Different strokes for different folks

 

People and the choices we make. That's what makes us different. I'm struggling to understand some held convictions some people have. Now that doesn't make them any less valid. It's just I cannot find myself seeing the logic in some of them. And because of that, I'm the dumb uneducated one? A sheep following the flock? There are so many flocks these days. The easy target for the corrupt, micro chip planting governments? I feel no fear or persecution or chip being planted when I go for my next vaccination shot.

The world is experiencing a pandemic. I do think maybe 80-85% agree. Maybe even more. The other 15-20% disagree. Are the mass graves, hospital overflows and overstretched nursing staff just figments of our imagination?

We don't need 'plots'. There are easier ways for the world to be 'taken over', destroyed, made corrupt. A few drops of 'chip fluid' in the water system will do that. We don't need a killer virus for that. Human beings are capable of horrendous acts. Look at Hiroshima! Look at Israel and Palestine. North and South Ireland. We can kill each other off without a green gremlin.

Then there are those, who are prepared to risk becoming ill, because they don't want a vaccine. Well, that's their choice. Only they aren't just a threat to themselves, but also to others. Oh no, of course not. There isn't such a thing as a virus. I wonder whether they've ever needed any form of medical care, medicine or have done years of research of the food they eat, the clothes they wear, the house they live in or the fuel they use, is safe? Can be used without risk? Just asking! For a friend.

Now the world appears to be on the winning hand, no we aren't there yet, on combating this virus. Less people becoming seriously ill and dying as the treatments are improving, many are being vaccinated and those survivors having built up their own immunity, it is time to look at returning some more freedom to the people. Proof of one's health situation is paramount here-in. We, many of us humans, would like to travel. Not just for the sake of it, but like me, visit loved ones who live far a way. Too far to reach by car. We need to fly. Cross borders and continents. To do so, the traveler needs to prove his/her health status. This can be done with a vaccination passport. I still have mine from childhood on. Every jab I've had is registered. Quite handy really. I won't make the mistake of having another shot of something I've already had.

The passport is seen as discrimination. It enables those vaccinated to travel, those who aren't are limited. Funny that. I respect everyone who stands for his/her ideals. True, I really do. I also expect the same respect from those who's thoughts differ from mine.

Country heads don't want an ongoing pandemic situation, season on, season off. So they demand that those wanting to visit their shores to be as healthy as they can be, not bringing sicknesses into their country and its people. That is their good right. In fact it is their responsibility. If you don't want to be vaccinated, then stay away. Don't feel left out- your choice has repercussions, just as those who dare to be vaccinated do.

I'm writing about the issues that float in and out of my head- influenced by everything around me. You name it, it's the topic of the day. Newspapers, internet, social media, radio, tv. Even the complot thinkers use these media to gain information, deny it and find fault with it. Funnily enough, one of the issues about the vaccine and the passport is PRIVACY. How come? One's personal situation is no longer private. Just start filling in your tax form. So much is already pre-filled in. Type your name in Google. Go on. How much is private. Do you have a passport? Driver's License? Have you studied? Got a mortgage? Registered the birth of a child? There are so many 'discussions' on Social Media. Meaning that there are accounts even for those frightened for the breach of their privacy.

So you see, I look at things quite rationally, well I think I do. I'm not a politician, a chemical scientist, a laboratory analist, doctor, nurse, undertaker or overtaker. I hope I am using my common sense when making decisions regarding my health and well being. This includes being aware of my surroundings and fellow humans. To those not wanting 'that poison' in their bodies, I wish you every health and happiness available to you. Please don't come near me or mine. To those who are struggling to regain their strength and well being, I wish you blessings and stamina to complete your fight back to a happy healthy lifestyle. To those who think the end is nigh, use your time well. To those who fear for their privacy and feel discriminated against, find an island, ditch your phone and live off the grid. No-one will bother you and you'll be free of those trying to plant a chip in you.

I feel like signing off with the famous quote: May the FORCE be with you! But most of all- may good health, respect and happiness for all be the main focus for everyone.

Ma, I forgot where I put my keys.

Yesterday I spent some time with my mother in law. 

Our relationship is quite a special one which I treasure. 

My husband's first wife died quite young and her mum is now my mother in law.

At 86 years of age she has had her share of joy and grief. Her husband died before her daughter. So she didn't have his shoulder to lean on or his arms to find her comfort in. Her childhood years were in an era that was so differed to ours - In today's world we discuss emotions and feelings. Talk about our problems and seek help for issues beyond our thinking.

Not in those earlier years. One didn't 'go to a councillor' when the going got tough. And yes, they got tough. Large families, small incomes and even smaller houses. Time together as a family was a precious commodity and treated with the utmost respect. You went to birthdays of your grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins. ( I am somewhat generalising here - that goes without saying)! It is difficult to describe a sole existence of any one given situation when one wants to 'paint a picture' without actually having been there. I relate as I perceive the information I receive via stories told.

What I want to portray - is a portret of a strong woman - fabricated that way due to her perception of her world, her experiences and her drive to be independent and not 'burden' others with her tribulations. Her reflections and revelations about her youth and subsequent adult life have been a privilege to be audience to. I have a huge amount of affection and respect for this person who I am allowed to call Ma.

Anyway, I spent time with her yesterday and the subject of 'dementia and forgetfulness' was topic of the day. At one point ( we were doing some late spring cleaning) Ma said- " now why did I want to go upstairs?" She returned to the lounge and said, " do you remember why I wanted to go upstairs?" We looked at each other and laughed. "oh ma," I said, "don't tell me you are becoming forgetful!" Because we both get a bit het up when every time someone ( somewhat of age) forgets something- it is assumed this person is traveling down the road to forgetfulness, to dementia or alzheimer.

Now don't get me wrong- it is a horrible and devastating condition. And I am the last person to say that these illnesses are a laughing matter. THEY ARE AWFULL beyond words.

BUT: What I want to draw attention to - is the almost 'threatening' comment when someone, especially an older person, receives when they openly admit to having forgotten where they left their key, their purse, can't remember the long list of shopping or someone's birthday.

PLEASE; don't say " oh it's your age. Many people go senile, get dementia when they get older!" OR especially when you know the person well or the family background, " Oh forgetfulness it runs in the family. Granddad had alzheimer too!" Yes people these are some of the statements I hear around me.

To forget something DOESNT mean someone is 'losing grip on life and reality'. It simply means that one's head is full of information and it is crowded in the grey matter. Buy stating some of these negatives it is more than possible if not likely, that doubt and anxiety starts to creep in- and every little 'forget moment' is taken out of context and thus making the person insecure and uneasy.

When a child forgets it's lunchbox for school- one doesn't straight away come out with a statement pointing to dementia but tells the child to be more thoughtful. So why suspect an adult of 'losing their marbles?' The more doubts about ones sanity- the more likely the 'forgetful moments' are highlighted.

Anyway, Ma (86) and I (62) laughed each time she or I 'forgot' something and decided we were both as sane and as 'with it' as the next person. She remembered my name and I knew where the keys to the car were.

Opinions, pre-conceived notions or just 'thoughts!

Opinion - facts or not

Who doesn't have some? Opinions I mean.

A newspaper article, a tv program or item on the news can spark a deluge of comments on social media these days. Experts, couch potatoes, affected or spectators alike vent their thoughts sometimes unashamedly raw and uncensured.

I do believe in free thinking - but that doesn't mean that one can express whatever - and not take into account how one delivers the message of discontent or other way of thinking.

In my opinion that is!

Opinions are as varied as birds in the air, fish in the ocean and grains of sand on the beaches.
The have as many shapes as the clouds that float in the sky and drift by in the many strengths of breezes that stirs the air.

And it is important to be able to vent these opinions, thoughts, analyses of events that happen daily on this planet. Because most of what happens effects us all. Or at least some of us.

How wonderful it would be to not have an opinion - or would life then be too dull? Too empty and mundane? Always either agreeing ( oh no that is an opinion too isn't it?) or not agreeing - just being silent and 'getting on' with life.

For some reason, opinions tend to evoke defensive retributions and sometimes even hostile reactions. As if one has to DEFEND one's opinion. Because an opinion is just that- nothing more nothing less.

Someone else's point of view....! 

Which is to some like a red rag to a bull

No-one has to take 'it' onboard. Maybe it is important just to be heard. To shed light on a subject from different angle. This enables people to see something from an other perspective.

There are times when it takes 'guts' to voice an opinion - especially when the topic is very sensitive or the consequences far reaching.

Euthanasia

Education

Refugees

Health Services

Religion

High income earners ( in Public offices)

Food shortages

Natural resources

Save the Whale - etc

Become a donor

I live in a country where we 'attempt' to uphold the freedom to voice whatever is on your mind. Publicly and without censure. This, unfortunately, leeds to some very heated debates, discussions and sometimes violent reactions. One of our most outspoken politicians has been surrounded by body- guards since he started speaking, unreservedly, his mind, and on the other hand, not being able to 'take' the results of his verbal outbursts. This has caused some danger to his personal safety - hence the need for protection of the most invasive kind.

Some 'share' their thoughts in a most provocative way causing unrest, riots even. Makes me wonder what their intention is from the outset.

Those that shout the loudest have the biggest profile- are seen AND heard but are they listened to?

I form opinions or a point of view on many subjects as a natural reaction to receiving information that is 'sent' my way via the various options available in today's world.

I don't react to all of them - but am thankful I can be heard without fear for reprisals - other than reactions from those who think other thoughts.

Guess what I am trying to say is - a BIT OF RESPECT goes a long way while sharing our thoughts - which are after all only personal statements to be reflected on.

...and another thing!

A(nother) piece on morals and values......


Now that I am on my hobby horse of do's and don'ts. Let me tell you a tale of something that happened right outside my front door yesterday.

I was cheerfully sitting at my desk, working hard like usual when I saw a truck approaching. My ' office' is upstairs and I overlook the road ( dyk) we live along. Across from our home and paralel to the road we have a parking bay.

The truck, belonging to a freight-and technical supplies company - Technische Dienst- screeched to a halt, the driver jumped out and while keeping the driver's door open he pee-ed all over the parking bay. So called anonymously you understand!! GROSS!!

Now I am aware that truck and delivery drivers are at a disadvantage. They are on the road a lot - but are not glued to their trucks or vans all day. They pop in and out of businesses all the time making deliveries. We border on a industrial area - places a plenty with toilets. The driver could even have knocked on a door if his urge was that high. I was appalled to witness this uncalled for call of nature.

Should I report it? You see, I was still in the frame of mind about those children on the beach. I didn't approach the parents - should I let this man know his behaviour was unacceptable.

Well, he left as abrupt as he came leaving a large dark pool on the parking area. YukYukYuk.

I looked online, found the telefoonnummer and called the company. After relaying my tale to the receptionist she connected me through and I spoke to someone ' in authority'. I received apologies ( though the poor man hadn't done anything himself ) and a promise this would be addressed. I gathered by the tone of his voice that "the boss?'  was mortified. As I was.

Morals and values, a topic on a lot of politicians lips these days. Also a topic of conversation - the unruly, disrespectful behaviour of youth. Well what a show in heaven's name do kids have if adults behave the way they do?!!

And, Mr Peebody, please use a toilet in future - your behaviour is nothing to be proud of. Have respect for yourself, your fellow beings and your environment.

Spring still hasn't sprung.....

...and my energy level is as unpredictable as the weather. I felt a resurgence of energy as we experienced a taste of what's to come. It lasted as long as the preview days we were allowed. Back to winter chills and heavy frosts. Not to mention the icy cold wind that chilled one to the bone. As there (thankfully) isn't a weather button to push or tweek - I resigned myself to mother nature's curious ways.






Today the sun is out once again. After a few low days we are experiencing a high. Awesome. And I managed to move mountains. It was 4 degrees when I went shopping - a heat wave you could call it! Excuse the sarcasm won't you? What is pleasing is the feeling of renewal all around me. Maybe also due to the feast and celebration of Easter. Renewal- new birth, new chances and opportunities. I am an Easter fan. Always have been. Christmas is important but Easter - well that's celebration No. 1 for me!




In New Zealand, Easter week was a series of church celebrations of which I took part. Now, it is  a more quiet time, with a respectful Good Friday, a preparation day on Saturday and sharing and celebrating on Easter Sunday with friends. We, 6 of us, enjoy a leisurely festive breakfast, celebrate our friendship and spend quality time together. Every year - an absolute joy.

So as not to get to settled we (5) elected to drive to the beach nearby - let the wind blow away the cobwebs and stretch our legs. Friends son, 18 years old, elected to stay 'home'  at the caravan where we were visiting. A great way to let breakfast settle and have a change of scenery. There were more like minded people at the spot we chose. Finding a park was a challenge but we only needed one spot and found one available.

We climbed the stairs leading to the top of the dunes. A large board explained the work that was being done to keep the dunes in place by investing time and effort and planted dune grasses to keep the sand from eroding away. The area was cordoned off with a sturdy fence line. A NO GO area.
While enjoying the activity below us on the beach and looking out over this great expanse of water- we were disturbed by a small group (3) of children who clambered over the fence and slid down the dunes screeching their delight as they did so. Would have been great to watch and share their joy had it  not been for the fact that this was a total NO NO. A protected area. And what really got our dander up - was that the parents stood at the bottom clapping and laughing at the children's escapades. GGGrrrrrr!

Childish, I hear you think, that we were annoyed. Maybe. I do so love to see children outside enjoying all nature has to offer - but this was an intrusion and total disrespect and disregard ( from the parents in my view) for the region. The children can't be held accountable if parents don't instruct, guide, set boundaries and educate. It could have been such a great teachable moment.

I lost my ' happy Easter' feeling for a moment. Should I say something - do I address the parents? We discussed amongst ourselves what we thought on the matter and one of the children must have overheard some of our mutterings. She gingerly walked to the fencing, looked at us over her shoulder and slowly and nervously still climbed over the fence. I don't know whether if I had gone down to the beach if I would have reproached the parents. I like to think I would have Instead we turned tail and left.

My plea to parents - You are responsible for the behaviour and upbringing of your children. It is your privilege and honour to help shape these young people into responsible adults. They need to be informed of their responsibilities, their rights and wrongs.
 
Maybe it is the ' teacher'  in me that drives me to comment on this type of behaviour - I lay the responsibility of a respectful upbringing totally at the foot of the parents.