on the first day of christmas

Familiarity breeds content Hang on, that's not how the saying goes. Isn't it, " Familiarity breeds contempt "? But why feel contempt for familiarity? It’s great slipping into a pair of nice comfortable shoes, t-shirt or jacket. It’s great retreating to a familiar holiday destination. It’s great having a bank account that ticks over at a familiar rate. It’s great having a piece of music you love on high rotation or re-reading a book you love. It’s great waking up with daily access to clean water, electricity, cooling/heating, a roof over your head, a fridge full of food, gadgets to keep you connected.  It’s great being close to loved ones you can count on, day in day out. Yet in café conversation, we po-facedly declare life should be about risk. But inwardly we crave familiarity. Outward bravado is betrayed by the way we live. Which brings me to Elvis. He is one artist I’ve been familiar with over the decades. His records ha...