STUFF & THINGS

Making History by Jon Taylor

We encounter history every day. Every moment, once it’s passed, becomes instant history. Including that moment then. And that one. And that one. And so on. A constant stream of events moving into the story of each day. How poetic. Sigh.

Each day of our lives is an event, a part of what makes us. What my recent history has been though isn’t going to be making compelling reading. I’m back on furlough for the third time, taking a pay cut and trying to keep myself occupied. It’s probably just as well that I’m not keeping a diary as it wouldn’t make the best diversion for people.

Monday, January 11 – Grey out. Bit grey indoors too. Made a sausage casserole...

Tuesday, January 12 – Grey out. Greyer indoors. Watched Bridgerton.

Once we get past the daily horror of where we are at the mo, we’re all going to be more open to opportunities, to saying ‘Yes!’ to things we’d previously reject, to doing that which scares us

Not exactly gripping. So, what were the key moments in my history that are slightly more dramatic? What makes up me? Well. Firstly, realising I could make people laugh. I was away at a camp during my time at university. Entertainment was needed. They asked some people there to do some improvising as Whose Line Is It Anyway? was popular at the time. I was volunteered (there was no way I’d put myself forward), I did it and it went incredibly well. Got some good lines out and people laughed a lot. It was revelatory. I can remember the set-up vividly and I can remember people talking to me afterwards saying complimentary things. It was quite a thing...

First time on stage too – doing an extract from a Greek play in my first year at uni. We all wore white as we were performing in a black room. It was so thrilling, so exciting... such a feeling of teamwork and togetherness. Having my first written sketch performed and hearing the audience’s response. First time with a man, for obvious reasons!

Being able to visit New York, which was something I never thought I’d be able to do. Funded mainly by my then partner, I couldn’t believe that I was at the top of the Empire State Building looking out across the rest of the city. I got quite emotional about it and had a little cry. It’s now my life aim to visit there again for as long as I can possibly can and just wander down the streets inwardly screaming ‘I’m in New York!!’.

Conversely, my first proper ‘gay’ holiday in Gran Canaria. That was an eye opener... amongst other things! Who knew that much vodka could be involved in just a single drink?

I need more of these moments. I need more firsts. I think once we get past the daily horror of where we are at the mo, we’re all going to be more open to opportunities, to saying ‘Yes!’ to things we’d previously reject, to doing that which scares us, to doing those things that we keep putting off. Making new history, making little moments of new stuff and new things.