Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.
Leaving Southern India and returning to the UK was a very difficult phase in my life to say goodbye to. This coming October it will be 20 long years since I arrived at Chennai Airport with two street dogs ( that’s another story) in tow, about to ‘ go home’. It didn’t take me long to realise that I was in fact leaving home and not going home. It was a truly shocking experience.
I don’t need rose-tinted-glasses to look back on my time in India and tell you they were easily the best days, months and years of my life. Without a shadow of a doubt.
Stepping off the plane into intense heat, the smell of wood smoke and the sound of crows high up in the trees will stay with me forever. Sensory overload, you might say. My eyes and possibly my mouth were wide open as I took it all in. The traffic, the people, dogs, music, car and rickshaw horns vying for supremacy. The trucks and billboards sent colour my way. The incense, sandalwood, my favourite. The road kill.
I got to know the East Coast Road well and I think they got used to seeing me on a daily basis. I don’t think I was a novelty for long. The people so gentle, kind and hospitable.
I was quite in awe of the ladies in their saris of every hue. Many walked as on air, so graceful and yet carrying a load. The food was a amazing, especially the breakfasts, Pongal and absolute favourite.
And now I must stop! ….
As I sit here now with today’s prompt from WordPress in front of me, I know I cannot do justice to the story I would like to tell, in just a few paragraphs.
If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why?
I do not wish to presume his persona or have ‘ day in the life of’. Simply sit at his desk and give away his $360 (approx) billion fortune. The richest man in the world will soon become the world’s most generous philanthropist.
The list is long and the time is short.
Firstly I would put a message out there for little known charities to get in touch. I would like to meet their needs. It is mostly the case that smaller charities need the biggest help. With that done I would deal with some people close to me who would appreciate a cash injection of any amount, including a wonderful elderly lady who has known me all my life and a young man struggling to find a permanent family home for himself and his two children. Easily and quickly remembered.
71%of the Earth’s surface is water, with only 1% available for human consumption. Globally agriculture accounts for 70% of fresh water withdrawals.The United Nations Development Report in 2024 states 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water. The figures for animals is unknown. I would donate to WaterAid, to help combat these startling and shameful tatistics.
The charity War Child was established by three young men in 1993 in the then Yugoslavia. During the Bosnian War they were deeply disturbed by the violence and ethnic cleansing. 80% of their revenue goes towards and including protecting, educating and standing up for the rights of children excluded from the world’s most conflicted places
I would trust the NSPCC, UNICEF, Red Cross, International Rescue Committee, Age UK, MIND, RSPCA, NHS Charities Together to evenly distribute their given donations where they deem fit.
It is disgraceful that there are two bodies with charitable status that shouldn’t…The RNLI (Royal Navy Lifeboat Institute and The Air Ambulance. What is that about? Also knowing King Charles charges them rent.
Compassion in World Farming advocates for the humane treatment of farm animals and LACS ( The League Against Cruel Sports) campaign against hunting, shooting and animal fighting with HSA (the Hunt Saboteurs Association)relentlessly pursuing those involved in illegal fox hunting, badger baiting and hare coursing. All thre are more than worthy of a financial helping hand.
Time is of the essence here, I have but 24 hours in which to distribute these funds, wisely and fairly.
There are lots of very tiny animals rescues run by ladies I know, to whom I would be honoured to bestow chunky wads of cash on. Their relief and gratitude would be my joy.
Lastly I need to mention Animal SOS Sri Lanka. Established in 2007, by a British woman, Kim Cooling. What began as a self funded Rescue has now grown to caring for 2500 dogs. Many with special needs. FinallyTom Nicholson who reacted to the plight of animals trapped and starving in the war torn Ukraine in February 2022. He and his British Armed Forces veterans buddies establish the tactical and animal relief charity Breaking the Chains. They need vehicles, kit, food, their needs endless.Coming your way Tom!
It’s going to be a long day behind his desk and when I have run out of time I will turn off the light, head for the door and then close it behind me.
Mr Musk, the richest man in the world will be no more.
‘ Oh The Human Research Trust, I didn’t mention them, or……I need more time.
Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.
Many many moons ago I built a chest of drawers from flat pack. I have no recollection where I was at the time, when I accomplished this most ambitious DIY project, or where the said masterpiece is today. Why did I even take on such a thing when such pastimes are way out of character? I have no idea. In the future am I likely to repeat a task of this nature? No… The End. 😅
If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?
Banning this won’t make it go away, that’s a fact, but it is word that freaks me out. So very disturbing.
‘ Fatalities’ …Hearing this word cuts through my very being. My soul frozen right there and then. A brief flash of complete darkness, before all my senses are awakened.
Conjoured up are images of chaos, despair, sadness, absolute disbelief. The word evokes a horror and terror the loved ones will experience in the seconds, days, months or even years ahead.They will be disturbed, upset, shocked.
The emergency services involved in picking up the pieces will absorb so much. Left to deal with their feelings, the emotions, in their own time.
For me being an Empath is both a blessing and a curse and my heart goes out to those affected and grateful to those who have to work within the realms of the world called fatalities every single day…
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?
As with light which travels in a straight line, we cannot bend to see what is around the corner.
There may be events anticipated, planned even. There could be dreams to be fulfilled, ambitions to be met, expectations, needs and wants. Sadly there may also be the inevitable or expected passing of a loved one, human or animal.
The American statesmen Benjamin Franklin has been often quoted as saying ‘ ..but in this world nothing is said to be certain, except death and taxes’………
…………The sky is so beautifully blue, puffy little white clouds are idly passing by. There is warmth in the sun. I sit on the mountainside. The grass looks healthy and feels to me keen to grow. There is an energy there. Despite the grass growing underneath me, the clouds passing by and the most gentle of breeze, it is still. Around me, absolute stillness.
If I look up over my shoulder I see part of the path heading to the peak and looking down into a picture of a life lived so far.
Like all folk there have been rapids to navigate, swamps to wade through and rocky roads stumbled along. The waves surfed and the even ground have offered respite.
I’m not looking into the future, wondering and wanting. I’m simply sitting here on the mountainside, enjoying the moment.
My knee-jerk reaction to today’s prompt was to think ‘ I don’t get bored’. It’s true but it hasn’t always been the case.
A job, situation, a person in the past has made me yawn inside. It happens to the best of us, but now I feel very fortunate that it doesn’t happen.
I have absolute freedom now, but it has been a long time coming. Like for many folk a cash injection would not go a miss, enabling me to be luxuriously not bored….but in the meantime I will give thanks. Gratitude and forgiveness are powerful tools and using them brings rewards.
In England I’ll mostly drink decaffeinated tea and coffee( believing it is better for me and won’t disturb my sleep).
One of the best drinks in the world has to be Turkish Coffee ( and definitely a sleep disturber). I would alarm work mates overseas by drinking big cups of it, whilst theirs were tiny. To be fair it did make me a tad jittery. But so lovely!
Mint Tea is another drink I adore. The Daily Prompt was probably asking for one, I have three.
And last but not least Masala Chai. Heavenly.
Strangely I don’t add anything sweet to my drinks here at home, but those favourites of mine are absolutely laden with sugar 😂
5148 miles separate me from two ladies who are very special in my life.
One a devout Catholic from Bangalore, the other a devout Muslim from Jordan. When I spent years in their company I’d find myself as the would-be Buddhist, nestled between them.
I returned to the UK from Southern India in October 2005 and have only seen these wonderful souls once since then, but our connection is strong.
These ladies have a faith I admire, respect and a little envious of really, as it makes them incredibly strong and unconditionally kind.
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.
I have lived long enough to enjoy so many different fashions that have come and gone, and it really is difficult to decide. There were my biker boots, I loved those, took me to lots of concerts to see bands…
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.
IN THE BOOMER PIGEON HOLE? 
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