DEDICATION TO ANTONI
I dedicated Honey Rich to a close friend of mine who tragically died in a car crash in May 2003.
I first heard the news in an e-mail. Words have the ability to startle, and to say they have the ability to provoke powerful emotions is an understatement. The small black print travels quicker than a bullet, the impact spreads across brain cells like a forest fire, the end result leaves jelly legs, empty lungs and panic. Words conjure up different images for each and every one of us.
Antoni was a strong character who lived his life the right way. The first thing that struck me about him was his presence. A firm, true hand shake followed by an affectionate smile, but it was the eye contact, deep and warm, that made me realise I was in the company of a true person. I think in hindsight, Antoni was far too good for this world. Society's increasing sewer values, its monumental ego's and disregard for anything humble and worthwhile meant there were times when Antoni didn't feel comfortable with his surroundings, and understandably so. A strong faith aided his rapid growth into a person who oozed maturity and yet despite his tender years he still managed to illustrate these tremendous attributes. Antoni's modesty, charm and dignity meant his character glowed in a way that I haven´t seen before. He spoke about plans to join the police force shortly before his death. I think someone must have been looking after him.
I'm sure there are aspects in the novel (Honey Rich) that would have made Antoni laugh (Nige Honey's antics would make a manic depressive raise an eyebrow) even if the immoral themes don't correlate with the very moral values that Antoni owned.
A CAPUCCINO MOMENT by Dan Wagstaffe
A Capuccino moment is an immediate burst of unrealistic passion which engineers a possibility, or a set of ideas solely fuelled by the rewards of instant gratification, whether it be scenery, weather, food or drink. The five senses have a massive part to play in this process.
The body suddenly feels so comfortable that the mind believes anything can be achieved. If the proposal is suggested to someone who is experiencing the same feelings of optimism, then life changing decisions are made. Flawed business ideas, failed marriages and illegitimate children often originate in these circumstances.
A beautiful, spring evening; and a group of friends are sitting on a patio, sipping chilled dry white wine. A fine meal has been devoured, there's a warm glow on the skin - even the jokes are funny. Reality has temporarily disappeared in preparation for the hammer blow which will arrive at an unsuspecting time in the future.
At the same time, in a completely unrelated place, a young man sits in a restaurant. The optimistic young woman sits opposite - let's call her the man's girlfriend. Background music plays a sentimental, beautiful love song, or a tune associated with loss, heartache or extreme optimism. A candle flickers. The meal was the greatest meal of all time, everything succulent. Suddenly, the man gets a rush of blood to the head. They've been dating five months. They have two fifths of total knowledge about each other. This capuccino moment won't stop the young man. The only trouble is that, unknown to himself, he's on the brink of a decision that might prove to be the mostly costly of his life. He will soon be funding a £25,000 wedding, £3,000 honeymoon and a set of daily requests for the next 60 years. After two months of marriage, he realises that he doesn't really like her, never mind love her - yet the capuccino moment takes another victim.
Back to the patio. A business proposal has been suggested by one of the wine guzzlers. The temperature of the conversation is perfect. Fleetwood Mac are discreetly playing in the background. "We're gonna be rich" shouts one of the diners.
*****
'EMOTIONAL' RESPONSES TO DANIEL'S DIARY (A Sports Column from 1999)
"While I appreciate that his (Wagstaffe) column is obviously a personal view, maybe a little diplomacy may not go amiss...Sensationalism is not what is required...The diary of Anne Frank didn't complain as much and surely she had plenty to complain about."
Reader (Selby Times)
*****
"I write with reference to Daniel Wagstaffe's column 'Footballers do the Full Monty' (Selby Times, March 25)...I therefore suggest that instead of using his column and undoubted exposure to criticise and mock local league football, Mr Wagstaffe instead concentrates his energies on helping...in a more constructive manner."
Reader (Selby Times) *****
"As a teacher involved in school sport for more than 25 years in the Selby area, I take great exception to the article "Is school sport becoming a joke?" (Selby Times, March 18) penned by Daniel Wagstaffe...it is true that league tables are not published...nor is any great fuss made of winners, but...school sport is alive and well and I would invite Mr Wagstaffe to come and see it for himself."
Reader (Selby Times)