5 questions to ponder…

Sarah, from The Practical Mystic , wrote a thought provoking post a couple of days ago. She often inspires me and I have responded to her, with a post that answers the questions she asked. Would you like to do the same? I don’t usually structure my blog this way, but thought it might be fun. You can write your answer to one or all of these questions and post it in the comments section below, or create an entire post including a link back to my post, and then leave your link in the comments section of this blog, so that others can find you. We might get to know each other a little better. Or you can do none of the above and just enjoy reading.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

When I was about 8 years old, my Dad saw that I was trying to draw a lady’s face. He was in his work clothes, either going to or coming from the farm but he sat down and showed me how to draw a face. He didn’t know how to draw, but he knew more than I did. Mum and I were always close and I have many memories of her patiently passing along many skills. Dad worked long hours and didn’t often have time to give to us, one-on-one, so this memory stands out for me, and I return to it often.

tea-still-life
remembering…

How old would you be if you did not know how old you are?

I like how I am now. (just as well isn’t it?) It happens I am 63. Despite the vagaries of an ageing body, I love how I feel mentally and spiritually at this stage in my life. The whole of my life has led me to now.

If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

In the words of Elmer Fudd, ‘Be bwave widdoe wabbit’                                                                            (spell checker is going nuts…)

What is your favourite quote?

Quote from poet Antonio Machado

honey-bee-daisy
Honey Bee on native daisy, Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Last night as I was sleeping

I dreamt—marvellous error!—

that I had a beehive

here inside my heart.

And the golden bees

were making white combs

and sweet honey

from my old failures.

What is your current 3 word memoir?

Surrender to yourself.

17 responses to “5 questions to ponder…”

  1. Just beautiful Ardys ❤

    Like

    1. Thank you for the inspiration Sara 💕

      Like

  2. I agree… that was beautiful, Ardys.And the photographs that accompany this post are lovely as well. I would choose to be this age now too. And… who knew Elmer Fudd could speak with such wisdom!! 😀

    Like

    1. Haha, yes, Elmer Fudd and wisdom are not an immediate connect, are they? Thank you Lori.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. A lovely post Ardys, and again, perect timing. I feel the strong lure of introspection after a crazily social month. My favourite memory is of my 9th birthday. It was summer holidays, my first ever outing to a cafe and I chose strawberries over cake for afternoon tea. I remember vividly the look of love on my parents’ faces and the flavour of the tiny sweet strawberries. That was 53 yrs ago. I’d be the age I am now too. I love the freedom of time to choose where, when and how I live my life. I can choose to put my loved ones first or to be self indulgent if I prefer. It’s nice to be able to make choices. My advice to a newborn would be consider deeply the Commandment”love thy neighbour as thyself.” My favourite poem has changed over the years, right now Leonard Cohen’s poetic lyrics are pausing me to reflect, especially the song “Forget the perfect offering.” there is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.
    My three word memoir “viva la diference.”

    Like

    1. Beautifully expressed responses Sandra. I hope you get some introspective time, it’s not the best time of year for it–so busy. I must go listen to that Leonard Cohen song, I do love the lyrics. Thank you.

      Like

  4. oops “difference”

    Like

  5. Nice choices Ardys. When I was 6 or 7 I must have been discharged from hospital a few days after Christmas. I remember arriving home and having all my presents to open. I was so excited.
    If I wasn’t almost 66 I think I’d be about the 25 I feel. Maybe 30 if I’m feeling mature.
    xxx Huge Hugs xxx

    Like

  6. There is still a young person inside most of us, but if I had to go back to the anxieties of a younger age, I would not want to do it. Hope you are feeling better, David.

    Like

    1. Sit there and count your fingers. Old
      but still a 10 Count. Now wiggle the
      toes on your left foot. Now add in
      your right foot digitoes. Old but
      still a ten count. Now stand and shake
      your hands ALL around. Wave your arms. Move your feet to a rock and roll suite of your favorite mix of rock
      and roll treats.. add a dash of soul and
      dance. All around like James Brown.
      This is a test and at best living moving
      proof you’re Not Just Alive but Lively!
      Don’t just sit there old timer—a whiner
      Get up and dance! Dreams will never be as real as you feel as you rock and
      reel. Not “what’s in your wallet”but
      what dances to the best of your heart. Now do YOUR part!

      Like

      1. Thanks, I think, Mel. I don’t even know how to respond to that!

        Like

  7. As I am on working ‘hols’ found this late! Loved it and the answers given. My fave story is too long and has to do with standing up to the President of my country at age less than 5 at a cabinet meeting at St Catherine’s Palace in Tallinn and calling him a ‘horrid man’ for racism 🙂 ! I guess the easiest answer would be the day about that time when my very, very feminist father sat me on his lap and said ; ‘Eha: women can do everything men can do and then some: except they usually do it better” !! I’d like to return to my fifties ’cause the end would not be ‘so near’ and I would be physically stronger. My quote to myself and those of the later generation: ‘To thine own self be true . . . ‘ . . . . ‘and it follows as the night the day that thou can’st not be false to any man . . . . thank you Will!!

    Like

  8. Great memories, Eha. What a wonderful Father to have told you that! You must have been rather precocious to have alerted the President of the error in his ways! I think we all must have used some of ‘Will’s wisdom’ here and there in our lives. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts with us. Enjoy your working ‘hols’.

    Like

  9. What a lovely memory of your Dad. I love that wee story. c

    Like

    1. Thank you Celi. I marvel at the little things that can have such a big impact on us.

      Like

  10. Lovely memory of Dad, A.
    The only other three words within reach are: My head hurts.

    LOL (for real, though).

    Like

    1. Haha, I’m sorry your head hurts. Some days are like that. Thank you for reading, Diana.

      Like

Leave a reply to ardysez Cancel reply

About Me

I’m Ardys, the creator and author behind this blog. I’ve found great joy in the unexpected and tiny things in life, as well as some big ones…and in between is where I’ve learned my lessons. I like to write, take photos and paint and I hope it resonates with you.