Not the same thing?

Joey Jones14 Comments

Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

Hey WP, I know their definitions differ, but I see lazy going hand in hand with unproductive.

I would not care to be classified as a lazy person, per se, but I think now I’ve reached advanced years, I should be able to loll around if I want to. Just bouts of laziness to enjoy for a while. But guilt will inevitably come knocking on the door, and it’s best not to answer to it, else the enjoyment vanishes in an instant.

So WP, when I am in lazy mode, I am really very unproductive. Nada. Nothing happening. Simple as.

You will be pleased to know when that spell is over. I’m up and about getting stuff done. And how virtuous one can feel after cleaning the bathroom, hoovering the stairs and the like, it’s quite something.

Now then rested that’s another ball-game altogether. It’s simply divine.  This almost reaches the stage of an out of body experience. And it really does not happen enough.

Patch will have a spell of faffing around during the night and with the bedroom window open as far into the winter as I can cope with…there will often be things going creepeth out there. One of the gorgeous felines from the hood having the audacity to tip toe along the fence or have a face-off with another cat and His Nibs is not best pleased, and he makes sure I know of his displeasure. So a broken sleep is the norm for us, and that’s not conducive to ever feeling rested.

But my goodness when it does show its face from time to time it’s sublime .

Another day another dollar

Joey Jones4 Comments

When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?

Elon Musk.

He is the wealthiest man in the world. This South African has 500 billion dollars to his name. So, in monetary terms, the boy’s done good. Not a rag to riches story by any stretch, but still…

And of course the saying goes ‘ money can’t buy you happiness’…but if an electric bill doesn’t unerve you a tad, then there’s happiness to be had.

What goes on behind closed doors is a totally different matter. Whether Mr Musk is successful in other areas of his life is another thing. Word is he has issues.

To get your ducks lined up whilst the plates spin is no mean feat. Which brings us to balance. Maintaining a healthy outlook with gratitude and compassion. To have empathy and the ability to be kind to ourselves and others. To be truthful, authentic…and content. That is success.

It’s a good job really that Elon Musk has a shed load of money..to date he has 13 children and their mothers to support.

who knew?

Joey Jones4 Comments

The wonderful thing about having a few days where you feel out of sorts is when it passes. My heart goes out to those who find that pass doesn’t come.

It was a Squirrel-bless him, who brought me back to life, this time.

There was this scrapping noise going on outside. It was unusual. Not something I’d heard before. Strange. With just one window open, I could hear it.

I looked out and saw Squirrel gnawing down on an upside down plant pot. Initially, I wondered if he was digging for nutrients he was short of. A valid point. But get this…there is every chance he was filing down his teeth. Yikes. Did you know that the teeth of squirrels keep growing, and they need to do their own dentistry like this?

Amazing.

Blankety Blank

Joey Jones6 Comments

What could you try for the first time?

I had a sneak peak at today’s DP last night, and nothing came to mind. ‘Sleep on it’, I told myself. So I did, but the song remains the same. Inspiration is not with me today.

But what I don’t say often enough is a big thank to my fellow bloggers and readers who often stop by to read and acknowledge a post…even better when you drop in the Comments to say hi.

Bye for now. Have yourselves a happy day.

Keeping it real

Joey Jones10 Comments

What principles define how you live?

It was still dark outside when Patch was nudging me to get up. I’d had an early night, so it was no hardship.

We set off torch in hand to the closest green space and little wooded area. It was mild and calm. The birds sounded relaxed as they chatted idly. The light mist made me think of the soft Irish rain that gets written about in literature. The smell of nature this morning was divine. Crab apples scattered on the ground were bumpy and  slippery under my wellies.

But I was feeling a bit down. Sad, even.

Whether Patch sensed this or not, I have no way of knowing. But instead of walking back home to collect the car to take his adventure further afield, he kept on walking. He was clearly on a mission. I felt relieved. Straight into a long walk suited me just fine.

I had been giving some thought to today’s DP. Principles that define us, and got to thinking sometimes however much you try to be the best version of yourself, there’s no pleasing some people.

Where this train of thought had come from, I have no idea, but being out with my trusted companion in the fresh air as the day was breaking was the very best thing to be doing.

Patch led me on a walk for over an hour. We saw lights come on. Cars leave drives. Dog walkers aplenty. There was traffic, but there was no rush.

It’s light now but overcast. Another grey Monday morning for many. All those lives, all those stories.

Procrastination Inc

Joey Jones7 Comments

What have you been putting off doing? Why?

Well then, WP, thanks for today’s DP. It’s going to be a tricky one to pull off, and that’s for sure.

You really think peeps are going to be even mildly interested in  how I keep putting off tidying up the shed and getting outside winter-ready? Rock n Roll.

And why I keep putting it off? Well….because I can.

Edit…A few moments after finishing this quite slim post, I decided to cowboy-up and go out there this morning and get things sorted. So all has not been lost. Maybe it has been an inspiring DP, after all! Thank you, WP.

The Child Within

Joey Jones13 Comments

When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?

There are times when you have to be the grown-up in the room..and other times there is room to be something else.

When your charges need direction or affection, when their wellbeing and safety is your priority, then the grown up is there. Willing, able, capable  reliable. Down-time opens the door a little for the child within to appear and join in the fun.

It’s about getting the balance right ( I guess we could say that about anything, everything in life). Recognising and acknowledging the time and place.

I have no idea if everyone has their child inside still active. No idea at all. But I am grateful mine is there, in the wings, just waiting to escape from time to time.

*Note to self when looking for images to accompany a blog post, it’s probably best not to put ‘ adult’ in the search box.

R.I.P John Lodge ðŸ’œ

Joey Jones1 Comment

Another Brummie bites the dust. Returns to dust.

John Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966. Along with Justin Hayward. As a kid, I’d hear them on the radio. So very proud they were from Birmingham.

He suffered a stroke in 2023 and had been recovering, albeit slowly. Word is he passed quickly and unexpectedly.

When will we ever learn how fragile we are? And not to presume there will be a tomorrow?

Short changed

Joey Jones6 Comments

If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to?

Firstly a million dollars is only £750.000. Us Brits need to put in for a raise. You know, level up, I think they call it these days! Thank you. So I have a million pounds now? Good.

There is a special older lady I know. I’m going to skim a nice chunk off the top and pass it on to her to do with as she wishes.

There are 171 registered charities in the UK ( a gross annual income over £5000) and many more struggling to make ends meet. Often, animal rescues.

There is an English lady called Kim Cooling who began Animal SOS Sri Lanka in 2007, having been helping  street dogs overseas for some time.

Kim now has over 2400 dogs in her care, and she really needs help to do what she and her team does to the best of their abilities.I would be honoured to be able to provide substantial financial assistance. The stress of responsibility must be immense. She has my utmost respect.

http://www.animalsos.sl.com