(This post was written in the summer of 2017 and has resided in draft ever since, thus seriously outdated!! However, should these series be repeated and you missed them the first time, I'd say the comments below still hold true!!)
Oh how could you not!!
If you haven't tried two hours of Sicilian landscape, Italian subtitles (which you soon forget you're reading) and wonderful characters with amazingly musical names, which roll off your tongue like poetry, you really don't know what you're missing.
Monday 2 December 2019
Monday 25 November 2019
About texting to absent family and freinds
It's lovely to be able to say,
You're never more than a text away.
That is, of course, as long as our mobiles are charged
and we both have a signal!!
You're never more than a text away.
That is, of course, as long as our mobiles are charged
and we both have a signal!!
Sunday 24 November 2019
About texting and the abuse and misuse of gifts
The greater the gift, the greater the capacity
for the abuse or the misuse of the gift.
For example, what a wondrous miracle is texting. I heard not long after the appearance of mobile phones that it was a chance development which came from the engineers wanting to communicate with each other.
It is so useful in sending brief (or, sometimes, even long) messages where a conversation is not an option or would take much longer Like countless groups of families and friends, we have great pleasure with our family WhatsApp groups, sharing photos, jokes and the like.
But oh, we hear of so many terrible consequences of its misuse and abuse.
Let us all take responsibility for our own use of life's gifts and do all we can to educate and guide the young and vulnerable with whom we have contact in how to do the same.
for the abuse or the misuse of the gift.
For example, what a wondrous miracle is texting. I heard not long after the appearance of mobile phones that it was a chance development which came from the engineers wanting to communicate with each other.
It is so useful in sending brief (or, sometimes, even long) messages where a conversation is not an option or would take much longer Like countless groups of families and friends, we have great pleasure with our family WhatsApp groups, sharing photos, jokes and the like.
But oh, we hear of so many terrible consequences of its misuse and abuse.
Let us all take responsibility for our own use of life's gifts and do all we can to educate and guide the young and vulnerable with whom we have contact in how to do the same.
About our imperfect lives
No-one has had a perfect life.
At some point,
we have all had disturbances
in the equilibrium of our everyday existence.
I think that the realisation that we are all in the same sort of boats in life
should be some sort of consolation to us all.
At some point,
we have all had disturbances
in the equilibrium of our everyday existence.
I think that the realisation that we are all in the same sort of boats in life
should be some sort of consolation to us all.
About the Dinky car, the white piano and the imperfections of life
About the only object of value that I took from my first marriage was my white piano.
It was purchased in Liverpool and was my pride and joy.
Within three weeks of its installation in our new front room, a dinky car sailed from the hand of my very young son no.2 and landed on the lid (unintentionally, I should add). The chip in the beautiful paintwork is there to this day.
It taught me an important lesson. Perfection is very fleeting. The piano is still precious, perfect or not but, even more so, the sons, daughters and all the family.
It was purchased in Liverpool and was my pride and joy.
Within three weeks of its installation in our new front room, a dinky car sailed from the hand of my very young son no.2 and landed on the lid (unintentionally, I should add). The chip in the beautiful paintwork is there to this day.
It taught me an important lesson. Perfection is very fleeting. The piano is still precious, perfect or not but, even more so, the sons, daughters and all the family.
A dusting tip re the 'remotes'
A few months ago, I decided that it might be a good idea to replace the remotes upside down in the space I have designated as their homes when not in use, to prevent that horrible build-up of compacted dust and grease which settles in all the nooks and crannies.
So far, it's working well.
So far, it's working well.
About looking down and looking ahead
In life, as in walking,
we need to look down to see where we are standing
and to look ahead to see where we are going.
We need to keep our feet on the ground
but also to keep our eyes open to the path we are following.
In other words, in life,
we need a solid foundation
and also an imaginative vision.
we need to look down to see where we are standing
and to look ahead to see where we are going.
We need to keep our feet on the ground
but also to keep our eyes open to the path we are following.
In other words, in life,
we need a solid foundation
and also an imaginative vision.
Saturday 12 October 2019
Thursday 10 October 2019
A mantra for our everyday lives
May we be who we are and give what we have
and not mither
about what we do not have and what we cannot give.
and not mither
about what we do not have and what we cannot give.
Wednesday 9 October 2019
About our 'legacy' to our working lives
I finally went back to my last school to be present at a gathering for the teachers who were leaving, 18 months after an abrupt ending to my career!
Having forgotten to go to a parents evening for my year 11 (ie GCSE maths class!) - even though I had arranged the timings for meeting parents - I realised that my school-working life had come to an end and I finished work before work finished me, on the grounds of ill-health.
I had written a few notes on a small scrap of note-paper as a farewell 'speech ' of sorts. The previous person had spoken at quite some length so my words were mercifully short, to everyone's great relief.
My main point was that, for us as teachers, long after our pupils had forgotten most of what we had tried to impart to them they would remember us; they would have 'learned' us as people, as points on the landscape of their lives, with our funny ways, the clothes we wore maybe or any of our little (or large) idiosyncrasies, as I'm sure is the case for all of us, no matter where we are in life or what we do.
Thus so with these writings of mine; you do not know me but by something of me in what I write, you will have 'learned me', another human being. I would love to think that I might become a small point on the landscape of the lives of anyone who might read my posts.
PS My friend said that my words had brought tears to her eyes; so that was nice.
Having forgotten to go to a parents evening for my year 11 (ie GCSE maths class!) - even though I had arranged the timings for meeting parents - I realised that my school-working life had come to an end and I finished work before work finished me, on the grounds of ill-health.
I had written a few notes on a small scrap of note-paper as a farewell 'speech ' of sorts. The previous person had spoken at quite some length so my words were mercifully short, to everyone's great relief.
My main point was that, for us as teachers, long after our pupils had forgotten most of what we had tried to impart to them they would remember us; they would have 'learned' us as people, as points on the landscape of their lives, with our funny ways, the clothes we wore maybe or any of our little (or large) idiosyncrasies, as I'm sure is the case for all of us, no matter where we are in life or what we do.
Thus so with these writings of mine; you do not know me but by something of me in what I write, you will have 'learned me', another human being. I would love to think that I might become a small point on the landscape of the lives of anyone who might read my posts.
PS My friend said that my words had brought tears to her eyes; so that was nice.
Wednesday 4 September 2019
Monday 2 September 2019
About what to do when bad stuff happens
When bad stuff happens, we have to deal with the effects first
and then look for the causes
and try to address them and put things right.
This thought came to me yesterday (2.9.19) having listened to the report on the 'Today' programme about the hurricane approaching The Bahamas.
A wonderful man was talking about the charity he is involved with that is setting up the means to feed all the people who will be affected by the onslaught of the terrible storm.
Fantastic, I thought.
and then look for the causes
and try to address them and put things right.
This thought came to me yesterday (2.9.19) having listened to the report on the 'Today' programme about the hurricane approaching The Bahamas.
A wonderful man was talking about the charity he is involved with that is setting up the means to feed all the people who will be affected by the onslaught of the terrible storm.
Fantastic, I thought.
Sunday 1 September 2019
About Dad's 'soap treatment' for sticking doors
The airing cupboard on our landing has an upside-down wooden door which used to be on a cupboard in our dining/living room.
The back story here is that when we took that cupboard down, I'm as sure as I can be that it was my idea to use the door upstairs to hide our, not very beautiful but useful, homemade shelves. It would only fit upside down for some reason beyond my memory or understanding.
Husband, however, swears that it was his idea and he can shout louder than I can, especially when he's not 100% sure he's right but won't admit it, whereas I'm always ready to doubt my memory (often with good reason but not in this case!!). (It wounds my pride because I was very chuffed with my inventiveness!!)
Anyway, it had been sticking badly for months and I would moan to myself as I struggled to put bedding away each week. Then I remembered my dad's trick so I trotted off to the bathroom to fetch the soap. A rub on both parts of the door which were sticking and - bingo - it opened as sweetly as a nut.
Good old dad; it works a treat every time. I just thought it might be worth sharing in case anyone reading this might not know the cure for a sticking door, and who doesn't have to contend with that at some time or another!!
The back story here is that when we took that cupboard down, I'm as sure as I can be that it was my idea to use the door upstairs to hide our, not very beautiful but useful, homemade shelves. It would only fit upside down for some reason beyond my memory or understanding.
Husband, however, swears that it was his idea and he can shout louder than I can, especially when he's not 100% sure he's right but won't admit it, whereas I'm always ready to doubt my memory (often with good reason but not in this case!!). (It wounds my pride because I was very chuffed with my inventiveness!!)
Anyway, it had been sticking badly for months and I would moan to myself as I struggled to put bedding away each week. Then I remembered my dad's trick so I trotted off to the bathroom to fetch the soap. A rub on both parts of the door which were sticking and - bingo - it opened as sweetly as a nut.
Good old dad; it works a treat every time. I just thought it might be worth sharing in case anyone reading this might not know the cure for a sticking door, and who doesn't have to contend with that at some time or another!!
Friday 23 August 2019
About opinions
We must always remember that our views and opinions
are of equal value to those of others -
not better or lesser but equal.
are of equal value to those of others -
not better or lesser but equal.
Monday 12 August 2019
Monday 5 August 2019
About life, trial and error and taking stock
Do we sometimes, or often, or mainly, even, expect too much of each other?
Are we like children, expecting adults to have all the answers,
be they doctors, teachers, lawyers, politicians
or ordinary people, just like us?
Approximation, rule of thumb, trial and error
seem to have been the main modes of progress
if we look back through history;
a little nearer each time,
but never quite arriving.
If we go forward too far or too quickly,
do we find that we need to take a step back?
At whatever point we are on the trajectory of our lives,
it often pays to stop and take stock
before we move on.
Are we like children, expecting adults to have all the answers,
be they doctors, teachers, lawyers, politicians
or ordinary people, just like us?
Approximation, rule of thumb, trial and error
seem to have been the main modes of progress
if we look back through history;
a little nearer each time,
but never quite arriving.
If we go forward too far or too quickly,
do we find that we need to take a step back?
At whatever point we are on the trajectory of our lives,
it often pays to stop and take stock
before we move on.
Friday 26 July 2019
About hurting and suffering
When we are hurting,
some of us build up a prickle-bed around ourselves
as a form of protection perhaps.
It seems to me that with a passionate nature come deep feelings.
These can equally be of joy and ecstasy
as of sorrow and pain.
Perhaps the latter are the price we pay for the former.
Do I think that the former are worth the latter?
For myself, I'd say yes.
some of us build up a prickle-bed around ourselves
as a form of protection perhaps.
It seems to me that with a passionate nature come deep feelings.
These can equally be of joy and ecstasy
as of sorrow and pain.
Perhaps the latter are the price we pay for the former.
Do I think that the former are worth the latter?
For myself, I'd say yes.
Tuesday 23 July 2019
Sunday 21 July 2019
About the patchwork quilt of our lives
Sometimes, we can seem to be a patchwork quilt
of conflicting thoughts, ideas, desires,
failings and failures.
(Or is it just me on a bad day!)
May I always remember that
On a good day
life can be a wonderland
of joy, colour, excitement and delight.
of conflicting thoughts, ideas, desires,
failings and failures.
(Or is it just me on a bad day!)
May I always remember that
On a good day
life can be a wonderland
of joy, colour, excitement and delight.
Wednesday 12 June 2019
On not listening (and turning into my mother!!)
Some years ago, after a lifetime of packet and tinned soup usage, I began slowly to turn into a (weak) version of 'mother earth' and started to make my own!
Second youngest son, on coming into the kitchen to find the (very limited, I must add here) surfaces covered with various peelings and scrapings of vegetable matter, came out with the unforgettable (to me) remark, "Mum, you're turning into Nanna!!"
(My mother lived with us for ten years so her cooking habits were a very noticeable aspect of our daily culinary life!).
How many of us 'over-sixty' year olds find ourselves saying something very similar. Husband gives himself many a fright on looking into the mirror. "I'm turning into my dad!!", he'll say with a grimace. No disrespects to his dad at all, just an intimation of mortality, I suppose.
Anyway, I find myself falling into a habit that used to drive me mad about my mum. I ask a question and don't listen to the answer (mind having gone into overdrive about something else immediately after said question had left mouth!).
Ah well, another example of the need to turn my eyes towards heaven and silently breathe "Sorry Mum"! (The 'sorry' being for the impatience and annoyance with her which I frequently felt and, quite sadly, often showed. She was, in contrast, extremely tolerant towards me; good job, eh!
Second youngest son, on coming into the kitchen to find the (very limited, I must add here) surfaces covered with various peelings and scrapings of vegetable matter, came out with the unforgettable (to me) remark, "Mum, you're turning into Nanna!!"
(My mother lived with us for ten years so her cooking habits were a very noticeable aspect of our daily culinary life!).
How many of us 'over-sixty' year olds find ourselves saying something very similar. Husband gives himself many a fright on looking into the mirror. "I'm turning into my dad!!", he'll say with a grimace. No disrespects to his dad at all, just an intimation of mortality, I suppose.
Anyway, I find myself falling into a habit that used to drive me mad about my mum. I ask a question and don't listen to the answer (mind having gone into overdrive about something else immediately after said question had left mouth!).
Ah well, another example of the need to turn my eyes towards heaven and silently breathe "Sorry Mum"! (The 'sorry' being for the impatience and annoyance with her which I frequently felt and, quite sadly, often showed. She was, in contrast, extremely tolerant towards me; good job, eh!
Wednesday 22 May 2019
About feeling angry with the ways of the world
No matter how angry we feel, we cannot change the world for everyone,
but we can change it for the people in our own lives
by trying not to do to them those things
which upset and anger us.
but we can change it for the people in our own lives
by trying not to do to them those things
which upset and anger us.
Saturday 18 May 2019
About the enemy in our own camps
Let us beware the enemy in our own camps.
These can be hard to spot but they are surely there for many of us.
These can be hard to spot but they are surely there for many of us.
Sunday 21 April 2019
About fishing in a pond with no fish
Let's hope that we can all learn not to do this!!
Perhaps it's the same as not going to a butcher to buy apples!!
Perhaps it's the same as not going to a butcher to buy apples!!
Tuesday 2 April 2019
About the second movement of Beethoven's 7th Symphony
There is a heartbeat in the rhythm
which pulses through it,
which pulses through it,
spreads around you, envelops you
and connects you to all that is beautiful in life.
I never tire of it.
It is my favourite piece of music in all the world
and always has been.
I never tire of it.
It is my favourite piece of music in all the world
and always has been.
Tuesday 12 February 2019
About facial exercises for the over-sixties
Some months ago now, I decided that it might be a good idea to give myself a facial massage as I applied the only 'beauty' care I can be bothered with, which is a daily application of 'face' cream after my morning wash.
The cream itself is generally the body lotion I buy (Aldi's Lacura, very nice constituency and perfume and very reasonably priced) or toiletry gifts from the family.
I've taken to really massaging it in with my fingertips, on my forehead, nose, chin etc and, as I rub it into my cheeks, I've been performing facial contortions to stretch all my muscles
This includes opening my mouth very wide. (I watched a recent programme on sleep, hosted by Eamonn Holmes and his wife, which advocated this to help avoid snoring of all things!)
The process looks similar to an exercise for facial muscles which I read about many years ago. It was called 'The Lion'. The bathroom mirror reflection reminds me of the Cumbrian practice of 'gurning', ie not a pretty sight!
Honestly, I think the results may be speaking for themselves because people keep telling me I look really well (which is somewhat of a rarity and, almost certainly, a euphemism for 'slightly better than usual'!).
When you come to think about it, our faces are the most exposed parts of our bodies so every little help, maybe not to rejuvenate them, (that may well be a bridge too far for any cream and any amount of muscle stretching) but to give them a bit of a boost.
The cream itself is generally the body lotion I buy (Aldi's Lacura, very nice constituency and perfume and very reasonably priced) or toiletry gifts from the family.
I've taken to really massaging it in with my fingertips, on my forehead, nose, chin etc and, as I rub it into my cheeks, I've been performing facial contortions to stretch all my muscles
This includes opening my mouth very wide. (I watched a recent programme on sleep, hosted by Eamonn Holmes and his wife, which advocated this to help avoid snoring of all things!)
The process looks similar to an exercise for facial muscles which I read about many years ago. It was called 'The Lion'. The bathroom mirror reflection reminds me of the Cumbrian practice of 'gurning', ie not a pretty sight!
Honestly, I think the results may be speaking for themselves because people keep telling me I look really well (which is somewhat of a rarity and, almost certainly, a euphemism for 'slightly better than usual'!).
When you come to think about it, our faces are the most exposed parts of our bodies so every little help, maybe not to rejuvenate them, (that may well be a bridge too far for any cream and any amount of muscle stretching) but to give them a bit of a boost.
Friday 4 January 2019
About parents and children - and who rules the roost
Dear Parents,
Please do not let your children rule your roosts.
Assert your life-given authority when they misbehave, as virtually all children will. When they are given firm boundaries, they will feel secure, even though they may constantly push against them.
Do not feel that you always have to 'explain' to them or 'justify' your decisions and
rules. Some, maybe most, children can't deal with a lot of 'reasons'.
They certainly don't know why they do what they do a lot (maybe, most) of the time. My mother had a phrase for that sort of behaviour, which was "naughty impulses", (not to describe me, I hasten to add!)
Sometimes (maybe, often), "...because I say so" is good enough.
Please do not let your children rule your roosts.
Assert your life-given authority when they misbehave, as virtually all children will. When they are given firm boundaries, they will feel secure, even though they may constantly push against them.
Do not feel that you always have to 'explain' to them or 'justify' your decisions and
rules. Some, maybe most, children can't deal with a lot of 'reasons'.
They certainly don't know why they do what they do a lot (maybe, most) of the time. My mother had a phrase for that sort of behaviour, which was "naughty impulses", (not to describe me, I hasten to add!)
Sometimes (maybe, often), "...because I say so" is good enough.
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