Je Suis Charlie

Liberty and Equality.

On the 11th day of the first month of the year 2015 the world community at large stood together to fight for the basic right for any individual who inhabits on this earth - The Right of Free Speech. 


After 48 hours of violence, killing and stand off in France, the special forces finally put an end to the senseless killing.

The biggest losers were humanity, equality and freedom - Freedom of thought, Freedom of speech, Freedom of expression.

Today the world community came together as one - one person to stand united to show strength and the belief that everyone is entitled to an opinion and the freedom to express that opinion . Imagine if you are unable to voice what you are thinking and live in fear, and are continuously afraid. One of the banners in the march read
"Not Afraid".



There were no leader speeches, no chants or announcements. There were twits that went viral, there were images on social media. These were shared across boundaries.

There were a million plus ordinary people with their families who marched on the streets of Paris today plus several thousands in Marseilles, London, Toronto and other major cities around the world joined in and stood together as one.

There will be debates including discussions on the why and how. Answers will be sought. Finding these will not be easy and will take much soul searching as a world community.

Hats off to all the millions who came out across the world to say that "Liberty and Freedom" should not be compromised.

Today and just for today Freedom of expression and speech have won.

We are all one. We are all Charlie.

2015 what will you bring??

It's -7 degrees in some parts of the UK. There is always hope for a White Christmas, the snow came just a and brought with it the coldest days for this year. 2014 December had Fog, Snow and Crisp mornings.

2015 is just round the corner.


What will you bring?

The Christmas lights gave the snow a festive feel. Traffic was disrupted during the holiday period that made travel kind of difficult. This made me think 2014 did not really end the way we thought it might . The ferry fire in Italy, Air Asia's tragedy at sea, and the Virgin Atlantic flight that was forced to land before making its journey. 2014 was making it's presence felt as it left us.2014 saw the death of a great actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman; what an actor and what a tragic end. My favourite was his portrayal of the priest  in the movie "Doubt" 2014 also had the rise of the Islamic State, the kidnapping of 200 young Nigerian girls, and the Ebola virus that continues to create a crises situation continues.

Beginning of any year brings hope and the idea of the new, good exciting events that will be coming our way, 2015 who are you and what you bring us?

2014 had many great memories - my mums visit and her three months stay, fantastic moments especially as she is growing older and her ability to make a long journey on her own is bound to be limited. My trip to Ireland; the fantastic country and such warm people. Meeting cousins and  friends I have not seen for years in the glorious London summer.Skype allowed me to bring
my old friends up to date with my life. Speaking to my four year old nephew and seeing him growing up, moments that will be cherished for ever.. And the most important part was discovering Mindfulness. The art of being aware and of accepting the now. I recommend it highly.

To Quote Rumi
"Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.”
― Rumi

So lets raise our glasses to another year done and the inevitable hope that a new year brings in its wake.Feel bad for the lonely biker in the picture making his way on a bitterly cold winters day.

Brick Chimneys

Today was a beautiful day. Blue skies sunshine, and when the clouds were in site they were a fluffy powder blue. On a day such as this everything looks, cleaner, clearer and so much more vivid. Looking at the sky form my garden one of my favourite pastimes, one could not but help looking at the red brick chimneys.




 After moving to the UK the rooftops of a row of houses always fascinated me. The fact that they stood tall against the blue skies. Asymmetrical and all in a single row.


Most modern houses do not use chimneys there are no coal fires any more. In each house there is a different outlet for central heating            
Today they stand more as a testimonial of time then of functional. There are no chimney sweeps any more but the fact still remains they are around, places for pigeons to perch, and TV antennas to hang.They make the houses seem even and have an understated value.

Sigh!!! it would have been great to see them in their prime, smoke blowing, straight into the skies.

Colours of Spring

Colours of Spring !!!!

There is something romantic and almost relaxing about spring.


After all the rains we have had and the stories of the flooding across the county. Blue skies are a welcome relief. The tree in my back garden may not have any leaves yet but at least it is standing tall against the sky and there is hope of new life on it's branches. Including the magpies and the robins who are building their new families and homes.

 Chimneys against the blue skies. Read bricks against the blue.

A hint of a white light cloud, passing through. For centuries this picture has been the same people enjoying this for many generations

    Reminds you of Wordsworth

   " I wandered lonely as a cloud.That floats on high o'ver vales and hill."

What is so special about the clothes flying in the wind on a lovely spring day. The seem to be dancing and enjoying the sun. 

This image runs across continents and countries, washing hung outside always is a more enjoyable site.

The view of from the back garden with the play of light and shadow almost irresistible, inviting and full of promise.


Summer will be here soon, the sun is here to stay, ( well that is being a romantic). Sigh!!

We have not had snow yet; and that is always a given. But TODAY the sun is out and the world is put to right, just for this day, one day, Today.

Everything seems to have a lease of new life. and is waiting in the wings to spring to life. The garden is blossoming again.

Today could have been a beautiful spring day... So why not enjoy it

The Daffodils certainly are.

As Wordsworth wrote and I quote:
"I wandered lonely as a cloud 
That floats on high o'ver vales and hills
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden Daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees;
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze."

On Being called A Femininst

The Sunday Observer Magazine did a review of 2013 called " Eyewitness 2013. This year's most compelling stories by those who saw it first-hand"

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/dec/29/review-of-2013-eva-wiseman

One of the thoughts that Eva Wiseman ( the Observer commissioning editor) pondered about was " That we should stop asking women of they're feminists"

Another quote "A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men."

That set me thinking is the idea of being a feminist in 2013 obsolete. Have we fought and  won basic women's right; yes maybe. There are women over the years who have fought for our rights. And we as women in the world today enjoy these rights.

Though in reality according to a survive done by RapeCrisis UK ( 2013).

• Approximately 85,000 women are raped on average in England and Wales every year
• Over 400,000 women are sexually assaulted each year
• 1 in 5 women (aged 16 - 59) has experienced some form of sexual violence since the age of 16.

"Women's Aid" statistics for the UK reveal that each year there 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime – many of these on a number of occasions. One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute. On average, 2 women a week are killed by a current or former male partner. Statistics like the above are regularly quoted. But they do not make headlines any more unless there is an incident so big that it cannot be ignored.Statistics suggest that there are mainly a feature story in a Sunday Magazine

 So have we won our battles really?  It's worth a thought;a moment to ponder and pause to reflect.

In reality we are still struggling, fighting and trying so very hard to be heard in a world  of white noise.

On Reflecting And Pausing

On Christmas Day one of the events is the Queen's Speech, broadcast in the afternoon.

This year it was on taking time to pause and reflect:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/christmas/10536980/Watch-the-Queens-Christmas-Day-message-2013-in-full.html

Life is so busy; well there's the television, internet and gaming to fill in the spaces that we may have when we are not working, ticking of items from our things to do list, running for a train or just trying to keep on top of things.So where is the time to pause and reflect; the things to do list we have is always long and never ending ( well at least in our head). How do we pause and reflect? Is looking back reflecting? Or is it taking stock of where we are just now?Does it make us feel good? Maybe, or Hmm maybe not.

In my world its good to take time out and just stop, pause it does not mean look behind it means be in the now and see where you are at that moment in time and space. The thought should be " I am here, is this where I want to be? Am I content where I am? "  Must remember the thought must be based in the NOW!!. The results could surprise you , many of us are scared of the idea that we could pause and reflect, and the reasons why are many. Varied .. never the same.

In the last week of 2013, maybe it is time to find time to reflect and understand the most important person in our life which is " US". Reflection will help us connect again with "US"

Confucius said:

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."

Confucius

Enjoy the last few days in 2013.

Happiness is a habit - `Today I am thankful'

“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” ~  Elbert Hubbard

Happiness is one aspiration all people share. No one wants to be sad and depressed.

We have all seen people who are always happy – even amidst agonizing life trials. I’m not saying happy people don’t feel grief, sorrow or sadness;they just don’t let it overtake their life. That's right you can feel greatly sad but don't let it overwhelm you.

The following are 10 things happy people make a habit of doing:


1. Appreciate Life
Be thankful that you woke up alive each morning. Develop a childlike sense of wonder towards life.Focus on the beauty of every living thing. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff. The fact that you are alive makes each day special

2. Choose Friends Wisely
Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals. Friends that have the same ethics as you will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.

3. Be Considerate
Accept others for who they are as well as where they are in life. Appreciate them for who they are,Respect them for who they are.Touch them with a kind and generous spirit. Help when you are able, without trying to change the other person. Try to brighten the day of everyone you come into contact with.

4. Learn Continuously
Keep up to date with the latest news regarding your career and hobbies. Try new and daring things
that has sparked your interest – such as dancing, skiing, surfing or sky-diving.

5. Creative Problem Solving
Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the
set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a
positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right.

6. Do What They Love
Some statistics show that 80% of people dislike their jobs! No wonder there’s so many unhappy
people running around. We spend a great deal of our life working. Choose a career that you enjoy. Get up every morning and be happy that you are a part of the larger working world.

7. Enjoy  Life
Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the
woods. The sunlight filtering through the trees is different each day, you just have to notice.Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past or the future. The Now is important

8.Laugh
Don’t take yourself – or life to seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself – no one’s perfect. When appropriate laugh and make light of the circumstances.

9. Forgive
Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you
make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself. That is really important you too can make mistakes and guess what it is okay when you do.


10. Gratitude

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings; All of them – even the things that seem
trivial. Be grateful for your home, your work and most importantly your family and friends. Take the
time to tell them that you are happy they are in your life.