Category: Thoughts

Thoughts 7/3/24

What is the last thing you learned?

Looking at this sorry attempt of a blog thing that I have set up, the thing I have learned is no one is really that concerned anyway. I’ve pretty much known from the start that I’m probably putting stuff out there into the ether, and who knows 50 yrs down the line when I’m back to dust some ancient civilisation who might have just seen the voyager space probes zap by might see some old chuff I’ve enlightened them with about old Cameras…

I guess I just need to somehow increase my output with some better content but I’m not that way inclined, I’ve just got so much going on i seriously need to retire to be able to do that.

So I’ll just tootle on and do much the same. I’m not fishing for likes or follows here please don’t think that, it’s just I was asked what was the last thing I learned and that is that this t’internet thing is not easy!

Be happy, you lovely bunch.

Thoughts 5/3/24

How’s your day?

Could be better

Heard last night that an old work colleague who mentored me in my early years had passed away. I must admit I shed a tear for him as he was a wholly decent individual. A family man, fit as a fiddle and had time for everyone. Unfortunately struck down with the big “C” carrying a brain tumour. We’ve know he has been unwell and his prognosis was terminal but he even beat the two weeks previously diagnosed to go on for at least 2 months. He was a true fighter.

I sent him what I’d class as cheerful and thankful messages each week telling him what a fantastic man he was, and each time he’d reply back sending his love to the family. He was always thinking of others.

However this week I had no reply…

His wife made contact last night to say in the last few days he had lost the ability to eat and speak and passed away surrounded by his family last evening.

I looked back this morning at all my text messages and I could see that he did read my last text I sent, that gave me comfort in that he knew just how much I appreciated him and how special he really was. It was my last contact with him.

Here’s wishing you eternal peace dear friend. You will never be forgotten.

Thoughts 4/3/24

Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.

I had always been a fit and active individual, taking in part in any challenge that came my way. I used to set myself physical challenges that I’d always throw myself into without any fear or concern for injury. However come the mid fifties of my life and aspects of my health changed immensely. I began feeling pains and symptoms I’d never felt before and have had to accept since then that my mind is issuing cheques that my body can no longer cash.

Yes my mind is active but age has meant I am now having to say good bye to the health I once enjoyed.

It’s like being asked to leave a party when you are just starting to enjoy it…

Stay young if you can, enjoy life. Peace to you all.

Thoughts 3/3/24

What are three objects you couldn’t live without?

I live with my wife and dog. I do not wish to objectify or itemise them as they do not deserve that, they deserve an immense amount of love and respect, I’m just putting it out there that they are all I need in my life and have been for many years.

However as I dutifully have to make a choice or three here we go.

  • Medication 💊 without the two that I currently take (I won’t go in to detail) I guess it would be game over so to be honest this is probably the most relevant
  • Books 📕 my constant thirst for knowledge and learning means that this object slots comfortably into second place. As I’m a child of the sixties it’s books over Internet all day long, as the internet didn’t exist then, fast forward 3 decades and my choice if I’d been born in a different era might be slightly different.
  • Camera 📷 what better way to remember all those wonderful places, people and memories you have created along the way. Whether using the old film cameras of my generation or the new fandango units and phones of today, how else are you going to peek into time gone by and put a smile back on your face.

Yep, I’m happy with that, had to think a bit but these are the three items I could not live without.

Be happy my friends, peace to you all.

Thoughts 2/3/24

What experiences in life helped you grow the most?

My father was a demon. Consumed with jealousy towards my mother she couldn’t speak to anyone without being questioned about her motives. Most of my formative years were spent as a youngster protecting her and my younger sister from his rage. Going to bed at night as a young teenager with a metal bar under the covers to be ready to go at him should he fly into another of his rage’s leaves a scar on my memory to this day, almost 40 years later.

I always stated that I would never be like him, and all these years later I think I’ve done ok. My life is better than his, I have achieved more than him and I have never raised my hand to anyone especially a female in my entire life, so in theory I think I have won.

He still haunts me in my dreams though and it is as if I am still being challenged by him even though he is no longer here.

I’ve grown from this experience, no child should ever have to suffer this amount of emotional abuse, no female should ever have to live through that constant fear of an abusive partner. No man should ever be capable of such coercion.

But it happens.

Just not in my life anymore… I’ve grown.

Stay smiling, you are a beautiful person who deserves happiness.

Thoughts 1/3/24

Do you believe in fate/destiny?

I believe you shape your destiny and fate. Nothing too complex, don’t read too much into it, if you are nice and polite to people, you will get the same in return. Opportunities will surface due to your attitude so take what is presented to you as a result.

Yes, attitude shapes fate and destiny.

Thoughts 11/4/23

What book could you read over and over again?

The bitter lemons of Cyprus – by Lawrence Durrell

Printed in 1957 it’s an autobiographical book based on his travels around Cyprus during the period 1953-6 that was the period of “Enosis” the union with Greece against British rule. Particularly important to me as this was the period in which my own uncle David was killed whilst in Cyprus defending against the Eoka national organisation of Cypriot fighters.

Excellent written book in my opinion, I have probably read this about 3 times now and will probably read it again soon.

Thoughts 01/04/23

What makes you laugh?

What makes me laugh? Really, I try to laugh at most of what I see and do partly because it cheers me up and partly because if I can’t see a sensible logic to something, laughing helps me get through the situation. Not perfect or suitable in many a situation and to some people I guess I might come across as quite inappropriate however it’s a coping mechanism for me. My dog Alf makes me laugh, he’s been a comfort to me throughout his short life and now as he’s starting to slow down and enter senior life he can still do it, he’s a beautiful soul.

My dog – Alfie

Humour has allowed me 32 wonderful years of marriage with my lovely wife who also has a wonderful sense of humour, it’s gotten us through some really tough times, and it works for us.

My sense of humour was inherited from my father, one of the good things he gave me. It’s kind of very low rate humour at times laughing at some quite crass things but hey, you’ve just gotta laugh. I’m laughing as I write this piece because a rude text has just popped up on my phone from a friend 🤦‍♂️. And that’s it I guess, you can use it as a measure to how someone is feeling, he’s told me without saying anything that he’s fine because I know his sense of humour, if he’d been more serious I’d be asking myself and him questions.

There is a time and a place I guess, but laughing makes you feel good and happy, and I believe the world needs a lot more of that.

Thoughts 25/3/23

Who was your most influential teacher? Why?

Not just teacher but probably the most influential person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my life was Mr.Michael Twelftree my Junior school tutor in the two years prior to moving up to secondary school.

I was at Little Reddings Junior school in Bushey Hertfordshire circa 1976/7 our class was in free fall as previous teachers had lost control of us, Mr.Twelftree stepped in for our final two years and boy was he strict. Strict but fair, he had a stack of canes in the corner that he gave you the choice of when it was your turn to receive a wack for some reason. Very rarely administered however just the thought of it made you stay in line.

He taught me and others to sail, something I still try to do to this day, we learnt so much from him, he taught the lot English, Maths, Geography, Science and all sports and made us competitors and despite his strict ethic he taught us respect and he brought out the best in everyone he taught.

We learnt all about different knots as part of our sailing training, this resulted in us having a noose hanging from the classroom ceiling as a demonstration of a knot, you wouldn’t find that in a modern day classroom.

He taught me to be a better person, shaped me up well for my future and prepared me and my fellow students well for the next move in our academic advancement.

I respected this man better than my own father, I know this sounds terrible but he shaped my life and I like to think I didn’t turn out too bad as a result. My own father unfortunately didn’t step up to his role in my life but the less said about that the better.

I would have loved to meet Mr.Twelftree again and shake his hand and say just two small words

Thank you 🙏

Thoughts 23/3/23

What tattoo do you want and where would you put it?

We were in Iceland about 5 weeks ago. A fantastic holiday full of spontaneity, I just wish I could lead that life 24hrs a day. Anyway I’m drifting now, the point of this post is that spontaneous action resulted in me getting a Tattoo there and then in Reykjavik at a local tattoo studio.

Helm of Awe and Icelandic runes

It’s a Nordic protection in battle symbol called a “Helm of awe” used to strike fear into people in the early years of the islands forming, I’ve used it as a protection in life of sorts. The Icelandic runes are the letters D & E that relate to the wife and my names.

So that’s what I’ve had done, I’m now looking at having another couple done relating to my home county. I think tattoos are great and that there are some stunning ones out there if done properly.

Mind you, you don’t half see some right rotten ones. Must admit they’re not for everyone but at the end of the day what you do to your own skin is your decision and yours only.

Enjoy and be happy 👍