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LITTLE BY LITTLE

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TUESDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2021
This is a response to a Flash Fiction prompt from ‘Putting My Feet In the Dirt’, Writing Prompts hosted by ‘M’.
Which can be found by following the link below..

Prompt ~ LITTLE BY LITTLE

February 2021 Writing Prompts

I lay on the mountainside seeking inspiration. I examined my problem to solve the conundrum. It began to rain, I looked at my watch. A drop of rain landed on my nose and supplied the answer. 

~~~~~

LITTLE BY LITTLE


by John Yeo

Every day, with the warming return of the watery sun, the snow would melt, then seep and freeze again.

Forming pools of water that would rise and trickle and soon flood the surrounding plains.

 It starts in the mountain peaks, flowing and falling down rocky slopes, creating rivulets and cataracts descending into well-worn river beds. 

Tiny drops of water that little by little would wear away and hone and shape the boulders and rocky escarpments.

 Erosion over time smooths hard rock. 

Water, dripping on a rock over thousands of years, can eat through the rock. 

A river pounding against rock can cut through the rock over an extended period of time. 

Caves, set in the mountainside, created by rainwater slowly seeping through limestone rock, are formed little by little as the centuries turn into aeons. 

Stalagmites and stalactites are formed by traces of dissolved rock deposited by water dripping from the ground above.

© Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

~~~~

I realise there is a lot of truth in the old adage, ‘The sands of time grind exceeding small.’ Perhaps a parallel should be, ‘A drop of water can create the sand.’

FRAGRANT FINDINGS

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SUNDAY 31st JANUARY 2021

This is a response to a Flash Fiction prompt from ‘Putting My Feet In the Dirt’, Writing Prompts hosted by ‘M’.
Which can be found by following the link below..

Prompt ~FRAGRANT FINDINGS

January 2021 Writing Prompts

FRAGRANT FINDINGS

by John Yeo

  The morning dawned to an annual seasonal change. A warming sun bathed the garden with a fertile, floral, light. Colourful blooms in the pastel range lit up the garden borders creating a wonderful sight that heralded the return of sweet fertile Spring.

  Almost overnight, the scene had subtly altered. Green branches were covered with swollen buds. Petals were tightly bound, ready to burst outward to reveal a seasonal floral splendour. Then within a few hours a strong heady floral fragrance drifted outwards from the centre of the blooms. So powerful, even the songbirds were overpowered in the sheer glorious delight of feasting on the multitude of insects that were drawn by this heady ephemeral fragrance. The insects visit the flowers to get sweet nectar. Pollen sticks to the insect’s body. The insect then flies off to another flower where some of the pollen may be transferred to the stigma. This transfer of pollen from one flower to another is called cross-pollination.

 Fragrant findings by insects leads to a chain of circumstances with many outcomes.

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved.

BATTLE OF WITS

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SUNDAY 22nd NOVEMBER 2020 

November Writing Prompts

BATTLE OF WITS

by John Yeo

The answer always at the end of the fingertips 

We are sure it will never drift far out of reach

Beating the virus is becoming a battle of wits.

The world has been overtaken by a mutual crisis

Nations collaborating and sharing the research

The answer always at the end of the fingertips.

~

The death toll mounting widespread contagion befits

A closedown of society, widespread fear of defeat 

Beating the virus is becoming a battle of wits.

Confinement essential borders just close to friendship 

Perhaps death and sickness have a lesson to teach

The answer is always at the end of the fingertips.

~

Science searches desperately for a vaccine to contain it

Prayers for the families with no solution to the breach

Beating the virus is becoming a battle of wits.

The rallying call to the carers, healers and medics

To stem the tide of desperation with a caring outreach 

The answer was always at the end of the fingertips.

Beating the virus has become a battle of wits.

© Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

A WALK IN THE PARK

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FRIDAY 20th NOVEMBER 2020 ~ BLOG POST

A WALK IN THE PARK

by John Yeo 

The afternoon was cold without the strong winds we’ve been becoming accustomed to lately. Margaret and I decided to take a good long walk through Sheringham Park. This is a National Trust (NT), property, comprising a large wooded area surrounding Sheringham Hall. The woodland walks are carefully maintained by NT employees and are extremely pleasant to visit. There are many mature trees with Rhododendrons, Azaleas with several species of Magnolia.

A striking young tree, resplendent in its Autumnal golden yellow foliage is the first colourful image that strikes the eye, giving a flavour of the season. Many crunchy, brown Oak and Beech leaves were covering the ground along the way. I couldn’t help imagining a fine tilth of leaf mould all over our allotment if only I could solve the logistical problem of transportation.

We continued to wander along the woodland trail and next encountered this wonderful pink Azalea tree at the edge of the pathway. This was the only shrub  in bloom at this time of the year, although many shrubs were covered in plump strong buds which promises well for a gorgeous display of blooms in the Spring.

Margaret came prepared with a walking cane to aid her balance on the uneven terrain. We passed a few people also enjoying the solitude of a woodland afternoon stroll, mainly couples walking the family pooch. Everyone we encountered strictly observed the social distance recommendations and cheerfully said Good Afternoon to us as we passed.

I was examining some rich green ferns, almost ankle-deep in Oak tree leaves here. The tangled branches in the background sadly feature a good number of branches that had been torn off the trees in a recent terrific storm.

We were just in time to see a Squirrel dashing  up the trunk of a large Beech tree and I noticed the ground was covered with the empty husks of Beechnuts. Obviously there is a secreted hibernation larder nearby.

The normally prolific birdlife was either roosting or away on migration. However we did notice a Magpie, a Crow and a few smaller birds darting around. At the end of the afternoon we had walked two miles in about 50 minutes. A good healthy lockdown exercise experience for both of us.

© Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

PRISONERS OF GEOGRAPHY

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SUNDAY 15th NOVEMBER 2020

BOOK REVIEW

PRISONERS OF GEOGRAPHY


by Tim Marshall

  This is a book that is extremely well written with the use of some incredibly well researched information. The way the facts are brought together and presented with such wonderful clarity is certain to inform and educate.  

  The book takes an in-depth study of the huge reliance the past and the present world leaders have been forced to place on their geographical locations.

From Russia, through China, the USA, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, India and Pakistan, Europe, Japan and Korea, to the Arctic.

  The reasons for many political decisions on World peace and prosperity are explained here. The information forecast, sometimes drifts from the reality of recent events but the forecast for the future prosperity and development of the individual nations is fascinating.

I would thoroughly recommend this book as a great learning experience.

© Written by John Yeo

WILD WIND WITH STORMY RAIN

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MONDAY 26th OCTOBER 2020 ~BLOG POST 

This is a response to a Flash Fiction prompt from ‘Putting My Feet In the Dirt’, Writing Prompts hosted by ‘M’.
Which can be found by following the link below..

October Writing Prompts

PROMPT ~ Merely monsters

WILD WIND WITH STORMY RAIN 

(Merely Monsters)

by John Yeo

   The  sky briefly turned pink after we’d experienced a short heavy shower of rain with high winds this afternoon. We had some storm damage last week and I lost a smallish tree from one of the borders. 

 I was busily staking up and giving some support to a couple of our shrubs today when I got caught in the rain. More high winds and heavy rain is forecast in the next couple of days. The problem is, this excessive rain, coupled with the high winds, weakens the root systems and there’s a danger of trees and shrubs getting blown over and uprooted. I have enjoyed taking care of our Camellia shrub which gets bigger and better every year. The winds have forced this 16 years old shrub to bend precariously and I’ve staked it with a double stake support. I also have a Forsythia that needed a supportive stake. This Forsythia shrub brings back some good memories to Margaret and I, as it was nurtured from a cutting we obtained from the garden of a very special lady who once lived in Bishops Stortford. I think as these  plants and trees reward us every year it’s worth spending time taking care of them.

   I also snapped a quick shot of a large pot of pink Nerines that are in full flower at the moment. 

This collage shows our beautiful Camellia and Forsythia shrubs in flower in early Spring.

© Written by John Yeo

UNCOMFORTABLE CORONAVIRUS VIBES

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SUNDAY 25th OCTOBER 2020 ~ BLOG POST

PROMPT ~ Write about a time you were uncomfortable

UNCOMFORTABLE CORONAVIRUS VIBES

by John Yeo

  The huge publicity campaign highlighting the dangers of interaction with other people during the current Coronavirus pandemic makes one feel extremely uncomfortable all the time. 

   Whenever one ventures out of the house the dangers, whether real or imagined are all around. Most people we come into contact with, take the necessary precautions by keeping to the metre distancing recommendations and a high proportion wear a face covering when entering the local shops.

 However there are still the virtually unconcerned minority, who take enormous risks with their own health and everyone else they come into contact with. 

  The daily statistics, sadly give a clear picture of the latest figures of people who have become infected with the virus and sadder still, the number of people who’ve been hospitalised. Then the most uncomfortable statistic of all, the daily death toll from this unremittingly vicious virus. 

 We live in a small town of narrow streets around the main shopping area that has been turned into a one way pedestrian area. One side of the main road has been designated by clear arrow signs pointing in one direction. The opposite side of the road has a series of arrows clearly pointing in the opposite direction. The shops and the shopping area are built close to the main road, with narrow pavements, leaving little room for people to pass one another and still comply with the social distancing recommendations. 

 The main shopping road is a one way road for traffic and the town gets exceedingly busy at times. Some incredibly ignorant, unenlightened people, will insist on walking along the pavements in the wrong direction causing other pedestrians to walk in the road to maintain the social distancing regulations. Very few people wear a face covering except for when they enter the shops, where it is a legal requirement.

  We tend to avoid shopping in town unless it’s absolutely essential, but of course there are times when a visit to the Pharmacy or the Optician or the Hairdressers makes it unavoidable. 

   At this particularly unusual time during this obnoxious Coronavirus pandemic going into town will always be accompanied by an unpleasant, uncomfortable feeling.

© Written by John Yeo

DEMENTIA

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WEDNESDAY 21st OCTOBER 2020 ~ BLOG POST

PROMPT ~ Write about your biggest fear.

DEMENTIA 

by John Yeo

   As an independent healthy young man I developed into an equally independent healthy middle aged adult. I have been fortunate enough to share my life with strong minded independent women and my attitude to life has always been secure and ongoing. Like many others of my age group, I have always felt thoroughly competent and many years younger in my outlook than my years would outwardly suggest. I’m sure most people feel so much younger and stronger than their years and perhaps this is a natural reaction to the aging process.

   As I grow older in years I feel I have always known my biggest fear and I take steps to avoid succumbing to the sad mental decline that is dementia. I dislike and I will eternally dread the thought of becoming totally dependent on others for many of my needs. I try hard to use my brain in as many ways as possible to attempt to delay the certain loss of mental acuity that invariably comes to us all, with the slow passing of the years. I keep fit and healthy and enjoy a balanced diet.

   I use my brain in as many ways as possible and hope this is helping to slow and perhaps stem the tide of the insidious onset of any form of dementia.

   I check my memory processes continually and carry out personal exercises in generating visual and verbal memory constructions.

    I’m aware of the early symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment and I continually check myself for any of these telltale signs of cell degeneration.

  I read up on anything and everything I can find to become fully  aware of the signs of dementia and I research for encouraging changes in diet or lifestyle to combat this mental insubordination.

  Perhaps I should say my absolute biggest fear and dread is succumbing to dementia and slowly becoming an insidious burden on my dear wife Margaret.

© Written by John Yeo

PANDEMIC PURSUITS

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MONDAY 19th OCTOBER 2020 ~ BLOG POST.

PANDEMIC PURSUITS

    I have been thinking about the ways we are spending our dual  self-centred time during this horrible pandemic. It’s amazing how we constructively fill in the hours with hardly any time to spare to look around. 

  After a good breakfast we spend time nourishing our brain cells. Margaret completes daily crossword and sudoku puzzles published in the Daily Mail and I play online chess and scrabble against friends, including Margaret.

   We both spend a good few hours on our allotment, Margaret has cut back on the allotment work now the winter is setting in and she sometimes chooses to spend time at home catching up with her other chores.

 Sporadically, weather permitting lately, we will go for an active walk around the block together.

   We both read a lot, laugh a lot and enjoy each other’s company a lot.

   We also both enjoy taking part in regular Tai Chi sessions via YouTube, which stretches our muscles and keeps our joints flexible. The breathing and relaxation part of these exercises are a marvellous way to defeat the lockdown blues.

  I will lose myself in enhancing my cerebral health by writing and composing poetry. In between using her creative cookery skills to produce some tasty evening meals, Margaret will then read everything I write and make some constructive criticism. Then after our evening meal we will spend the evening watching some favourite television programmes or listening to music.

© Written by John Yeo

CALL THE MIDWIFE

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THURSDAY 15th OCTOBER 2020 BLOG POST

CALL THE MIDWIFE 

by John Yeo

   Margaret and I enjoyed an interesting day trip by coach to Chatham dockyard, where we visited the sets and the background for the extremely popular ‘Call The Midwife’ TV series. We were both amazed at the ingenuity of the filmmakers and TV producers in turning a naval dockyard into a fairly convincing reproduction of the East end of London. We had an informative tour, presented by a guide who was appropriately dressed in the uniform of a 50’s NHS midwife. 

   We met up with our tour guide; a bubbly, smiling middle aged lady with striking yellow blonde hair, dressed in an authentic midwives uniform. She was exceptionally well informed and illustrated every area we visited by referring to a large book of photographs. We were astonished as she pointed out the various areas that were used as a background to several of the scenes in the series. It took some really creative imagination to construct a series about London’s east end and to film this in a naval dockyard.

The tour concluded with a visit to an interesting garden where several of the romantic scenes in the series were filmed.

  After this interesting tour we went on to visit some of the ships and the naval artefacts that are the actual reality of Chatham dockyard. We wandered around a  large comprehensive display of historic retired lifeboats, in a large hangar-like building. This was adjoining another large area that displayed some huge shipbuilding and repairing machinery.

  We then made our way to our coach for the journey home.

© Written by John Yeo