Modern Catholicism, a spiritual reflection by Alan Ewing

 

 

 

 

 

 MODERN CATHOLICISM

a spiritual reflection by Alan Ewing

The results of the 2021 UK census revealed that less than half of UK see themselves as Christian. Does that mean attending a stone building once a week? Being part of an exclusive club? Therein lies the challenge for the Followers of The Way. It is not enough to go through the motions of ritual. Hearts and minds have to be reached. How? Young people have a great sense of spiritual realms. Social media is often an outlet. The new generation carry their church around with them. Ironically, this is what Jesus wanted.

A new church must arise. It is so vital that Jesus remains contemporary. He was the ultimate rebel. He turned the world upon its head. Taught values that nobody could see ...still can't. This was permeated by the establishment and it quite obviously made alternative beliefs more conformist. To retain Jesus means reinvention. A realisation that He walks beside us in everything. Not just the good times, though also the times of suffering and angst.  Quite easy when you look at how He lived.

So, yes, Christianity can live on ...though in a new form. A spiritual form, rather than based on buildings and social norms. As though Jesus ever did that! In my own personal life then I have always clung to Him. Always seen Him as Master and Lord. Though I feel that the people that He hung out with were the type of people that I relate to. People who know their faults. People who are liable to drive hippy vans or dress up as punks. Because Love knows no boundaries, and the best human example of that lies in Jesus.

Call it modern Catholicism. Call it what you will. I see it as The Love of God reaching into every corner of life that it can find.  This is the challenge that 'the church' faces.

A.

She-Dentist, a sonnet by Alan Ewing

 SHE-DENTIST

A sonnet by Alan Ewing

 

 

not her; generic photo

Oh my little troubled mind

In the answers I will find

With the She-Dentist

So messed up and down

She will cure my frown

That's the She-Dentist

Oh my little troubled heart

Now I find my part

That's my She-dentist

She is my greatest friend

Keeps my teeth on end

She is my She-Dentist

And so I tell my tale

Her drill makes me wail

 

Though she is my She-Dentist

The Birds, 1963 film by Alfred Hitchcock, a blog by Alan Ewing

 The Birds (1963) Alfred Hitchcock

 

 

Upon seeing it again in recent times I was blown out by how Hitchcock lifted the suspense. As a kid, I would watch it and just think of it about the birds ... nothing else, nothing more.

The suspense goes on for over half of the film. We find ourselves following the archetypal Hitchock Blonde, Tippi Hedren, as she vacates to Bodeger Bay, California, after meeting Rod Taylor in a pet shop selling birds. We are then taken on a love triangle with Rod's ex-lover discarded because of his draconian mother. The plot thickens as we learn of Rod's daughter. A couple of bird incidents happen. We are so involved with this relationship story. In the second hour we are rocked to the core.

Not the purpose here to give away the whole plot, as you never may have seen the movie. Rest assured that it is a trip of a lifetime as nature turns against humankind. Daphne Du Maurier wrote the original short story.

I'll just give you this terrifying scene ... 

Alan Ewing

Aylon's Angels: Five Inspirational Blonde American Women, a blog by Alan Ewing

 

 

 

 

  Aylon's Angels: Five Inspirational Blonde American Women

 

 

The five most influential women figures in my life have been blonde, American actresses. Yes, their looks were extremely beautiful, iconic. Though they touched my life with their on screen persona. From childhood, through teens and then into adulthood, these women became touchstones, muses, and inspirational to me.Here is my personal reflecti0n on how the sheer power of these women touched my life ... 

Marilyn Monroe 1926-1962

In adulthood she became a major influence in life. I entered her world and through that became a businessman. During that time I was engaged to an American blonde. Intense communications with her Estate took place. Marilyn Monroe became the strongest muse that I had ever known. Her career spanned acting, singing, dancing, modelling and writing. I have, other than The Beatles, never known such a strong artistic influence within my life. She was born in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Sharon Tate 1943-1969

Born in Texas, USA. So attracted to her. The manner of her death in no way distracts from her beauty in life. Her performances and presence onscreen were so powerful. She lives forever.

Farrah Fawcett 1969-2009

In teens she was my huge crush. More than that, she became an example of catholicism to me. Her death was heart-rendering. Though it was her life that influenced me. She was born in Texas, USA.

 

Donna Douglas 1932-2015

Ellie May Clampett was a childhood heart-throb of mine. The character’s love of animals and kindness reaching me. A true legend. She harboured from Louisiana, USA.

Goldie Hawn 1959-Present

Very early years of life, and this woman would pop out of the box window on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, an American import on British TV. Born in Washington D.C. USA. Her bubbly nature made me feel happy.

 

In my personal and domestic world, both offline and online, these five woman have played majot parts. They are my idols, inspiration and womanly muse. I absolutely adore each of them, and they are never far away from my thoughts. I’m truly grateful to have experienced life with their beauty having touched my life. They are truly ‘Aylon’s Angels’ (‘Aylon’ being my late middle sister’s name for me, and my musical moniker.) 

Yours, with Love, Aylon (Alan Ewing) 

 

 

 

The Dilution of Monarchy, a blog by Alan Ewing

 

 

 

 

 

 THE DILUTION OF MONARCHY

 

 

The recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II has brought into sharp focus the nature of English Democracy, which in turn affects Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Monarchy has shown itself to be a unifying force throughout the United Kingdom. Since its inception around 10th Century following the invasion of Britain at The Battle of Hastings, The Crown has been part of the British constitution. Feudal in origin, it owed its evolution to the huge landowners who would compete for power. Though the challenge to its rule came through Magna Carta in the 13th Century, when the rights of smallholders and peasants began to be asserted with rights to challenge The Crown.

As the centuries ensued then the challenges became greater as an elected Parliament began to challenge the courtiers and The Church of England found its own role within the establishment. The 17th Century saw upheaval within the times of Charles I (English Civil War) and Charles II (Restoration of Monarchy). For a short time Monarchy was abolished in England, though it was so powerful that it was quickly restored. Oliver Cromwell's civic rule would soon give way, with Puritans setting sail to found America. Following this, an elected Parliament would erode the powers of Monarchy, which survived, though became ceremonial in nature, holding no real power other than that of Royal Assent, which if removed could cause a government to fall.

This brief, potted summary of history gives context for the current circumstances of the United Kingdom. With unelected government, through establishment means, becoming a norm in recent times, and an opposition seemingly in paralysis in setting out a viable alternative, than democracy itself is threatened within the UK. For Scotland this could lead to independence, with Ireland becoming reunited, and Wales joining with the North of England in a devolved breakaway.

The challenge for King Charles III is obvious. Firstly, to ensure the survival of Monarchy. Then to seek to preserve the United Kingdom itself. It seems poignant that a new Carolean age is bringing around once again questions of constitution. It remains to be seen what historical events will unfold at a time when the British people have shown a longing for unity and a caring society. Political events in 2022 are moving rapidly following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and it would appear that they will continue to do so. The role of King Charles III could be pivotal and crucial in the economic and social turmoil that is currently taking place.

Alan Ewing, MSc, BA Hons, Cert HE

I Fell In Love With A Lioness, a ditty by Alan Ewing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I Fell In Love With A Lioness

a ditty by Alan Ewing

 

Chloe Kelly

I fell in love with a lioness

I saw her on the bench

She was simply warming up

For her part intense

 

She would play for Everton

Now it's Manchester City

Though she becomes a Lioness

And hence this little ditty

 

Not content with one attempt

She had another go

Filling a nation with joy

A goal which we loved so

 

And now my pretty lioness

Is held forever more

In the heart of England

Which loved to see her score 

I fell in love with a lioness

As she waited to come on and play

Such a beautiful Lioness

She that made everybody's day

 

 

 

copyright dewyswriter 2022

 

 

 

 

Greta Gerwig's "Little Women' Adaptation, by Alan Ewing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 LITTLE WOMEN

Greta Gerwig's Screenplay & Directorial Adaptation

 

 

 

Greta Gerwig is a renowned New York comedienne/actress. Her works of genius expand to directing and screenwriting too. Nowhere is this more apparent then in her adaptation of Louise May Alcott's 'Little Women'. This being one of the great works of American Literature. For a plot synopsis of the original work follow the link here

 

The screenplay, by Gerwig, is transformational as it asks questions about women's role in society. Are they to hope for marriage in order to be accomplished in the 19th Century. The four sisters are aspiring writer, artist, actress and musician. Throughout the work the question of whether a woman can hope to aspire to anything more than marrying into money is addressed. 

 

Overall, the adaptation is extremely powerful in how it regards the plight of American women in the 19th Century. The insertion of women's emancipation lends to this story of domestic plight a charged current which enhances the plot. The force of Greta Gerwig's writing is clear to behold within the expressions of the characters. The film is a deep journey into issues that took further root both within the 20th and 21st Centuries. 

Alan Ewing

 copyright dewyswriter2022

 

Mistress American, a film blog reflection by Alan Ewing

Mistress America (2015)

A film blog reflection by Alan Ewing

 

Some movies have the ability to make us laugh, cry and reflect upon ourselves and our own experience of life. “Mistress America “ is one of those films. Starring Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke, and written by Gerwig and her partner Noah Baumbach; the writing is intense and shows the influence of Woody Allen upon her existential angst. Raised in Los Angeles, she has since become a New York creative.

It is the story of two American women who meet in New York, as they are about to become sisters due to their single parents planning to marry each other. The friendship that they develop is deep, humourous and full of mutual adoration. This becomes more and more comedic as the movie progresses. Gerwig’s character is outlandish, full of hope and vigour and zestful for life, as she turns 30 and feels that she create opportunities. Kirke’s character is the college loner who needs a sister and role-model to lift her life. The whole film is a triumph of comedy, character flaws and what it means to be in bonded friendship.

No clues given here as to the conclusion of the plot, for those who have not seen the film; some quotes here from Gerwig’s character.

 

 

Quotes from movie:

‘I know too much about myself to do therapy’

‘I have to get negative people out of my life; I wasn’t brought up that way’

‘I’ve been staring at screens like TV and the internet, interspersed with long periods when I tell myself I should not do that’

This movie is totally recommended for anybody that wants the complete emotional film experience. For me, it touches because I had a chapter in life when I knew two New York/Connecticut girls who had the kind of friendship that is portrayed.

(Blog 2022)

Female Killer, Art Confusion, 2022 Remaster, Lyrics & Video

 

 

 

 

Female Killer (Ewing/Johnson

Well, here she comes,

dressed in red

Life’s a game

Or so she said

The spirit of youth

Within her heart

She likes to play

A joyful part

She likes to dream within her mind

Of the things that she can find

She dreams to open the paradise gate

To open its door she can hardly wait

Female Killer

She murdered his heart

Murdered his heart

Female Killer

He was to end up in ruins

He tossed and turned in the night

She’d left her mark that’s for sure

Still he went back for more

A shattered dream no longer projected

Love and romance both rejected

He felt his heart to be in ruins

Ashes of their happy doings

Female Killer

She murdered his heart

Murdered his heart

Female Killer

La femme fatale

La femme fatale

La femme fatale

La femme fatale

He wandered into alcohol

It spun around his brain

He became unfaithful

She didn’t want to see him again

It wasn’t as though she was unkind

She had something else to find

This was a story of True Love soured

In its finest hour

Female Killer … La femme fatale

 Video here

 

 

 

 

©2022

The Beatles Lost EP, by Alan Ewing

 

 

 

 

 

 The Beatles Lost EP

by Alan Ewing

 

 

Side A:  Only A Northern Song/Hey Bulldog/Across The Universe

Side B:   All Together Now/It's All Too Much

These songs did appear on Beatles LPs. There were grumblings about the "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack containing two previously released songs, and then Sir George Martin's Orchestral soundtrack on Side two of that LP. In response to this an EP was mastered, with the addition of the orginal 'Acoss The Universe (complete with Apple Scruffs girls doing backing vocals, whom Paul McCartney recruited from outside the door) which was recorded for the 'World Wildlife Fund' album. The EP was mastered for a 33 and a third cutting on a 45rpm disc. It was never issued. The songs were recorded directly after the Sgt Pepper/Magical Mystery Tour sessions in 1967, though never came to LP versions until 1969/70. 

A link to here the EP here

 

 

A Ditty About Tea, by Alan Ewwing

  

 

 

 

 

A Ditty About Tea

by Alan Ewing

 

 

 

 

My best friend

I love you

Kettle is on

I'm so gone

 

Always beside me

My soul mate

Answer to life

Cuts the strife

 

Love the taste

All the rage

All to me

My cup of tea

 

Madly in love

My soul mate

You bring cheer

In every year 

You are it

Answer to life

All you bring

From God's Spring

My True Love

Heaven's Above!

Happiness to me

My cup of tea

©dewyswriter 2022

A Ditty About Chips, by Alan Ewing

 A 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A
Ditty About Chips

by Alan Ewing

 

They say that rice is twice as nice

And it is

Though I still love my chips

You can have a little Pizza

And chips will be your side

You can have a real hot curry

Chips will be there, don't worry

You want a big chicken pie

And the chips are beside

Lasagna is my deepest wish

No salad please, just chips

Now what can go with Cod?

Maybe you should ask God

For there beside the fish

Are the chips in a dish

They say that rice is twice as nice

Though nothing replaces my chips

 

 

 

©dewyswriter2022