All in the Mind.

A while back I commented on how much I was missing cricket, due to my 'retirement' due to a mental health issue. I mentioned that, at some point, I would blog about it.

I've given it a lot of thought and come to the conclusion that it can't really just be one blog post. There's so much to mention and talk about. I hate it on TV 'talent' shows where the judges say 'You've been on a hell of a journey.' They really haven't... they've sung or danced, or got a hypnotic' dog to perform two or three times in their quest for as much wealth they can muster from as little talent as possible. Hardly a journey.

However it really feels like the mental illness I've suffered from has been exactly that; a journey, as much as I hate the phrase. It started at the age of 11/12 when I found the primary school/high school transition. It flared up, every so often during my time in secondary education and further education. I then withdrew from my university course at the end of first year which, looking back now, is something I can attribute to it. Then whilst working I've had a couple of long term battles with it.

Happily, now I feel it is something I've on top of. It's not 'gone.' It's not 'fixed.' It is manageable and is something I can (and do) manage on a day to day basis.

So, as the blog progresses I will add posts looking back at various elements of my issues. The posts are not meant as a plea for help, or for garnering sympathy. They are there to encourage people that, if they suffer, to make sure they get help. The stigma that maybe was there ten or fifteen years ago isn't there anymore.

People will listen.

People will help.

You will get better.

Demolition.

'Lets hope they win the T20 tonight.'

Not even close.

King of the Comeback.

Anyone who can win a two innings game of cricket having been bowled out for 86 in the first innings (and end up 140 behind) and then still win deserve a mention.

Luckily for me, that was Derbyshire in their LVCC game against Kent this week, thanks to a fantastic second innings bowling effort by Wayne White (career best of 6-25), followed by two top knocks by Chesney Hughes (94) and stand-in skipper, Billy Godleman.

Let's hope they win in the T20 tonight too!

View from the Peak

As mentioned in my last post, Amy and myself spent the weekend before last in Matlock for a quick break. What a lovely time we had. The hotel - if a little dated - was in the most beautiful grounds and Matlock and the surrounding area was just wonderful.

We started Saturday with a trip on Peak Rail, the preserved railway lane from Matlock to Rowsley South. Although the sun stayed in we still managed to see all the beauty of the foot of the Peaks. Well worth the £8!

On our return (and after a great pub lunch!) we went for a walk of both Pic Tor and High Tor, ending up - quite by accident - in Matlock Bath. Along the route were some spectacular views (if you dare to go near the edge... which I don't!) of the surrounding countryside. The picture below sees Amy looking across to the Heights of Abraham.

Then we arrived in Matlock Bath. What a beautiful place. It's like a seaside resort in the middle of the country. Perhaps its the copious amounts of chippies that gives it that atmosphere, but anyway, what a lovely place.

Then on Saturday evening we went for a walk in the hotel grounds, which as I said, were rather picturesque. Below is a picture I grabbed of the River Derwent as it skirts the hotel boundary.

After a full English (and an 8 o'clock alarm call of 'Praise My Soul' from the Christian convention in the meeting room below our room) on Sunday morning we went for a walk along the canal in Cromford where, quite by accident, we stumbled across this little museum about the Cromford railway. This is on one of the former junctions of the railway.

Finally we set off on the way home, calling in at Keddleston Hall on our way through. Located on the outskirts of Derby this is a truly remarkable place. Lovely grounds and the most incredible hall. They also do good cream teas! Well worth a visit!

After that it was time for home. All in all, an excellent weekend in a beautiful part of the world that I will be only too happy to go back to!

Absence

Apologies for the lack of blogging recently. Lots of things on the go currently, including finally finishing off my website for my self-publishing music company.

What's happened since I've been away? A brief holiday, work, half term, a new qualification.

However, its back to it tomorrow, leave the house at 7.15, back home around 9pm.

Not on half term anymore...