On top of the world – Ink on a Watercolour Moleskine
On May 21st the explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes succeeded in his third attempt to scale Mt Everest. The climb is in aid of cancer research. What makes this really remarkable is that he is 65 years old, has had a previous heart attack and surgery. Its a terrific achievement but it makes me think. I can hardly manage the stairs and this guy is three years older than me. My excuse for sloth has evaporated.
This is a painting study reproducing the lovely work from a...
Rudat 11:21 am on May 24, 2009 | #
Ah, yes. Mt. Everest summit time of the year again. I worked with a guy who made two successful climbs to the top. This is beautiful, Bob! What a great tribute to Sir Fiennes.
trebor61 3:15 pm on May 24, 2009 | #
Jings! Fancy going up it twice. Your colleague must be keen. Thanks for the nice feedback, Susan.
Sophie Brown 2:18 am on May 25, 2009 | #
I wondered why everyone was “sir this” or “sir that” and then someone told me they were knighted, which for some reason I had never thought about! Sean Connery isn’t exactly slaying dragons but it should have occured to me that they still have knights. I wonder if Americans have ever been knighted, or girls, or if she actually whips out a sword and has them kneel in front of her. I know it’s silly (I’m the one who suggested you do the Loch Ness Monster remember, and I was absolutely serious). We don’t have ceremonial things like that here, well SOME, but not nearly as much. An actor can get an award from the President, but that’s not so cool as BECOMING a knight.
roseindigo 9:14 am on May 25, 2009 | #
Oh well, I think there is something to be said for sloth. Imagine how crowded that mountain would get if we all decided to go climb it.
Sophie, I think ladies get “damed” instead of “knighted”.
Sophie Brown 2:36 pm on May 25, 2009 | #
Do you have to be British I wonder?
trebor61 12:28 am on May 26, 2009 | #
You are right, Roseindigo. I believe it does get crowded up there and on top of that there seems to be problems with litter.
Sophie, we have a “reward” system, here in the UK where people are given recognition for services. At first glance it seems a good idea but the “gongs” seem to go to folk who are just doing their jobs e.g. Judges, members of parliament, heads of industry and others such as civil servants. It seems to be accepted that these are automatically given on retirement. Only a small proportion go to the vast, anonymous angels who toil selflessly for the benefit of others. Even the awards are so outdated it not true – MBE for instance. (Member of the British Empire). Knighthoods seem to be given for dubious reasons such as being supporters of the political party in “power” at any particular time. Ranulph Fiennes was knighted for his endeavours in exploration and charitable work – a notable exception. There was an investigation, recently, that those at the top of the government were selling the awards in exchange for cash donations. Its high time it was all scrapped – just my opinion of course. Honorary knighthoods can be awarded to non- British citizens. If you want I’ll make a few plastic ones for you.