Once upon a Time

What book could you read over and over again?

Going from an avid reader and devouring books, I became a non-reader. It happened organically, too. It wasn’t planned. So, the idea I may re-read something? Nah, that’s not going to happen anytime soon.

My lifestyle has predicted I would not be granted the luxury of being a hoarder, should I wish to be one.

I’ve culled my book collection so many times, I’ve lost count. Leaving me a small pile of read and unread.

Amongst the ‘yet to read’ is a book given to me at Christmas by a thoughtful and lovely friend- Thank you, Trish. Maybe she ( a reader)  thought the subject would get me back into it? And she would be right, except for one thing, I wondered if the story would make me cry.

If a movie starts and I get the feeling it won’t end well for the animal prominently portrayed, I will turn it off immediately. It’s just who I am.

The book I have at the very top of the list to begin is The Wisdom Of Old Dogs. Lessons in life, love, and friendship. By Elli H Radinger.

Ironically, I thought i could get back into reading when Patch was no longer sharing my life, I would have all those extra hours in my day, not walking with him. But it maybe the pages would be wet with tears?.

‘Friendship is Magic’

If you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why?

If I could be any character, I’d pick Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony. She’s basically joy with hooves-baking cupcakes, throwing parties, and occasionally defying the laws of physics just because it’s Tuesday. 


She’s the pony who can turn a disaster into a dance number, and honestly, that feels like a life skill worth borrowing. If I’m going to be anyone, let me be the one with the party cannon and the unshakeable belief that everything is better with sprinkles.

Charles Bukowski

What animals make the best/worst pets?

You may have read (thank you for stopping by) in my posts that I share my life with Patch-the dog. But I also love cats. Fact is I’m a total animal lover.

What follows is a light, gentle poem by quite an interesting character who grew up in Los Angeles …

My Cats

I know. I know.
they are limited, have different
needs and
concerns.

but I watch and learn from them.
I like the little they know,
which is so
much.

they complain but never
worry,
they walk with a surprising dignity.
they sleep with a direct simplicity that
humans just can’t
understand.

their eyes are more
beautiful than our eyes.
and they can sleep 20 hours
a day
without
hesitation or
remorse.

when I am feeling
low
all I have to do is
watch my cats
and my
courage
returns.

I study these
creatures.

they are my
teachers.

Charles Bukowski (1920~1994)

Giving your time

What job would you do for free?

Walking the dog/s of folk who need some help, I would happily do,  but there are several pet service businesses around here. If word got out, I was doing for free, I’d be lynched, I’m sure.

In the past I’ve worked in charity shops, and enjoyed that. Especially when I get to do the window display. Years back I worked at an Oxfam shop ( some time ago dubious behaviour by outreach workers was reported, though. Which is shameful)

There are several local food banks. I have already thought about asking them if they need an extra pair of hands.

Or maybe a hospital visitor. I am sure there are people who have no one close by to drop by, say hello, and hopefully  cheer up a little?

I think if we put our minds to it, we could all find a little something to do to make the world a better place.

Foiled

What Olympic sports do you enjoy watching the most?

Fencing is televised but not on any channel I have. There are many production challenges, and it is difficult to follow, so maybe why it’s not more accessible.

Technology will soon be broadly stepping in, and before long, I think it may become a different but more exciting watch for a wider audience.

Hope you don’t mind

How would you improve your community?

As an outsider to this hood, I can tell you the community has absolutely nailed it. There is nothing I could do or say to improve it.

Instead, as you know, when given the space, I will put the words of others. Several of you have told me you love this poem, as do I. So I’m sure you won’t mind me posting it again..and again..and again 🐦‍⬛

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.

By Emily Dickinson ( 1830~1886)

Keep on dreaming

How have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic? ****** If it’s all the same to you, WP, I’ll give this DP a miss and use the space for the words of another..

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

By Langston Hughes
(1901~1967)


‘ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,’ Eleanor Roosevelt

60 minutes in the life of

What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

A gentle breeze kisses my cheek.As I open my eyes, I see the floor-length feather-light billowing curtains part. A ray of sunshine lets itself in.

Stretching like a cat feels good. I rise and slip into a swimsuit, tightening the belt of my robe around my waist. Downstairs freshly brewed coffee sits ready on the marble surface.

Heading outside to the infinity pool, I feel the sun has warmth in it already, but the tiles beneath my feet hold just a hint of a chill.

The tide is out and the beach is quiet.

The water wraps around me, caressing my skin and time stands still.

Hunger pangs arrive, and on the balcony, I find my breakfast laid out. Watermelon juice, and more coffee. Olives, labneh, za’atar, avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, markook, and eggs. Bliss.

The Reality

Patch roughly nudges me awake. It’s still a little dark. It is a lot cold. I get dressed quickly in the first things I can find, pull on a coat, put on a hat, and head out. The End

Like peas in a pod…or not

Which aspects do you think makes a person unique?

We all agree, I reckon that it’s our genetic make-up, our DNA, that is the mother of our uniqueness?

After that, it’s pretty much the wildwest-I was going to say where do we start? But I guess the beginning is a good place as any.

We were created by and from two souls who brought a whole bunch of baggage to the table.

Our upbringing and could on the surface be similar to a sibling, but there will be differences from the off. And dont forget, identical twins will have different fingerprints.

The conditioning that is absorbed and that rejected. An inane sense of self may begin quite young. There again, maybe sometimes that never develops.

Does a child feel supported, guided, safe, and loved? Is it well fed and nourished in all ways every single child should? Everything that happens around them will affect their way of looking at the world. Or do they look the other way in denial, shutting down their developing brains for safe keeping?

Personal life experiences, triumphs, failures,challenges,perspectives, perceptions, values, beliefs, morals, passions, natural abilities, goals,authenticity, and  choice? It all has an effect.

Our ability or inability to express ourselves with so many varying communication styles. Or unable to at all, causing innumerable issues.

Where does self-reliance and strength of character become a thing?

When/how is an honest or dishonest person formed?

What makes a human being kind, open, friendly, and compassionate?

Why are some folk cold, hard, remote?

What makes us unique is a topic worthy of a thesis. Methinks

How complex.

I hear you

If you could have something named after you, what would it be?

The building would not have my name, but a nod in a way, to someone from my past or present, whom I hold in my heart.

A space where people can go to be heard.  Be listened to.

Men, women, elderly, young, I think there are probably many who would welcome being able to slip into a hub and speak freely, without interruption or judgement. And be able to leave feeling lighter, less burdened.