell running and other outdoor shenanigans we normally get up to, and our desire to wild camp in Scotland when up there. They recommended a leisure battery and Eberspacher heater. Both have turned out to be vital. We can camp without electrical hook up using the battery, and thus wild camp. The heater is a hidden gem and runs off the diesel tank providing hot and cold air conditioning, vital when getting in from a cold run, such as our running in the Howgills on Saturday just gone when we returned wet and cold.

A friendly and ever so helpful and safety conscious team at camper_versions did a great conversion, all safety compliant, e.g. gas, with 3 year warranty. Highly recommended.

And what does “Minty” (as we called her) give us? It gives us a second home on wheels taking us to places we never thought we’d see or exist…

Beinn a'Bhuird is the eleventh highest mountain in Britain, a vast high plateau in the eastern Cairngorms.


, , ,

Life in a "Minty" when locked down.

, , ,

It is now September and July saw the last post, in the depth of lockdown. Lockdown? Perhaps gone, apart from localised areas and close to home are Oldham and Kirklees. So what is happening?

Grinning at National Trust Great Langdale campsite after big run

Grinning at National Trust Great Langdale campsite after big run

It has been a trying time for people. Why?

  • Covid 19 - some people have suffered from it, lost loved ones, or seen people suffer.

  • Covid 19 - collateral damage. Widely seen economically with business downturn and uncertainty leading to furloughing of people across to job loses, and the resultant financial trauma and stress.

  • Covid 19 - health. People I suspect, well believe, are suffering mentally from all that is happening. New conditions develop, latent ones re-unleashed. Relationships become strained. Physically people seem to be piling the pounds on, with upset routine upsetting exercise, and over indulgence in alcohol and the like prevalent; also core factors in mental and physical wellbeing.

I have always been a big believer in adversity creating opportunity, but I honestly feel that as we enter Q4 of 2020 we will see more uncertainty to the detriment of opportunity. Why?

  • Furlough money will cease in October, this will compound cash flow issues for firms and it is likely postponed staff decisions will have to be brought to a head. People will be realised via redundancy sadly. People will more likely focus on work especially with children back at school.

  • Trading conditions are not great and it is likely to be a tough retail Q4, which affects many trades including mine for example: advertising.

  • We have a USA election in November which will divide a country and be closely watched by the World. Its implications have a global impact economically, militarily (and thus economically.)

  • Brexit has not been solved or delivered. There is a deadline of 31st December 2020. The implications for economics are huge.

A SOLUTION - A WAY OF LIFE - BEING HAPPY - GIVING

But in light of the above, do we really know what will happen? Are we able to gaze into the future? Should we?

My personal viewpoint to the prior questions is “no”. Life is about living in the moment, the present, enjoying what we have and asking a crucial question of oneself: “what is my problem at this moment?” Not what has happened, it is past, not what may come. I’d strongly suggest reading THE POWER OF NOW by Eckhart Tolle as I learnt a lot from it. Like all books take from it what you need. The important thing is “living in the now”. If you live in the past you regret past actions and upset the now, if you live in the future you make yourself dissatisfied with now.

The same thinking applies to the Covid, USA election, and Brexit (not to mention life generally) situations. Live in the now, taking each hour, second as they come and ask if you must, “what is my problem now?” And if you do not have one, then life is good. Just deal with it as it comes along, not matter what it is. You have precious time on the planet and use it wisely, for you and for others. Remember you receive as you give. And if something does crop up?

R - recognise there is a problem.

A - accept there is a problem.

D - detach from the problem.

A - ask for help if needed.

R - respond to the problem.

RADAR.

With life you do need to consider goals and plans, if you are that way inclined. I would strongly suggest learning about goals and plans via Businessballs - https://www.businessballs.com/. Whilst a business orientated site, it does focus on the person. After all, is your life more important than work? You ought to focus on happiness and giving, and then all else fits into place.

SO WHERE DOES MINTY COME INTO IT?

Get a Minty, and get one from camper_versions of Darwen where we got our VW T6 from. Run away and escape the routine drudgery of life; or hire one. The laboured and cheeky point I make is getting out of the routine you are in. I am by no means suggesting that you go out and buy a campervan or that your life is drudgery. Routine is healthy for giving reason to life and achieving your way through life, but disjointed routine resulting from Covid 19 or never ending routine that is not examined lead to stasis and a lack of change. Breaking routine allows you to examine, but don’t overthink it, where you are with your life and what you want. Are you happy? Is it all about work, career, money? Are you giving back to society?

All of these I pondered when we headed off in August for a month of touring in The Lakes, and Scotland. The point I make is have some “break” time, especially now when you may feel you ought to work hard or take advantage of furlough. Sometimes you cannot see the “wood for the trees” when in a work or non-work routine, or for that matter no routine. I class myself as fortunate to be able to live life, even with its challenges.

Lastly, what do you want from life? Have you tried living on less money and being happy? If you have a roof over your head and food on the table, then how lucky a person are you?




Report on The Cobley in Lockdown, and "Irresistible."

Tuesday 14th July; well and truly into lockdown. And I want to chat over Irresistible.

Lathkill Dale in July 2020

Life has been somewhat vague, if honest, since mid-March when the Covid-19 lockdown occurred in the UK. But it has opened a whole world of opportunity for me in terms of downing tools and looking at other areas of activity or leisure.

Downing tools became apparent by the end of March as I could see that advertising ground to a halt and there was certainly no need of consultants. To add to this was the unpalatable realisation that people were actually losing their jobs, income, and confidence. And it is only getting worse. It is sad and of concern.

But I do think that out of adversity can come so much opportunity. And maybe it is a time for change?

Chaos and Opportunity

I do believe that chaos and opportunity are bedfellows and it is good to learn this. More so with recent events revolving around Covid-19. Sometimes chaos is nature’s way of bringing about change and something that should be embraced even if unpleasant. It can open a whole world of opportunity to you. Is it time for a change? Does lockdown bring you time in which to spring clean the home or your career, or for that matter yourself?

You can still tick the job or business over, whilst looking at engaging with people, chores, exercise, learning, or just plain resting. (It is not uncommon for people in advertising to work at a million miles an hour.) I’ve been mixing it up with fell running, outdoor swimming (now the proud owner of a bright orange tow float), and cycling. I am very grateful to live where I live, in the middle of the “great outdoors”.

And you may want to get outside yourself to Saddleworth, as we are all suffering from cabin fever.

But I really want to natter about READING (excuse the caps) and specifically one book that helped me.

Reading

There is a wealth of material to read if you have time on your hands, and people do especially when furloughed or not working full hours. It is something I have turned to, always being a lover of books. You may also want to look at studying online, via FutureLearn for example. I myself am studying a course on Neuroleadership.

If you are not a reader maybe consider Audible or Podcasts.

Irresistible

This book was recommended to me by a friend who has a PHd in Machine Learning. A clever chap to say the least. I wanted to suggest it as it has helped me deal with what was clearly a dependence on technology, and has helped switch me to reading and weaning myself off technology.

The book’s tagline on its front cover is “The rise of addictive technology and the business of keeping us hooked.” and that sums it up. The book charts the rise of the technology we use including websites and how we become hooked or addicted, and how this is engineered by those behind the technology. The book explains how technology addiction is no different to other forms of addiction and that it is insidious with many people not aware of this. The “pleasure” path to this addiction is no different to that of other addictions. It is something I was concerned about as I was sucked into iPhone and social media usage to name one or two culprits. It explains the process of addiction with research and correlates this to technology addiction, again with research - it’s fascinating reading.

It was one of the books I’ve read over lockdown and as you’ll guess I suggest reading it, especially if you work in advertising.

Epilogue

I knew my iPhone, news, and social media consumption was problematic; Claire my wife was also forced to comment on it. So as of March and after reading the book I curtailed my usage of technology, for example having no laptop and iPhone for three weeks. On reading Irresistible I realised the gravitas of my technology addiction, but also saw the sheer joy of time out from it, and a rediscovery of reading and other “stuff”.

It is clear that addiction is manifest in your wanting to check that e-mail, in wanting to get a like or follow, in wanting to tell people what you have been up to and what a great life you have, and so it goes on. You end up navel gazing, become self-centred, introspective, detached from people and reality. There is also the impact your posts may have on people. Harping on about how great a day you are having, could make someone miserable or unworthy - yes that does happen.

Now is a real opportunity to embrace change, even if unpleasant. It is such a part of life that maybe you ought to view it as a catalyst to “spring clean” your life or make an overdue change. Even cut down on technology. Also try not too get hung up on what may happen with Covid-19, no one really knows, and try to live in the present. Ask yourself honestly, “do I have a problem now?” Because in reality it is the now we deal with and live in.

,

Excellent service (again) from camper_versions of Darwen

,

Back in April we bought our beloved “Minty McMint Face” or “Minty” - a VW T6 LWB campervan conversion from Camper_Versions of Darwen.

Note the new removable rail fitted to utilise the vertical space at the rear.

The T6 is a long wheel base version, sourced by camper_versions and converted by them for Claire and I. To say they are a brilliant firm, lovely to work with, is an underestimation. And we always recomend them to friends and fell runners. You don’t have to start from scratch as we did, there is a excellent selection of “ready” campervans to choose from.

We popped in to Darwen to have a rail fitted at the rear of the van to allow for storage containers to be hung for better utilisation of space. As the team worked we met up with a friend, Justin, for a walk to Darwen Tower.

We came back to see the finished work and were impressed at the quality and the fact the pole can be removed! Once again, excellent work and service. The new storage containers have made a massive difference, and the rail will also allow us to hang clothes, wetsuits and the like.

,

A research study on factors that affect overuse injuries in fell runners

,

Ben Sant is a PhD student at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). He’s conducting a research study on factors that affect overuse injuries in fell runners.

Phase one of the study is an online questionnaire designed to quantify the running habits and injury type and
frequency amongst female and male/professional and amateur fell runners. The study has been approved by UCLan ethics committee.

I’d be really grateful if people could complete the survey to help Ben with his PhD.

https://tinyurl.com/Fell-Injury-Questionnaire

10 Epic Walks in The Peak District

Today I’d like to highlight a great guide to Peak District walks put together by Lukas Saville who kindly got in touch and asked me to let people know about his work.

I would strongly recommend this series of wonderful walks. Brilliantly put together by Lukas.

https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/peak-district-national-park/

Do let me know how you get on!

, ,

Furloughed, but grateful for what we have. (Especially myself.)

, ,

It has been a tough old time for people, all walks of life since March. And I have not posted since our half term trip to the Cleveland Hills in February - so that’s roughly three months.

3rd Year Wedding Anniversary

So, where are we - the Cobley’s?

To be honest, happy and grateful, and that is the nature of this post. We are lucky to have our health, a roof over our heads, and loved ones. Claire has been teaching remotely, working hard to keep her youngsters motivated, and also the God awful task of predicting grades; affecting people’s lives. Me? Well, the advertising business, like a lot, has ground to a halt as Covid 19 bites hard into industry with the global lockdown and uncertainty. So I decided to furlough myself at the start of April.

We count ourselves lucky. Many people are not. And to compound some people’s lives is the sad loss of loved ones. I’ve certainly learnt about humility.

I hope all the people who we know personally, in teaching, and via Found Us are all good in the circumstances. Please do let us KNOW! We are thinking of you.

“Chairman Ted” also says hello and wishes YOU all the best!

Looking down the Chew Valley


, ,

A time of challenge, but let us remember the good times.

, ,

I’ve not posted for a while, for one reason or another. Last post was December and it is now March, so quite a while. Work, personal stuff blah, blah, blah…

So I thought I’d post about our half term trip to Guisborough and running in the Cleveland Hills, the northern most part of the Yorkshire Dales. It might take people’s thoughts away from the current crisis. And maybe encourage people to get out, where they can.

Claire running to Roseberry Topping as we recce the Guisborough Three Tops Race.

Whilst the race, the first in the English Championships for fell running has been cancelled due to the Corona Virus crisis, Claire and I were lucky enough to be able to recce the route in cold but amazing weather.

The recce ended up being 11.49 miles with 2,854 feet of cumulative climb, with amazing views.

STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/activities/3125878284

FLICKR: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLzEYKo

It was a very interesting route to say the least. Starting off with an initial climb through forest (Guisborough Woods) to then follow with steep climbs and descents that sap the legs. Muddy, sloppy, and in definite need of Mudclaw shoes or the like. Up and down, up and down.

But after reaching Highcliff Nab the route then changes to more of a trail route on slabs across to rough tracks, where Rocklite shoes would be a good choice. I myself had worn my new Altra King MT 1.5 Trail Running Shoes - a hybrid, but I must admit that going downhill was a bit treacherous.

Pano photo from Highcliff Nab.

We’d travelled up with Minty for the week staying initially on a local farm, well in the stables as the pitch area was saturated and the VW T6 would have got stuck in the mud.

After the farm we found a lovely little campsite at Great Busby which allowed us to run across what the locals call the “Three Sisters” that sit above the hamlet. A fresh day but we were rewarded by amazing views. Weather wise it was changeable to say the least as Britain was hit by the wettest February on record, as Storm Ciara, Storm Dennis and Storm Jorge, followed in quick succession by smashing the country. We were lucky, very lucky.

In finishing off the adventure we headed to Whitby, staying just outside of the town, where Claire had never been. The highlights? Wandering around Whitby and having a fish and chip lunch at the legendary Magpie, and running to Robin Hood’s Bay.