Well, it’s not today…

28th Apr 2025 Joey JonesLeave a comment

When do you feel most productive?

Productivity is not on the menu for me today, I’m afraid.

Talk to me

26th Apr 202526th Apr 2025 Joey JonesLeave a comment

What topics do you like to discuss?

It depends whom I’m talking to, where and when. If they are into animals and especially dogs we are by definition on the same page. If the welfare of animals, their rights and needs is something they are interested in, then we’re pretty much in the same paragraph, if not sentence.

A shared interest is always nice. Makes for an easy-going time. But it doesn’t have to be so. I love listening to a person with a passion for something. They way they light up and become animated, is great. So many years ago now I used to work along side a lad who loved rock climbing. Personally I would rather stick pins in my eyes, than try it…but to hear him chat on about his lastest adventure was quite something. Even the actions of holding on with his fingertips, he’d show me. That conversation must have made an impact, for me to remember it so vividly. A similar moment, but much more recently was a young talented designer/builder. Usually the quietest of young men, he came to life as he told me about his latest project. His enthusiasm was infectious and the positive vibe he excuded lifted my spirits.

I don’t enjoy being trapped in a room/area with lots of people. ( Weirdly it’s what I dream about the most, but usually set in a big building) as I struggle with small talk. Direct personal questions, horrible! On the other hand brief light-hearted banter with strangers I find enjoyable. Those seconds out of your day when you can share a mutual laugh or smile about something, as you cross paths.

Of course with old friends you don’t have to talk at all, if that suits the mood of the moment. Often sharing views on current affairs/ politics, health, nutrition, pollution, world leaders, the lack of clean water for all,for example. That long list of topics you could chat together about into the night. Or not.

So to directly answer the Prompt today I’d say dogs, dogs and more dogs….but if folk want to tell me about their families, their concerns, hopes, skills, opinions or dreams for the future, I’m all ears!

P.S. How does the picture I have posted today have anything to do with what I’ve written about? It doesn’t, but it’s pretty, eh?

Nah, not feelin’ it today…

25th Apr 202527th Apr 2025 Joey Jones8 Comments

When is the last time you took a risk? How did it work out?

Oh WordPress, really? Didn’t we do a ‘risk’ thing, yesterday?

Into the Twilight Zone

24th Apr 202524th Apr 2025 Joey Jones3 Comments

Describe a risk you took that you do not regret.

Im not ready to share with you how I lost my eldest brother, or what happened a few months later which completely floored me. How close can one get to the edge without going over? R.I.P lovely man.

What I can tell you though is in the aftermath I took a risk accepting a job in Saudi Arabia ( why I did is a also for another time). It was a risk. I was flying into the unknown. A country so far removed from anything I had ever known before. Very very strange. I would be joining a Saudi family. Not safe and secure in some expat compound, but bam! right there in the middle of things. I stayed two years and learnt a different way of living. What an experience! This is a strict Muslim country and I can’t still couldnt decide where I was between Paganism and Buddhism.

Let me tell you about one image from that time which will never leave my mind. Once seen cannot be unseen.

It was a Friday, maybe the start of Ramadan, possibly Eid. So long ago now I can’t recall. ( 1999?) What I do remember is being in their family car, driven by the Sheikh on our way to the beach house. It never rains in Saudi. Well, it does, but not very often. On this particular day it was pouring down and along the road was carnage, as drivers and cars unable to cope with the onslaught of wet weather crashed into each other and/or simply veered right off the roadway.

We made to our destination safely and on arrival the first thing I saw was a goat tied to a tree. I must have said ‘ Aww’ out loud. The Sheikh turned to me and said ‘dont get too attached’. I let that wash and every chance I had that day I spent it with the goat. Yes, I am the sort of person who goes to a party and seeks out any animals in the vicinity, to spend the time with.

Being either a holiday or a weekend we were to repeat the trip next day. It was especially busy on arrival, so I didn’t notice if Goat was there or not. As ever the place was filled with cooking smells and through the glass doors I could see the girls preparing the long table with huge plates of food. It was always like this when we visited. They know how to put on a spread these guys. I had some time to myself so went into the kitchen to see everyone. Over time we had become friendly. They obviously had a lot going on, so I didn’t linger and get in the way. Thought the swing doors I took myself into the dining room..and there he was, Goat. Sitting upright on a silver platter, roasted. Whoa!

And I cannot unsee that, or forget how I felt.

Going to Saudi was a risk and I don’t regret it for a minute….but then

came the perfect escape. With the stars aligned, I was head-hunted for a job in the neighbouring country of Jordan. Off I went and never looked back.

Once upon a time….

23rd Apr 202523rd Apr 2025 Joey Jones10 Comments

Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?

We are all flawed. Simple as. There are many many things over the years I wish I had done differently and it doesn’t make me feel great to think about them. But there is one, about writing….and that’s why we’re here after all. So it seems apt to tell you about it.

Many moons ago. Getting on for 25 years, I guess, I had an idea for a children’s picture book. I was living overseas and with a co- worker had the charge of three small children 24/6. It was a great job and we travelled the world together….but that’s a different story.

I want to tell you about the dog and the crow. At that time I was reading a lot to the kids. Several times a day, at least. So I got to know what they enjoyed. Which books were their favourites.

As I was living in India at the time I chose to base my story there. A street dog and a crow were standing over a puddle. They were having a face-off….The crow didn’t trust the dog to go first because he would drink all the water..and the dog didn’t want the crow to go first because by taking a bath in the puddle, it would become dirty and not fit to drink. So they squabbled and squabbled and in the meantime the sun was shining so brightly it dried up the puddle. Leaving them both with nothing.

I loved the story, but realised the graphics would be a bit lame. Only a dog a crow and a puddle on each page. So I put it aside, did nothing with it. Very short sighted of me!

What I should have done is find an amazing illustrator who could bring the story alive with their artwork. Early years children love all the little picture details that accompany a tale.

With the story set in India there were all manner of animals, wildlife, people watching on. The pages could have been filled with wonderment. It could have been a lovely children’s book.

Earth, Wind and Fire

22nd Apr 202523rd Apr 2025 Joey Jones3 Comments

What makes you nervous?

Nervousness is triggered by our body’s response to stress. The threats can be real or imagined and shows just how powerful the nervous system is. We want and need it to work, but just sometimes we become overwhelmed and that’s when fight or flight kick-in.

What makes me nervous is being out in the car when it’s really very windy. I vividly imagine a tree falling on my car, at any moment, which doesn’t usually end well. In the UK 5-6 people per year die this way. However, the HSE, Health and Safety Executive categorise this risk as ‘ broadly acceptable’. 😳 I kid you not.

Personally all adverse weather conditions tend to freak me out, somewhat. It rapidly reminds me how insignificant we are, up against the elements. They are the forces to be reckoned with as the Earth fights back and shows us exactly who is boss.

In England we are relatively sheltered from the worst of it. Snow falling for a few days and the whole country comes to a standstill. Laughable to those from more eastern zones.

But there is no humour to be found in Tsunami’s, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, landslides, avalanches, whirlwinds, tornadoes, flooding and droughts, causing destruction and famine.

Extreme weather conditions make me very nervous indeed!

If you aren’t paying for a service, you are the service, they say.

21st Apr 202523rd Apr 2025 Joey Jones3 Comments

How do you unwind after a demanding day?

I am very grateful to Matt Mullenweg and his co-founder Mike Little for this space they have given us for free. ( Yep, we can pay for premium) Allowing us to say/write what we want when we want. I don’t know who originally coined the phrase ‘ if you’re not the service/product……….’ Several claim it was their thought first off. Tristan Harris and Andrew Lewis have both had their names attached to it. But here in this tiny corner it isn’t the case is it? They really do let us have it for free. No strings. Thank you, Sirs.

Today, if I may, I’d like to address the department which is Daily Prompt. Being a relative newbie here I am not noticing any repeats, but many of the other guys mention it from time to time. I think I could handle a couple of them as there is always something left unsaid, or another angle to come from. But already I digress, that’s not what I initially wanted to say.

So, today you are asking how do we all unwind after a demanding day. Thing is I have now got off the treadmill and escaped that rat race. So, unwinding is second nature. Something I have perfected to the extreme, you could say. Zen it is.

But actually it’s not about me ( for a change) I write about today….but the folk who love to come here to write who are physically, mentally or emotionally unable to partake in a demanding day. And now how ridiculous that sounds as the words leave my head and I look at them in print! Life for those with challenges are almost by definition demanding, aren’t that? Silly me!

What I am trying to say and not very well is how much thought goes into the Daily Prompts, you generously supply us with each morning. How hard do you consider the bigger picture? Sometimes you ask about family or parents, what if some of the folk here don’t have any, what if someone doesn’t have a demanding day, not for the want of trying, but they just can’t. There are lots of prompts/scenarios that don’t resonate, simply don’t evoke anything at all?

And here is where you emphasize they are prompts not briefs….I really am not complaining WordPress, as I said I’m having fun here, I just look at that bigger picture and wonder how folk are going to answer…..and that’s the point, I guess. Mmmm.

For the record listening to rainfall on an app is the ultimate way for me to chill……which is a bit strange really, as extreme weather is something I fear.

I would be truly amazed if anyone has actually read to the end here. If you have, I thank you for taking the time out today. Have yourselves a safe and pleasant day. Best wishes All xxx

Navigating the Wild West

20th Apr 202520th Apr 2025 Joey JonesLeave a comment

How do you use social media?

Once you have learnt to bypass the fake news, AI generated content, advertising and plagiarism and given a wide berth to the Influencers ( do people really forget they are paid to endorse those products?) you are on your way. Rants, raves, negativity and nastiness pushed aside the path becomes much clearer and you can reach your objective quite easily.

I love Bluesky. From there I can get links to news items and lifestyle articles from The Guardian, the only unbiased newspaper out there, it seems to me.It gives me access to things that make me smile, laugh out loud on occasions. Heartwarming things appear there too. We all need those from time to time to counteract just how brutal life is getting out there.

Weirdly I get totally taken in by hairdressing clips. Dogs agility will hold my attention for way too long.

On the Socials I can chat to old friends and make new ones, and do have the apps for most of the platforms, but use them in varying degrees, depending on my mood. I’m enjoying the WordPress Daily Prompt a great deal and from The Reader I get to see the latest posts from those lovely peeps I subscribe to. It’s so interesting to read other folks slant on life.

I’d like to leave Twitter, but some of the charitable organisations I follow, mainly animal rescue related, are there only. I respond and repost to all their posts about rehoming the often broken souls, so brutally abandoned and abused.

If I need to lean how to do something I’ll go straight to YouTube. I have my trusted companion of course, but even with four legs it’s limited what he can achieve. And anyways if he’s not playing, sunbathing, out walking or eating, he’s asleep.

To keep my grey matter in place I’ll play games of all descriptions most days….and yes, I scroll….for longer than I should, but hey. I’m not hurting anyone.