LIfe – Page 16 – neilhayeswrites

No Qualms

May 17, 2017 neilhayeswrites3 Comments

As my son’s first year at school comes to an end it seems that everything has gone to plan. I have no worries about his work, his friends and his attitude. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t occasional arguments and tantrums, that is to be expected. But, generally, he seems to be a very happy schoolgoer.

The picture you see is from his first day of school, what a happy face! He doesn’t always look that happy when you wake him up at 6.30am, but I think it is generally indicative of his feelings about school, and hopefully life.

All I hoped for, in his first year at school, was that he would be comfortable, content and happy. And that seems to be the case, I just hope it continues. Occasionally he gets into a little bit of trouble, but only running in class and occasionally being a normal, lively child. This also makes me happy, because I don’t want him to be perfect, I want him to have a bit of life and spark. But not too much, of course.

Now, with summer approaching, it is time to begin winding down. He will have more school trips, today he has gone to the zoo with his precious new camera. He woke up early and happy today, that was a change to the norm, and will have a great day with his friends. I can’t wait to see him later, hear some stories and look at his photos. See his tired, but smiling face and have a hug before bedtime. No worries, it’s all good.

Daily Prompt: Qualm

City Life

May 15, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Surrounded by people, movement everywhere. Action, noise, life. Living in the city can sound stressful, and appear unattractive to those who prefer the countryside. But, for me, life in the city affords too many opportunities to miss. But I am not talking about living in London or New York, I am talking about life in a small city. Hradec Králové, in the Czech Republic, would be a medium-sized town in Britain, but here it is one of the larger towns or cities.

Hradec provides the perfect mixture of urban living and green nature and it suits me and my family perfectly. If you are looking for things to do, you are rarely disappointed, certainly from a family point of view. Maybe younger people would disagree and yearn for life in the capital, but not me.

But I never feel crowded in the city, mainly because people keep to themselves. In the village, it feels like everybody is watching to see what you are doing. Now I don’t want to give the wrong impression, I love the countryside, I just don’t want to live there. Weekly visits are enough. Trips to the forest, fishing, photography, these are all parts of my life. Everyday life, however, has to be based in the city. Variety, after all, is the spice of life and that is what city living gives you.

Learning

May 12, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Do you remember when learning was so much fun? Learning how to throw stones is very different to, let’s say, particle physics. But, at the same time, the joy of knowledge should be the same.

Watching my children learn and enquire about the world around them gives me energy for the search too. The search for knowledge, or for something new. A new angle, viewpoint, or sight.

At the moment, my kids are both keen photographers. My son wants to know what every button does on his new camera. It is difficult to actually slow him down, so he learns the basics first.

When you are a child, you want to understand everything. How does it work? Why do we do that? But, as adults, this seems to stop. We become happy to accept the world as it is, and never question. I believe this is the biggest fight for all adults, to stop this descent into lethargy. Keep fighting up that intellectual hill. It is never ending and has no summit, but it is a beautiful journey.

Reflecting

May 11, 2017 neilhayeswrites4 Comments

A sunny day changes perspectives in so many ways. Warming rays give us energy, stiff bones becomes loose again. Dark moods melt away and are replaced by optimism and joy.

Our points of view are changed in so many ways. Previously boring, bland buildings, can become shining rays of light. It’s all in the angle, and the opening of the eyes and mind. Raise your head and look, it’s amazing what you can see.

Daily Prompt: Reflecting

The European Lifestyle?

May 6, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

What is the European lifestyle? Often, these days, I here people defending their histories and cultures. In an attempt to fight off change, from a fear of difference. Even countries which were, relatively, newly founded by immigrants are scared of the new wave which they see coming.

We have a more ancient history in Europe, but it has still been many years since we all looked the same. When people make a claim for their culture it is all relative. How far back do you go? When did your culture begin?

In truth our cultures have always been changing and will continue to do so. Evolution happens, don’t let anyone tell you any different, and is a thing to be embraced. Multicultural societies enrich us, if we are open and welcoming. If we are closed and hostile, then we have problems.

How do you feel if someone opposes you and mistreats you? You fight back, it is human nature. When people feel excluded they search for something else. Anything else to make them feel needed and secure.

To me, the European culture is a human stew of many ingredients. And without a little spice, that stew would be extremely bland.

via Daily Prompt: Lifestyle