Happy with my writing as the week draws to an end. A productive session on Tuesday with my mentor, and the manuscript teased into shape. My energy now is with the second novel, with the young hero hurtling into self-discovery.

Meanwhile, the sand and surf at Leighton have beckoned. Perfect beach weather & totally appreciated.

Saw The Master last night at Luna on SX. This film will polarise folks a bit like the Eagles and the Dockers. You say 'yes' to one and 'no' to the other. You might find it hard to embrace both. And having now read a few reviews, this confirms the critics are similarly divided - ranging from adulation (The Guardian) to disparaging (The Observer).

I tend to lean towards The Observer. The acting (Phoenix and Hoffman) is brilliant but I found myself wondering at the motivation of the director (Anderson). The treatment of the cult is predictably based on sex, money, power, neediness and charisma. The personality of the Master has been replicated in real life a thousand times over. So we are left with the Addict (Freddy Quell, played by Joachim Phoenix). I reckon it's really his film, and it should have been called "The Tormented".

The rest of it is an overlong pastiche, confronting and desperately taut - and engrossing in parts - but as a 'whole', the film falls short. That's my two-bob's worth. Other opinions?

America, America.......You have me oscillating from frustration to inspiration.
Today....Inspiration. Obama is one out of the box...Has there been a better orator? What a speech! What a message! How wonderful if rhetoric morphs into reality. But he's doing his bit, and that makes me happy.

Read yesterday about the grievous harm that comes to those who sit too long at their desks. Today's resolution is to (A) get up every hour (B) drink more ...water (C) stretch...and (D) buy a singing hourglass to help me remember.

Cup tip:  MOUNT ATHOS..Why?  Greece and Turkey have been on my mind ...and there's no horse with Turkish name.....although Daniele has drawn Ethiopia in the office sweep.

Word of the day: GRIFFIN....a "betting tip" or "a fabulous creature with an eagle's head and wings, and a lion's body" [Not to be confused with GRIFFON -  "a large vulture"

Good luck to all tipsters

A roast lunch with friends. Sort of siesta then planning travels for 2013. Joined Twitter. What have I done!?!

Light rain caresses the garden. Quiet time at home. Saw To Rome With Love last evening. Woody Allen might have considered retirement after Midnight IN Paris. Or at least retiring himself from acting. Laughs were few and far between but Rome looked terrific.

Also hauled ourselves off recently to watch On The Road. Brought back good memories of the early buzz Kerouac brought to yearning teenagers. I was right up there, wanting to hit the road but lacking the courage. Found the movie far too long but some great acting from the lads.

Confession: Reading Eat, Pray, Love -