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A place I’ll never forget - first posted 15/09/2014

15/9/2014

A place I'll never forget - Dreya's World

Photo by DreyaB

This is a strange feeling. I visited a village in France today called Oradour sur Glane. It’s a place where in 1944 the Nazis massacred the population of the village and decimated the place. All the occupants gone. The French have left this place in its original state in memory of those who perished. The picture above is one I took today of how it is right now.

It creates a strange feeling in me. I don’t want this to be hidden. I want to honour and respect those who died. It took me all my time and effort to not burst into tears as I walked around the village. It was so, so sad and so inhumane, and it made me question what drives a person, or in this case group of people, to do such a thing?

I don’t expect answers. I guess I don’t really need answers. But I do want to do right by those who have fallen. We should never forget. And we should never forget what man is capable of doing to man.

I didn’t feel the utter terror of course, but it does turn my mind to those people currently in the world who are suffering terribly in war zones, or who are fleeing in an effort to be safe. What can I do? One little voice in a sea of so many?

Well one thing I can do is write this. I will write more. I took many photographs too in an effort not to forget, and one day I will add all that to the world too so we can continue to remember and pay our respects…

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&Sylvestermouse It was such a difficult and yet incredible experience. I kept wanting to apologise to the memories of these people but didn't know how. Touching some of the walls helped me to try and connect somehow. Thank you for your understanding and comments, it makes me pleased that I've managed to get some of this across.

Sylvestermouse Cynthia

&Sylvestermouse

5 months ago

This would be a truly difficult place to visit for someone with such a compassionate heart. Just reading the article makes me feel a tremendous sadness over the evil men do on this earth.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&Raintree Thank you! I'm so glad it came across - you never really know until someone tells you - so thank you. It was quite an experience I have to say... and yes, certainly a good reminder that we should never forget..

&Raintree

5 months ago

I can feel how powerful and moving you found this place through your writing, it must have been an emotional experience. Serves as a good reminder they have left it that way.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&happynutritionist Thank you Claudia. It wasn't an easy thing for me to do I admit. Taking the photos helped, but every now and then I would just sit, or lean on a wall and try to cope and understand it in some way, all the while holding myself together. I felt I needed to apologise somehow...

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&abitosunshine Thank you so much Ruth. It was such a moving place. Some people may wonder why it's been left in this way but it's incredibly powerful and certainly the right thing to do. I just hope I can continue to do it and them justice...

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&RenaissanceWoman Thank you Diana. It was an incredible place in such a sad and horrible way. I kept placing my hand on walls trying to connect/apologise/repair things somehow - very touching and emotive place. I have to admit to having disturbed dreams last night...

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&stereomike83 Thanks Mike - I wasn't sure if it would come across in the writing. Such an emotive place and you're right there really aren't the words...

Claudia Meydrech

&happynutritionist

5 months ago

And just the fact that you took it all in is admirable...I have a very hard time viewing such parts of history...thank you for taking time to share.

Ruth Cox

&abitosunshine

5 months ago

I can not begin to imagine what it must have felt like to walk throughout this village where such vile crimes against its inhabitants took place. Yes, we must remember, must never forget. And it is an honorable thing you are doing with your writing, in memory of lives lost here.

Diana

&RenaissanceWoman

5 months ago

I would have been entirely haunted by the horror of what happened there. What you have done is so vital and incredibly important (honoring the memory of the victims). Thank you for using your gifts in ways that matter greatly.

Mike H

&stereomike83

5 months ago

I don't think there are words that can really explain a place like this but thanks for writing as it does convey the emotions.

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Are you a Cat Person? - first posted 13/09/2014

13/9/2014

0 Comments

Image via Pixabay

I don’t know about you, but I’m not really a cat person. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made friends with quite a few cats over the years. They seem to like me and I’m more than happy to pet them, but I don’t currently imagine I’d have one as a pet.

You see I’m a dog person. We currently have two; one of around 12 years and another that’s just five and I love having them around, taking them for walks, watching their characteristics and learning about them every day. They’re there and they’re part of my life.

We’re currently looking after friends’ cats and we pop around every day, morning and evening, to feed them and make sure they’re OK. But because of the independent nature of cats not all of them are at the house all the time and to me – a dog person – that just seems kind of wrong.

If the dogs weren’t around I’d freak out! Where were they? What were they doing? Would they be safe? Are they in danger? When will they come home? Etc. etc. etc.

So to arrive to find a cat’s not there and not to see them perhaps until the next visit in the morning I find very weird and I’m still trying not to be too troubled and worried by this, especially as we’re the ‘responsible people’ looking after them while their owners are away. There’s a strange part of me that just wants to close the cat flap up and make sure they’re in the house all the time – but I know that’s not fair on the cats of course; they’re not like that – that’s my issue and not theirs…

I know there’s plenty of cat owners out there and loads of lovely cats and it’s just me that’s not adapting well, but I wonder if anyone else has ever felt like this? Let me know if you understand what I’m going on about… Please!

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&happynutritionist No Claudia, not here. I have friends who are dog people, but the people who I see most often currently are cat people, which is why we ended up looking after them. I don't see myself being converted, anytime soon, but they are friendly cats... :0)

Claudia Meydrech

&happynutritionist

5 months ago

When I saw the title I thought I was going to have to defend why I am NOT a cat person...lol. I am a dog person too, surrounded by family members who have cats, too many cats!

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&CherylFay I'd just been reading your post about the kitten Cheryl and hadn't commented as I was still think about possible names! I've not owned cats (obviously!) but both cats and dogs seem to worm their way into your life without you hardly realising it. I was happy to fuss the various cats we were looking after recently and our two dogs are always so affectionate - you'd never believe it when you look at them but they're both so soft... Whatever happens I'm sure it will give you more to think (and write!) about. :0)

Cheryl Mikesell

&CherylFay

5 months ago

I found this post to be interesting since we just picked up a stray kitty. I was thinking a little dog would be nice to have around since I've been getting to know my brothers little Yorkie and dachshund. I've never been fond of animals in the house but I seem to be changing my mind on that.... I've always loved German Shephards! Grew up with those. Having a kitty around these last few days has been interesting.... but growing attached more than I thought I would.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&Raintree They sound like great cat visitors! Good fun. :0) I've never owned cats but other friends and family have - I imagine I'd struggle unless it was a stray I was helping out. I'd always worry if they were OK, unless of course they stayed in like those you mention. There seems to be more 'house cats' than I'd realised. The worry should be over shortly though - the owners are on their way home. :0)

&Raintree

5 months ago

We have always had dogs and never had a cat. I love both though :) We used to have two cats visit us when we first moved here, they waited every day when we got in from work as we always played with them-their home was three doors away but they liked coming here to play! We told the owners but they said the cats came and went as they wished-very independent! I can completely understand why you would be troubled not knowing where the cats you are looking after are though. My friend has cats but they are indoor cats really they don't seem to want to go out much.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&RenaissanceWoman Thanks Diana, you are such a good and balanced soul... I'm sure I would help if any animal was in need, though the dogs would have to adjust gradually! I can truly understand your approach to looking after your lovely cats girls and I know they can be such sociable and loving creatures. Today the black cats stay inside as the French hunting season has started! Thankfully it's controlled to particular days, so we know to keep them safe and I know they will be there waiting for food this evening. :0)

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&stereomike83 Well that's understandable Mike. The years now and into the future are going to be such fun! :0)

Diana

&RenaissanceWoman

5 months ago

I never knew I was a cat person, as well as a dog person, until I was put in a position to rescue a cat (and then 3) in need. My cats stay indoors. They will live much longer in the safety of our home (and be much healthier). And, my girls stay right by my side whenever I am in the house. I can understand why you are a bit troubled when you don't know the latest status of the cats in your care. It would worry me, also.

Mike H

&stereomike83

5 months ago

&DreyaB the two kids both under 3yrs means no pets yet!!!

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&stereomike83 Oh dear - that's a shame Mike! Perhaps one day you can find one of each who get on or will grow up together... I bet I'm in trouble now! ;0)

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&nightcats Of course you are nightcats... I thought of you after I wrote this. I love animals too, but I have to admit my leaning towards dogs currently. :0)

Mike H

&stereomike83

5 months ago

I'm a cat person but my wife is a dog person which means at the moment we have neither!

Nightcats

&nightcats

5 months ago

I'm a cat person through and through, but actually I love all animals

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Do you speak a second language? - first posted 09/09/2014

9/9/2014

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Do you speak a second language? - Dreya's World

Image via Pixabay

You may not believe it, but when we decided to move to France being fluent in French wasn’t one of our considerations. I know enough French to get by, but living here helps embed what I know, along with learning new bits as I go too.

I don’t know about you but in the UK learning other languages, though part of the school curriculum, doesn’t seem to be a natural cultural thing to do. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of fantastic translators and of course, being a multicultural society, plenty of other languages spoken, but to be fluent in anything other than the Queen’s English doesn’t seem to be a natural inclination and I still find that odd.

I can’t speak for any of the other English-speaking nations (and don’t get me started on the amazing differences of a common language), but I wonder if it’s subconsciously assumed that everyone should speak English? Is it me or does that seem kind of arrogant and assumptive?

Anyway for whatever reason, though I did OK in French at school, my language skills in anything other than UK English are a bit limited, so I was pleased with myself the other day when I managed to drop a tiny bit of small talk into a conversation with a regular delivery driver.

When it comes to speaking French, I can plan what to say; I can even wing it if the direction of the conversation has purpose – you can usually find some words to make the sentence work and get your meaning over, but to just throw in a chatty bit of banter? For me that’s unheard of! My brain is obviously starting to play catch up.

So that's my achievement for the week. I'm 'well chuffed', as they say in the UK. One happy bunny. Do you speak any languages other than your native tongue?

Dreya B

&DreyaB

4 months ago

&ReverandG Thanks so much! It must be so much easier to learn multiple languages when you're small - sounds like a good idea with your grandson. It still amazes me how much French I can still drag up from my school days! :0)

Glenda Motsavage

&ReverandG

4 months ago

I live in Poinciana, Florida, where there are a plethora of Nations represented — mine being the minority! Every day for the past 14 years I have wished I could be multi-lingual! I recently wrote a Hub/Lens called 'Bilingual Babies,' about my new grandson being raised bilingual. All the best to you, and I forecast that you'll be fluent in French in little time. That's fascinating!

Dreya B

&DreyaB

4 months ago

&BritFlorida I'm with you there Jackie, Yorkshire is still my first language! :0)

Jackie Jackson

&BritFlorida

4 months ago

Oh yes. Like most people I did French at at school but Yorkshire is my first language. English is my second and I am slowly learning American :)

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&CherylFay We did German in school Cheryl, but I'm desperately trying to forget it as it gets confused with my French as I learned them both at the same time! :0) I used to think I was better at German than French, I found it easier but I'm hanging on to the French now. I should look into my family history - that would be really interesting...

Cheryl Mikesell

&CherylFay

5 months ago

Nope only English. I always wanted to learn German. It's part of my heritage but I never learned. My Dad use to recite the Psalms 23 in German to me when I was little.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&nightcats I admire those people too June. ;0) I'm getting better but I wish I could just download fluency into my brain!

Nightcats

&nightcats

5 months ago

I speak only one language and have always admired those who speak two or more.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&abitosunshine Spanish was only available to us to learn after we'd mastered French and German at school Ruth! I was never that good; two languages was more than enough for me at that time. At least I can get by here and am learning all the time. :0)

Ruth Cox

&abitosunshine

5 months ago

Other than American English, I took a year of Spanish in Junior High School, which I remember most of and have added a few more words along the way. If I were to travel to another country, yes I would want to learn the language enough to get by.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&Raintree Thank you! I'm very pleased I have to admit. ;0) And planned phrases are always on hand for new situations, though I am remembering more of the regular sentences now and just stand a better chance overall. When we went to Italy I had a go but the other half was better at Italian than me - here it's the other way round. :0)

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&Brite-Ideas It sounds like you may do better here than me Barbara! Is that family connection French France or French Canadian? I'm most certainly not fluent, but I am improving. :0)

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&smine27 Well the words for foods in French are the most important Shinichi! ;0) I did French and German too at school, but I'm desperately trying to forget the German and not get it confused with the French now! I think being able to speak more than one language fluently is amazing - and Japanese I can't even begin to imagine... :0)

&Raintree

5 months ago

I leaned French and German in school but I am so very rusty now not having travelled to use it for a good while. For me I learn best being in the country and having a go with a few planned phrases standing by! I do like to try whatever country I am in to say at least a few things. However I do find it harder to understand sometimes -as you say when people talk really fast my language brain has to catch up ! You should be "chuffed" with yourself :)

Barbara

&Brite-Ideas

5 months ago

Just about everyone in my family speaks french - my background is a great percentage french so we grew up with it - I'm not fluent because we moved around a lot when I was little so we got away from it

Shinichi

&smine27

5 months ago

I tried learning French and German but alas never became fluent enough to communicate properly. I did however learn and remember most of the words related to food! haha. I speak English and Japanese fluently but that's it.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&stereomike83 I know what you mean Mike. I didn't even go as far as A level, but I have a good memory so things do keep popping back! Even after 20+ years!! But you're right, reading can be easier, it gives you time to think, with the speaking you have to pick out words you know and fit them into a meaning - pretty tricky when the French can speak so fast sometimes. I'm fairly immersed... ;0)

Mike H

&stereomike83

5 months ago

I did French through to A level but that was well over 10yrs ago now so would be very rusty! I tend to be able to read much better than I can speak as have time to work out what words mean in context. I sometimes wish I could get immersed in the language to bring it all back!

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Newly signed up and now nothing to say! - first posted 05/09/2014

5/9/2014

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Newly signed up and now nothing to say! - Dreya's World

Image via Pixabay

Typical isn’t it? You take the time to weigh up the options, do the research, ask for advice and then finally, you make a decision; sign up for a new writing/blogging platform and what happens? Your brain goes blank! Writer’s block hits…

Well that’s me. As part of my reassessment of my online writing future I decided that as well as not putting all my eggs in one basket any more, I’d also find somewhere to blog, somewhere to publically post my musings; those thoughts and reflections that would never make it to a full-length article, or things that just don’t say ‘article’ to me.

So here I am, taking the plunge, dipping my toe in (are both of those possible at the same time?!) and nothing… Zip… No inspiration at all! What to do…?

Well I’ve looked around a little – more of that to do. Written my profile – not too difficult now, and found a few people to follow – more of those to come too. But the elusive first post? Hmm, I’m stumped.

The question really to ask is what’s causing it? Normally, I have so many ideas whizzing round in my brain I can’t keep up with them. Normally, I end up writing them down. I have lists on paper, lists on the computer; lists in my head! But now? No idea.

So the cause? You tell me… Please! Is it because I’ve spent so long assessing, reflecting and analysing my brain’s gone soft? Is it because I’m sat here still desperately waiting to see my pages automatically transfer from one hosting site to another, while I nervously nibble my fingers? Or is it because I’m just tired? Who knows? Certainly not me…

Answers on a postcard to…

Dreya B

&DreyaB

4 months ago

&BritFlorida Lol. Bubblitis! That made me chuckle. I was so happy to sign up, knew I wanted to do something more 'bloggy' but nope, nothing. Took the easy option and wrote about it instead! :0)

Jackie Jackson

&BritFlorida

4 months ago

Blimey, how weird.I was just the same! I joined yesterday, full of enthusiasm, and then ... sat staring at the computer. Like you, I normally have far too many ideas but I was completely stumped. Maybe it's a common affliction - bubblitis or something?

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&smine27 I know what you mean Shinichi! I really wanted to sign up to this or similar and have eventually got going, but now things seem to have turned into a whirlwind and my brain has got stuck again! This time I think it's a lack of time though and not being able to think straight... Everything will come in time... :)

Shinichi

&smine27

5 months ago

Dreya I'm the same way here, especially here! I pretty much write about nothing, nonsense and then sometimes something. hehe

Dreya B

&DreyaB

5 months ago

&nightcats Thanks for the warm welcome June. :0) I seem to have got my brain tuned in a little more now, but it was a bit of a problem...

Nightcats

&nightcats

5 months ago

Welcome to the neighbourhood. I have the same problem trying to think of something interesting to write about.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

6 months ago

&Wednesday-Elf Thank you Elf. :0) It feels like I'm starting to get the hang of it here and the ideas are starting to come now, which is a relief. You're probably right that it was just the first step and at least I wrote something! ;0)

Dreya B

&DreyaB

6 months ago

&SusanZutautas Thank you Susan. I'm starting to get the feel for the place and am enjoying the freedom, both of which are good after the last few weeks... :0)

Dreya B

&DreyaB

6 months ago

&RenaissanceWoman Thank you Diana. You may well be right. I had a moment of inspiration climbing into bed last night - all I need now is the time to convert it into print! I'm hoping to find my feet soon. :0)

Elf

&Wednesday-Elf

6 months ago

Welcome! You'll do fine once you get settled in here at Bubblews. :) It's taking that first step that's always the hardest. :)

Susan Zutautas

&SusanZutautas

6 months ago

Welcome to Bubblews. I know you'll enjoy this site as much as so many of us do.

Diana

&RenaissanceWoman

6 months ago

I trust you will very quickly find your flow here. It's most likely just the thought of the plunge that gave you a momentary block. Wonderful to have you dipping and diving in these waters.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

6 months ago

&marsha32 Lol! Don't let me ramble Marsha, that would be so dangerous! There's a look that goes across my partner's face if ever I do and then I know I've gone off on one wordy adventure. I have to turn around sharpish or get lost forever! :D

Marsha Cooper

&marsha32

6 months ago

I always think I have nothing to write and then end up rambling.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

6 months ago

&vallain Thank you Virginia. I have to say I'm liking the concept even if my brain feels a little strangled at the moment! It's good to have no major limits to words, one way or the other... :0)

Virginia Allain

&vallain

6 months ago

Welcome to Bubblews, where you can let your mind run free. No worrying about trying to squeeze it into modules or capsules or into a status line.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

6 months ago

&abitosunshine Thanks Ruth. I don't think I've got backup lists yet, but there does seem to be a lot on each one; ideas, titles, even half-written drafts. I've found a few familiar faces but need to find a few more to feel properly at home. :0)

Dreya B

&DreyaB

6 months ago

&Raintree Thank you so much! :0) Fingers crossed we'll all have something to work on/update very soon, then we can all settle into learning the new things we need to and establishing 'normality' whatever that is! Thanks for your support - I'll get there. :0)

Ruth Cox

&abitosunshine

6 months ago

Oh my, I do know all about those lists as I have them everywhere, duplicates too! I am delighted to see you tip your fingers and toes into Bubblews! You will see many familiar faces here.

Dreya B

&DreyaB

6 months ago

&CherylFay Thanks Cheryl, you're probably right. I'm sure things will settle eventually, but wish it would hurry up! I'll look for your posting too... :0)

&Raintree

6 months ago

Hi, well welcome to Bubblews! You did it - your first post and I think that is always the most difficult one at a new place. I think the wait is starting to get to many of us ex Squids but hopefully it will happen eventually. You will be just fine I am sure :)

Cheryl Mikesell

&CherylFay

6 months ago

Probably all of above. Everything has been so up in air and knowing what to do. It kinda takes your inspiration away. Welcome to Bubblews! I just started here too.

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Dreya B

Here you'll find my musing and thoughts in no particular categories, just chronological order. The blog posts from earlier dates appeared on a few independent blogs, but I've brought everything together in one place. If you'd like to know a little more about me try the 'About' page.