Seeing things more clearly

Years ago all films and photographs were black and white (with many shades in-between). Colour was sometimes added to photographs by special ink — such as tinting essential features. My mother had a photograph of one of my sisters, which had been done on glass and tinted. Such tinting was nothing like the present-day colour photography. Looking at old photographs, I rather like the simple black and white snaps. But then, maybe that is because they are reminders of my youth — a time when things were much more simple in spite of many problems. (As my son says, 'Ah, nostalgia. It isn't what it used to be.') In actual fact, the 30's and 40's were indeed far more grey than today. Colour books, colour films, colour photographs, colour entertainment — slashing, crashing, flashing on TV screens, have completely changed our view of the world around us.
For many people, including children, the recent snow has been a pleasure. True, a problem as well. And for some, a nuisance and a hindrance to work and travel. I recall heavy falls in past years. On occasions, wondering if I have to walk the two bus journey's home. One morning, sitting on the top of a double-decker as went over a bridge and sliding right round into the main traffic lane. Walking through snow drifts with snow higher than my wellies. And being in cars during snow storms and on icy road. More recently, falling over and needing medical treatment. But the joyful times far outweigh the others.
Now, we can sit looking out of our window and wonder at the simple black and white beauty. The brightness of our potted plants stands out too. How rich is just a little colour with such a wonderful background. And what a blessing to have that view, and above all - eyes to see it!

The Light shines on in the darkness

I opened the door one evening earlier this week and the light shone out on the falling snow. We have had a relatively light fall but it has been heavy in other parts of the country, and with temperatures well below freezing. Most unusual for this time of year. In fact as the last light fall fell yesterday, autumn leaves from our big oak drifted down with the snow. These can be seen on the photo I took just now (Sunday morning) There are still a few leaves on the branches.
The country, like many others, may have financial problems as well as the disruption caused by the unusual weather, but 'good will among men' has abounded as the strong (and not so strong) have come to the aid of the less fortunate. (This in spite of the ugliness of theft by a few organised bands and sick individuals.)
To me this is an indication that the country will survive all the present problems and come up stronger for it.

Let Your Light Shine

Sometimes we get so tired that it is hard to keep cheerful. We may ache and it is hard not to relieve stress by allowing ourselves a little moan. Nothing wrong in that. Better to be truthful than put on a permanent grin.

We had a pleasant walk last Saturday. We drove to Canal Foot — a small community at the sea end of the local canal — parked the car and took a small walk. Having a few problems at present we did not go far. To our delight the tide had come in. It is rare to see it so high. I wondered what happened when a strong wind coincided with a full tide. Were the bungalows at the side of the narrow road safe? apparently yes.

We walked by the delightful houses a little further up and, not being able to walk over the rocky shoreline because of the tide, we followed the footpath that went upwards to fields with views towards the local monument on Hoad Hill. It has been recently renovated and now it stands out white against the sky. It looks like a lighthouse but no rays of light will ever shine out over the sea. But it stands out in the daytime and it does get lit up at night.

We managed to get back to the car just as my knees were getting troublesome. It had been a wonderfully refreshing short walk. I never cease to wonder how blessed we are. I loved the dark clouds and reflections in the sea. Ever changing, ever mysterious.

Where Streams of Living Water Flow… Ulverston Canal

Where Streams of Living Water Flow… Ulverston Canal

There is nothing like water reflecting nature to calm the spirit.

Here in Ulverston we have a short canal that once was connected to the sea and busy with boats. At some time in the future it will become a marina. But for now it is a place of relaxation set, as it is, in pleasant countryside — even if it does have an industrial complex at one side near to the coast. People smile in greeting and dogs wag their tails. Wild life adds beauty and gentle movement. Just to gaze into the rippling water beneath the overhanging trees releases tension, and enriches the soul. Joy creeps in where once was sadness.

Unless You Become As A Little Child…

Unless You Become As A Little Child…

It is true that you need a childlike heart to fully appreciate all that life has to offer. Unless under duress, a young child is uninhibited and reacts naturally to what he sees, and feels. If surprised by joy, he will laugh and giggle. If that joy embraces the sight and sound of a band playing, he will likely ‘be one of them’ or dance to the music. This is natural pleasure embracing our God-given senses. Sadly, we become shy as we get older. Fear of disapproval sets in. By the time we are adults (in our own country at least) we smile and laugh with joy, but dance? Maybe, in a ‘correct’ setting, but not openly in the Market Square where people are likely to think you are an exhibitionist. Or will they? Certainly not if you are part of a group, clog dancing or Morris dancing. Or otherwise ‘expected’ to perform. Of course, those who lose their inhibitions through drink may well dance — before they fall flat on their faces. Sad isn’t it? Why can’t we be naturally happy and dance for joy — any time, any place!

We have a band playing in Ulverston’s Market Square most Thursdays throughout the summer. Lovely foot-tapping music that makes you happy inside. Oh how often I would love to let go and fling caution to the wind. Dance to my heart’s content. What is there to stop me? Me, just me, and my fear of what others might think.

So I tap my feet and occasionally dare to sway!

Today I saw an infant in a pushchair watching the band and bobbing his feet to the rhythm of the band. I walked up and encouraged him. He smiled and before long his hand and feet were doing just what I truly wanted to do myself. So I had a good excuse to tap and clap! The lady with him was clapping in encouragement too. Such happiness written on that little boy’s face.

‘And a little child shall lead them’…

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Writing For Joy

Ulverston Carnival 2010 — what a day!

There is nothing like a carnival to draw people together and lift the mood of a whole town. Ulverston had many people, dancers and bands, walking and on floats, taking part. This happened last Saturday.
There is nothing like a carnival to lift the doom and gloom of the present financial situation. There is more to life than money — a wealth of happiness can be found in simple things.
There are a number of photographs on my Writing For Joy site, but these few here (different ones) will give a flavour.
Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Pretty Pottery, Porky Pigs, and a Promonade in Paradise Park

Pretty Pottery, Porky Pigs, and a Promonade in Paradise





Yes, that was our Gill Banks yesterday.
On our lazy saunter along wild Gill Banks (Ulverston) we met pretty young girls potting. Instruction being given by a friendly gentleman (Geoff Dellow) keen to get young people involved in creative activities. The result will be hung on the Gill Banks railings, along with others already there. (Including my own meagre efforts — okay, so I am not part of the youth here but all are invited to potter at Geoff's house.)
Once again we stopped to photograph the pigs. What a sight! They had dug themselves a hole (with their snouts) which had become delightfully muddy — so cooling to lie in during hot weather.
What a laugh! Three of them were keen to get into it but there was only room for one. They were pushing each other out with the only tool they had — the one they used to dig the hole. Oh what a lovely time they were having!

A Walk In Nature's Paradise.

Saturday and much to do. We walked to town and called for a coffee. Time to relax a little. We walked back via a lovely footpath. Good to see the bluebells and a variety of other flowers. The trees are now looking gorgeous, especially with the sun shining through the leaves.