LIfe – Page 20 – neilhayeswrites

Replacement

January 31, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Where do they get their energy from? Children seem to have an unending supply. Constantly on the move, thinking, doing and creating. As an adult, this energy supply seems to shrink. Many people attempt to replace this energy with something else. Replace it with coffee, energy drinks or whichever drugs they choose. These are the quick fixes that many of us go for. And, of course, these are the lazy choices. If we only ate healthily and exercised. Maybe we would still have the energy of the child and wouldn’t need these chemical replacements. I am as guilty as most, but now is the time for a change.

via Daily Prompt: Replacement

Respect

January 25, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Is it strange that one of my favourite places to go is a cemetery? But not just any cemetery. In Hradec Králové there is a cemetery, located in the forest, which is tranquil and beautiful. It is looked after so well it compares to any small park you could wish to visit. But, of course, it is not a park and you must remember this when you visit there.

Czech people take care of their family plots and graves to a very high standard. Most cemeteries are clean, well maintained, and have fresh flowers and candles lit. It is traditional, in most families, to visit and clean at least once per year. But, sometimes, it is even weekly.

Now, I am not a religious person. I believe once you are gone, you are gone. The Czechs too are a very atheistic people. So this tradition seems to be carried out for a different reason. Respect for family; for the past, the present, or for the future.

If you visit the forest cemetery you will see gravestones scattered amongst the trees, in a very natural setting. They are immaculate, even in winter. And, if you are very lucky and quiet, you may even see a deer peering around a trunk at you. Here is one place that, when you pass away, you really do return to mother nature.

Winter

January 24, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Winter is back. In the Czech Republic, over the last few years, winter has not been what it was. The Czechs have been constantly complaining about it. They love to ski and skate, and so winters with no snow do not a happy Czech make. But this year has been different. We have had snow and constant temperatures below zero. So the snow is hanging around, and so is the ice.

I have to say that winter here always feels cold to me. Although it is much more pleasant to look out at a winter wonderland than at damp, grey streets. And if you get a chance to venture into the forest it is a magical time of year.

Now, being British, I am not a natural at winter sports. I did give cross-country skiing a try recently, but it was more like walking on skis, than actual skiing. It was an enjoyable experience but I am much happier on my own two feet.

Especially when I have my camera in hand, the walk home from work is just beautiful. I wish there was more wildlife visible, everything is hiding at the moment, but nature is still a wonder. Frozen paths and rivers. Footprints leading across those rivers, both human and animal. Frosted trees with icicles dangling from their branches, reflecting the sunshine like jewels.

While I am scraping the ice off my car in the morning winter seems like the worst. But once the world wakes up, including myself, it can become a wonder.

Life and Loss

January 17, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Last week I was walking my six-year-old son to school, and when we arrived at the front entrance, we saw a black flag flying above the school. Of course, my son asked my why it was there. I explained that, perhaps, someone had died. What first came to mind was someone famous, maybe the president. Honestly I didn’t think of it for the rest of a busy day.

When my wife collected him she was told something shocking. The black flag was flying out of respect for one of his classmates, who had died in hospital the previous evening. His teacher was crying and so were many of the children, as they were told this news.

It is unimaginable, how the parents must be feeling. I didn’t know the little boy. My son was sad, but coping with the news. But, as any parent would understand, you can’t help but imagine yourself in the same situation.

So, all day, my wife and I were hugging our children a little closer. And I was trying to remind myself of how lucky we are, to have two such healthy and happy children. So, if you are lucky like us, hug them and kiss them as much as you can. Don’t take anything for granted, because you never know what is around the corner.

Infinite

January 8, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Infinite is a mother’s love. Unconditional devotion. I see it every day. If only there was an infinite supply of energy too. Children, of course, seem to have this miracle supply. Whereas the mere mortals, of the adult world, must make do with what we have. But a mother’s love is like a turbo boost to the soul. It always gets them over the finish line.

via Daily Prompt: Infinite