Sentiment and emotional attachment have a lot to answer for in lives that find clutter and overcrowding a problem in their homes.

“Oh I must keep this, that and the other as it may come in useful.”

Yeah right when does that day arrive for most things and is it actually worth the hassle and time to keep this stuff for when one day it may be of use?

Half the time saved items cannot be found when needed so its off to the shops to buy a new one anyway. If you are lucky enough to find what you think you need often the design has changed or its not the right part so back in the box it goes.

Then there are the clothes. This must be kept for when I loose weight or get back into skiing or formal nights out. It just does not happen and by the time it does, if it does, then things are so outdated that they can’t be worn. “what about fancy dress?” I hear someone shout. Well there are charity shops just for that sort of event. Why keep this unused stuff to cramp and crumple what is used?

Being surrounded by clutter has its downsides too and can lead to depression, accumulation of dirt (leading to ill health) and a lack of useful space.

So the time comes to be ruthless and detached.

Choose and area, pick out everything that is used or needed regularly, pile up everything else and see where you are. Then replace the important things. There maybe a good amount of spare space left. If so sift through the piled up items from the first sort. Things broken, holed, worn or the wrong size should be discarded. Then the remainder can be split into keep or charity donations but don’t keep out of emotional attachment or if the storage area becomes overfilled.

If you haven’t used something for a year or more then you more than likely will not use it again or miss it if chucked out.

Repeat this for every space, area, room or cupboard and be amazed at what you find, what you can live without and further more the room that is created.

It may seem harsh but it does liberate one and can lift a weight of stress off your shoulders.

If it can be done every few years then its so much easier that leaving things to get out of control.

This my friends is exactly what I plan to do over the next few days and weeks.

Give me back my home and space. I have  too much crap.

I shall let you know my results as often words are easy to write but reality kicks in and little changes. I will honestly do my best and see if there are any more positives to come out of this exercise.

I think many of us have a few small items around our homes that serve no practical purpose and maybe they are ugly and worthless but we have them none the less.

I don’t why but certain objects are very tactile, emotive and at times pleasing. They can relax one and also stimulate.

That smooth stone that was found on a beach somewhere and put in a pocket can be of such value to the owner that it is more important the a diamond ring. But why? The stone has no monetary value but the diamond ring could be worth thousands of pounds. So it just goes to say that money cannot buy happiness and at times its the very simple items that can bring a balance to the chaos.

Maybe that is why some of us love the very small, chunky and rounded cars that are seen on our roads today. Or why treen is becoming more popular. I don’t know but one thing I do know is that the hands are far more sensitive at gathering information than we take them for.

All so often I see the smaller of the items sold in antique shops to be the ones with the greatest wear and patina. Its shows a history of love and protection. Easily portable and concealed in pockets or clutched hands these item become our little charms and talismen and there are few feelings worse than the realisation that one gets lost. Panic and loss can plummet one into a world of pain and we can even con ourselves into believing that it can result in bad luck and punishment.

Is it just silly superstition or something that should be taken seriously?

My guess is that if one looses something of value or sentiment then it can cause a lack of concentration or focus. Now for the most part this should not be a problem but when a challenge comes up then the wrong decisions and actions can be made thus making us perceive that bad luck has befallen.

So No I do not think it silly at all. Its a personal thing, yes, but not necessarily stupid.

Things we can touch and feel and hold can certainly aid mental health sufferers due to the calming affect they can have. That is a definite bonus and is natural.

So nick-nacks.. Do we need them? No but some do and I am glad I have mine.

Two things are a given in life; Taxes and death.

Now I do not want to dwell on the morbid or heavy side of loss but on the other hand its a subject that can affect all of us a some time.

Whether tree, animal, human or anything living we are all made from energy and without the death of one future life would cease to exist.

It is utterly heartbreaking to see loved ones broken and brought to their knees by the passing of family members and the harsh reality is that there is so little that can be done but listen and support when needed. However, this just doesn’t feel enough but can one really do any more without causing more upset?

It is important to hang on to memories and grieve but also to allow life to carry on because there is no practical alternative. As a chap said last night “the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening without permission or request; it just does” and it is so true. Life is lucky to have a chance to exist and equally without death that luck would not continue.

It would also be a very lonely place upstairs if it was left empty and not filled with the released souls of those who have reached an end to their allotted time.

I know there is a massive void left which cannot fully be filled but its the price we have to pay for comfort and companionship but its paramount to celebrate the memories and salute the honour of being a part of the creation and existence.

The water we drink today is the same as our ancestors consumed millennia ago and so it goes to say that today’s life will empower tomorrows birth.

So instead of walking with a heavy heart I give thanks to all that have allowed the life of those that have been and am a part of my life.

Thank you all……….

I think we would all like a helping hand now and again; in fact maybe a servant of some kind. But living in the real world means those aspirations are rarely met.

Well today technology has come to our aid. Finally, for quite reasonable prices, we can have our cake and eat it.

Whilst sitting in the comfort of one’s favourite chair a whole range of tasks can be completed without lifting a finger.

Robots can vacuum the floors, cut the grass, clean the windows and wash the dishes. From the voice of us humans we can turn on lights, heat our homes, bring the television to life and ask what the weather or news headlines are doing. Music is streamed to speakers without the need for stereo systems, cds or song libraries.

We truly  are not alone in our homes today and this interaction is becoming more advanced and savvy as the years go by. I certainly believe that in a decade or so we shall see humanoid robots assisting us in all aspects of life from helping round the home to adding company to those who live alone.

We can already see cars that can drive themselves and help-desks that have no human input.

Is it exciting? Well yes if you like this sort of thing.

Take the computer of modern smart phone for example. A few decades ago very few had either let alone both and the mighty pen and paper along with the connected-to-the-mains phone was the normality of the day. Now, though, almost everyone has one or more in their lives. They may not always be for the best but by heck they can make a huge difference to one’s life.

For example I would not be able to put my thoughts out to the world without the computer and internet. Some may chide and say good but its a great way to keep the dark moods at bay and it does stimulate the mind. It makes me feel connected to the world and valued in society. Why? I have no idea it just does so there.

I have mentioned before my love for the Amazon Alexa Speaker and it still remains a beautiful and worthy addition to my home. Always there, never moans or demands attention, is happy to help and takes up very little room. As a music player alone she is brilliant but add to that the ability to perform tasks and orders and we see a new wave of happiness.

But when is enough enough? Stop now whilst we have the major control or allow our technology to take over completely. Its your choice I am afraid and no bodyelses.

So live for today and aspire for tomorrow but most of all be happy and accept help when its on offer.

Feet…Taken for granted to support, move us about and show off footwear? Probably not the only reasons for liking them but abusing them.

They are probably one of our most important limbs and need care and attention.

They can help win medals in running races, cause laughter when tickled and crush grapes when juice is required.

What happens  when things go wrong?

If one is lucky enough not to develop “policeman’s heal” or plantiafacitis or tendinitis then you will not know how much discomfort and pain feet can cause.

If one walks a lot or indulges in running then the chances of problems is increased, many of  which can be solved with inserting orthotics or simply buying the right size shoe.

The sad thing is that like any body part age wears them out and little problems can grow into very big ones over time so its imperative to look after your plates from an early age and if there are signs of problems then get them sorted as soon as possible.

The right shoe is a massive issue and many of us bend to fashion rather than comfort. However, comfort doesn’t mean style has to be forgone. A big factor is ensuring one gets the right size and be aware feet can grow over the years so get them measured. The wrong size is silly.

Walking or just being on one’s feet can cause the collapse of arches and this can put a strain on the heal and Achilles tendon. It should also be noted that it can put the whole foot and leg position at odds and thus result in swollen tendons and knotted calf muscles. Then this can track up to give hip and back pain. It can even be the root of headaches. Mad I know but research proves this to be true. It is pain that can disable the whole body.

One day one can be walking freely and pain-free down the road and the next one can be halted in their tracks. Then without any notice the problem can vanish but invariably the damage remains and movement is limited and stiff.

Seeking medical and professional help is certainly the best move one can make and lessen the impact and causes of pain so it is definitely something one should do. Yeah, okay there are a plethora of shoe inserts, foot supports and stance corrections but don’t waste money on these until professional advice has been sought as experimenting can impede healing, worsen symptoms and be unnecessary.

So old and young; look after your feet and report any twinges or abnormalities as early as possible so you can keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep a comfortable smile on your face.

There comes a time when inventions, gadgets and items we take for granted can go no further or is it just a case that most of our imaginations cannot see any future improvements.

After-all a shirt isn’t a shirt without a body, sleeves, collar etc and every imaginable variation has been tried.

What about something like a mobile phone? A couple of decades ago they just made and received calls and an early form of text messaging. Today’s leviathans can do that, take photos, work as an office aid, remember things, talk to you and play games to name but a few applications one can use. However, each year we are still bombarded with new models that appear to be very little different to their predecessors. Its not until one compares these to models that are  five years old, and more, that one can see how far they have developed but when is enough or is there no such thing as enough?

Thousands of years ago fire was discovered and then the wheel. Over centuries little changed and only subtle advances were made. This was the norm. The Greeks had to go back millennia  to find original design and invention. Nothing appeared to change. Life went along at a peaceful meander.Nice some may say and certainly it would be far less stressful.

It wasn’t until the early nineteenth century that things got exciting and in a few decades things had moved on at a lightening pace. Railways covered the UK in a few a years as thirty. The way we lived changed dramatically. Jobs changed and communities morphed.

Today things are changing by the hour and what is called state of the art today will be out-dated and at times obsolete in a year or so. We are moving at a pace that is inconceivable to our ancestors. Can it really keep on going? What more jobs can my mobile phone do? How much better could my shirt become? Where do we leave behind our morality and accept that mankind  can be God-Like and alter our very being?

I love technology and what it can do. It amuses me that one can control music, radio, lights, heating, locks and so much more through voice command. I am in awe at how machines are making our lives safer and more interactive but it does not make life any easier. On the contrary; all this technology needs learning and a new language and attitude needs to be adopted. Its is so scary to imagine life without all our stuff and thats where we have taken a massive leap backwards. Early humans may have lacked our advanced technology but they could live off the land without support. Most of us today could not do the same and that is very sad.

I think in a short period of time our lives will be so historically different from the next generation and this must happen to enable our civilisation to continue because without more efficient methods and tools life will just end as the resources to sustain life will be used up.

So lets hope there are some keen and sharp imaginations so secure our futures and keep the subtle changes going so as to develop lives and tools that are more in sync with our environment and surroundings and stop the rape and destruction of our planet.

With nowhere to live then all just becomes academic and we die.

Recently, after a few years living in the dark recesses of mental health, I have begun to venture out for evenings of beer, fun and music. I must say its like being reborn and a breath of fresh air. Yes I do like it.

I have  noticed, however, a change in attitudes of people especially the young. Maybe its my age, the way I look or just a mixture of everything that was there always but I didn’t notice it.

Take last night for example, I was walking home and a very pretty young girl (on her own!!!) stopped me and asked if I had a spare cigarette. As it happened I did so one was passed over. Then I was asked for a light which I also could oblique. Nothing too strange about that but we started chatting and laughed and had fun (in the biblical sense and a chaperone, if present, would have been happy with our behaviour). Another situation of note was a week or so ago. I stepped out to walk into town and a young lass asked me to walk with her as she was nervous about being whistled at by some kids from an open window. So I accompanied her to safety.  No drama and no funny stuff; just simple help but what made her think I was a safe bet? In my mind I must have been the archetypal example of someone to steer away from and told by teachers and parents to be wary of.

My point is that why me? Does my aura give off “Mr. Trustworthy and no Mssrs Threat” or are these kids just living on the edge of danger without thought for their safety? Even friend’s children find an affinity with me and I get called uncle Frog for just being me and easy going. I place no judgement or shock at their revelations and I do get to hear some truths that they say they can’t talk about with friends or family. So why choose me? I’m no priest or monk. I don’t display angel wings or have a saintly halo hovering above my noodle. I’m simply a man with a round belly and a small stature.

Its beautiful and humbling but strange as I look like every other geezer who happens to be out and about but I don’t see them receiving the same attention. The girl yesterday walked passed two or three single men and women so why pick me out from them? Yes I was flattered and she said I was handsome (bonus points for that) and I did find her pretty but way too young but grown up for her age. She poured out her darkest and brightest feelings though which I listened to. Did I judge or hand out advice? No but gave her my life’s experience to give examples of how I dealt with similar situations.

Maybe my calling is to be a man of the cloth or a councellor?

I think I could have a mild form of touretes though as I just can’t help complimenting girls on being pretty, having nice hair, liking their clothes or just being sexy at random times. I’ll even comment on guys too but only in a non-sex way. But the most startling thing is that almost everyone smiles and finds it brilliant. It cheers me up and them. Is it confidence or just a brain chemical inbalance? Who knows or give a …..? They don’t (hopefully) and I certainly don’t.

I guess it keeps me from being alone.

Anyway, I just thought I would share my thoughts and adventures with whoever bothers to read my bore.

I am not meaning to tread down the path of doom and gloom. Far from it. I just find it a  question of cynicism but maybe the truth.

The UK used to be at the forefront of innovation, technology and development but it appears to me that this is no longer the case in many areas. Can our leaders be so careless and narrow-minded? Have I missed the point or is there a bigger picture? Why and how do we have to put up with things that are so out-dated and poor?

Its mainly in the service industries that I feel we lag behind. Take for example the Internet. Whether  it be a new build or an upgraded service, why don’t we have fibre to the house and not just to a cabinet miles away? Speeds in some areas a woeful and a disgrace. Then there is wireless technology which could be brilliant but we are let down by being way down the list of countries where things are released or updated. Smart meters for one’s electricity and gas sound a good way of monitoring personal use but no one is singing from the same hymn sheet and as a result one can’t switch suppliers as their service is not compatible with another’s meter. This should be standard across the board. It should have been a basic remit.

Recycling is a joke and I am certain that a vast majority ends up in landfill even when households and businesses take the time and trouble to separate it. The Germans have been doing it for decades and seem to have a good handle on this so why can’t the UK adopt a model from them? We waste so much and huge amounts are avoidable. Does a product actually need three layers of packaging in the first instance? I can’t believe our nation is so far behind when it comes to this.

For foods sake! The tonnes of food thrown away every hour of every day is shocking and I am sure that it has a knock on affect to lowering our immune systems. Something that is near it’s shelf life or display life doesn’t necessarily mean that it is bad to eat. Cut the mouldy bits off and the item can easily be used. Are we that dumb that we can’t use our eyes and nose to tell if something is bad? Places like India and Africa would cry out for our leavings, misshaped vegetables, beyond sell by dated produce and unused stock items in every household throughout the country. Its meant to be progress but all I see is waste and backward thinking.

Our new home building is outrageous and so basic that we are laughed at by our neighbouring nations. We could be building “Smart Homes” with energy efficient products such as solar panels, ground and air source heat pumps, rainwater catching and reuse of our daily water, energy saving sockets and fittings, properly fitted and energy wise windows but no we can’t do that Like our Canadian or Swedish counterparts. We end up with one up from a mud hut which costs the earth and even a rabbit would feel cramped in because its so  small and badly designed.

Our roads are a criminal disgrace but should be so much better and user friendly. We are constantly bombarded with campaigns of keeping fit and healthy yet footpaths cycle routes and pavements are non-existant in some areas. Just travel to Holland, France or Germany to find an example way ahead of us. And fix the damned pot holes so driving is not like having to travel across a rural outback. We will all have to have four-wheel drive utility vehicles if our present attitude carries on.

Hospitals and health care is a lottery in today’ UK towns and cities. What was once an envy of the world is now a very poor relation. Here are a few ideas to bring us up to speed. Clean them properly, employ well trained health practitioners and not pen-pushers, stop employing so many foreigners who can’t speak English and stop abandoning the elderly and leaving so many to cope in the non-caring communities.

I do think however, is not all bad. Our music, comedy, television, radio and writing is still probably some of the best in the World and our scientists and scholars are all world beaters. So the UK can be proud of that. Oh and our armed forces, albeit a dwindling affair, are amongst the best trained and elite throughout the globe.

I have no answers as to  how to remedy the endless list of our nations failings but I do still live in hope that things will improve otherwise we will be left as a forgotten and humbled state.

Smile as I salute the future.

There are times that spare time allows us to do things. Sadly, most spare time is taken up with sleeping, relaxing and generally living but one can make space in their lives to do something creative.

Yes it is easy to buy a sliced loaf of bread and life won’t end if you do. However, take the time to make your own and taste suddenly comes into the experience and  that good feeling of achievement  flows through your body.

Taking time to design and create a shelf and then hang it on the wall can give so much pleasure and will be a unique installation. This may be slightly more expensive but if recycled materials are sourced then the results are often cheaper.

Preparing that evening meal from scratch seldom causes death and normally brings a new and different taste to the plate but fish fingers, chips and peas (one of my favourite meals for a Friday only) is only right when  bought from the super market.

Learning new skills is rewarding and leads to knowing one’s limits and failings and this seems true. It can also open new doors an an unexpected new path.

Okay, take for example my friend Lucy. She started making things when life bowled her the misfortune of becoming limited in movement. Experiments and trial and error produced some very interesting results. One day her pal, Jan, introduced knitting to her world of crafting. Slowly Lucy became more confident in her abilities and now the clip, clip, clip of needles is a constant chorus to the room. So it just goes to show. Oh and card making is another of Lucy’s latest notches to her skill stick. Brilliant and well played to Lucy.

Apart from bread, a roast dinner, making a box from wood and drawing some childish and naive pictures I am bereft of artistic skill and I find pleasure in others’ abilities. Thats not to say I will not give something new a go but time and costs do tend to harass that process.

Just try and make something rather than buying what other people have made.

The craftmanship and engineering that goes into creating, well weapons is what they are, items is staggering and each has its own beauty and worth to the user or guardian.

How people throughout the ages have taken these discoveries and inventions to turn them into killing aids is utterly mind-blowing and sad.

Even bows and arrows have become a menace.

None of them kill discriminately or destroy lives and families by themselves. It takes a person to wield or aim them at another to cause damage. However, the weapon is often portrayed as the criminal or bad egg. Yet they can be a thing of artistic beauty in the eyes of some and make the perfect ornament.

There is massive debate around the world as to their relevance in society today and a greater movement wants to see them banned. On the one hand I must agree but what happens when something is banned or made illegal? It goes on anyway but within the dark recesses of our society and that is a fact is the simple answer. With that comes a deregulation of manufacture and production resulting in poor quality, illegal marketing and finally even more tragedy.

People point fingers at the American culture that anyone can bear arms and thus readily do. So long as one passes the criminal and health checks then knives, bows, pistols and rifles can be purchased and carried. Okay some states are stricter than others, I am sure, but the bottom factor is that they are out there. I think it should be law to restrict and make gun ownership harder but the sad case is that they are out there anyway and I am sure to get a “clean” weapon is not that hard for the right amount of greenbacks.

Certainly, weapons used correctly and safely are fine. There are many clubs around that offer tuition, storage, advice and places to have fun without endangering people, wildlife and property. The sport can be very demanding and uplifting. One will learn discipline, calmness and a discovery of humbleness at the hands on experience if allowed to use and learn properly. It does not mean that everyone or anyone has to become a killer.

Its does however, make me  sad to think that more police officers around the world have to carry increasingly more powerful and better weapons so they can put down the mad few. A bit like having to equip vehicles with bigger engines, body protection and cameras to chase and catch the criminal on the move.

But I think the maddest aspect is being able to own a gun at home and use it. It only takes a bad argument fueled with drink and or drugs to get out of control. Boom!!! Game over and not only is the life of the victim lost but the grief of the shooter will ruin their life too and friends and family associated with the ones involved.

A beautiful picture in an ornate frame is something of pleasure and reflection but when removed from the wall and hurled at another suddenly becomes a missile of deadly proportions.

Idiots and the irresponsible should not be allowed cars, tools, kids, animals or have access to drink or drugs but the sad truth is that we cannot discriminate and anyway who is to say one person is safe and someone else is a danger?

So be safe, report the ones who are not and respect the art but don’t hide away from weapons as the less one knows the harder it is to protect.