Longer Attention …

 

'Attention, attention', the llama says. 'You have got visitors, two of them. And do not disturb me. I am going to take a long, warm bath with lots of foam and some bubbles.'
 

 

🛀🛀🛀

 

'I don't know who you are.'

'I am your future self from the year 2053.'

'You are looking quite young for an eighty years old man.'

'I am getting injections of altered cells from used umbilical cords every thirty-three weeks. Keeps you quite young looking and in shape.'

'And who is that boy you are travelling with? And why are you both dressed exactly the same?'

'That is your fourteen year old self from the year 1987, Bromford. Or should I say, our fourteen year old self? You, too, have to dress exactly like we do and come with us on a journey through time and space to prevent the apocalypse from happening, again.'

'But… are you?... Can I?... I don't want to… .'

 

🛀🛀🛀

 

'Ah, this was a refreshing bath', the llama says. 'Feel my soft wool and smell the flavour of lavender in the evening.'

'Fom the future…', I stumble out of my slumber on the leather couch in the living room. 'And from the past. Who are you?'

'Come on, human', the llama says. 'Stop being so DARK. Sing your song and open another fortune cookie.'

I have to prevent the apocalypse, I think. Again. No, I think, we have to. But I cannot rely on my fourteen year old self.

I walk over to the compact disc player and press POWER ON.

We're only making plans for Nigel 

We only want what's best for him 

We're only making plans for Nigel 

Nigel just needs that helping hand

And if young Nigel says he's happy 

He must be happy 

He must be happy 

He must be happy in his work

We're only making plans for Nigel 

He has this future in a British steel 

We're only making plans for Nigel 

Nigel's whole future is as good as sealed, yeah

And if young Nigel says he's happy 

He must be happy 

He must be happy 

He must be happy in his work

Nigel is not outspoken 

But he likes to speak, and he loves to be spoken to (In his work) 

Nigel is happy in his work (In his work)

And the fortune cookie says,

Every day is good for positive changes.

Today is Tuesday, the 29th of September 2020.

Call for Help - This Is the Chair

Two-thousand-eighteen Shades Of Bromford - Part 127

Today is Sunday, the 27th of September 2020.

Travelling with a phone booth through time and space and they are not Doctor Who.
What movie is it?
But this is not a movie quiz. This is a song quiz. The first song quiz in autumn.

 

"First Snow On Bromford"

I flew in on the evening plane.

Is it such a good idea that I am here again?

And I could cut my cold breath with a knife.

And taste the winter of another life.

A yellow cab from JFK, the long way round.

I didn't mind: gave me thinking time before I ran aground

On rocky memories and choking tears.

I believe it only rained round here in thirty years.

Now, it's the first snow on Bromford and my cold feet are drumming.

You don't see me in the shadows from your cozy window frame.

And last night, who was in your parlour wrapping presents in the late hour

To place upon your pillow as the morning came?

Thin wind stings my face: pull collar up.

I could murder coffee in a grande cup.

No welcome deli; there's no Starbucks here.

A dime for a quick phone call could cost me dear.

And the first snow on Bromford paints a Christmas card upon the pavement.

The cab leaves a disappearing trace and then it's gone.

And the snow covers my footprints, deep regrets and heavy heartbeats.

When you wake you'll never see the spot that I was standing on.

Some things are best forgotten: some are better half-remembered.

I just thought that I might be there on your, on your Christmas night.

And the first snow on Bromford makes a lonely road to travel -

Cold crunch steps that echo as the blizzard bites.

Longer Features …

 
The bells are ringing. Speedy is out of town.

Norma is running the sandwich bar and café.

'You should order another cup of coffee and some of the fantastic cherry pie. And may I remind you that dogs are not allowed inside here?' the blond beauty says.

The llama puts down the menue and orders, 'Okay, Milady. That is a cup of hot chocolate and an apple pie for my friend Brom here, please. And a bowl of green tea for me, please. Tastes like hay and I like the taste of hay in the evening.'

'Oh.' Norma is quite surprised. 'Your dog can talk.'

'Yes', the llama says. 'My dog can even sing. Sing for us, my dog of terror. Sing for us, my dog of war. And dance, little dog.'

I stand up and move from one foot to the other and start singing,

'This old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be,
ain't what she used to be,
ain't what she used to be…'

'Off, dog, off!' the llama says. 'Not that song. The other one.'

'We're only making plans for Nigel
We only want what's best for him
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel just needs that helping hand

And if young Nigel says he's happy
He must be happy
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work

We're only making plans for Nigel
He has this future in a British steel
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel's whole future is as good as sealed, yeah

And if young Nigel says he's happy
He must be happy
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work

Nigel is not outspoken
But he likes to speak, and he loves to be spoken to (In his work)'

'OK', Norma says. 'I see. The joke is on me. Your dog can stay. And I will bring you your orders.'

'Happiness is here to stay', the llama says and, 'Cairo - Three.'

And the fortune cookie says,

Put your attention on the next step.

Today is Wednesday, the 23rd of September 2020.

Longer Doubles …

Reflections in a cup of black coffee, still and plain on the diner's table. The face of a girl. My girl. Or is it the waitress' face?

Norma. Did the llama talk about Speedy's waitresses Norma and Shelly and Laura? Or did it talk about Carla and Diane?

Come talk to me …

It is Monday. Next date is Wednesday. Time for a double feature.

Autumn is knocking at the door. A nice warm late summer. Is this what they call an Indian Summer? No colourful leaves on the trees, yet. Still all green in the Darkside Park.

'The leaves on the bushes and trees in the Darkside Park have been brown because of the drought for months', the llama says. 'Thank goodness, no one has enflamed them yet. No barbecues and open fires allowed. And you will never write a double feature nore a continuing story for Monday and Wednesday. Start singing, Brom. Start singing about Nigel.'

We're only making plans for Nigel
We only want what's best for him
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel just needs that helping hand

And if young Nigel says he's happy
He must be happy
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work

We're only making plans for Nigel
He has this future in a British steel
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel's whole future is as good as sealed, yeah

And if young Nigel says he's happy
He must be happy
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work

Nigel is not outspoken

'But…'

Yes, I know, the llama is right. I can only repeat myself. I do not have continuing stories. Not for this blockblog and not for life in general. Life is no continuing story, only an ongoing one.

'Cryptical message of the day?' the llama aks.

Beyond Life and Death - Toad's Adventures

'And what does that fortunate cookie say?'

Happiness is closer to you than you think.

'And you have forgotten to put the red word from last post somewhere in this post.'

Decision.

'Well, that's my Brom', the llama says. 'Just let the show go on. It is the best that we have got.'

Today is Monday, the 21st of September 2020.

 

 

 

Two-thousand-eighteen Shades Of Bromford - Part 126

 Today is Sunday, the 20th of September 2020.
Time to drop another bomb. A time bomb. Or a quiz bomb.

Come back and empty your mailbox and your pockets.
Are they full of sand? Or full of water?
Way down below the ocean where I want to be she may be...


"Bromford"

The continent of Bromford was an island
which lay before the great flood
in the area we now call the Atlantic Ocean.
So great an area of land, that from her western shores
those beautiful sailors journeyed
to the South and the North Americas with ease,
in their ships with painted sails.

To the East Africa was a neighbour,
across a short strait of sea miles. 

The great Egyptian age is but a remnant of The Bromfordian culture.
The antediluvian kings colonised the world 

All the Gods who play in the mythological dramas
In all legends from all lands were from fair Bromford.

Knowing her fate, Bromford sent out ships to all corners of the Earth.
On board were the Twelve:
The poet, the physician, the farmer, the scientist, 

The magician and the other so-called Gods of our legends.
Though Gods they were -
And as the elders of our time choose to remain blind
Let us rejoice and let us sing and dance and ring in the new

Hail Bromford!

Way down below the ocean where I want to be she may be,
Way down below the ocean where I want to be she may be,
Way down below the ocean where I want to be she may be.
Way down below the ocean where I want to be she may be,
Way down below the ocean where I want to be she may be.
My antediluvian baby, oh yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah,
I want to see you some day
My antediluvian baby, oh yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah,
My antediluvian baby,
My antediluvian baby, I love you, girl,
Girl, I want to see you some day.
My antediluvian baby, oh yeah
I want to see you some day, oh
My antediluvian baby.
My antediluvian baby, I want to see you
My antediluvian baby, gotta tell me where she gone
I want to see you some day
Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, oh yeah
Oh glub glub, down down, yeah
My antediluvian baby, oh yeah yeah yeah yeah 

Longer Bets …

The llama said,

'You have got no choice.'

And,

'Betrayal - Traces to Nowhere.'

And I said,

'We're only making plans for Michael.'

And the llama said,

'Michael?'

And I said,

'Just kidding.'

And,

'We're only making plans for Nigel
We only want what's best for him
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel just needs that helping hand

And if young Nigel says he's happy
He must be happy
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work

We're only making plans for Nigel
He has this future in a British steel
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel's whole future is as good as sealed, yeah

And if young Nigel says he's happy
He must be happy
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work'

And the llama said,

'ABC.'

And I said,

'No, XTC.'

And the llama said,

'DEF
GHI
JKL
MNO
PQR
STU
VWX
YZ.'

And I said,

'DUCK!'

And the llama said,

'ARRRRRRRRGH. MY ANATIDAEPHOBIA !!!!!'

And the fortune cookie says,

Make your decision only
after you have gained clarity.

Today is Saturday, the 19th of September 2020.

Two-thousand-eighteen Shades Of Bromford - Part 125

Today is Sunday, the 13th of September 2020.

Wow, Friday followed Thursday and is out of heavy rotation.

Now Sunday is Quiz Day. Quiz Day is better day. Hope I will remember that.

And in 33 weeks Sunday will follow Thursday and Friday.

Let's hope we'll see 33 weeks later ...

Uncertain these times are. I am looking for my watch.

 # # # # # # # # # #

"Bromford"

Montana, how I miss you.
Oh, how I loved you seven days and nights.
But my ship’s sailed across the welkin
that fell between us, bounding over white.

You called me towards the shoreline,
armed with rock in hand and standing high.
And let me chase the skyline
while quiet yellow danced with blue, unbridled.

But these parts are known to move faster.
But these parts are known to move faster.

Can it be that I have fallen for you?
I've fallen for you.
Can it be that I have fallen?

Can it be that I have fallen for you?
I've fallen for you.
Can it be that I have fallen?

Your voice is fading quickly
but I swear I’ll never let you off my mind.
And it’s settled that when I move on,
I will move on with you clear in my sights.

Caus these parts are known to move faster.
These parts are known to move faster

Can it be that I have fallen for you?
I've fallen for you.
Can it be that I have fallen?

Can it be that I have fallen for you?
I've fallen for you.
Can it be that I have fallen?

Bid farewell to Bromford; the creek’s run over me.
Til I return, the Queen will burn a fire under me.

Bid farewell to Bromford; the creek’s run over me.
Til I return, the Queen will burn a fire under me.

Two-thousand-eighteen Shades Of Bromford - Part 124

 

Today is Friday, the 11th of September 2020.

9/11 - Once more. Is the song coincidencing? No, not this time...

 

"Bromford Surprise"

 I can't understand how I've gone astray
I should be sailing away on a liner

I was knocked on my back on a dock at Yang-Tse
It's a hell of a way to see China
But I'm ready

 You must be crazy
And you got no money

And you're a liar

 My straits are dire from the, the wok into the fire
I'd like to trust you but I've broken my rickshaw

Sometimes there's no hope in, in chasing opium
I'd like to love you but I'm not sure what's in your eyes
Mmm, Bromford Surprise

 Whatever you're saying, I want it anyway in
Been hanging 'round like a kid at your back door (ooh, babe!)

You could be kinder, and show me Asia minor
I'll let you love me, let you see what's here in my eyes
Bromford Surprise

 You must be crazy (crazy)
And you got no money (money)

And it seems like madness

 Back streets so crowded that, no room to swing a cat
I'd like to know you but you're acting so coolie
I'm finding out pursued by, evil looking dudes it's
Getting hot for me like tofu when it deep fries

Oh, Bromford Surprise

 But, baby, you look like any common crook
That's hanging 'round in those real shady places (ooh, babe)

While you assess me, why not try to impress me?
Step over here, let me see what's there in your eyes
Oh, Bromford Surprise

 I don't understand how I got delayed
I should be sailing today on a liner

Was kicked in the ass on a dock at Yang-Tse
It's no way for a man to see China
But I'm ready

 You must be crazy (crazy)
And you got no money (money)

But you're a trier

 My straits are dire from the, the wok into the fire
I'd like to meet you but I've broken my chopstick

Sometimes there's no hope in, in chasing promises
I wanna love you though it could prove to be unwise
Bromford Surprise

 Whatever you're saying, I want it anyway in
Been hanging 'round for a ride on your rickshaw (ooh, babe)

You may correct me, now that you've inspected me
Come over here, let me feel you cut down to size
Oh, Bromford Surprise

 My straits are dire from the, the wok into the fire
I'd like to know you but I'm not really social

Sometimes it's no joke, can't cope with opium
I'd like to love you but I'm not sure what's in your eyes
Bromford Surprise

 Bromford Surprise
Bromford Surprise

 And you got no money
But you're a trier

 

Longer Duties …

  

B.J. and the A.C. - Variations on Relations

'Forward, forward, and never look back!'

All of a sudden, the llama's voice sounds through the penthouse on top of the apartment bulding on 666 Whitaker Lane in Bromford the friendly town by the shore and seaside.

Hastily I enter the living room.

The llama is sitting on the couch chewing on a wooden pencil. It is wearing a pair of glasses and seems to be writing down something.

'Ah, my dude, Bromford", it says, 'Quick! Tell me another word for justice!'

'An other word for justice?' I ask only a little bit confused.

'Yeah, dude. Or an other word for law or enforcement or law enforcement.'

'May I ask, why?' I ask. 'Are you in trouble, animal?'

'No', the animal says. 'Can't you see? I am writing a screenplay for a television sitcom. Well, it may also become a script for an off-off-broadway theatrical play.'

'Oh, no!' Did I say or think that?

'It will be the story about a country-boy who has to come to town to fullfill his jury duties in court. I will call it The Rural Juror. It is set in a big apartment in Appletown shared by a bunch of twenty-somethings as flat mates.'

'Flatmates?' I ask. 'So they are sharing the apartment and the rent, right?'

'No', the llama says. 'They are mates and they are very, very flat, always close to the ground. And they are making a tv show like a comedy show - let's say Tuesday Night Live. And they are cooks and singer / songwriters and actors and something with business. And they have a neighbour who always enters the apartment with a big bang as an entrance. And the blonde girl, Jenny or Phoenix, will have to sing a song about it, a great musical number. About the jury duty or about a smelly cat.'

'Sounds familiar', I say, 'especially the title The Rural Juror. And it sounds somehow mixed up at the same time. Are you sure these are all you own ideas?'

'Ah, bite me, dude', the animal says. 'Forget about it. I have already lost interest. Will you bring me a beer now?'

'A beer?' I ask.

'Yes, a beer. Do you have any objections?'

'Since when do you drink beer?'

'Beer is vegan, isn't it?' the animal says. 'At least when brewed after the German Purity Order of 1516 everybody likes to call the Reinheitsgebot.'

'OK', I say. 'Would you like a glass or a bottle?'

'I'll take a keg, thank you. And I will take it from Speedy's cellar. Here, catch!'

The llama throws scribbling block and pencil through the living room in my direction and has left the penthouse within the blink of an eye leaving me frowning and wondering as ever.

 And the fortune cookie says,

 

Does the choice

you made

fit your life?

 

Today is Tuesday, the 8^th of September 2020.

 

Two-thousand-eighteen Shades Of Bromford - Part 123

Today is Friday, the 4th of September 2020.

Whereever you are. The show must go on, Ron.

Help me, Rhonda. Who is Rhonda? Rhonda, the little wonder...

 

Stop! City-Song-Quiz.

 *

 *

 *

"Down In Bromford"

Do u remember when I was in Bromford

When everybody drove a Chevrolet
There was a guy he first avoided me  

It was ok but he had something I need
Remember dancing at the high school hop
The dress I ruined with the soda pop
I kissed the guy but I wanted some more
We ended lying mostly on the floor

Do u remember when I was in Bromford

When everybody drove a Chevrolet  

We always had a tranquillized day
Me and my boy we took the valium way

Do u remember when I was in Bromford
When everybody drove a Chevrolet

Whatever happened to the boy next door
The sometime crew cut from the pharmacy store
We couldn't wait for the end of the day (in Bromford)
We took the car and went to San Jose
Thats where he told me he would give me a ring
Thats where I left dont know anything  

Give me something that I can remember
From July to the end of September
I never thought it would ever end
This valium summer with my pharmacy friend