H A I R - A L O P E C I A

H - Happy

A - Alluring

I - Identity

R - Radiance




A - Alone

L - Loathsome

O - Ostracized

P - Pensive

E - Evil

C - Cheerless

I - Isolation

A - Angry

Auctions, eBay and the like

There is something very exciting about an auction. It's full of mystery and it's filled with tension.

Recently we decided to sell some stuff on eBay and were surprisingly successful. It was good fun watching the bids come in and getting thrills when it went above our expectations. Such a sport.

It reminded me, of the very few auctions, that I had been to as a child.

At our local village hall, now and again, an auction was held. Probably trying to raise money to replace the roof or the windows, for the somewhat old building.

At the auction, I remember looking at all the wonderful objects and wondering if I dared bid for something. I was really young and had little concept of the value of money. But I remember the sensation.

On my perusal of the hall, I had spotted a typewriter in a box (a blue "brother" one for those of you who grew up in the early eighties) that I desired. I was with my grandma, which was probably a good thing, as having children of my own, I know how generous grandparents can be when it comes to their grand kids.

I had obviously expressed my interest in this wonderful object, as when the auction for this article came around, my grandma got stuck in. I remember the countdown to the "going once", "going twice" then the hammer slamming down and the "gone" being announced. We had won it. The sheer pleasure and excitement of the bidding process was unbearable.

So could I get addicted to buying and selling on eBay? Quite possibly. But it is clear, that it does not come close to the raw enjoyment found in a village halls full of the neighbourhoods hand-me-downs.

Anyone out there like auctions? Anyone enjoy the pleasure of eBay?

Do tell.....

Values - how did you get yours?

Over the weekend, I have been pondering the values, that I have learned from my parents.

You see, I was in the audience last week, when a senior leader at work, talked about how he came to be, where he was. It was brilliant, captivating and emotional.  I have never been more affected by a presentation in my life. It really was quite something.

He talked about his parents as his heroes and explained their values. Simple and beautiful.

It made me reflect on my journey and how I had become "me".

It also made me ask my sister for her insights. As our parents clearly had passed on their values to us.

Tonight at dinner, my two friends and I discussed this. It's a great conversation.
We all had different insights. All lovely, but very different.

So what values did your parents pass on to you?

Here is my first stab at mine.

Dad.
Right and wrong. He taught me the difference and showed me that doing the right thing was best.
Balance. He taught me to indulge, yet work hard.
Respect. Listen to other people and suspend judgement.
Commitment. If you say you are going to do it. Do it.

Mum.
Adventure. Go far and do crazy things. Think big. Be bold.
Empowerment. It's up to you. Make your own choices.
Optimism.  Life is good. Things could always be worse. Positive thinking at all times.
Care. Always look after people and nurture friendships.

So that's my folks. I wonder what they think of them? Are they proud when they see that? Is this what they set out to teach? Are they content when they see their life works come to this? How did they inherit these vales? Were they also passed on?

I also wonder what my kids will write about us one day.

I think I would be pleased, if the list was just like this one.

Let's see.