The blog of the Ancient Mariner

Please don't read this blog today. Consider it blacked out as part of the response to SOPA and PIPA in sympathy with our friends across the pond.

# posted by Toni Ertl @ 10:02 AM

is a handle that I've owned for a long time. It seemed appropriate because I started mountain biking on an ancient Marin, and I'm not particularly young. ;-)

I'm married to the lovely Chris, and we have a son, Ben. Our daughter Sarah was killed in a car accident in May 2005, and we miss her very much.
I was born in Vienna, Austria, but grew up in London, UK. We now live in the Oxfordshire village of Somerton.

This blog is really intended as a place where I can talk about some of the things that I think and feel. I may discuss stuff I am experiencing, thoughts that I have, things that concern me and stuff that God seems to be saying to me. Because of this, I may come across as patronising, conceited, angry, rude, unhappy or disagreeable - just like any of us would if we thought out loud. I don't especially intend offense (except where I state that I DO intend offence) but I am also trying for a certain amount of honesty. I try not to talk about people specifically (and I have gone to great pains about this in the past) but if you feel I've mentioned you unjustly then I apologise.

Having read the above, you recognise that you are reading this blog of your own free will and any offense is your responsibility. Disagreements are welcome - through the comments system. And if you gossip to other people about things said here, then may your toenails ingrow painfully!