Society – Page 7 – neilhayeswrites

Missing the Point

December 9, 2016 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

There is a person, who lives above my classroom, who continually litters the street. It is hard to believe, but they throw their used tissues out of their window. Not into their bin, but out of their window and onto the street. They land in front of my classroom door and I, used to, look at them and fume. I can’t understand what goes through this person’s mind, so I have decided to not even try. So now, I just clean up the mess and enjoy the clean view from my chair.

I also see school students throwing their cigarette butts on the floor. And, when I suggest they should take them to the nearest bin, they don’t understand why they should. After all, if they do no one else will, so it won’t make any difference. But they are missing the point. If I clean up somebody else’s mess, I have a clean environment. If they are cleaner, maybe others will be encouraged to do the same. Don’t turn a blind eye because it isn’t your mess, do something.

via Daily Prompt: Missing

Christmas Aromas

December 3, 2016 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Today was another day filled with the sensations of the season, specifically the aroma of Christmas. All day the smell of baking gingerbread has filled our home, along with the excited voices of our children.

The kids have been looking forward to this day, the day when the baking begins. Now the biscuits are cooling and awaiting decoration, those that are left. Of course, it is hard to resist eating a few during the day.

This is a marvellous Czech tradition, though it is a lot of work for my wife. But there is so much more satisfaction to be had when something is made with love and joy. In Britain, we have become very lazy. I am not sure if anyone makes anything anymore, it is certainly a good time of year for the supermarkets.

I think the way that the British consume, and seemingly don’t grow or make things themselves anymore, is quite shocking to the Czechs, who are still a nation of producers. I have to admit that I am on the lazy side of this equation myself. But I am more than happy that my children will be brought up to make more themselves, and enjoy it.

Daily Prompt: Ostentatious

November 19, 2016 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Ostentation, the human disease. Walking around like peacocks. But our tails are our designer labels and our expensive cars. But the peacocks only intention is to find a mate. But the human? What is our intention? Just to prance and parade?

via Daily Prompt: Ostentatious

Daily Prompt: Lofty

November 13, 2016 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

It feels like now is a time for everyone to raise their standards. To think, to learn, to try to understand those who are different. To not believe the hype, but to investigate and choose our sources of information wisely. To not let one person’s actions colour our opinion of an entire group. To simply be human, accept the differences we find and rise above the hate. Just be better.

via Daily Prompt: Lofty

Pride of the Nation

November 5, 2016 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

The Welsh have a great sense of national pride. As a small nation this pride does not manifest itself in international power or influence, but more in our sense of independence of spirit. We simply believe that we think and feel differently to the rest of the United Kingdom.

Commonly, national pride is expressed through sport. Wales is no different and our sport of choice is rugby. With the current tensions in the world and everyone seemingly intent on the reinforcement of borders, this particular warrior code has to be preferable to the real thing.

But, I have to say, I do get unreasonably emotionally involved while I am watching Wales play. If we are playing badly my emotions range from anger, if they are making mistakes, to a sense of emptiness, if they have no spark. If the game is on fire, so am I, and my emotions run wild. I am not alone in this, the whole nation is invested in the result of a rugby match. Everyone, from grandma and grandad to small children, don their rugby jerseys on match day.

Rugby is the Welsh religion. There is only one other country which beats us in terms of addiction and devotion, and that is New Zealand. They are, of course, by far the best team in the world and it must be a pleasure to worship at that altar. In comparison the Welsh must often suffer and sacrifice. But dragons are fierce creatures and when they breathe fire, there is no better feeling for the devout followers.