Story Time: More Christmas Memories

Especially for those who have caught the Christmas bug

Another year another Christmas has come around. Either the years are getting shorter or time is going quicker. One of the good things about the passing of time however is the memories created along the way. Christmas seems to be the one guaranteed time of year when most people can actually relax in this fast pace world and spent time with the ones they love.

Here are a collection of more stories and memories I have of Christmas past along with the people I share them with.

Reunited Christmas / Murray's first Christmas

2016 had been a good year for me, I had started rowing, started Transition Year, brought home our first dog Murray and all in all was just having a good year. That Christmas was no different as I received a great surprise when I came home on Christmas Eve Mass with dad. I walked in the door and saw one of my cousins and her mother in the kitchen, I then walked into the sitting room, stopped, and glared. My uncle and my cousin, who I had grown up with were also home.

It was a great Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as it was their first Christmas at home in almost 5 years. Christmas Night they called back and in turn, we decided to try out the Virtual Reality (VR) Headset my sister had gifted me. We download a variety of apps to try it out including a safari experience, water sports, and horror maps which were by far the most entertaining of the lot.

It was a nice first Christmas for Murray and with not having much to do on St Stephensons Day we decided to take him for a walk along Banna Beach. Myself, dad, and one of my cousins would walk along, throwing stones for Murray to chase, running by the sea for him to run through the water, or calling his name for him to run from person to person. 

However, we then approached a woman walking along with a pram, and of course, Murray being what he is, a curious dog ran over. As he decided not to come back to our calls he thought he'd lift his leg as dogs do to claim it as his own. At this point, my dad started to run over while myself and my cousin turned to carry walking as if we didn't know either of them.

Christmas in Ballyheigue

A yearly tradition in our house is to call back to my Ballyheigue to gather with all the Leen side of the family including grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. The younger when we were younger the children would go into one room for most of the evening while the "adults" would be in another. It isn't often we all get the chance to do so, so Christmas day is an excellent excuse to meet each other some of whom may not have seen each other much if at all in the last year. 

Christmas 2020 was a very different time for all around the globe and we were no different. Our family called back to Nan and Grandads house in the morning while the others would visit at separate times, in guide with the restrictions at the time. It was strange, to say the least, and goes to show what we take for granted until it's gone.

Coopers First Christmas

The first Christmas of Covid 19 happened to be our first Christmas with our new dog Cooper who was brought home in February and had only turned one that December. Coopers Covid Christmas was treated like any other year, bar the few exceptions. The two bowwows had no shortage of gifts from their doggy advent calendars to their Toy Story Woody and Buzz bowels along with loads of the scraps from the Christmas dinner.

As covid was still a bit thing at the time and no vaccines were produced nor approved at the time along with the rising covid cases, it didn't take much to tell what was soon to come. A few days before New Year it was announced to the nation that Ireland would reenter another lockdown starting from January 1st. While the New Years' countdown is a joyous, suspenseful occasion, there was that bittersweet feeling of making it through another year, but immediately starting off with a rocky start.

Conclusion

Every Christmas and every New Year we come across the good as well as the bad. It can be hard to plan everything for the future as you will come across some speed bumps or detours along the way, it doesn't mean you can't try, however. Do remember and enjoy your nostalgia but don't try to relive nostalgia, it may just hold you back. Set your plans or goals for the new year, some things will change others will not. Every New Year is a new start, a new chapter waiting to be written.

So from me to you, I wish you all...

"A Merry Christmas and all the best for 2023"

-Trev

Remembrance Day

Especially for those who fought for our freedoms, which we enjoy to this day

Remembrance Day, sometimes known as Poppy Day, is a memorial day to reflect on those who fought and sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and liberty. The day is held on November 11th due to it being the day the First World War ended (Known as the Great War at the time) It ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. although celebrated mainly by the UK and the rest of the Commonwealth, its meaning goes so much future.

Ireland & The Great War

At the start of the First World War in 1914, Ireland was divided on whether or not to fight for the British Empire or against them. the former fought with the British in the hope of gaining Home Rule for the island of Ireland, meaning Ireland would have its own self orgainsed government while still being part of the UK. However, as most of you know in 1916 The Easter Rising occurred which changed the direction of the Irish motive now aimed at complete independence with the War of Independence occurring from 1919 to 1921.

However in 1918 when the Irish men who had fought alongside the British in hopes of benefiting the people of Ireland returned, they were shunned from society being seen as a disgrace to the country and its cause for independence. A whooping 210,000 men were disregarded by their own people, many of which being killed by the IRA in later years. 

While I am not against the heroic actions of the Irish Volunteers and leaders who fought for Irish Independence, without whom we would not be the same country we are today, I still think it is unfortunate that those who fought alongside the British be seen as a stain to our history just because they lacked the hindsight of 1918 Ireland when leaving to fight in a 1914 war.

Ukraine

It appears man can not live without war as yet again in 2022 Europe has been hurled into another war involving one of its own and a neighbor. Russia's illegal and unjust war in Ukraine has sent shock waves across the world which we have not seen on this scale since the Second World War. Ukraine's civilians from all walks of life have proven their dedication, devotion, and grit toward the love of their home in protecting it with a strong stance against the mass Russian army.

War however is not without its downfalls, as thousands of innocent people have been displaced or killed in attempts to stay safe and protected. I think it is import this day to remember that to this day we still have people on the front lines sacrificing their own well being for the sake of others. However, the still ongoing war in Ukraine does show the almighty strength of the people of Ukraine who will stop at nothing but to regain 100% of occupied territory.

Power to Ukraine and her people.

Why A Poppy?

You might be wondering why a poppy is the given symbol of the day of remembrance. They were the most common sight of flowers on the Western Front landscapes as referenced in the famous poem "In Flanders Field" by John McCrae (I highly recommend reading this poem). The poppy also represents consolation, remembrance, and death being used as such representation since ancient times, being placed on. tombs and graves to symbolise eternal sleep.

A Day For All

We as a society think back to circumstances such as the Second World War and think this will never happen again. War doesn't happen overnight, it is a build up of events that lead to nothing but pain and misery. It is only when we look at such events that have escalated to war that are we truly able to avoid it. Did any of us honestly think we would live to see another war in Europe?

Remembrance Day doesn't represent any particular war or people, but instead, to the innocent, those who laid down their lives in all wars for the sack of justice, freedom, and peace, for without such brave soles we would not enjoy such liberties today.

"Lest We Forget"

(It should not be forgotten)

Halloween: Spectres & Spirits

Especially for those who may have experienced something beyond belief

For many, Halloween is an exciting time of year. The time when the barrier between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. The normal and abnormal collided, making it hard to tell the difference between one and the other. A time of many spooky or scary stories most of while purely fictional, some, however, not quite. While the events I'm writing about didn't occur around Halloween, I thought what better time to tell these stories than now.

The Figure in the Window

My Nan was the first to encounter the supernatural. She was a handywoman always doing odd jobs and whatever needed to be done. One day she had to clean the gutters. She tipped away clearing out the dirt and leaves without any surprises or anything out of the norm. She was just about to finish up when on top of the ladder she looked through the upstairs window and saw her own Nan inside, sitting on the bed, giving a friendly, loving way. 

My Nan, who had always admired her Nan, smiled and waved back continuing to climb down the ladder, and only when she had stepped back on the firm ground realised what had just happened, getting quite a land. That was impossible, her Nan had passed away long beforehand, she lived alone, and there was no one in the house, what had she seen?

The Silhouette

When A member of my family was a child they used to often stay at their Nans house. One time they were there like any other time, nothing out of the ordinary. That night as they were settling in bed they began to doze off but after a while turned toward the end of the bed where they saw they weren't alone. There standing at the end of the bed was a silhouette of a man, a very distinctive one but unrecognisable all the same. The next thing they knew, with one look away, he had gone.

The next morning they told their nan about the person they saw and after a quick summary of what he had looked like they were in for a future shock. for not only had he also sounded familiar to their nan but was actually an old relative of hers who used to be close to her. However, the man had died years prior, so not only could there not have been anyone else in the house, but this particular individual could not possibly have been there.

An Old Friend

Back in 2014 or so, another member of my family would yet again experience seeing a figure at the end of the bed only this time not so recognisable, familiar, but not enough to identify. Eventually, this figure would appear more regular becoming more unsettling the more it would appear.

After so long of this happening they realised who the man reminded her of. "Is that Pa?" My uncle Patrick passed away in 1996 so I never met him myself as I wasn't born until 2000. This family member however would have been born by then, they would have been too young to remember him, but he would have remembered them. Once recognised, he stopped appearing.

Conclusion

What can we conclude from these events? Could these be tales with meaning or just a trick of the mind? Who knows. But whatever the case, you can't deny that there are certainly some things we simply can not explain, and maybe that's not so bad. 

Don't fear the unknown, for with so many unknowns be it with what is or what will be, there is a sense of beauty for all three of these narratives as they did not focus on worry or danger, but on realisation, unity, and guidance. Everything happens for a reason, will we necessarily know why? Not always. But it's what makes life that bit more exciting. Don't fear, you have friends in high places, wherever they may be. The truth is we will never know everything or be able to explain everything, that's the beauty of life sometimes.

Happy Halloween Everyone, Stay Safe!

- Trev

The Beauty of Steam

Especially for those Rail Enthusiasts

For many, a train is just an ordinary train, a way of getting from A to B in people's busy lives without giving it a second thought. For others, myself included, the railways are the gateway to history, enthusiasm, and nostalgia. In today's blog, I'll be writing about the early days of the railways, how I became so fascinated by them, along with the personification and symbolism of the engines.

The Iron Horses

Back in the 1800s in the days of the industrial revolution, the main form of transportation for heavy goods would have been the canals which were very time-consuming and inefficient. Thus, the idea of a steam-powered form of traction was created leading to the invention of the steam engine which was often nicknamed "Iron Horses" due to their power and speed (maxing out at 30mph back in the day)

Childhood Memories

Many of you will know I grew up obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine. I was infatuated with the little blue engine with his cheeky and brazen attitude along with all the other characters with their own unique personalities. Apart from the fact the engines had faces, the show's earliest days always had a more realistic tone in terms of story plots, settings, and the universe in general. Since it was originally filmed with models there were many scenes where you could debate whether it was an actual real life photograph or just a giant train set.

I always had a soft spot for and still do to this day for the original series as its what I grew up with giving me comfort in tough times when I was anxious, as well as the loss of my Nan (who would always buy me anything themed Thomas and letting me watch my videotapes in the sitting room while playing with my trains)

It is this nostalgia that advanced my love for trains, especially steam engines be they big or small. I have a fond interest in the old Tralee & Dingle Light Railway that would travel throughout Co Kerry. The railway ran from 1891 - 1953 opening once again to be restored and refurbished in the 1980s - 2006 for a tourist attraction running from Blennervile to Tralee

Myself and Dad with the restored engine
{Dated 8th September 2004}

Living Machines

Reverend Wilbert Awdry, The author and creator of the Thomas the Tank Engine book's "The Railway Series" describes the steam engine as "An extrovert who likes you to know how he's doing or how badly he's being treated" as if to say the engine will tell you how they're managing heavy goods or passenger train, if their crew is pushing them too hard or if they are just not feeling well. "He's always got something to say" he continues.

He recalls a time in his youth when he lived by a railway line and would hear a train going "beep beep beep" looking for a push up the hill. Another engine would buffer up behind and again go "beep beep beep" as if to say I'm ready, I'm ready. The train in front would struggle up the hill with heavy steam and loud puffs sounding like "I can't do it, I can't do it" with the engine at the back puffing "oh yes you can oh yes you can"

This would lay the groundwork for one of the most notorious stories in "The Railway Series" titled Edward and Gordon in book 1 "The Three Railway Engines". Fun Fact: Thomas did not feature in the first book Wilbert Awdry would publish, he did however make his debut in book 2  titled Thomas the Tank Engine.

Today

While today the rails are scattered with diesel or electric passenger trains, they don't have the same life and pizazz as the more powerful, engaging steam engines. However, it is still possible to see some engines across Ireland in various preserved railways, museums, or even by checking out the "Railway Preservation Society of Ireland" online or in person. 

No.85 "Merlin" in Tralee, Co Kerry on a Railtour thanks to the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Conclusion

Either way, we could learn a lot from the engines. The way they start their journey at the station not knowing what lies ahead be it twistest and turns, a derailment, breakdown, or a mile-long passage through the dark and dreary abyss. But whatever happens, they can always rely on other engines to come to their assistance to help them back on track or guide them to the light at the end of the tunnel.

The railways paved the way for the future in terms of technology, travel, and Industry. I do wish to travel a bit to explore, travel, and experience some of the beautifully preserved railways for myself and see the mighty "Iron Horses" of history. Although, while not as significant or necessary today, these stunning locomotives still bring so much joy and delight to many of all ages as they stand the test of time showing us the beauty of steam.

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland Website 
https://www.steamtrainsireland.com/

Acceptance & Understanding

Especially for those who feel the whole world is going backwards

The 21st Century, for the most part, has been a very progressive era. Although looking at recent months it seems we have been going back in time so to speak. With hate crime on the rise, rights being revoked and the introduction of another war in Europe has led many to question their faith in the future. In this blog, I will be writing about what has been going on across the globe and why it is important we don't ignore it.

Disclaimer

This blog is different from my usual blogs as I will be touching on more controversial topics. I will be expressing my own opinions which some people may or may not agree with. Feel free to agree with something I disagree with or disagree with something I agree with.

LGBTQ

In April of this year, 2022, the state of Florida passed a bill labelled and I quote, the "Don't say gay" law. There are some, of what I describe as bizarre measures such as prohibiting the education or discussion of LGBTQ+ matters from Kindergarten to Third Grade and actually giving parents the right to sue if such matters are brought up in class. This may not sound like anything major but what you must realise is that it eliminates the normalisation of LGBTQ+ matters or existence in the youth of today and what will be tomorrow's future.

A lack of education leads to a lack of understanding and recognition which is vital if we are to live in a world of acceptance as well as the diversity that has been fought for decades. For those who don't know, the Stonewall Riots in June 1969 were the turning point of the pride movement not only in America but for the rest of the world. It began a series of pride marches advocating for the rights of the queer community spreading across the globe. It lit a spark that shows whatever happens you will never again silence the people of the pride community.

Abortion

Also, a more recent issue is the introduction brought in by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 24th erasing the constitutional right to have an abortion. At the time of writing, abortions have been banned or restricted in at least 12 states with more expected to follow soon. This has caused mass controversy not only in the States but globally in both disgust and celebration. We see this ourselves at home here in Ireland as thousands turned out in Dublin for an anti-abortion rally not too long ago to actually commend the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

In my opinion, your body, your choice simple as that. There are many reasons why one may have an abortion and quite frankly it's not really anyone else's business as to why or if they want to have the procedure. This decision by the courts won't stop many people from having an abortion but it will increase the compilation, the expense, and the dangers of how some may receive one at which point the ruling will contradict itself as it will do more harm than good.

Ukraine

Everyone who hasn't been living under a rock will know what's been happening with the attack on Ukraine. Once again we see Europe at war after over 75 years of peace, all be it with tensions still present in that time. It seems that although many people are in support of the Ukrainian people, some attitudes have changed for many now that Ireland has started bringing in refugees.

I am in no way dismissing those living on the streets or in emergency accommodations because it is terrible that in this day of age this country is where it is in terms of homelessness and poverty. However, the Ukrainians have lost their family, friends, homes, belongings, lively hoods, practically everything due to the deluded decisions of a mad dictator of war, Everything. They didn't really have a choice in leaving their country, I'm sure they'd much rather be at home living their everyday lives just like they were before the invasion with the people they love and doing the things they love. 

The fact of the matter is that the biggest problem is not housing refugees it is the fact that we have had a housing crisis long before the war with people and their families constantly looking for houses because there just isn't enough around. I know this isn't the biggest issue for some, however, I do feel it is better to do something rather than nothing. We must help our friends and allies in their time of need not just because one day the tables may be turned and we may need the assistance of others, but because it is our moral obligation, for no sound minded person would wish what's happening in Ukraine onto another innocent sole.

"First They Came"

A good example of helping those in need would be the poem "First they came" by Martin Niemoller written in 1946 dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. The poem is about how a person sat by and watched as people of different backgrounds were taken away while at the same time not speaking up for them. There have been a few different variants of the poem but all with the same message and the same ending,

"Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me" 

Meaning when the rights of people of different communities fall in the end there may be no one left to fight for you or for what's right. The fact of the matter is that in today's current age of technology and medical aid, we do have the power to end world poverty, feed the starving or care for the ill, but unfortunately, the main priority of many in charge is greed and power. If we don't tackle discrimination, corruption or people's high self of entitlement things will continue to go backwards. 

Conclusion

There is without a doubt more trouble going on in the world for different communities but if I was to write about every single one id be here all day as unfortunate as that sounds. How long do you think till people of colour, people with disabilities, or those of different religious faiths lose their rights? Will you lose your rights? 

At the end of the day, we are all humans trying to get through an already tough life. Will we see full acceptance and understanding of people's differences? possibly, though probably not in our lifetime. We may be in dreary times at the moment in many ways but just remember there is always light after darkness. I think Charlie Chaplin in one of his short films (ironically with dialogue) said it best.

"The hate of men will pass when dictators die and the power they took from the people will return to the people..."

"you the people have the power... the power to create happiness... to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure... let us use that power, let us all unit"

*Supports / Helpful Links*

Women's Rights

Citizens Information

Website: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/

Number: 1800 828010

LGBTQ+ Supports

LGBT Ireland

Website: https://lgbt.ie/

Number: 1800 929 539

Mental Health Supports

Text About It

Website: https://text50808.ie/

Number: Text "Hello" to 50808 

Pieta House

Website: https://www.pieta.ie/

Number: 1800 247 247

Samaritans

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/

Number: 116 123

OR CALL 999 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY