I’ve spent the last 3 hours in a local coffee shop with a friend and his mate, shooting the breeze about life, death and pictures. Again I’m reminded how precious time is. If I was superstitious I would start to wonder what all these reminders are preparing me for. What is the universe getting ready to launch at me?

My friend lost his closest mate on Monday to a bicycle accident. It was a terrifying, torturous accident. The details are horrific and hearing them for the first time brought tears to my eyes. What can you do though? I can’t even imagine how painful it must be or how he must feel coming to terms with the loss. At best I can wish for him some peace and hope that through the pain comes some new understanding or appreciation of life. I wish that he can go on with renewed vigour to bring up his kids and live each moment to the fullest.

It’s what I wish for all my friends.

The sun has come out today. While we hear of new attacks on London, us here in Glasgow are just silently thinking how lucky we are to live in such a tolerant, multicultural part of Britain. My neighbourhood is predominantly Asian. The local shops and restaurants offer Pakistani, Halal and Asian produce. We smile and nod our head as we pass, it’s a community feeling, and despite the strain over the past few weeks it seems to be holding up quite strongly.

In my world, I’ve finished shooting Inspector Rebus and I’m back in the house to concentrate on the simple things before we receive our next visitors from Montreal. A lamb shank stew, the monotony of laundry and the setting up of my new black & white printer. Albeit no ground thumping artistic genius in that lot, a certain sense of order and simplicity that keeps my heart beating in a regular comforting way.