#NoExcuse

    

    International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was marked on the 25th of November all over the world.  

    Violence against women and girls continues to be a problem in our world, and the UN wants us to join together to show that we do care. We are asked to remind our worldwide governments that there is no place for violence in our societies in any way we can.

    The UNiTE campaign, incorporating this violation of human rights commenced on the same day and will last for 16 days, their slogan this year is #NoExcuse.

    Today I've included a poem By Lord Byron from the early 19th century. I've included this because I want to celebrate women for their beauty inside and out. Women deserve to be respected for who they are and there is #NoExcuse.

 

She Walks in Beauty

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that’s best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more,  one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens over her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express

How pure, how dear their dwelling place.

And on that cheek, and over that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days and goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

George Gordon Byron 1814

    

Water, Water, Every where!!

 

 

Santa Cruz

 

    The  world we live in as we know is made up of land and vast areas of water. Unfortunately, the water we’re surrounded by is not always easily available or, drinkable.

    Through the ages, man has continued to pursue different ways to provide us all with this vital drink for life.

    Our supply in Tenerife comes from the island's own water resources and desalination plants. Whilst the water is  not harmful to drink, I can't say it is very pleasant to taste. There is a high mineral content because much of of it is desalinated sea water and therefore like most of the population I choose to buy bottled water.

Dripstone

 

   There are still various reminders dotted around the island in the towns and cities of how the population accessed and cleaned their water. I've included some photos of a dripstone used for purification in times gone by and some of the public wells that are still dotted around.

 

Puerto de la Cruz

   I hope and pray that one day everyone will be able to turn on a tap and obtain clean drinking and cooking water throughout the world.

 

Water, water, everywhere,

And all the boards did shrink,

Water, water, everywhere,

Nor any drop to drink.

 

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner  by Simon Taylor Coleridge .

Hunter’s Moon

 

In the distance what can the father and son hear?

They hope it is the grunt or snort of a deer.

Without the last of the season’s hunt, there will be no food.

For the boy’s siblings, and the rest of the man’s hungry brood.

 

The vegetation is now laid bare.

Through the darkness the two can with little hindrance stare.

 

The passing clouds  cause the night shadows to deceive.

The snap of a twig, the hoot of an owl, the eager hunters could easily misconceive.

The moon rises high.

The clouds disperse from the sky.

 

The prize of the night, is now visible and in their sight.

Thankfully this winter, the family's table can be laid with both bowl and spoon.

Thanks to nature and the Hunter’s moon.

 

 By Christina Rowell

 

 

Pictures of exhibits in National Museum Edinburgh, photographed by Christina Rowell

Taking Time to Commemorate

 

    I have been a great admirer of the author, Ernest Hemingway, since high school and since my early teens I have read the book, For Whom the Bell Tolls, numerous times.

   Like many great authors of that time, Hemingway took part in the Spanish civil war, spreading propaganda for the Republican cause, aided by the Russian army.

  He was not the only author who joined the fight against the Nationalist army, led by Fransisco Franco Bahamonde. UK writer, W.H. Auden and U.S. writer, Malcolm Cowley were amongst the many who took to arms. 

   While I haven't read much of their work, I have read, Homage to Catalonia, by the British Indian author, George Orwell. Orwell's book is an account of his service in the Republican Army. Like the Hemingway book, it is a timeless read, considering the war started eighty–seven years ago. Similar to the Hemingway book it was also censored by the Franco regime.

    The Canary Islands, and the island of Tenerife in particular play a part in this piece of history, that many Spaniards wish to forget. General Franco met here on the island with his other conspirators to plan the uprising against the democratically elected government. With the help of, Nazi Germany, Franco took the lead and the Spanish Civil War commenced, on 18 July 1936. His dictatorship did not end until his death, on 20 November 1975.

     Today is not a day to celebrate, but a day to commemorate the fallen on both sides of the fight.

Thank You

 

    It doesn't  matter where we live in the world, what language we speak, the words thank you are, or should be, a common expression in our every day lives. The definition in the Collins Dictionary being, expressing one's gratitude or thanks.

    Sometimes, however it doesn't matter how much we appreciate the actions and words of individuals, or the everyday services we receive, we don't use the phrase to show our appreciation. 

    July 2, in the UK is, National Thank You Day, this year it is being dedicated to all the unacknowledged carers and volunteers in the UK. The anthem is, Thank You For Being a Friend, written by Andrew Gold. This cover is being sung by Tony Christie, Sting and others, in partnership with, Music for Dementia. 

    Organized sing–a–longs and events are taking place throughout the UK to  help connect communities. By thanking the unsung heroes that live amongst each and everyone of our neighborhoods helps strengthen the community spirit and can help us meet up with the people that we would otherwise walk on by. Well done to all involved.

    Wherever you are today, whatever you're doing have a great one and THANK YOU for taking the time to drop by and read my ⌗Blog.

⌗ThankYou