Here at WordPress to unpack a life lived. Enjoying the Daily Prompts at the moment. Lives in England with my faithful Rescue companion. I love him x
intheboomerpigeonhole.co.uk
- It’s impossible to choose just one
What is your favourite drink?
There are four drinks I could live on forever. All are so delicious, and each holds memories.
Coconut water, watermelon juice, Turkish coffee, and chai.
- The People Who Steady A Room
Who are your favorite people to be around?
Generosity of spirit has so many facets: patience, kindness, steadiness, the ability to see others clearly without judgement. I could write about all of them, but today I’m choosing just one or two that feel especially true to me.
I love people who move through the world with a sense of emotional abundance, as if kindness isn’t something they’ll run out of, but something that grows the more they use it.
These are the people who steady a room simply by being in it.
Who leave others feeling a little more seen, a little more human.
Who remind me that goodness doesn’t need an audience.
- 2. Footwear? You ask us girls about shoes?
Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.
Feb 2026. Below is the reply to the DP I wrote a year ago. Not long after, I had begun blogging again. I’m tempted to rewrite the whole thing. But no. I’ll leave it be.
Feb 2025. Currently, I spend most of my time in wellies. It’s February, in England and I walk my dog a lot in the muddiest of areas. My choice, I know.
But asking a female about favourite footwear? With any luck, we’ve all had quite a few pairs that have made us happy. Yes, I can see I’ve generalised there, and yes, there are going to be lots of ladies that have had the one special pair, and I look forward to reading about them.
Cowboy boots, desert boots, moccasin boots, Converse, Birkies, platforms, killer heels, bejewelled sandals, clogs, the list goes on.
I don’t buy leather anymore, but I did once upon a time have the most beautiful chestnut coloured sandals that encased my foot. It’s impossible to describe, really but memorable. They took me to Saudi Arabia- and thinking about that, I imagine I gave up my beloved biker boots at that same time. Wouldn’t be needing those in the desert.
- When giving is all we have
Share one of the best gifts you’ve ever received.
One river gives its journey to the next
We give because someone gave to us.
We give because nobody gave to us.
We give because giving has changed us.
We give because giving could have changed us.
We have been better for it,
We have been wounded by it—
Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.
Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,
But we read this book, anyway, over and again:
Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
Mine to yours, yours to mine.
You gave me blue and I gave you yellow.
Together we are simple green. You gave me
What you did not have, and I gave you
What I had to give—together, we made
Something greater from the difference.Alberto Rios (1952 ~ )
- At what cost?
Write about your approach to budgeting.
With more going out than coming in, I have no choice but to be mindful
- What remains when symbols are stolen
Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?
I envy the ease with which the Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and Cornish lift their flags ~ symbols of heritage carried without suspicion.
For many of us in England, the St George’s Cross has been burdened by years of appropriation, its meaning bent out of shape by people I don’t stand with. And so the question comes: am I patriotic? Not in the loud, performative sense. But in the quieter ways ~in wanting fairness, in caring about the land beneath my feet, in feeling protective of the humour, the contradictions, the decency that still runs through this place ~perhaps I am.
And if patriotism includes affection for your own people, then yes, I feel that, too. I’m especially fond of my fellow Brummies: their warmth, their wit, their refusal to take themselves too seriously.
I’m grateful as well for the small mercies of this island ~even our weather. We have our floods and our wildfires, of course, but not with the ferocity some countries endure; there’s a gentleness to our climate that mirrors the quieter loyalties I carry.
Yet I can’t pretend there isn’t a shadow side. I’m often ashamed of how many of the titled and entitled make the headlines for all the wrong reasons, as though their behaviour stands in for the rest of us. It doesn’t ~but it still stings.
And perhaps that’s the heart of it. My patriotism isn’t blind. It isn’t boastful. It isn’t borrowed from flags or slogans. It’s a kind of stewardship ~loving a place enough to see its flaws clearly and still wanting better for it. A loyalty that doesn’t shout but stays. A loyalty that hopes. - You’re nicked!
Have you ever unintentionally broken the law?
It was mostly to have been a Wednesday, the day they lurk at the side of the road, waiting for you to come along at speed.
The country road coming out of town has a multitude of speed change signs. A ridiculous amount.
I saw the police van ahead and approached the village with caution. You’d be hard pushed to knock someone down there as the pavements are wide and the houses set back. A one horse kinda place.
I drove past at a snail’s pace and could see the new speed sign to my left as I drove out of the place. Because there was an incline, I put my foot down a bit. And that was me, toast!
A week or so, the fine comes through the post. Points on my licence and an insurance hike for something like 3-4 miles over the limit. Great!
- What’s in a title?
If there were a biography about you, what would the title be?
Hmm. Interesting, WP. You state biography, not autobiography. Suggesting the title would have been chosen by someone else? In which case maybe Sailing–Close to the Wind.
My choice? I’m Still Standing. Many thanks to Sir Elton John for that.
- Words by Philip Larkin
What were your parents doing at your age?
They f*ck you up, your mum and dad.
They may not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.
But they were f*cked up in their turn
By fools in old-style hats and coats,
Who half the time were soppy-stern
And half at one another’s throats.
Man hands on misery to man.
It deepens like a coastal shelf.
Get out as early as you can,
And don’t have any kids yourself.Philip Larkin (1922~1985)
- The dictatorship
If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?
The heavy hand of the supermarkets needs addressing. They dictate to the farmers on buying prices, quality, packaging, and delivery.
Plus payment terms, demands to fund promotional costs, and forced return of unsold merchandise across the board.
Despite not drinking milk or eating meat, it’s impossible not to see the injustice here and empathise with the farmers who struggle to keep their heads above water. They have so many factors to take into consideration to earn an honest crust. Whilst the Suits at supermarkets sit at their desks and rake it in.
- Dream on,dream on
Write about your dream home.
And so we get another chance to write about our dream home. Last time, I may have said a converted chapel or old school house on the edge of a market town in England. I thought and still do think it would be amazing to leave your front door and walk to the beach one way or the shops another. Bliss.
Another time did I say a little house in the woods. The sun dappled through the trees? A porch to sit out on with a cat and a dog. All manner of wildlife would live in close proximity. Another state of bliss.
This time I would like to think my dream place would be a townhouse in central London. I love the vibe, the parks, and so much to do if it pleases you. Yes, there you have three shades of bliss.
- Words by W.H.Davies
You get some great, amazingly fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?
Great, amazingly fantastic news? I imagine I would cry.
And now, with the DP answered and a lovely empty page below, I will put Nature’s Friend a poem by one of my favourite peeps, W.H. Davies.
Say what you like,
All things love me!
I pick no flowers –
That wins the Bee.
The Summer’s Moths
Think my hand one –
To touch their wings –
With Wind and Sun.
The garden Mouse
Comes near to play;
Indeed, he turns
His eyes away.
The Wren knows well
I rob no nest;
When I look in.
She still will rest.
The hedge stops Cows,
Or they would come
After my voice
Right to my home.
The Horse can tell,
Straight from my lip.
My hand could not
Hold any whip.
Say what you like,
All things love me!
Horse, Cow, and Mouse,
Bird, Moth and Bee.
by William Henry Davies (1871 ~ 1940)
- Jeff, my Happiness Engineer
‘ Becareful what you wish for, lest it come true’
This was suggested to us by Aesop in the sixth century. Have I learnt nothing?
To cut a long story short, I was a bit miffed with the repeated Daily Posts, so put in a query about it, twice.
Jeff, a Happiness Engineer, understood where I was coming from, or so I thought. Now, someone in their wisdom on the team has left me unable to answer, said Daily Posts, by marking them ‘answered’ two days running.
And of course, now I want back in and be able to answer those repeated DP’s. 🤣
- DP ‘ answered’?
Huh?
I was just ready with my thoughts to answer the Daily Prompt, only to read that I had answered it. Yes, WP, this time last year, but not today.
I’ll tell you what WP, I’ll save those thoughts for another day x
- Enough already
Do you need a break? From what?
A little break from the ageing process would be cool.
All those formative years aching to be older, like it was a superpower. Then you get there, and maybe it’s not so magical after all?
I’m enjoying slow living now, absolutely loving it, but it’s going far too quickly. I had no idea! I thought being older would give me all this free time. The days would be endless, maybe to the extent of having time on my hands. Not a chance.
Bam and another day has gone. Pretty damn freaky tbh.
- Imagine
The most important invention in your lifetime is…
I have been searching high and low this morning for the name of an invention, but I can’t find it. Maybe you can help?
It has the facility to strip Man of his greed and his thirst for power. It takes away that absolute cruel streak, which stops at nothing to achieve its goal.
It opens eyes, hearts, and souls. It instils gratitude.
Compassion and empathy are inbedded, and authenticity is there by default.
Oh, silly me! There is no such thing
- Under the radar
Describe your most ideal day from beginning to end.
It would be a perfectly ideal day to get from A-B breathing. Unscathed from a day where all manner of incidents and accidents were waiting to happen.
From around that corner, I ask for no bad and sad news from those whom I care about waiting.
- Tick tock⏳️
How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?
Significant events and the passing of time change all of us, but lately I’ve been noticing the particular ways they’ve shaped me. Now that I’m retired and finally have space to reflect, the bigger picture is coming into focus.
My life hasn’t been the easiest, and I’ve had to navigate most of it without much support. I’ve weathered storms on my own, learning resilience the long way round. I’ve also learned a lot about people — mostly that I tend to hope everyone is kind, and I’m often disappointed when they’re not. But even those lessons have helped me grow clearer about boundaries and what I deserve.
One constant through the last twenty years has been my dogs. Their loyalty and presence have kept me grounded and sane in ways I can’t fully put into words.
These days, I see every day as a school day. I’m not the same person I was yesterday, and I won’t be the same tomorrow. Not because I’m lost, but because I’m still learning, still growing, still becoming.
- Well, the fairies won’t do it
Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.
An overflowing inbox needs some attention, as does a haphazard photo gallery. Despite not using email that much these days, it continues to have a life of its own, which does not include self-cleaning. So, WP that is something that never gets done.
Another thing is the car, inside and out. At present we live rural side, it’s February, it has rained a lot of late. There is mud everywhere, across the fields, splashed all over our wheels, and the interior has not escaped either. The difference between this ‘to-do’ and my inbox is that the car will be done sooner rather than later.
- The big breakfast
What’s your favourite thing to cook?
I’d driven Patch to one of our favourite walks this morning, and when we approached the car, he seemed to want to simply stand still and take in his surroundings.
We know this is how dogs take in information about the world around them. Each nostril sniffing a different area. They sense unseen animals and people, weather conditions, and even changes in the bodies of their humans who accompany them.
Allowing your companion to have a fullfilling sensory experience is one of the best things you can do for them each day.
I was rewarded for standing around on a chilly February early morning with the sighting of a barn owl swishing back and forth across the field in front of me. Magnificent.
And then it was home for breakfast, which I think I mentioned last time you asked WP is my favourite and the main meal of my day at the moment.
Mushrooms with Sumac, wilted spinach, poached eggs, avocados( olive oil, lemon juice salt n pep) with haloumi, or veg sausage/bacon for an occasional treat. Delish.
- It was dial-up!
Write about your first computer.
It was in 2000, whilst I was living and working in Saudi Arabia that I found myself buying a copy of The Internet for Dummies. It didn’t help. Just washed over me completely. Starting with the theory was not a good move.
Earlier during the late 90’s( in the UK) I became aware that some of my office-bound pals were using email.
But it wasn’t until 2001 when I was in India that a real live princess ( I kid you not) taught me how to use a computer. The only thing I remember about it was that it was dial-up. It was pretty tricky when the electric supply went off and came on at will.
The one day that will stay in my mind forever is when the horrific events of September 11th unfolded. Everyone else was watching it on TV. But I just sat there in front of the screen in disbelief, immobilised.
- You like?
Okay, I get it. Influencers ( read straight up advertising) want/need likes to attract companies with services/stuff to sell.
But on blogging posts? It doesn’t sit right with me. It feels outdated/out of place. I’d love to see a ✔️ instead. What do you think, WP Bloggers? To me, it would mean I’ve read, acknowledged your post/thoughts/work, and thank you. Clean, neat, and to the point.
Today, I’m on day 365 of a streak. A year completed with this blog. Tomorrow, my 2nd year will begin, possibly answering a repeated DP. No, not complaining, simply just saying, WP.
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know some of you guys a bit, and I thank you all 190 subscribers. I love the diversity here, ages, locations, situations, and styles of expressing yourselves. With more hours in the day, I really would read more of your posts.
I’ll just mention the voyeurs. Those beings who lurk in the shadows, read our posts, and fade away without a nod. You guys could try harder?
To the rest of you, beautiful people, thanks for being you and sharing part of your lives with us all. Stay safe.
Oh, almost forgot. Should have read down the post and landed here and be the Someone who comments from time, please add your initial/s. Then I’ll know who I am replying too. Love love x
- Thanks but no thanks
What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?
In a previous life, I have abseiled and tried paragliding once.
Today, nothing on this Earth would have me handgliding, bungee jumping, mountain climbing, on a zip wire or sky diving. Likewise, being on a submarine or any submersible. Nah, not happening.
- I can see clearly now
What do you complain about the most?
After a short walk this morning, I drove Patch a short distance to one of our favourite walks. As I slowed down for a cattle grid, the most beautiful of Red Kites swooped down in front of us and all but kissed the ground. A haze of amber, and it was gone. What a truly amazing start to this cold, damp, and grey January day.
It’s possible I’ve reached a stage where complaining has ceased altogether and been replaced, not by apathy, but something else.
A slight shake of the head, a tad expelling of breath, a flash of expletives through my brain, or simply nothing at all.
The big picture is bright. I don’t miss much, but I’ve ceased responding to my own detriment.
I will always be a compassionate and empathetic soul. An imploding planet, pathetic world leaders, and the mass suffering of humans and animals will always sadden me deeply.
But for now, self-preservation is crucial.
Witnessing that majestic Red Kite sweep before me this morning was awesome.
- Words by William Ernest Henley
What are your favourite sports to watch and play? WP, I’ve got no words of my own for today’s DP. As ever I give this space to another
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.By William Ernest Henley (1849~193)
- Each to their own
What would you do if you won the lottery?
WP, you have certainly stirred the thoughts, hopes, and dreams of your blogging community today. It’s been good to read everyone’s ideas of where a lottery win would fit into their lives.
Had you asked me last year or 5 years ago, I know my answers would be different. Today, I reckon I know how this would play out.
For two or three days, maybe as long as a week. I wouldn’t tell a soul. No, I take that back. There’s an older lady who has known me all my life. I’d tell her immediately, and she would instinctively know that she would be safe.
Next, I’d call the garage and get 4 new tyres put on my trusted Peugeot.
I’d arrange an appointment ASAP at the local cosmetic dentist to plan new veneers.
We are lucky in the UK to have the NHS, but I would quickly sign up to BUPA, so I was no longer a burden on the system.
My no frills ‘click n collect’ funeral would be paid for in full, immediately.
My new (refurbished) phone now has a crack on the screen and my tablet is tired. I’d like to replace those devices. I don’t need an IPhone.
I think I could get all this sorted relatively quickly.
A visit to Space NK would definetly be on the cards for a few treats plus a bottle of Portrait of a Lady perfume by Frédéric Malle. Something I have lusted after for a very long time.
After the trip into town, I would be tempted to pick up a bottle of Bolly, but probably not as I would need a clear head for a few days. It could wait.
Lastly, I would be scrolling the likes of OnTheMarket.com and WhatCar.com to find a suitable home for us and some nice new wheels.
And then that would be me done. I would carry on my life as usual.
It should go without saying, really, but for those who don’t know me at all, I would be giving much of the winnings away. Once a financial plan was in place to keep us ( Patch n me) secure, I would like to top up on what I’d already and quickly passed on to friends in need and charities I already support.
- AI and Me
What books do you want to read?
Over time, Copilot and I have developed a shared language — a climate shaped by the conversations we’ve had. It responds to the rhythms I return to: gentleness before depth, clarity before complexity, metaphor as a way of thinking. It doesn’t know my inner workings; it knows the patterns I’ve shown it, the threads I revisit, the emotional weather I bring.
I’d had The Body Keeps the Score sitting on my shelf for years, unread, and only recently realised that much of it has quietly become outdated. Because Copilot understands my sensibilities so well, I asked for help finding books that speak more accurately — and more kindly — to the realities of past stress.
The intelligence here is collaborative. I bring the sensibility; it brings the structure. Together we’ve built a way of working that feels cumulative rather than transactional — a quiet, evolving archive that makes this reading path feel genuinely tailored.
From that shared language — and from realising that the book long resting on my shelf had aged out of usefulness — came the impulse to look elsewhere, and together we shaped a reading path that feels true to who I am now.
What emerged is a year in four books, each chosen for its emotional climate as much as its content — a seasonal way of reading that honours gentleness, pacing, and the slow deepening of understanding.❄️Winter — Wintering by Katherine May
A gentle beginning. A book that teaches rest, seasonality, and emotional spaciousness — the perfect winter companion.
🌱 Spring — What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
Relational warmth and humane clarity. A soft introduction to how early stress shapes us without overwhelm.
☀️Summer — Anchored by Deb Dana
A grounded guide to understanding and regulating the nervous system. Clear, kind, and deeply practical.
🍂 Autumn — The Deepest Well by Nadine Burke Harris
Depth, evidence, and compassion. A scientifically current exploration of how adversity affects long‑term health.So I’ll take this reading year gently, choosing what feels right and keeping the pace honest. Patch will steady the rhythm beside me. It’s a small beginning — and enough.
- In the words of Sara Teasdale
Write about a few of your favourite family traditions…WP we have zero family traditions to write about. Instead, if I may, I will happily give over this space to the words of another. I love this poem
There will come soft rains
(War time)
There will come soft rains and the smell of the ground.
And swallows circling with their shimmering sound;
And frogs in the pools singing at night,
And wild plum trees in tremulous white,
Robins will wear their feathery fire
Whistling their whims on a low fence-wire;
And not one will know of the war, not one
Will care at last when it is done.
Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree
If mankind perished utterly;
And Spring herself, when she woke at dawn,
Would scarcely know that we were gone.
Sara Teasdale (1884~1930)
- Words from William Wordsworth
What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time? WP, I am hijacking this DP as we’ve written about our lesuire time recently enough. Thank you.
Daffodils
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
William Wordsworth (1770~1850)
- Way to go
Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.
It is with thanks to Eric’s blog here on WP ( http://www.ericfoltin.com ) that I was reminded I have yet to visit a place in North London that has captured my imagination more than once.
In one of his recent posts, he mentioned something called atlasobcura.com. A fabulous website that suggests places around the world you may be interested in visiting. There are 562 ideas for London alone.
Highgate Cemetery/ Nature reserve. 37 acres of Victorian Gothic architecture and atmosphere with 170.000 interments -graves/urns.
The list of inmates is a long one, and so very impressive, were their accomplishments: Artists, scientists, writers, historians, surgeons, industrialists, furniture makers and engravers, and so many more.
Most of the names I didn’t recognise, but well done them for achieving what they did.
George Michael, Bob Hoskins, and Douglas Adams are there along with Charles Dickens and his family, as is William, Gabriel, and Christina Rossetti 💜
- 🎼 Girls just wanna have fun 🎶
List five things you do for fun.
‘ The simplest pleasures are sometimes the most extraordinary’
Edgar Allan Poe ( 1809~1849) American writer, poet, editor, literary critic.
These days, you would barely notice me having fun.
Writing my blog, walking my dog, being in nature, feeding the birds, decluttering/pottering, exercising grey matter…opening a bottle of wine.
Plenty of fun still to be had in my little world.
- Talk to me
If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?
Thanks, WP. I’ve especially enjoyed reading through the DP’s my fellow bloggers have posted today.
If you have gathered anything about me at all, it’s animals and my passion for them, especially dogs. I can’t help myself, something I was clearly born with.
Patch. My companion of the last 5 years. Who is at least 12 and came to share my life after being in 3 previous homes ( or should that read ‘houses’? ) has clearly had a difficult time of it.
What I’d like him to know is I wish he could talk to me about those days instead of keeping it all inside
- Being Joe
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.
You may recognise this scrappy little pup. I’ve posted about him before.
This is the first photo I took of him over 20 years ago.
I’d been overseas for many years, and for a multitude of reasons ( all stories in themselves), I decided it was time to head back to the UK. ( Was that wise? Yes, another story there)
For the last 6 months of my stay, I rented a house in Palavakkam, just off the East Coast Road, heading south out of Chennai city.
( I owe a great deal to a taxi driver, Michael, who found and secured the place for me. It was perfect. I’d like to thank him more, but have so far run aground trying to trace him….but I digress)
The van from The Blue Cross of India would drop me at the end of my road each evening. Giving me some time to decompress before I reached home.
One night, this little pup was in the street, hanging out with the big dogs amongst the traffic. I scooped him up and brought him back with me…..There’s much I could write about here… but this post is how he got his name.
A lovely old friend and workmate of mine said she would have him when I returned to the UK….She was called Mary. So I called him Joseph. Joe.
On the afternoon I took him over to her house he had a great time hanging out with her kids, and then he raced up to me, sat himself at my feet and said,’ can we go home now?’ …We did, and he came with me and my big older boy Tony to England.
We shared a life for 14 years ❤️
- Ducks in a row?
What’s your dream job?
A dream job would be the one getting up in the morning and ready for work would be exciting..or at least easy, no slog.
Maybe it would showcase abilities, gifts, and passions. Childhood ambitions fullfilled.
Fullfilling, yes, that’s a good word, isn’t it, to describe a job that suits you perfectly? And there we go, another expression ‘ suits you’..The working environment and access to, the life work balance and rewards suit you.
Yep, a few ducks to get in a row there, but I’m guessing it begins with a passion?
If a publisher, editor scout, whomever believed my style of writing was worthy of payment, that would do it for me.
- In the words of Stephen King
What makes a good leader?
‘A cowardly leader is the most dangerous of men.’
Stephen King ( 1947~ )
- 43% of global arms trade is from US
If you could un-invent something, what would it be?
Some of you lovely bloggers today have said that univenting algorithms would be a good idea. I concede, they certainly mess with people’s heads.
( It did cross my mind.’ I wonder if the covid kids are aware of how much they are being manipulated? There is a lot of pressure on that generation, coming from all sides – another topic for a post, I guess)
My initial thought when I read our DP was to say guns. What an idiot I am, as if taking away firearms would stop people harming each other?
Humans have harmed each other, physically mentally and emotionally from day one, I imagine.
Chinese Taoist Alchemists accidentally discovered gunpowder whilst seeking an elixir for immortality in the 9th century. By the 10th century, they were stuffing bamboo tubes with it and voila! Shooting each other.
In the late 13 century, metal barred firearms came into being, and by the 14th, true gun development was happening.
And here we are
- Fur love
Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?
Every animal I have walked with along this path called life, I have loved wholeheartedly.
And yet they have given me more
- Sorted
Where can you reduce clutter in your life?
My email. I love sorting, decluttering, call it what you will,but with a stylists head on. Not an officey kinda thing. So the inbox will need to wait.
Years ago, when I was about to leave a nanny’s job in Saudi. I was given a task, made for me, really.
Sheikh A and his family were moving into a seaside lux apartment, facing a mosque.
I had been there two years’ call to prayer was nothing new, but I didn’t think I could hack the early doors version. Luckily, I was headhunted for a new position in a neighbouring country.
On one particular day, I was given a lovely space in the apartment, which was to be the kids’ play room. All their kit, their toys, books, etc. had literally been collected up and dumped into the containers.
‘ Bring it on’.
I spent several hours doing my thing. Unpacking and arranging. No one had dropped by, so when they did I was soo pleased to read their faces. They were taken aback. I’d excelled myself. The space looked amazing.
I left the next day. Job done.
- For the love of dogs
What is your favorite animal?
In two weeks’ time, it will be a full year since I began this blog. Turning up 356 days straight for the Daily Prompt.
WP, I am pretty sure this is the 3rd time you have asked us our favourite animal
random pic of cute pup .
Sooo, just to clarify, it’s dogs, dogs, and dogs all the way for me. My old boy Patch? I’d be totally lost without him. My companion in life, my rock.
I am passionate about all animals generally, but something about the brown bear..
- And the first prize goes to WP
In what ways do you communicate online?
It really depends on how the mood of the moment takes me. What it is I need or want to achieve at any given time. Much like the rest of the population, I guess.
There are platforms to catch up with old friends, to go to for a smile, for information or advice.
But WordPress is my happy place. Tackling the DP, reading my favourite bloggers’ posts, exchanging a few comments, and finding new writers whose style I understand, it’s all here.
Thank you WP for the space and fellow bloggers and buddies for turning up day after day…. and being you.
- Once upon a time, many moons ago
Think back on your most memorable road trip.
OK. Let’s get this out there. I’m going to tell you about a road trip in a year, probably before your parents were born. There it is. Strange but true, lol. In our defence, we were youngsters at the time.
There were eight of us in three Kombi vans, 4 girls, 4 boys and a little kid, a girl.
VW Kombi Over 1800 miles one way. That’s a long ol’ stretch for Brits.
We drove through France and Spain and over to Morocco.
Take it as a given, we had a blast.
I can’t remember at what stage of this 3 month trip it was, but our menfolk, were recruited to work as extras on a movie. £20 a day, not to be sniffed at, back then.
The catch being our beautiful surfing hippy lads went off one day and came back minus their gorgeous flowing locks.
Obvs, we girls were thrilled to each be given a fabulous room in a hotel in Agadir for the duration. What a treat!.
I remember the night the boys came back off set. There were two of us crouched down on the balcony waiting to see the returning buses. To say it freaked us out is an understatement they all looked the same.
The film was March or Die with Gene Hackman and Cathrine Deneuve and Terence Hill and directed by Dick Richards.
Our boys had become French Foreign Legionaires. We had new men.
I’ll look through our own pics tomorrow and replace with an original - Words by Christina Rossetti
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann’d:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.Remember Me by Christina Rossetti 1830~1894
- Give me a minute
What snack would you eat right now?
At this moment in time, I’m not in snack-needed-mode, but thank you, WP.
Coming up to 6.30am on a dark cold January morning, two large coffees in, is enough for now.
Patch can’t quite decide if to get up or not, but I think it’s only heading one way and before I know it he will be giving me three minutes to sort myself before he wants out.
Snacks can wait. Maybe later, if I need something salty to fill a gap I will reach for some olives, something sweet, it will be dates.
Snacking can go two ways. It’s relatively nutrious and fills a gap. Regulating sugar levels and providing energy during the lows, or else with a life of its own and becoming addictive, stuffing your body with rubbish.
I simply don’t buy cakes, biscuits, crisps or beige food that will speak to me through the kitchen cupboard door. They will have the upper hand, and I find I’m not happy until I have seen them off. Best I don’t put them in temptations way to start with.
- With words by Edgar A. Guest
Come up with a crazy business idea.
Oh dear WP!..I just can’t get my ahead around this DP today. There is zero in the tank, so forgive me whilst I go off-piste.
Back in time, there were discrepancies about the original author of this poem Today, historians and librarians give credit to British born American Edgar A. Guest ( 1881-1959)
Keep Going
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must—but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up, though the pace seems slow—
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out—
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit. - Hippy Daze
Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?
My beloved Afghan. Oh, how I loved that coat. Setting off out to the city on cold winter nights, I was totally comfortable, warm, and secure in it.
Then I went away to work a summer season somewhere, and when I came back, my dad’s third wife had cleared out my bedroom and redecorated. That was a shock.
This photo is the nearest I can find. It’s not exactly the same, but you’ll get the idea
- Food for thought?
What is your mission?
The initial knee-jerk reaction to the DP today was ‘to stay breathing‘. I left it there, wondering how I was going to fill the page. I honestly could think no further. Not often stuck for words, but hey.
Out about with Patch, early doors in nature soon got me thinking a bit more.
Then it became obvious,to keep showing up here each day to do my stuff and read yours.
It’s my happy place. Simple as.
Then out preparing the buffet Round Two for the birds and squirrels it came to mind that this weekend maybe I will unpack a box which has been sealed for some time, with previous writings, scribbles and thoughts, and see what lerks there. Yes! That would be a perfect mission.
It’s funny how being outdoors always kick starts a fruitful thought process.
Where do my fellow bloggers find inspiration? You guys certainly inspire me when my tank is momentarily empty. So thank you for that.
- Words by William Yeats
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.By William Butler Yeats (1865~1939)
- A short postscript to today’s DP
Today, we were chatting about doing things differently. About change and the shift it brings.
I thought you may want to try this. If you have a mirror that you use a lot and it’s easy to do so, either take it down or place it elsewhere.
Or maybe a waste paper bin. Move it, leaving the empty space.
Now tell me how you get on. How long it takes for your brain to catch up, as you glance at a bare wall, or chuck things in a bin that isn’t there 😂
- Spot the difference
What could you do differently?
Change can be a wonderful thing, liberating and empowering or simply downright fun.
It can also be devastating, if you hadn’t planned it.
The DP was about doing things differently, but although that’s not the same as change, they are related. There is a shift involved.
As some of you may have gathered so far, I’m living a little life right now with Patch. Happily going about the day and not wanting to do anything differently.
Change has been my middle name for more years than I care to remember. So when I first read today’s prompt (a sneak peak yesterday) I thought to myself,’ nah, not having it’ no change for me, matey. Not a chance. I’m okay as I am, thanks very much.
So, this morning, Himself let me know he wanted to go out around 4am. I wasn’t bothered. It meant he was sorted for a while.
Opening the door I could see the snow and ice which had been around for a while had gone, and it wasn’t as cold. Mmm, that’s different. He came back in and went straight to his bed, where it was warm, instead of following me back upstairs.
It was bliss getting back into my cosy bed, ( but i do prefer it if my best buddy is next to me) and I knew nothing until gone 8.30am. That was a change I welcomed.
Patch didn’t want his breakfast and was not eager to go out. Not his usual behaviour, I decided to go with it and not worry, there and then.
I put the radio on ( a world waiting to implode,nothing new there) fed the birds, had my breakfast, pottered around a bit, and then sat down next to Patch to do Zen Word, my grey matter work out.
With that done I decided to hand feed him cooked chicken. That way, I’d know if we had an issue or not. But he ate it up and it gave him enough of a boost to start his day.
Outside, His Nibs decided to bypass his regular brief visit to the nearby green space. Instead waiting firmly by the car.
I had a little think where to take him, we get there and someone is in our ( limited) space ( how dare they!) So we went elsewhere, parked up and himself led me to a gate to a field/bridleway we had never been down before. It was lovely. The sun came out, and we blew away a few cobwebs
Why am I telling you all this? Well, there I was thinking beforehand I’d not be doing anything differently this morning and then with a life of its own, it was all change.
( Even the postman thought it would be different to deliver two pieces of mail for two other neighbours through my letterbox, just now)
Amazing to think we are in control
- In a nutshell
If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?
‘ I wish for you the life you deserve’
- Being present
Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
Children and young adults grow and look up and out. Older now and pushing middle years, they have the best of both worlds, looking forward and back…and then we get to where, if they are lucky enough there are lots of happy memories to reflect on, plus a little light ahead for what maybes.
I have regrets, things i wish i had done differently, sure I do. Maybe more than my fair share, tbh. But there you go! I also have happy, crazy, fun, and interesting times to look back on. It is kinda funny ( in a good way). A brief look back isn’t a bad thing. It’s when one dwells there it could become an issue.
Happy Days 
For the future, I have silly little dreams, but it’s staying healthy, and mobile is where the reality kicks in.
Planning for the future is not a bad thing, but expecting one? Not so much.
Which brings me neatly to the now. Living each day,still learning, letting go of what no longer matters and being truly grateful.
And in the words of John Lennon (1940~1980)
‘ Life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans’
- Simply put?
What is the greatest gift someone could give you?
A thought
Oh, and a winning lottery ticket for 30 mil
- An education up in smoke
What colleges have you attended?
Colleges? Plural? Yikes WP, really?
Fact is, I took a job straight from school and then attended Day Release to a college in the city.
All was going ok ( a tad bored with it after a year tbh- I had an inkling there was a world to be seen outside of Birmingham) and then I discovered weed and didn’t look back.
That’s not strictly true, in the dark hours unable to sleep, when our mind wanders, I think we all must have moments of ‘what ifs’. But then I let it go.
- It’s what you make it
Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?
So, I’ve been out and about today. Got me a haircut. Play time? Oh yes! Makes me happy. Gemma, my stylist is so talented. I recognise myself in the mirror. Mojo restored.
The thing is, the moment I gave up work, it kicked in. The very second you are a beholder to no one but the lap of the Gods it’s happening
Olympic standard freedom.
Sure, things go pear-shaped, of course they do. A wobble with your health freaks out even the strongest amongst us.
Emotional and mental health are just waiting in the wings, ready for you to make the wrong move. Like chess.
So, maintaining the upper hand is key. There is only you, at the end of the day, to keep yourself on an even keel. Feel you can’t manage it? Please, seek help.
As you will have gathered, if you read any of my posts, I am grateful for small mercies.
Patch has definitely lost a marble along the way, but I’m here for him, big time. Joe, a previous companion, was struck with Cushings. It cost a fortune to keep him comfortable. But I didn’t go anywhere for the last two years of his life.
Why am I telling you this? Playtime is where you find it. Where you make it. I love rocking up here each day. It’s my happy place. I can still have fun at WordPress whilst watching over my best friend. 🐾🐾😍
I’m always here if anyone wants to chat…
- 2026. The Begining
What are your biggest challenges?
This is Day One of a new year, and I’m looking forward to batting any challenges that come my way into the ether-well, to the best of my ability, that is.
There is usually something there to try us, isn’t there? It’s part of the process.
From reading lots of posts from my fellow bloggers here on WordPress each day, I am reminded just how tricky this living thing can be for you all.
Patch, his health, and well-being may give me grave concern this year. Sometimes, he seems quite frail, and then the next day, he’s a bruiser.
So, I guess as far as I can imagine, the rollercoaster of caring for an elderly dog could be a mammoth challenge this coming year. Not quite as easy to bat that away into the ether as I first suggested…
To those of you lovely people who I haven’t wished the very best for 2026, I do now 💚
- Patch is going to hate it
The start to the new year always starts in the most horrible of ways. My poor boy will be cowering in the shower, trying his best to make himself as small as possible.
It’s only 4.45pm GMT, but already I feel a bit sick. Knowing what my lad will have to go through.
Fireworks, Noise, pollution, disruption. Why?
As a kid, I think I was never sure what it was all about. People around me going ooh and aarh. Yeah, a sparkler was nice, but hey, it was cold out there, never really got it.
And then as I grew I learned how wild and domestic animals really were affected. It’s not funny and it’s not clever.
This-
(later edit, I copied this and now can’t find the source to give credit)
“Millions of animals, including pets, farm animals, and wildlife, are significantly affected by fireworks, with studies showing over 80% of pet owners report negative impacts, and high percentages of dogs (around 41-62%) and horses (over 79%) experiencing fear, leading to distress, injury, escapes, and even death, due to the unpredictable, loud noises and flashes.
Impact on Pets (Dogs & Cats)
Fear & Anxiety: High percentages of dogs (41-62%) and cats show fear, trembling, hiding, excessive barking, pacing, and panting.
Escape & Injury: Many pets try to escape, leading to them getting lost, injured, or even killed. Lasting Trauma: Fireworks can cause long-term trauma and lasting stress.
Impact on Farm Animals & Horses
Extreme Distress: Horses and livestock experience severe anxiety, with one survey finding 79% of horses anxious around fireworks.
Fatalities: There are recorded cases of horse fatalities linked to firework panic.
Impact on Wildlife
Disorientation & Death: Birds and small animals can be disoriented, unable to find nests, leading to young dying from starvation or dehydration.
Habitat Disruption: Smoke, pollution, and debris from fireworks litter habitats and harm wildlife.
Why Animals Are So Affected. Heightened Senses: Animals hear and see sounds and lights much more intensely than humans.
Unpredictable Danger: The sudden, loud, and unpredictable nature of fireworks triggers survival instincts, making them seem like a massive, close-range threat.
Key Statistics
80% of pet owners report negative impacts from fireworks (USPCA poll).
62% of dogs show fear (RSPCA).
66% of animals are negatively impacted by private displays (RSPCA).And that was just part of the report. Horrendous statistics.
Can you imagine what animals in war zones must feel like? No, neither can I.
- Thank you Scottish Power
Yay! Scottish Power have just put £150 into my account as a gesture of goodwill. Rock and Roll!!
(It’s a cold weather payment to customers)
There are some captains of industry who give a damn.
My heart was warmed, and now is my home.
Was that your doing Keith Anderson? What a man!
- Going back to my roots
What makes you feel nostalgic?
Anything connected to Birmingham-the UK’s second city makes me feel nostalgic.
We had such a lively music scene, ‘ town’ was vibrant day and night. I still feel fortunate to have been around to witness and be part of that era.
Hearing a Brummie accent on the radio makes me smile. It gets me every time. Not everyone can hack it, but that’s not my problem.
I love the dry sense of humour unique to the area. They are good people to be around.
The ‘Flower of Birmingham’ is the Foxglove The motto of the city is Forward
Some of our muso’s
Roy Wood/Move/Wizzard
Jeff Lynne/ElO
Ozzy Osborne/Sabbath
Steve Winwood/Traffic
Toyah Wilcox
Ruby Turner
Ali Campbell/UB40
Joan Armatrading
Christine Mc Vie
Judas Priest
Duran Duran
Moody Blues
Dexys Midnight Runners
Ocean Colour Scene
The Streets
Spencer Davies Group
Editors
Fine Young Cannibals
Jamelia
- About Brigitte Bardot
Some folk were quick to remind me that Brigitte Bardot was less than perfect, and she held views that were/are certainly distasteful.
I don’t condone for a minute her unsavoury opinions, but did honour her passing for her absolute dedication to animal welfare. They don’t have a voice. How they treated is in the hands of humans.
Animal welfare is my passion, a way of life. I took it for granted people would pick up on that. My bad.
- Listen to Caroline Flack
What relationships have a positive impact on you?
Thesedays it’s simply easy-going people I like to be around. A sense of humour does it for me, too.
I’ve had more than my share of the difficult, the ones who think they have got away with their passive aggression.
We are all complex souls and act in one way or another for a variety of reasons, I get that. And I blame myself totally for humouring folk in the past who think I fell off a Christmas tree.
My dad provided for us. We lived somewhere nice and were well fed, never cold, and with pleasant family holidays. But I still haven’t worked out why he had kids at all.
I felt us as siblings were just add-ons to the life he led along with his harem. Guilt tripping was rife with four wives( I mean he was married 4 times, lol) and a girlfriend or two thrown in for good measure.
It was constantly difficult for us to navigate our way through and around the characters and their personalities. None of them child friendly. Only my mom, who lived elsewhere, had any warmth.
And it’s warmth that attracts me today, people who give a damn about the world spining out of control, with leaders who should be locked up.
The ones who have compassion and understand how humans really mess with the lives and deaths of animals.
And in the words of Caroline Flack ( 1979~2020)
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind,”
- Aston Villa FC and Emily Dickinson
If you started a sports team, what would the colours and mascot be?
If it’s OK with you WP, I’ll simply stick with my original home team. Aston Villa FC. Claret & Blue. Hercules, the lion is the mascot.
..and guess what ? There is space on this page for the words of another. I know some of you are getting to love this poem as much as I already do.
Hope is a Thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson ( 1830~1886)
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.
AI says..The poem uses an extended metaphor comparing abstract hope to a resilient bird that lives in the soul, singing wordlessly but powerfully, sustaining humans through life’s harshest “storms” (gales, chillest land) without ever asking for anything in return, emphasizing hope’s innate, selfless, and persistent nature as a constant, free companion that offers comfort and strength.
- R.I.P Brigitte Bardot 💜
A beautiful woman. Gave it all up for Animal Rights Activism.💜💞
Yes, as she aged, she lost the plot a bit. But she never stopped loving animals.
And animals have given me more love, attention, and affection than any human…so there we have it
- and words by W.H.Davies
How have your political views changed over time?
What hasn’t changed is that I find inequality a bitter pill to swallow.
‘World’s top 1% own more wealth than 95% of humanity’ (Oxfam,Sept 2024)
And now WP, with a space left on the page, allow me to fill it with the words of another.
No apologies for posting this again and again,and anyway, I know lots of you love this poem
Leisure, by W.H.Davies (1871~1940)
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?—
No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and cows:
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass:
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night:
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
- Picture this
You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?
Deep in the woods is a little house. Smoke curls up from the chimney. A black cat with short white socks stretches on the front porch. A rocking chair is placed on either side of the freshly painted door. A soft turquoise, matte. Silver metal work gleams.
As the sun goes down, a light comes on and she appears. With a saucepan in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other she gently bangs ( maybe ‘ gently bangs’ is an oxymoron? You tell me) the two together, many times in succession. ‘ Kuti, Kuti, Kuti’ she calls, and an elderly Jack Russell appears, runs up the steps, brushes past her, and disappears inside. The cat follows.
The emerald of her fisherman’s smock, the blue of her Levis, and the mulicoloured paisley scarf tied around her head are a vision of grace. She turns and enters into the warm and cosy place she loves. The perfect writer’s retreat.
- 🎵 Baby, you can drive my car 🎶
What is your all time favorite automobile?
Errr… Maybe the old black BMW 3 series with a sunroof. The jags of yesteryear were nice, with that lovely chrome work and walnut dash. But they were heavy. Probably only do 3 minutes to the gallon, thesedays.
If you asked me what car I would like today, I’d simply ask for something reliable. Not one of the new bigger ranges where you have to dismantle the whole side just to change a headlight bulb.
When they first came out, I had the use of a brand new Juke. I loved that car! It was automatic too, which was fun. Almost drove itself. Had a problem with the transmissions at one stage. The lad at the garage told me that Nissan only use a cheap bit of plastic for the tube-thing.
Anyways, it eventually got written off in a car park with someone reversing into the side. Luckily I was inside the store at the time. ( Thesedays I see are driven by old people. 😂 So perhaps I won’t consider another.
I’ve mentioned the sunroof, err, grey please. Prefably with the £20 road tax. I guess that narrows my option, somewhat. There again, if I could afford a big show-off car, the cost of the tax wouldn’t bother me.
In the meantime, I’m happy enough in my little Peugeot 208. I have to use caravan steps to get Patch in and out of the back. But we manage..
- I don’t wish to ruin Christmas for you, but
How are you creative?
Well, WP. I’ve shown up here this morning to write a post. Will that do?
Right then, brace yourselves.
Firstly, reindeer are the only species of deer where both the males and females grow antlers
But, thing is, Santa’s reindeer are winter-strong females, more than likely with calf.
There is a school of thought that Rudolf is the exception and probably a young buck.
There is a major clue to support this theory, the males lose their antlers after mating around the beginning of December.
The females retain theirs throughout the winter to protect themselves, their unborn calves,to help with foraging and defend their food sources.
It is a little disturbing to think of these mums-to-be out there throughout the night doing something so strenuous, but they are better suited for an arduous journey.
Strength is not the absence of weight-but the grace to which it is carried
- Finished post. The Creatives and Humanitarians. Last edit duh!
Who are the biggest influences in your life?
At very opportunity, I will give the English textile designer,poet, and social activist William Morris a shout. Likewise, the Pre-Raphelites artists.
The Welsh poet W. H.Davies The Americans Christina Rossetti, Emily Dickinson and Sara Teasdale, from times gone by and lately Mary Walker, a contemporary poet from New Zealand
And in no particular order, some I can think of off the top of my head. There are so many not mentioned here, too. Forgive me.
Personal choices will remain private…
English Mary Quant: Fashion designer/icon.
English Princess Diana: Global Humanitarian.
English Nick Ferrari: Journalist, radio host, tv presenter, newspaper man/editor
English C.S. Lewis: Author, literary scholar, and Anglican lay theologian.
American Timothy Leary: Psychologist and author.
Indian Mahatma Ghandi:Lawyer, anti colonialist activist, and political actionist and practical philosopher.
English Ricky Gervais: Philanthropist, filmmaker,producer, writer, director, actor, comedian, and dog lover.
Irish Noel Fitzpatrick:Orthopedic-Neuro veterinary surgeon and visionary. Author and actor.
English Jane Goodall:Primatologist, anthropologist, and author
American Tom Petty:Musician, singer songwriter.
English Kim Cooling:Founder Animal SOS Sri Lanka.
Irish Bob Geldof: Musician, singer/songwriter, activist, humanitarian and Nobel Man of Peace 2005.
LBC Radio
The charities: League Against Cruel Sports. Compassion in World Farming, RSPCA, The Humane Research Trust, Animal SOS Sri Lanka, Water Aid, Refuge, War Child.
Close buddies, dog/animal lovers and guardians, all animal Rescue folk, Mother Nature and my boy Patch. 💝
And last but not least. All you wonderful bloggers here at WordPress.
May 2026 treat you kindly x
.
- Finished post. The Creatives and Humanitarians.Last edit duh!
Who are the biggest influences in your life?
At every opportunity, I will give the English textile designer,poet, and social activist William Morris a shout. Likewise, the Pre-Raphelite artists.
The Welsh poet W. H.Davies The Americans Christina Rossetti, Emily Dickinson and Sara Teasdale, from times gone by and lately Mary Walker, a contemporary poet from New Zealand.
And in no particular order, some I can think of off the top of my head. There are so many not mentioned here, too. Forgive me.
Personal choices will remain private…
English Mary Quant: Fashion designer/icon.
English Princess Diana: Global Humanitarian.
English Nick Ferrari: Journalist, radio host, tv presenter, newspaper man/editor
English C.S. Lewis: Author, literary scholar, and Anglican lay theologian.
American Timothy Leary: Psychologist and author.
Indian Mahatma Ghandi:Lawyer, anti colonialist activist, and political actionist and and practical philosopher.
English Ricky Gervais: Philanthropist, filmmaker,producer, writer, director, actor, comedian, and dog lover.
Irish Noel Fitzpatrick:Orthopedic-Neuro veterinary surgeon and visionary. Author and actor.
English Jane Goodall:Primatologist, anthropologist, and author
American Tom Petty:Musician, singer songwriter.
English Kim Cooling:Founder Animal SOS Sri Lanka.
Irish Bob Geldof: Musician, singer/songwriter, activist, humanitarian and Nobel Man of Peace 2005.
LBC Radio
The charities: League Against Cruel Sports. Compassion in World Farming, RSPCA, The Humane Research Trust, Animal SOS Sri Lanka, Water Aid, Refuge, War Child.
Close buddies, dog/animal lovers and guardians, all animal Rescue folk, Mother Nature and my boy Patch. 💝
And last but not least. All you wonderful bloggers here at WordPress.
May 2026 treat you kindly x
- In the begining
Share what you know about the year you were born.
There I was all ‘snug as a bug in a rug’. Cosy and warm, and then bam! I’m dragged brutally into the light. More than light. It was dazzlingly bright. It smelt funny, it was noisy, I was thirsty.
There were lots of people around watching as I was hung upside down by my ankles and smacked until I cried.Nice. I’m not sure I’d like to go through all that again!
They also forgot to mention a few things that wouldn’t be happening. That life would not be a bowl of cherries, or that it would be plain sailing…And nobody said it would be easy.
- R.I.P. Chris Rea 💜
Chris Rea 1951-2025 Rest easy, lovely man x
- True colours come shining through
Are you a good judge of character?
Thing is I just want (expect?) everyone I meet to be nice, decent folk. But they are not are they? And that when I get disappointed. From a small slight to a massive stab in the back, I so hated it when that happened.
Having said that I’ve always managed to get it the other was round too, thinking I wasn’t sure about someone and they turned out to be lovely.
Which brings me neatly to the point that’s best not to judge at all.
- Little pockets of happiness …with edit and afterthought
When are you most happy?
I’m thinking we have all worked out that happiness is not a destination. We can stop and enjoy a happy dance sometimes when we have a measure of inner alignment and all feels well with the world.
If we recognise and cherish those moments, they can help to fuel our well-being. The thing is, if you’re not feeling particularly happy at the moment because you are too tired, too stressed, or preoccipied, say, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unhappy. Simply getting on with life.
One blogger’s post I read today told how happy he feels just chillin’ in the bath. ( you know what I mean), and I totally get that. Someone else writes that moment after the family is packed off for the day and before the chores begin. Another say settling down for sleep. I guess most of us would agree how blissful that can be. It’s getting that happy vibe for a moment and loving it.
Each of us will experience it differently, of course, but some of mine?..
A day out shopping with a buddy, back in the day when we were minted. It makes me happy to think back to those days.
A pint and a catch-up with an old friend, fresh air, and exercise with the dog, in any weather, and then watching them sleep soundly afterwards. Waking up feeling rested. An unexpcted msg, a lottery win. Getting home safely after a long day. Good news about someone’s health issues.Feeling healthy oneself.
There are so many little pockets to be had and remembered. It’s a double whammy if you can have a good time and be able to relive it in your head. Your body doesn’t recognise it as a memory, so the dopamine kicks in
And today, the shortest day and longest night. Slowly we will notice the evenings staying lighter for longer. Spring waiting in the wings for us to enjoy. Bring it on!
Edit. After I posted this I was gazing out of the window watching the squirrel having his tea…and it occurred to me I’m of a sunny disposition, really. And that I have more than my share of those little pockets.🙏 I hope you guys do, too xxx
After thought. I’d like to add that I’m not immune to slithering down the rabbit hole. We all do it. But I’ve learnt to sit it out.
- Happy Winter Solstice
Forbes will tell you all if you want to know more about the beginning of the astronomical Winter
The shortest day and the longest night
- ” surprise!”
What was the last thing you did for play or fun?
Earlier today, I was just about ready to sit down and put pen to paper and respond to today’s DP.
It coincided with a rap at the door. Patch already there to have a face-off with the postman. Not feeling the festive vibe (Patch, that is) obvs. The scenario was that I could only open said door just a little way.
Postie and I jostled a tad to get a lovely big parcel through the gap. The handwriting gave the senders’ identity away in an instant. My lovely buddy from Cornwall.
Excited? You bet. Tomorrow is the day I prefer to celebrate at this time of year. The winter Solstice, so it was apt it had arrived today.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. A whole sackful of thoughtful gifts. Such generosity was a little overwhelming, and it took a minute or two to compose myself. Overreacting, I wonder if you’re thinking? Not a bit, I can tell you that in an instant.
When I read the DP I was originally going to tell you the blast I had jet washing the car the other day. There really is a lot of fun to be had for £6, I kid you not.
Keeper of the Swans by Rosemary Horne
But today’s surprise parcel takes precedence.
- How very fascinating
List your top 5 grocery store items.
Congratulations, WordPress! You have certainly excelled yourself! The mother of all assignments for us today.
‘Write your shopping list ‘
Yikes, this is surely going to be a post to draw the crowds.
OK, let’s do it. Coffee, number one every time. I would surely panic without this in the cupboard.
Then there is the oat milk to join said coffee. I’ve *kissed a lot of frogs to find my prince amongst the selection on the shelf of alternatives to milk. Some are absolutely rank, some not very nice, others at a push, a couple passable and my favourite. It was trial and error, but I got there.
Bread, prefably sourdough, but with not many slices in the bag, it can become costly to keep replacing every five minutes. Nice though!
Halloumi and/Feta. The culprits prevent me from being easily vegan. In fact it may have reached addiction level.
Chestnut mushrooms or Avocado’s.
And there you have it! Job done. Til the next time…
* For the uninitiated The Princess and the Frog is a children’s story book from way back when
- A few words from Mary Walker
Describe a man who has positively impacted your life.
This DP leads me to a sadness I have no wish to relive today.
So, as I love to do when there is an empty page below, I will fill it with words of others…
By Mary Walker, a contemporary poet from New Zealand
Freed
It was when the sun broke through
and danced through every raindrop,
turning gloom into something transcendent,
that I wondered
what if all that’s hard
just washed away?
What if the light came down
and freed us all
from guilt, regret and second-guessing?
What would there be
except light shining through water,
and each of us dancing?
- So last year
Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?
No picture had been painted in my mind’s eye for 2025 a year ago today.
I hadn’t begun blogging again, and I can’t pinpoint the moment the lights went back on. The first day of a new year seemed to be the obvious choice, but it took until February 1st.
It began quite tentatively, whilst I found my feet and then the Pneumonia train came hurtling down the track. I clearly hadn’t seen that coming, and it all but killed me, but I’ve lived to tell the tale.
Years in the past, when I had blogged, I hadn’t stumbled across the Daily Prompt. This time, it has helped a lot to begin unravelling reams of data/thoughts/ideas/observations/experiences that were stored in my head and clearly needed a sort out.
I certainly hadn’t planned to be where I am today on what WP tell me is a 320 day streak.
This photo decided on its own it wished to featured in today’s blog post, so I’ll let it be. 
Patch n me have survived another year, and putting aside a chunky lottery win, I imagine we’ll just carry on into next year as we’re are. Inshallah, a friend would hastliy add.
Yes, all being well, we’ll both stay fit and well and in good spirits..as I hope you who’ve read this far will also do. Happy New 2026 to you all.💚
- Living and learning
What skills or lessons have you learned recently?
‘Every day is a school day‘ is pretty much a mantra for me.
I’ve this lifelong learning thing going on, where I just want to keep soaking up information. And there is so much out there to absorb.
Currently, I am keen to replace some taps in the bathroom and will soon be heading to YouTube for a tutorial. I’m prepared for it to take a while, and I may mess up initially, but I’ll get there.
This ongoing curiosity I hold probably explains why I am fascinated by screen time, which depicts in-depth exploration of true crime or medical procedures and the processes they go through to get results with the likes of CSI, the forensics, the technologies available to the professionals.
It goes far beyond voyeurism I’m totally captivated by every second, by everything they do.
There is a tv show. ‘ Show’ is totally the wrong word. It’s sounds flip. Programme, is better. Dr James Adeley a senior coroner for Lancashire with Cause of Death. Another is Inside the Ambulance and for tonight 2 new episodes of 24 Hours in Police Custody.
It could sound morbid if you didn’t know me and that I watch it like a student.
A student of eternal learning, the University of Life thing folk sometimes mention. But that’s where I am WP.
- R & R
What cities do you want to visit?
Hey, WP. Whilst I am sharing a life with Patch, I won’t be visiting any cities overseas anytime soon. Simple as. But London, yes, it will always sparkle for me.
If I could go back in time to Downtown Amman, Jordan 20+ years ago, that would be good. I think these days I’d feel a tad vulnerable, though, with folk travelling through to hostile environments.
But the fact is, after a transient life, there is nothing better right now than to continue decompressing. It’s taking a remarkably long time to ‘ get over’ a lifetime of staying resilient.
To be still (for now) is kinda special
- Just a little cracked
Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.
‘ A Good Egg’. I’d be more than happy if this is what my buddies believed.
” The cracks are where the light gets in”
Leonard Cohen~ 1934-2016
- All cool this end
Tell us about your first day at something
Patch presented me with a first today.
I had in mind something else to write about, but hey, a lie-in until 9.20am. And not just a lie but an actual sleep.
No biggie, you may be thinking? But walk 6 months in my moccasins, and you’ll get the drift.
He often gets me up early doors, and often that’ll be me awake and chipper (ish). Or he’ll go back to bed but still be up before it’s light and expecting me to follow suit.
This morning? Whoa, what a treat. I let him out ( and he went quietly without waking the hood) at around 5am. That was cool, no probs, but then we settled back down and knew nothing until after 9 am. Yikes! That’s a first.
When we did go out, the sunshine in a blue sky was waiting for us. The car had defrosted, and it was pretty mild all things considered.
Himself took the lead, and after inspecting some greenery came back to the car waiting for his chauffeur to get his steps ( caravan steps, that he needs to get in the back seat, or boot, whichever takes his fancy at that particular moment)
We head off and see/hear Santa and his brass band playing in The Square. ‘ In the bleak mid winter ‘no less. Words by the ever wonderful Christina Rossetti.
Out of the car and passing other peeps here and there, a smile, a ‘ hey’ or ‘good morning’ in one case a brief chat at the abundance of scarlet berries and another around why the Catkins are out.( We had no idea) It was lovely. The grass under our feet heavy with dew and sparkled in the sun. Surreal, explains it best. To be rested is sublime.
- Joseph
Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?
Tim Rice was only 20 years old and Andrew Lloyd Webber 17, when the seeds were sown for what was to become a blockbuster of a musical.
On the stage of a little primary school in Birmingham, UK, along with class mates, we performed a short fifteen minute oratorio of Joseph and The Amazing Coloured Dreamcoat.
I get taken straight back there to this day when I hear the opening line 🎶 ” I closed my eyes, drew back the curtain…” Beautiful.
The world premiere of their latest collaboration, Sherlock Holmes and the 12 days of Christmas was held at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre ( The Rep) on November 14th this year. Initially, for a short festive season only the show has been extended due to popular demand.
Oh, to be a Creative of such magnitude. One can only dream.
- Come rain or shine
What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?
Walking my dog three times a day 🐾🐾
Once again, WP, I find that I have an empty page now, so I can fill it with words of another. My favourite poets are mostly from a time gone by, but today something different.
FEATHERS
Each morning I walk the valley
treading the same worn path,
though no bird flies over the same way twice,
the bees attend different flowers,
cicadas sing where yesterday there were none,
and the hawk is scanning new trees.
A feather lies in wait for me,
having fallen from the sky.
No feather will fall in quite the same way;
not in this spot, from that height,
to be caught between two heads of rye.
The land looks the same each day
but is different in a thousand small ways.
We wake thinking one day is much like another,
that we are still who we were the day before,
or we can let ourselves be changed.
We are as new as the world we see;
what looks familiar is not.
Notice what is happening, be the response to your day.
Be delighted, be surprised,
expect feathers.
By Mary Walker, a contemporary poet from New Zealand
- Judge thee not
What is something others do that sparks your admiration?
Folk wisdom suggests you don’t know someone until you live with them. This I understand as people can be pretty clever at hiding their true selves.
I’ve never been a good judge of character, often someone turning out quite differently than I had initially/momentarily thought/decided ( a lesson there for me about not being judgemental in the first place)
Having said that, there are things people do that sparks my admiration. In fact, there are lots of things, but to be generous of spirit, that is a truly fine quality to be admired and totally respected.
- Words today by Rumi
What’s your favourite cartoon?
Hey, WP. Like lots of people, I enjoy screentime, but it never occurs to me to watch cartoons.
There was a day I’d sit with kids and enjoy their squeals of joy over some slapstick moment-or watch them totally engrossed in a new animated movie. But that was way back when.
And so, with little else to say, I’ll do what I love to do at times like this-hand over the space to someone special.
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning, a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honourably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.By Jalaluddin Rumi ( 1207~1273)
Translated by Coleman Barks
- Tick-Tock ( typos corrected! duh)
What could you do less of?
Hey, WP. An easy one to answer today, with little thought.
A while back I stepped back from the Socials. It sort of happened organically, without planning. Maybe my subconscious giving me a dig, telling me time was passing at an alarming rate, and there were other things I could or should be doing.
All was well, no cold turkey going on, nada, and then I get wind of a WP buddy checking into Tik Tok early each morning for a few minutes whilst he’s out walking with his dog, Lily.
By now, the faithfuls will have gathered dogs are my thing. I couldn’t resist reinstalling the app and opening a new account.
I get to see them briefly during their walk, and after they are well gone, I’m still there, aren’t I? An hour later, watching cats knock items off shelves and dogs being so goofy, and I’m laughing, out loud to the extent Patch looks concerned, thinking I may need help.
But I don’t. I know I am back to spending too much time on Tik Tok, and I really should do less of it-but hey, laughing feels good!
- Positively 2025
What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?
Spring 2024 was an absolute washout. We were robbed of what is a beautiful season. All that newness. Mother Earth awakening and showing us bursts of growth and colour for the first time in months. It didn’t happen then, but this year, it did, in a truly spectacular way.
Summer was a surprise, and what a treat! England basking in brilliant sunshine day in and day out.
Autumn, not to be out done was majestic. The colours so bold and vibrant.
There, we had three traditional seasons in a row. What will winter bring?
Personal events to celebrate included a very happy birthday, a car which passed its MOT. A clear mammogram and a lovely holiday with old friends.
- *Myself and Other Animals
Do you ever see wild animals?
For such a huge animal lover, I’m pretty much starved of seeing them in the wild.
I’ll get a whiff of fox or hear about ‘those wretched badgers’ ( that gets my hackles up, of course!), and I’ll get an occasional glimpse of a Muntjac, It’s all very sad, really.
We were out just before sun up this morning and crossed paths with an escapee pheasant, wandering lost and alone without his family ( they would have all be slaughtered at the hands/guns of nobs, yesterday)
We didn’t see today, but sometimes a rabbit, sitting close to the road, oblivious to the traffic-clearly in the throes of Mixymotosis- another horror cooked up by Man. The cruelty/abuse of animals will never end.
I’m presently trying to befriend a crow that hangs around here sometimes, but they are remarkably skittish for such a large bird. Oh, talking of birds, there was a Red Kite out and about early this morning, too.
Squirrels, how can I forget those. They’re always around much to the annoyance of Patch.
*I’ve taken the title for today’s DP from an autobiography by Gerald Durrell. ( 1925~1995)
Gerald Durrell And now I shall go and read what the others have to say about wildlife they get to see. I’m sure bloggers from other countries are going to have more interesting sightings -ooh. I wonder if anyone will mention brown bears? I love those!
- Cornwall/Kernow
Do you have a favourite place you have visited? Where is it?
Having written about it several times this year, I’ll just share some holiday snaps. Cornwall on the far SW coast of England.
433 miles of coastline and over 300 beaches ⛱️
- Are you positive?
Share five things you’re good at.
I guess there are going to be some spectacular achievements and abilities revealed today in response to this DP. I look forward to reading those and being suitably impressed.
Mine? Well, there won’t be any loud applause coming my way as I reveal five things I’m fairly good at, but that’s fine.
What’s the best thing? Knowing I am giving Patch his best life. Without any conditions. Yes, if I had a squeak, he’d gut me like a fish, but hey ho.
I’m definitely good at never getting/ being bored. I can always find something to do if that’s what is called for. Also, I’ve got chilling off to an art.
Next? Umm, I enjoy a good sense of humour. I like funny. I love funny people and/or folk who make some effort to be upbeat. I had given up the Socials, but I have been lured back into TikTok recently. There are things there-animal antics, mostly, that do make me laugh out loud.
I guess this one sort of continues from the last. I’m good at not taking my life too seriously. What’s the point?
And lastly, but not leastly. Gratitude. I’m properly good at that. No, I’m I’m not an angel, and I do lust after ‘things’ or a lifestyle I’m unlikely to achieve. But importantly, I recognise I have what I need
IN THE BOOMER PIGEON HOLE? 