Another New Year..

..and there are resolutions to be made and subsequently broken. It's also a time of reflection for many, a look back on the ups and downs of the year past, a time of self improvement and plans.

2008 passed in the blink of eye for me. An invitation to a soiree arrived and before I knew it I was supping bellinis and wearing sparkly 2009 glasses, kissing a damsel whose name I don't know to the soundtrack of fireworks, although I'll never be certain how that came about. And today in the post New Year haze I can't even be certain it happened at all.

In this moment of reflection I feel it's too early to say how I grew throughout 2008, but there were certainly some highlights. My appearance in a Japanese TV commercial, downplayed as kitsch by some, was a defining point in my year. As I stared into the camera I found myself pondering the direction my career had taken and wondering why I was on this endless pursuit for recognition. A therapist might say it reflects a lack of love in my childhood, but I prefer to see it as a lust for life, a zest for adventure.

For now, after a night of decadence, 2009 starts quietly. But I have no fear of change, and my resolutions will be just that - resolute. I plan to entertain more, be a better friend, indulge in my love of cooking and hopefully find the time for wining and dining some lovely ladies. You never know, my true love might show herself yet.

The Scarf

I'm a fan of all things scarf. Whilst the scarf may only just be gaining popularity amongst fashionable men, I have been sporting scarves for many years. Call me ahead of my time if you must.

Yet for all my love of scarves, I begrudge still contemplating my collection each morning when it is December! Perhaps if I found myself in the Northern Hemisphere, this would be a daily routine filled with more joy. But alas, I am tired of accessorising and simply wish for a bit of sunshine on my fur.

Global warming? Pfft to that I say!

Where is my summer? How can one drink mojitos if one is required to wear gloves to do so?

A little pick me up.

This morning I was feeling a little down, the burden of lost hope and unanswered questions weighed heavily, when I happened upon the video to Paul Simon's "Call me Al".

Sure, it would have been more melodramatic to drown my sorrows with an ale, and you know what they say - "Somewhere in the world it's 12 o'clock" - but I decided wisely to lighten my mood and keep my thoughts clear with some tunes.

Immediately I headed down the path of nostalgia, back to my heady days in Miami during the glorious decade that was the 80s. The sun, the hot nights, the sultry women. So much so that I feel a strong urge to dust off my white suit and cut up the dancefloor tonight.

Join me. I dare you.

I think I'm in love..

Being a Lion in modern society can not only be troublesome, but often a lonely existance. We are a misunderstood lot. I'm really no different to any man, yet the ladies don't always want to open their hearts to me.

Maybe it's the body hair?

But I'm a Lion of old world charm, and believe that if you love me, you love my mane.

I digress.

So I met a lady. The world stopped for a moment as I spied her across the room and we exchanged a flirtatious glance. They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and I liked what I saw. A nice bit of crumpet, that one.


I hope to see her again. Let's just say I'm a collector of fine things...

In the beginning..

..there was a Lion. And that Lion said..

"Genius is born - not paid."

That Lion is Leonard.