Pearl Bates 03/01/2017 Pearl Bates 03/01/2017

Mighty pens

I performed a quick Google search to see who first came up with the words, ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’.

Turns out, it was the novelist and playwright Edward Bulwer-Lytton in his 1839 play, Cardinal Richelieu.

I don’t know about you - perhaps I'm not very well educated - but I am not familiar with Mr. Bulwer-Lytton. Yet I’m sure most of us are well acquainted with his adage.

When I was a kid, I asked my dad why football is such a popular game. His reply was something about the idea that pretty much anyone can kick a ball around. You don’t need to be rich or famous, or even particularly skilled, to enjoy a game with your friends.

So I wonder if a similar reason could explain why a 178-year-old phrase about pens and swords is still with us?

Anyone can pick up a pen and, Jedi-like, wield a unique kind of power. You don’t need to be a sparkling wordsmith to write a love note that could make someone’s day, or the next Picasso before you can scribble a cartoon that could raise a smile.

If you have three minutes today, why not root out that old, lid-less Bic pen from the back of your kitchen drawer, and let it take you for a little adventure across the back of an envelope…

Pearl

Click here to receive these messages in your inbox

Featured

A secret concert, and the courage to create

The windscreen wipers battled against the July rain as we wound our way down a narrow country lane. We were following the tail-lights of a friend’s yellow truck, which was leading us to a mystery destination…

Slaying The Dragons Of Perfection

I’m not really a festivals person – I’m more than happy to leave the whole port-a-loos thing to hardier souls than I. But due to the happy circumstance of a neighbour gifting me with a spare ticket, I found myself at the Love Supreme festival, in a hot field full of colourful tents, street food vans, and sun-burnt people in sandals. But it wasn’t until July’s ‘Buck Moon’, a massive, shining orb, rose up into the drifting clouds, that it seemed a magical spell was cast over the darkening countryside.

Lighting The Stars

The nights may be dark and cold, and rain and sleet may be flinging itself at the windows while an icy wind snatches at your hat - but, at this time, we are granted brief permission to believe in magic.

And I love how much people love this.

The Wasp and The Spider

I had to admire the wasp for his fierce tenacity. I know a lot of us are battling with challenges at the moment. But, maybe you can keep this wasp in mind, and know that everything will be alright in the end.

The Magic of Rest

It turns out that having to revisit a place of inner contemplation has been quite magical…

A Change Of Scene

It was Professor John Allen Paulos who famously said in 1945, 'Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.'

Pretty in pink

I've been revelling in pink this year.

I couldn't really tell you why, but somehow, from the blush tones of a strawberry milkshake to the fiery fuchsia of sunset skies, pink has been stealing my heart.

The Wonder Dome

I recently had the immense pleasure of talking with Andy Cahill, founder of The Mindful Creative. Andy hosts a podcast called The Wonder Dome, in which he 'explores the mystery, beauty, and complexity of life…’

One touch of nature

Trees are beautiful, magical, giants. Whatever the season, they are a wonderful source of inspiration and solace. As Shakespeare wrote, ‘one touch of nature makes the whole world kin.’

Liminal Veils

Happy new year, one and all. If you are reading this, then you have successfully made it into 2021 (high five, high five) - congratulations!