The Kindness Of Strangers

Joey Jones7 Comments

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

There is a beauty

that walks in the darkness,

makes its way

among the bombs

and broken lives,

offers blankets

and shoulders to cry on

puts on kettles

and bandages,

mends what it can,

and asks

for not one thing back,

as it wraps

in its arms

the troubled night,

and waits

for morning

and its pale sunlight……….

* The Kindness Of Strangers was written by Bill Bilston

Every day is a school day

Joey Jones6 Comments

Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.

Goodness WordPress ‘a ‘ descion ?! Learning and growing has been a bit of a theme that I’m happy to say continues with me to this day and hopefully will accompany me until the end of my life.

‘ Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever’ – Mahatma Ghandi

Like everyone I’ve made good and bad descions and hopefully will have learnt from those choices along the way. Not always though! It can take a while of trying and getting the same results, before it sinks in.

‘What doesn’t kill you….’ and all that.

By listening to my beloved LBC London Radio every day I’m learning something pretty much from the off. This commercial station is mostly unbiased, though there are a couple of presenters I find a bit off. But there is light and shade everywhere, I guess. The early morning show with Nick Ferrari ( yes, I mention him a lot, don’t I? Lol) is the immediate news going on and from that I get the shape of the day. It starts my engine and from there the doors to my mind are open. Deep thinking, day dreaming, remembering, changing my mind.

Perhaps one of the latest descions I made was to get back into blogging here at WordPress. I’d started before but somehow lost momentum along the way. This time it’s different and I love the daily prompt to kick start the process.

I don’t use all the bells and whistle available here because this space provided is enough, for now. I just do my stuff and along the way I’m crossing paths with some interesting people, which I am really enjoying.

Thanks for reading this far…The encouragement I get from you acknowledging my existence is nice, very nice x

Where on Earth

Joey Jones1 Comment

What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why?

There are 195 countries, deciding on one not to visit was initially difficult. Until I gave up, with 76 ‘so far’ on the list.

I’m not adverse to overseas travel. There have been good times had in lots of different places, over the years. But that was then.

Please do not take it personally if you are from any of the following. Yesterday I gained a new subscriber ( thank you BMA) and I hope I don’t lose them because of what I’m about to say ….

Human and animal rights, or the lack of them. The terrain or simply the place creeps me out, I cite as the reasons behind my call. Here goes …

Russia

China

Iran

Iraq

Israel

North Korea

USA

Afghanistan

South Sudan

Libya

Okay, I’ll stop there. You don’t really want me to go on, I know.

Sadly I would have to add Syria and Lebanon. Two countries I so wanted to visit before the powers-that-be trashed them.

The doors of the asylum opened and out came our world leaders. They should hang their heads in shame…..

Dear Lily…..Thank you x

Joey Jones11 Comments

Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.

Today, once at again I’m tapping away on my tablet, with my left hand only. The dog currently commandeering the whole of my right side. Lily would smile at this comical stance, I’m sure. She liked dogs and had a lovely thick coated crossbreed called Darkie. There was a cat at her house too. Liquorice a tabby plus.

Genetically I wasn’t related to Lily, but she did more for me in the years she looked after me than anything my blood relatives ever did. Today I would like to honour her and give thanks for everything.

I was only two weeks old when this wonderful soul came into our lives. With two young sons and a new baby my mom was struggling to cope. I am sure my dad would have been of little or no help at all.

And so it was when Lily’s own daughter fled the nest ( more about her (SB) in a future post) that I was invited into the void she had left behind, her bedroom became mine and I was safe. At the same time my own mom had fled, too. Without the safety net which was Lily I don’t know how I would have coped, at all.

There is so much more to write about her and my life with her, but for now to answer the DP. What positive thing a family member has done for me? The answer is she did everything she possibly could do for me. I thank you. R.I.P 💜

*Also, thank you SB for sharing your mom with me x

Arthur….I haven’t forgotten you x

Food for the soul

Joey Jones3 Comments

What is your favorite restaurant?

It is called ‘ Francis de Sales ‘ by the owners, but’ Franky’s ‘ by the many regular customers.

In a decommissioned chapel, set back from the road and in the shadow of a mighty oak, stands  this beautiful building with the original stained glass windows and pews. The stone floor and decorative tiles are a sight to behold.

Open from 12 noon to 8pm, 5 days a week, it’s wise to book if you are intent on eating there. If not rock up and hope for the best.

No meat or dairy but impressive cocktails and delicious food. In keeping with the changing seasons the menu varies throughout the year. Comforting soups, tagines, and old school veggie meals  are favourites throughout the winter and spectacular Buddha Bowls when the weather is warmer. All the usual suspects; sesame tofu, grains, beans, lentils and rice dishes. The bread is made locally and as many ingredients as possible are sourced from as close to the building as possible.

Children and dogs are welcomed and always the accompanying adults do a great job of keeping the ambiance calm and pleasant. With immediate access to an adjoining side room big sofas and drawing equipment and toys are available to the kids to chill.

There is background music, loud enough to distract from the conversation of other parties, but quiet enough to be able to relax and enjoy the moment.

Outside the old graves are still tended to and an unspoken respect attaches itself to the customers as they come and go.

The key to this environment is balance….and I’d say they’ve got it in spot on!

Wishing your life away? Please don’t

Joey Jones2 Comments

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

It was probably a warm and sunny morning in late May 1995,when Christopher Reeves set off to participate in an equestrian event.

The American actor is well known for his role as Superman. He may even have felt pretty confident the day would go his way.

Little did he know his life was about to change forever. He fell from his horse, landing on his head and leaving him paralysed from the neck down for the rest of his life.

I think we should think about and remember this true story, from time to time.

I would like to change the word ‘ Where’ in today’s Prompt, to ‘ How’.

In 10 years time I would like to be breathing. Healthy and mobile. Secure and content.

Carpe Diem

Joey Jones4 Comments

What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?

It makes me happy to stand at the open door with a cup of coffee listening to and watching the birds go about their day. I love that.

To be out in nature with my dog. Especially now that Spring is kicking in and the world is coming to life, and there is warmth in the sun.

After a busy times, it makes me so happy not to have to be anywhere…or should that be somewhere? Lol. Freedom is a wonderful thing!

Between my home and next door, out front,  is a raised bed. A few months ago my neighbour gave me permission to do with it as I will.I planted bulbs and various young plants. It makes me happy to tend to that and generally pottering around

And…gratitude. Being grateful. Counting my blessings. How can that not make you happy?

Whilst I am on the subject of gratitude, I would like to thank you my subscribers. For those of you who read and acknowledge my posts.  That ‘ like’ tells me you were here and where you are from. I love it when you comment, so please do say hello. ‘ til next time..