Kenzoku, when translated from the Japanese means ‘family’ but not always family in the DNA version. In practice it means a bond with people from the past or in the present and a likelihood of a future connection. Kenzoku reflects the deepest sense of friendship. Some would say it’s an echo of friendships and relationships from other eras, other times. I think real friendship is a feeling beyond what can be described by words. It’s just as sense that I care about you and you care about me. And giving and receiving care is as good as it gets. It’s the essence of a life well lived. So it’s one reason why our community is special – that sense of Kenzoku – of caring and belonging. Sometimes our friendships mean talking a lot and sometimes it’s saying gooday. It’s the whole nine yards from close mates to a friendly chat waiting for a coffee: A “bit bumpy today” or “How warm is that water?” Or sometimes it’s just being there like Pooh and Piglet just sat with Eeyore:
We’re sitting here with you,” said Pooh, “because we are your friends. And true friends don’t care if someone is feeling Sad, or Alone, or Not Much Fun To Be Around At All. True friends are there for you anyway. And so here we are.”
“Oh,” said Eeyore. “Oh.” And the three of them sat there in silence, and while Pooh and Piglet said nothing at all; somehow, almost imperceptibly, Eeyore started to feel a very tiny little bit better.
Because Pooh and Piglet were There. No more; no less.
One of the great friends to many of us in the community, Rusty, is heading back home to the UK for a year but promises he will be back. I’m hoping a combination of Brexit and the UK winter will encourage him back to be with his mates here. Bye mate, here’s just a few of your friends who will be waiting for you to swim with us again…
As usual there was plenty of friendship this morning:
Thank you to my B&B mates take care.
See you in the water.
Pete Anthony
Stats
- Water temperature: 22.4 (felt like 28.9765)
- Swimmers: 185 (felt like 184)
- Newbies: 2 (felt like 3)
The Monthly Dinner– 12th March 2019 – Guest Speaker
Tuesday 12th March at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Helen Pitt, a Sydney Morning Herald journalist who won the 2018 Walkley Book Award for her book The House, the dramatic story of the Sydney Opera House. In 2016, she wrote a story about the Bold and Beautiful swim club, which is where she met veteran B&B swimmer Wilf Deck, a former Opera House engineer with Arup’s who features in the book. Helen will talk about the book and will have copies for sale on the night.
Please book early for this event as it is sure to be popular. The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential: To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book at www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html
2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24th March
You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster. Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.
A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and …. RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm
2 comments
LSA aka HKTQ
07/03/2019 at 12:07 pm
Agree, it’s all about the friendships as well as the beautiful swims!
Best wishes, Rusty! Sorry to miss you and hope to see you mid-year! xx
Michele Franks
07/03/2019 at 12:26 pm
Lovely blog Peter…BTW reading it in Chennai but travelling with B&B friends