The symbol for so much in life. Its anatomy used to describe everything from parts of the body, to families and businesses. So many varieties and so beautiful. Different trees even give you a variety of feelings. From the swaying tropical palm to the sturdy English oak. From afar you see their shape, as a group, or as an individual. Always different, always interesting.
But get up close and you see another world. Look at the ancient trunk, and think about the stories it could tell. See the life that it supports, crawling upon its bark. Sit at its base and, while enjoying the dappled shade, look at at the world. Then look up and see the light play tricks, like magic. There is nothing like seeing the golden rays of the sun, shining through the canopy.
Many times, I forget to look. But when I do, there goes my breath.
The moment of enlightenment. Not in a spiritual sense, but as a sense of realisation. The realisation of what is important, what is meaningful. Maybe, it took me a long time. But my breakthrough came when I saw my son for the first time. That is when I realised what was important, at least to me. Not everyone needs children, we are all on a different journey. I just know that the path I was following was meandering; fun but meandering. Until, first my wife and then my children entered my world.
The beauty of the Czech Republic never fails to amaze me. Everywhere you turn, there is something to see. There are castles and chateaux at every turn, I really only have to drive for thirty minutes and I am in another time. I have never lived in a place with such a ready supply of history.
But apart from the history, there is wonderful nature too. It is true that sometimes I miss British nature, the southern chalk streams of England or the rushing Welsh rivers. But here the variety is astounding. This past weekend, my family and I visited Adršpach Rocks. These are a series of rock formations, many of which are said to resemble people, animals or things. As hard as I try, I can never see it. But my children seem to have no problem, the imagination of a child is a wonderful thing.
One negative about this place is its popularity, there were people everywhere. But we can’t have everything we want, and nature is there for everyone to enjoy. So once I was over the shock, I began to really enjoy myself. I love photography and everywhere I looked there was a shot to be taken. I think sometimes my family get tired of waiting for me. Another hobby of mine is bonsai, and you could really get some inspiration here.
The best thing about these trips is, of course, seeing my children enjoy themselves. They were exhausted, at the end of the day, but so was I. How their little legs keep moving is beyond me, but as long as the fuel keeps going in they are fine.
We really do live in a wonderful world and everyone needs to spend more time appreciating it. Stop and look, and there are many secrets to be discovered. I keep telling myself this, and I think I am getting better at it. But in this country, it really should not be too difficult.
Such a magical place. In the heart of the city, a peaceful paradise. Sometimes it is a place to be alone, to contemplate or just to switch off. But at others, a place to be with your child and share the wonders of nature.
My favourite place to be, next to the water. I don’t have to have a rod in my hand, although it feels good if I do. But I am just as happy without one, maybe it is replaced by my camera, maybe by a good book. Or, perhaps my eyes are all I need. All you need to do is look, and most of us do not.
When you spend time next to water, you will notice so much. If you are there for the weekend, then you will spend a lot of time watching, and thinking. If you have your eye to your camera, you will begin to see details that you never noticed before. Look and think and your eyes will be opened, and maybe your mind too.
People think that fishing is boring, but there is always so much to think about, so much to see. Our lives are full to the brim. When do we stop, look and listen?
Agree to disagree. One of the most common of phrases. But also the most common of excuses for doing nothing. I can turn a blind eye, or let bygones be bygones, more than most. I really do not hold grudges. Can I think of anymore clichés? But only if no harm is being caused by the other opinion. If I see it as harmful, I am like a dog with a bone, there’s another one! I can’t help but try to sway the other person away from, what I consider, the dark side. Whether it be a debate on medicine, the environment or, god forbid, religion. Believe what you want, I really don’t care. Just don’t hurt anyone else with what you believe. Be careful with what you think. Or maybe, just think.
neilhayeswrites 