Travel, or bust..

        Travel, ahh the feeling engendered is excitement, mostly. I mean, unless you are travelling for emergency reasons, family drama, or maybe an illness. Then of course, you still have all of the below to deal with, just with no real time for relaxation or other enjoyments. In which case, I feel for you. Although we have all been there at some time, or stand a good chance of being so in the future. Families being scattered about as they are. Few live in the same street, or even the same town anymore.

        Usually, for me, the original psychic gypsy, the word travel conjures thoughts of new places, exciting adventures, or meeting new, and interesting people. More than that, of discovering new facts. I am an avowed information junkie. Most of us, I suppose, may imagine part of that as we plan. Primarily though, but we would look for a holiday, relaxation, and very often, sun. OK let's face it, for many of us, it's the thought of the sun, which is the driving force. Especially those of us who hail from the Northern   hemispheres. Well, all I can say is, inevitably it is a search for the sun, when I go away, anywhere.

        There we are then, thinking, planning, dreaming...a bit, we hope. As that's enjoyable too, isn't it. Doing all the things planning travel  involves. Perhaps primarily deciding if it's domestic, or international travel. Both depending on what we can afford, and for how long, we are able to get away. Then, looking at brochures, or online, perhaps even talking to a travel agent. You know those uniformed persons, often ladies, the aging, air hostes lookalikes. Who sit in small offices on the main shopping streets, surrounded by colourful posters. These being of exotic beaches, or buildings, designed to instil envy. Hopefully, these agents,project their professionalismn, and wealth of knowledge towards us. Or, at least, we hope they know more than we do. Making it all as simple as possible, is always my aim.

         During this section, comes the final, financial consideration. Have you saved for it, had a cash windfall (fat chance!) or, is it going on the credit card. Of course, I am assuming you are all as strapped for cash as myself. You may be the sort of person who just has the money available. No big deal for you!  In which case, good luck to you, and how do you do it? It may be, it's a deposit now, then stress for the next few months until it's paid. Always difficult I find, attempting to keep a big chunk of money aside for a debt. As it is invariably a fair chunk to pay for a holiday, isn't it. As holidays are not cheap, are they. You need to take more than a few days, a week at least to know you can fully relax.

         Ahhhh, but the fun of anticipation, the trip, we'll say flight. The destination, by the sea, or the mountains. Perhaps doing the shops, or a city break, even theme parks, and that sort of thing. Of course, you may be one of these action heroes. Trekking up wild trials, persuing ancient history, or sking with the rich and famous. (You wish!) It's more likely groups of blokes, or those couples there for the 'apri ski' hoping to knock back lots of gluvine, along with the 'up market' local snacks. Yes, anticipation is an important part of any holiday.

          Back to reality now, for a few minutes. You must also consider the drawbacks. The delays, the hidden costs, the things that drive me crazy every time. You know, you have made your decisions, sorted the finances, booked the dates, then comes the rest! 

          First, you must get to the airport, do you take your car, or a bus, taxi, or get a friend, or relative to take you? Not so easy if you have gone for a cheap flight, leaving at the crack of dawn. You can't ask someone to get up at 3, or 4 a.m. I won't do it, it's just too antisocial. If you take a bus, it usually works out leaving even earlier, and changing, waiting, dragging suitcases about. This is before you are meant to be awake at all, for at least two changes, off, and on busses, up, and down stairs. If you take your car, there are parking charges. Which, for a week, are not cheap. You can be up to nearly two hundred dollars, for an outside parking space. In the sun, in the rain, open to vandalising, the choice is yours. After all, it's all about money. The more you pay, the more secure your car will be.

          Then, come departure taxes. It wasn't so long ago that these cost the grand total of about twenty dollars each person. Now, they tell you a whole list of inexplicable charges, amounting to another two hundred dollars plus. Of course, having to be at the airport, the best part of three hours early, you may involve yourself in more expenditure. Newspapers, magazines, books, sleep masks, air pillows, coffee, perhaps breakfast to help wake you up. Another sum going into the hundred, or more, as prices are hiked right up for its captive consumer.    

           Once on the plane, if it's a really cheap flight, you either do without food, take your own, or pay for what you want. As another extra cost of course. Your arrival can include booze, or cigarettes, or some other goodie you think you cannot resist. Another few hundred dollars, or pounds, or whatever currency you have to be in. Off the plane, luggage collected, how do you get to the hotel? Are you hiring a car, that's not cheap, hundreds again...Or, same old story, unless you paid up front when you booked your hotel, it's either a shuttle, or a taxi, costs apply. Yes, extra costs again there. If you arrive at your destination, too early to check into the hotel. Exhausted, eager to lie down, you may be charged an extra day, so be careful what you ask for. Otherwise, you have several hours to hang around until your hotel takes you. What do you do? Mostly, spend again. Coffee, or a an alcoholic drink, which you could desperately need by now. Or, more food, which you don't need, but which gives you an energy boost.

          What's happened to your restful, exotic holiday? You have arrived, barely. Been knocked out with an early morning start, too little sleep, too much food, and coffee...as well as stressed? Probably squashed into seats barely wide enough, with not enough leg room, and surrounded by endless children, or chatty grown ups.  On top of that, you are quite a few hundreds poorer in cash. The old spending money dribbling away befor you arrive. My last trip, the extras, just topped the thousand. That's almost another whole hotel cost, with endless agrevation thrown in.

           I suggest, instead of toning the body ready for the swimsuit, you take up yoga, or meditation. Better yet, both, because you had better find a way to survive the gamut of, 'how much money can we take off them next?'. What with all the extras coming at you hard, and fast as Everyman, and his dog duns you for money.

         Oh yes, enjoy your holiday.....if you can. Relaxation is what you came for...remember?

Rain, and sea, see the rain

      This year 2013 has been the strangest time. Winter in England was endless, summer, when it came, was hot, hot, hot. Then, in my life, everything went to hell In a hand basket. Coming from the lost land, of the Engels, and about every other race who have peacefully, or otherwise slipped into out island over the millennia, and stayed. This island, floating in the North Sea, renound for mist, cold, and rain, this year, produced weather, very different. England, in fact much of the U.K. had a brilliantly hot summer. It lasted, and lasted. It went on for far longer than anyone dared hope. I don't know how long exactly, and I don't care. Except, by god, it was ace! Oh, yes, and I missed it!

      After the harshest winter, in many years, my health was at an all time low. My chest, problematic, to say the least. With asthma, and my exhaustion syndrome, I couldn't walk, or breathe outside. I felt bad. Really quite ill from M.E., and dreadfully unfit because I could not get outside much. It was an all time low for me. After such a bitter winter, the cold, lasted right up to Easter. We were all hanging out for spring, for some Easter sunshine. Over that supposedly spring period, it still snowed. It was as if the heavens had a backlog of the white stuff, and Jack Frost had nowhere else to go. So, over Easter, it snowed again, the world turned white. Deep enough to cover the town with a deep, and beautiful crust. Cold enough to trigger asthma attacks every time I went out in the cold, then tried to come in again. We, the poor, maleigned, people here, suffered a full eight months of harsh winter. Everyone had enough, myself in particular.  Desperately needing warmth, which, even inside the home, was very expensive. I shall be paying it off for the next year, at least. Or, waiting for some sun, which didn't come, I hardly left the house for months. I became a hermit. A hermit with headaches, aches, and pains, and vomiting spells...when I didn't have asthma attacks.

         Therefore, when the weather began to warm up, I was out in it every minute I could. I needed the sun, I needed cheering up, and I needed to soak up the vitamin D.  I hoped to be able to gradually improve my fitness level. I was really unfit after so many months, virtually housebound. My body gradually started to get that sun glow, and my outlook, optimistic. Ahhh,  I thought, ecstatic at the sight of the sun.  Hoping it would last for a while.

         Then, my mother, living overseas, became ill, more seriously ill, I should say. Ninety this year, so it's an age no one takes any chances with. Soon, I was on my way. By the time I arrived, the worst had come, and gone. She was again, frail, but surviving. What a relief!

          The weather I encountered here, in the opposite hemisphere, was winter, cold, wet, and at times, freezing. So much for a tan, and building myself up, I realise. I was tired, jet lagged, and only just realizing I had left the Summer, once more behind me. There were all sorts of problems to sort out. Some of my mothers, and her property, some of mine. Elapsed driving licence, car to find, financial restrictions of all types. Too numerous to mention. All of this, and needing to find a home, from home too. Somehow, I got through. My family stepped in, with some accommodation, and a friend with a car. As time went on, I relied on all sorts of help from those close. It has been stressful, in all kinds of ways. It's not the easiest of taks to be a guest. How much do you help. How much do you buy. How much can you fit in. This was not the least of it. I must also cope with poor health, my own, and my mothers. As well as dealing with the cold again.  

          During these preceding weeks, the problems have changed, but in no way gone away. With family help, my mothers house has been refurbished, repaired, and repainted. Hard work without being fully fit, again it was not possible without help. The house updating, something she insists she wanted for ages. I do hope we have done right, so many difficult decisions. I have had ongoing changes of occomodation. As well as strangled finances, and too frequent changes. Sometimes, not recognisomg where I am when I first open my eyes in the morning. It's been trying, and hectic. Now though, her health has stabilised. Her house, almost done, as am I. It is an exhausting way to spend this amount of time. Despite this, I survived the bad weather, and at last early summer is here. Heralded with a few odd days of sunshine.

           Now, of course, its time to return home. Things have been complicated enough without having to stay longer. Only two more places to stay, then it's the aeroplane, and home to Blighty. Torrential rain last night, but some sun today, promising good weather to come. However, a dreadful thought struck me, with the force of blizzard. The long English Summer has finished at home, and now the frost is back. People are staying in, instead of going out. Folks are hibernating.

           Without the long summer to get fit, nothing much has changed. I may have lost a little weight due to rushing around, and exhaustion. I tried to help, with a minimal amount of swimming, in a leisure centre. Apart from that, I have to become accustomed to the idea of travelling back to winter, without there being one bit of a real summer for me first.

          If someone told you, you were going to have spend three winters, one after another, with NO SUMMER...how would you feel?

          Well, I feel the same! except with bells on! I am now going to scream, as loud as I can through sheer frustration. If I can summon enough energy. Please think of me, as you enjoy your sunshine, or even look forward to some very soon....because I am still waiting!

           When does Summer 2014 begin?

          

         

Just Older, or moulder....short version

        I wonder how many of you trucked through the whole thing today, and how many gave up. To that end, I thought I might write the shortened version. Stating what I have observed to be the most important factors to watch as you get older. There is no way, I need to discuss how old, is older. It's different for ebveryone, it depends on your attitude to life, and...death, I suppose.

       Now, as you have probably noticed, I am a woman. As a woman, my age is something I will never admit to. Not because I am in any way against getting older, or for any other reason to do with pride, or ageing. I merely hate the fact so many things in society demand you state your age. WHY?    

         For example, almost everything you fill in on the Internet, they always insist on knowing your age. Your full date of birth usually...again, WHY? What difference does it make to anything except the modern trend for gathering logistics. I am not a logistic, I am a person. Someone who prefers, and thinks it's my right to forget about my D.O.B simply because it's part of my ethos for living. After all, it's the living that is important isn't it!

        As someone who believes in positive thought, and taking care what you think about, or worry about. As I know, that what you expect, either what you worry about, or hope for, is too often, exactly what you end up with. It's important to police your thoughts, to marshal your dreams, to create what you want in your life. Believing, and knowing, that your expectations are exactly what you draw, inexorably, towards you. It will become part of your life.

       Therefore, forgetting your age, and your date of birth is a positive thing. It is not good to be constantly stating your age, thinking about the years that have gone, or might be shortening ahead of you. It's not good to subscribe to the expectations of any particular age. How, you are expected to dress, to behave, to think. I want to forget all of that. Taking the decision many years ago, to think of age no more. Why should we be pegged by something so trivial. My age..is not who I am! 

        Neither are the wrinkles appearing on my face. As inside, I remain very young, sixteen, seventeen, twenty, O.K. forty, at the most. Something to remember when you next look at or speak to what looks like an old lady, or gentleman. You could give them a nasty shock if you mention something of their great age...they may have forgotten they look a lot older than their soul feels inside their body. Instead, treat them as an equal, don't be agist, or conciliatory.

        For many years, I had only a vague idea of how old I was. Perhaps because my younger brother always said jokingly, he was 28. Then, when he died far too young! I, being a year older than he, kept up the joke, saying I was only 29. Dismissing the need to count every year, or part year. Isn't that something children do? Saying, I am twelve, and three quarters... I have no need to think, or behave like a child. Do you?

       Therefore, Internet, or the web in any capacity, what does it matter? I find since the net has grown so big, it's become impossible to avoid filling in the same information time after time. It seems there is always some random form, or other, refusing to let me continue, or go onto the next step unless I furnish my DOB. It's coercion isn't it, being forced to fill in details you would rather not. Even blackmail, why should they get away from it. Just so they can log, and assess the so called habits, and preferences of any particular age. They are only trying to tie us in, even tighter.

         Anyway, I digress, and digress quite badly. All this is going in exactly the wrong direction. I wanted to talk about keeping young at heart, as you are getting older. How not to be diverted into areas that do you no good. That make you old before your time. I suppose avoiding thinking about your age, is important too. So, perhaps it's not such a big digression after all.

         As for the other things I mentioned in yesterday article, basically, condensed, I tried to persuade you, we all, to keep moving. Both with moving your body, and moving your mind. Don't get stuck in a rut. That applies to what you wear,and how you think. You don't want to be one of these people who walk around looking as if they stepped out of a magazine of thirty years ago. Neither do you want to think that way either. Read, think, talk, discus, write, keep up with what's happening, or you will become a dinosaur! Remember, we none of us want to be leathery skinned, and too large to move quickly, do we.

          I believe in re encarnation, but that doesn't mean I don't have to make the most of every second of this life. You are here for a purpose, make sure you do everything you can, to discover it.

          Life is important, love, live, and be happy...better yet, dance, sing, and laugh....

          Happy days to you all

But...I love you

       That little mantra, changes nothing does it. How many times have we heard that, or heard of it. I know it's circled my life many times, in many ways. Usually it's someone else's excuse for why I should, be doing something I have no intention of doing.

       It's a how can you do that....when..'you know I love you? Kinda habit.  Its emotional blackmail of the worst kind. Why would we want to subscribe to that! Be involved in that.

It's inevitably used by someone who has no right at all to be thinking of you in that way. Someone who wants to bend into the shape they want you to be. Often, the someone who were misguidedly 'nice' to. Because you felt sorry for them, or because you felt you owed them. Perhaps, for liking you, or loving you, or worse, just for hanging around you...

         My advice to you, is, get that person the hell out of your life.

Before they swallow you whole, drive you crazy, both....and more. Believe me, I have seen it happen.

          I have watched someone I love, spend a big portion of their life, trying to please a person, who said they loved them. I don't think, they ever questioned...did they return that love? The emphasis was too firmly, and cleverly kept focused on, how they owed them,"but I love you" with a sad, hurt look, and a wistful what have I done wrong expression. When all the time, they were the one manipulating, using a tender heart to control a person, far too nice for them. They swallowed them, soul, and all.

         Ha! I used to think. Sock them on the jaw, give them something to be really sad about. Don't run around trying to please them, and being sorry for them. Don't keep putting yourself last all the time, because they make you think you are being selfish. They are hard as nails, using you...but, a nice person, will take a lot of crap before they crack. Sadly, it's too often their own head that will crack first. Then they are even more in thrall of the user, of the, but I love you...

          So, my friends, if someone uses that line on you, but I love you. Be tough, say firmly, sorry, that's your problem, and walk away......otherwise, you may find your self twenty years later, wondering who the hell you are, and where your life went.

        I really have seen it happen, it could happen to you too...especially if you are too nice. Especially if a 'not so nice person' spots you. They know a soft touch when they see one. It's how they survive, and thrive.

        Remember, sometimes, you have to put yourself first, in order to remember who you are, and where you were heading. Don't give of yourself until there is nothing left.

        Self preservation is an important part of any relationship. Don't give up every speck of yourself. For, what then, is left of you?

         

Just Older...or mouldier?

       We are all part of the aging population of the world, no matter how far we have to go.  This fact, and it's associated problems is something constantly in the news. With the pensionable population growing so fast, it's become a big political issue. For those people within those figures, closer to that age group, it's no walk in the park either. Who wants to be old? No one I presume. No one wants to reach the point where their life changes out of all recognition. Which it can so easily do, if you gradually become a part of society's old withth fewer rights. In effect, a bit of a 'non' person, I fear.    

         Whether this happens by being restricted by societies rules, or by ones own level of fitness, it happens! Can you imagine what it must be like, not to be able to get up easily from a chair. Or, to attemp a walk, only to discover you have neither the breath, nor enough strength in your legs anymore. Possibly unable to do more than walk a few steps, before needing to sit. Don't stop reading, don't switch off. These things are not only happening to nameless, faceless old people. These creaky, wrinkled old people were once as fit, and as smooth, as you are now. They have not always been old.    

          These simple physical things, we take for granted, could be happening to your, or your friends sooner than you think. Many, perhaps most of us, in some part of our brain, believe that it will never happen to us. Us, old? That's if we consider it at all. Probably dismissing such considerations, until we run full tilt into some of the problems of ageing, ourselves.

        Let's face it, how much time do we give to thinking about getting old. None, and why should we. I have seen many sixteen, seventeen, or eighteen year olds, over the years, vocalising about how they will never reach twenty one. At that young age, some can't imagine being so ancient as to be in their twenties. Once there, few can believe they will make old bones. What, me, be like that poor old man up the street? I shall never let myself get like that! They vow, I shall keep fit! Some few of us, actually do become gymn bunnies, runners, even athletes. Most though, either, only do it when we are young, and brimming with energy. Or, quite a bit older in life, when we realize we need to lose a few pounds, or get a little fitter. Most, never quite get into it enough to make a real difference .

          The politicians, of almost every country, know this section of society is not something they can ignore. Both because of what they fear it will cost the public purse as they age. Such as, by drawing pension monies, or needing paid help to manage cope at home, maybe need lots of medical assistance. They are, of course, much more realistic about how the population ages, and it's needs. Having to produce figures. Whether they actually include themselves in those figures, I think, is debatable. They are probably just like the rest of us, and think it will never catch up with them. The other side of the coin is, they are aware of the political power the over sixty fives will wield, as their numbers increase. As far are some people of my aquaintances are concerned, this is the one bright spot on the horizon. 

         Political POWER. What with asscociations like Grey Power, and other similar groups around the world. These groups determined to fight for improving rights of the older person. My opinion is, as yet, they are not quite in the big league to matter. However, this will change, and before long. Through sheer weight of numbers, they will have the political nous sooner, rather than later.   

         These burgeoning oldies do have a point, changes are necessary to safeguard the rights of everyone. Ageism, is rife, complacency king. Too often, we hear horror stories of the older patient not given chances of surgery. Not receiving the best treatment,  that should be a right for all. Instead, the older patients, are often put to the back of the Que. after all, does it not stand to reason, the young have more to offer in the long term? If you are too old, you may not be put on the list at all. Worse, if seriously ill, it appears there are various euphamisically named 'pathways' one can be co opted to. Once on this list, help, and assistance of all kinds are likely to be denied you. In effect, you are given an unofficial sentence, allowing the hospital to legally euthanatise you. This, in countries where it is still illegal to opt for death, over life. It appears, this often happens without the patient, or family being aware of it. It's not a nice way to go, and one I don't want to experience, do you?

         Big brother, in the guise of hospital costs, or government figures, are able to give you, the 'thumbs down'. To decide you are no longer worthy of living. That's not so good is it? The main criteria for this, is primarilly the age of the patient, rather than the chance of recovery. In effect, patients are being literally staved to death, or are dying through dehydration. How would you feel were it you, or a member of your family? Well, it is you, tomorrow, or the next day. You will the old, useless person in the hospital bed, starving, and thirsty, begging for water, denied you.

         That, though, is your fate if you are at least partially disabled, or ill. If you are unlucky enough to have to go into hospital. The thing to avoid, if you can perhaps. 

         The thing is, today's pensioner have little in common with those of yester year. No more are they only frail, white haired, and waiting quietly to die after a couple of years of retirement. A great many have expectations of living a energetic, interesting, and extremely long life. Many, expect, and attempt continuing some kind of work many years past retirement. It seems, this is as much, or more, to do with having a larger disposable income, as it is to alievieate boredom. Not everyone wants to retire, or be house bound in any way. Retirement, to many is a dirty word, it means you are on the scrap heap. If forced to stop work, they would soon be be climbing the wall in no time. Or leaving through heavens door, out of ennui, and boredom.

          The media informs us, that not only are many wanting to continue work, but even more want to start a whole new era. With the number of late life divorces climbing exponentially. No longer is everyone prepared to stick with a marriage, or relationship, long gone stale. Or, too long maintained through habit, rather than happiness. Particularly, I notice, woman are choosing differently. No longer is it only the male domain to look for a younger mate, or romance. Hand in hand with this, is that we are living longer, and keeping fitter overall. We have different expectations. Not prepared to settle down with slippers, and cardigan, into any sort of gentle decline. With modern medicine, and more understanding of how the body works, people keep fitter, look younger. With fifty, being the new thirty, seventy, the new fifty. Why not ninety, the new seventy, or a hundred years old, and still fit, and active?

             I, being the voracious reader I am, have thought about it. Also, me being hit with a debilitating illness quite a few years ago, shows far too plainly, how drastically things can change for the worse. The one thing I know is, the older, or more unfit you become, the more work is required. The more time, and effort must be given to getting fit, or keeping fit. 

            To that end, whilst it is still relatively easy, start exercising now. Do it several times at week. Watch your diet, to avoid putting on too much weight. Eat right to sidestep diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, or joint problems. If you already have them, then do something about it. Do regular exercise to get the heart pumping. Work hard to keep fit, and to get fitter. Keep your mind sharp, by keeping interest going, or trying something new. Don't become a couch potato, and eventually lose your muscle tone, and balance. I have seen it happen. Use it, or lose it, is very true.

             These debilitating effects are due more to ignoring your body, than it is to added years. We are designed to run, move, lift, and keep moving. Not to sit in a car, or lie in front of a TV. Consider, your fitness level, do as much cardio vascular excercise as you can. As the original slouch, I guarantee you will get to enjoy it. Start small, and it will grow, you may surprise yourself. 

            Remember, that old, and bent person over there, could be you before you know it. So, decide now, that when it is you, that you will be straighter, fitter, and happier. Making an effort to keep upbeat. To that end, keep moving, and don't let society throw away, or be careless of the older people we already have. Their rights, or lack of them, are soon to yours.......

             Treasure your life, and vow to make the most of it

       

Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.

          Something suggested this very old song to me, suddenly popping into my head. The words go...

         'You gotta ACCENTUATE the POSITIVE, and ELIMINATE the NEGATIVE. Latch on to the affirmative, and don't mess with MR, in between....

          Which means the song was probably written, as many are, as a 'you can do it', kinda 'self help' message, after a broken love affair. When love turned sour. You know the type of thing, 'think of what you can do now, don't let it get you down' message. Or, 'don't focus on the why, and what you might have done wrong', or 'what he did, or didn't do.' None of that does any good, it only drives you crazy.

           Really, this song, with these sentiments, could have been written for someone today, by someone today. It is all about positive thinking, and don't beat yourself up for your mistakes. As broken relationships, broken hearts, cruel words, mistakes, all hit at our self confidence. Makes us feel less of a person, or questions our self esteem. The modern positive thinking trend, tells us to concentrate on the positive, don't allow your mind to dwell on the negative. In this way, the picture before our eyes, the one you build in our lives, is just how you want it. Someone said today, 'what you think about all the time, is what you bring into your lives'. That is exactly correct. What do you fear? Get it out of your mind, replace it with the thought of what you would love! See what changes over time.

          As for broken relationships, or those people going through tough times, it's, important, just as it always was, to have the right attitude. It makes you think though, doesn't it. Even with all those years in between, things we deal with today, are not that different than they ever were. So, nothing has changed there, or, not much in the last fifty years or so. Life is all about people, dealing with people. Be it business, politics, or relationships of any kind. 

          Just this morning, within my circle of friends, I heard of one illicit affair with a married man, another good friend with man troubles, and a young girl with first love problems. Relationships are as big a nightmare as they always were. Some are about disloyalty, some about trust, some about striking a balance between your needs, and your partners. All speak of an imbalance of some kind. All, could apply just as well to everything in your life.

           It's partly about the law of attraction. About attracting back, what you give out. So, be careful what you say, and do to others. As, be sure it will come back to you.

           The other side of the coin, is to attract the right things into your life, in the first place. Think about what you want in your life, create a list, or a picture in your mind, maybe even make a collage. Then concentrate on that. What you think about all the time, is what you eventually create. A hard fact to accept. But it's the basic law of attraction.

         Or, as the old song says...

        You gotta ACCENTUATE THE  POSITIVE, and ELIMINATE THE NEGATIVE. Latch on to the affirmative, and don't mess with nothing in between.

         HAPPY CREATING

Of cabbages, and kings

       In other words, I write of many things, of cabbages, and kings. I never know what will catch my interest, or imagination next. I do hope you are as interested in reading these, as I am, writing them. I am enjoying this occupation a lot.    

       For a project like this blog, I find it helps to have a bit of a scatterbrain. Or, to put it politely, I like to think my interests are wide ranging. Perhaps driven by curiosity, and a love of knowledge. Perhaps only by impatience, always ready to get on to the next thing. Who knows for sure, I certainly don't. For whatever reason, whether the bare facts going in, or the stimulation of the grey matter perhaps. I find reading increases my knowledge, and it keeps me amused. A voracious reader, I read a wide variety of subject matter. Whatever takes my attention first. Really, what would I do without reading? There is also writing, of course. Something I do every day, through pure enjoyment, and the satisfaction it affords me, to string words together. Balancing them, like a line of birds on a wire fence.

       I am all about communication. Yes, that does include talking, but no one has told me to 'shut up' yet. Perhaps, I only know very polite people. In which case, what a lucky girl I am. I have been accused of having a butterfly mind. Do you think that may have been an insult? I remember, I took it as such, at the time. Some people might be sure, might have bitten back, but hell, it was attention wasn't it.

      Talking of communication, I suppose one of the things that bugs me the most, is someone failing to respond. I don't mind if it takes them a while, but for heavens sakes, respond! Be it Facebook, twitter, email, whatever. It's all so easy today, so many ways to contact each other without much effort. I must be somewhere on your life radar if we communicate at all. I must be a friend, a relative, an associate, someone worth responding to, surely. Our initial contact wasn't a mistake was It?

       I know, I know, life is busy, life is hectic. How long does it take though. Not very long if you're honest, so I won't be convinced. Mere seconds, seconds that end up giving me, or other people waiting to hear, joy! Perhaps even peace of mind.

 However, if you ARE bad at responding, the last thing you want is another message needing an answer. Horror, and dismay. I suppose it can make answering seem futile. If you do it once, you must do it again too soon. A bit like housework, its never ending. Always there, waiting.

       You know, we humans have developed speech. Which now includes writing, and reading. The least we could all do, and many seem to do through the Internet, is to celebrate it. Use it, use  it all. It's magic, the Internet, well, it's so cool, so brilliant. I am not saying it's the only thing of importance in life. Not at all. 

       The need is for human contact too. Taking meals together, enjoying outing together, hugs, consoling each other, laughing, listening when someone need to talk. Contact is vital. Please remember, without contact, without hearing from those I love, whom I enjoy having in my life, I could wither. Gradually, like a plant that's not watered, wither, go brown, and die. Now, would you really want to be responsible for that? I don't think so. So here I am....waiting, and hoping...is it you who owes me a message? Or, is it me in the wrong, wanting more. Rather than the procrastinator, delaying.

         Call the above, the cabbages bit. Tight, furled leaf, within leaf, creating a lump, (of green) The Kings bit, well not knowing any on a personal level, what next? I suppose I could write about the fictional kings, (or queens.) Mustn't be sexist here must I. The fairy story variety, of Snow White, and Alice in Wonderland for example. The more colourful, 'Off with their heads' variety. Along with the over the top characteristics used in portraying them. Or, perhaps take a tiny publicised article, from the lives of real royalty, and give it twist. In the UK, we are fortunate to have a thriving Royal family. I could easily, take an isolated photo, or some written information, and embroider it into some highly speculative piece. Just as the news papers do all the time. How much truth is any of the articles you see written in the papers, or the magazines. Very little I suspect, an odd nugget gleaned, and polished into something else. 

        They do exactly what I do here. Sit at a keyboard, and speculate on what might be, and how, they feel about it. The difference is, it is then presented as truth.

        At least with blogs, I make no excuses. Neither do I pretend that any of it, is anything but fiction.

       Happy reading.

       If you keep reading, I will keep writing.

       Well, let's be honest here, I shall probably keep writing regardless.