By Peter Johnson, on March 7th, 2022 | Comments are closed  I am sure you have noticed the proliferation of large solar panels on agricultural land – often what looks like really good agricultural land too. I was musing over this recently when I saw a large expanse of land covered at a low level with panels. It was not possible to grow a crop underneath, barely possible to graze animals.
So, what has caused this to happen – clearly the incentive for farmers makes this worthwhile; grants, subsidy, generation refund. It seems the incentives are greater than for growing crops. One of the massive areas I noted was in prime asparagus growing country; and yet we are happy to import asparagus from Peru and Mexico – the
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By Peter Johnson, on September 20th, 2021 | Comments are closed I remember the road well, if that is that is what one would call it. I was in a jeep on a mountain track of cobbles, ruts and rocks. The driver was making slow progress and eventually stopped. He engaged the low ratio gearbox of the 4-wheel drive we were in. I have no photographs of this part of the journey as my two other fellow travellers and I, all good friends, were clinging on to whatever we could hold as the vehicle bucked and bounced, twisted and tilted as slow progress was made. It was exhilarating.
The view on my left was of mountainside with dust and tufts of dry grass glowing golden as the sun
Continue reading I remember the road well
By Peter Johnson, on February 1st, 2021 | Comments are closed Perhaps a strange question to ask in a year when, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have barely been meeting anyone, let alone shaking anyone’s hand when meeting.
Intriguingly, and interestingly, it has had even more significance for me over the past months.
It has made me think about a term I have used many times for our ‘touch points’ with things in life – our ‘handshake’. For example, when one drives a car there are a number of points that are important – the key to unlock the car, the door handle to allow us to get inside, the door pull to close the door. And when driving there is the contact with the steering wheel
Continue reading How is your ‘handshake’ with life?
By Peter Johnson, on September 27th, 2020 | Comments are closed I was sitting by a river, enjoying both the warmth of the sun and good conversation, when I noticed a butterfly flitting about. They are always so delicate, catching the breeze and landing briefly to check out a flower for food before moving to the next and the next. One can well understand why butterfly nets, used by people looking to capture these lovely creatures, are so large. They can be very ‘flighty’. It was with great care that I followed this butterfly, for a while, before it settled long enough for me to take this picture.
Having captured my photograph, conversation resumed, and the sun enjoyed, before it was time to carry on our way.
Continue reading A struggle can make you strong
By Peter Johnson, on March 29th, 2020 | Comments are closed As I walked past a garden I was caught by this twisted branch and plant overhanging the wall. Perhaps brought to my attention by the sunlight that caught the aged bough.
The sharp eyed will note that it is the Rosemary herb, so certainly not a tree, yet clearly of some age; and whilst devoid of greenery on this part, it was very much a part of the living bush.
I rubbed the spiny leaves, and enjoyed the pungent aroma of the plant. One I have used many times. In fact I deliberately planted one next to a barbecue, so I could cut off sprigs and add them to the heated charcoal, infusing the items sizzling above
Continue reading Twisting and turning
By Peter Johnson, on December 12th, 2019 | Comments are closed I was away at a conference and as usual there was little time to explore where I was. So many rush off to the airport straight after the event has ended, or a session or two before the end. I discovered many years ago that sometimes I miss some of the best bits. Such as the summary and the pulling together what we have covered. Often some of the conversations with other attendees can be very helpful too. There are usually a few people where the flights don’t work and they have planned to stay over and catch their flight the following morning. Occasionally some have extended so they can see the city.
On this occasion I
Continue reading A bridge worth crossing
By Peter Johnson, on September 21st, 2019 | Comments are closed I loved this staircase when I saw it for a number of reasons
The rich colour of the old wood, the width showed generosity so people can easily pass, and there is no skimping in the design.
I also loved the words in gold, giving clear indication what was to be found if one climbed to the next level of this wonderful bookshop. Each word catching one’s eye, especially if the topics inspired.
All too soon I was enticed up the stairs into the wonderful world of more books and subjects that held interest
I often use a staircase analogy when working with clients; it suits the approach of taking steps and each step taking one
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By Peter Johnson, on June 8th, 2019 | Comments are closed I am always fascinated by the piece of art that sits on what is known as The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London. It is a way of giving public space for an exhibit that can be viewed by so many people.
I have written about many of the other exhibits that have also sat on the Fourth Plinth. I am sure some people admire, some people ignore, and some people wonder what others have seen to merit the piece occupying this special space.
The picture shows the creation of the Lamassu made from empty Iraqi date syrup cans, which was apparently a once-renowned industry, now decimated by the Iraq Wars.
The Lamassu this piece is modelled
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By Peter Johnson, on March 28th, 2019 | Comments are closed
One of the amazing transitions that happen during each year is the changing of the seasons. Sometimes this is marked with a dramatic shift; sometimes it is a gentler handover between the seasons.
I was having a stroll yesterday, and a break from my normally busy week of work, taking some time out – I had been working on something over the weekend, which I eventually completed on Monday so I had made less time than usual to recharge my batteries. This ‘time out’ was to recharge a little before the remainder of my week unfolded with some interesting meetings, travel and project work.
As I have mentioned on many occasions before, when one slows one
Continue reading A host of golden daffodils…
By Peter Johnson, on December 30th, 2018 | Comments are closed Soon the year will end and a new year will stretch out before us, perhaps like the excitement of a new exercise book at school. But we have not yet finished with all the treasures the old year has to offer.
I was recently sitting in front of a roaring log fire, which was just wonderful. As the evening unfolded the rich conversation continued, as so often does when we are relaxed and in good company. The hours slipped away and soon enough the hour was late, and time to be thinking of retiring for the night, yet we wondered if there was need for more fuel for the fire for the final part of our evening.
Continue reading The valued treasure in reflection
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