Crocs, hooks and Tibor Fischer

1. Crocs. I've known about Crocs for years, ever since they got all trendy and everyone in London started wearing them.

After seeing a friend wear some at the weekend, I suddenly decided that I NEEDED a pair. They would be perfect for schlepping about in the garden.

I want this colour. I want them today. NOW.

Funny how a yearning for something can suddenly solidify and intensify for no apparent reason. If I waited for a while without buying them then it would probably dissolve away again, or at least lose its urgency. The old acquisition disease, eh? Don't you just love it?

2. Hooks. Pema Chodron is a Buddhist teacher from the Tibetan tradition.

I first got into Buddhism after finding a few of her wise words scattered across the web. I looked her up as I wanted to hear more, and found her books which are full of treasures. I find her incredibly warm and clever and encouraging, and although I'd identify myself more as following the Zen tradition now (whatever that means) she has been and continues to be a wonderful teacher.

Anyway, there's an extract from one of her books here about how not to 'bite the hook' - good stuff. I love the idea of practising 'staying with the itch' rather than doing whatever it is we habitually do (check Facebook, eat cake etc.)

3. Tibor Fischer. I was very lucky to be asked to be a part of Tibor's blog tour for his very funny new book, Good to be God.

He visited Me And My Big Mouth last week, and he'll be visiting Planting Words to answer some interview questions on Thursday. I know you'll make him very welcome.