Hello!
Well, I found this month’s theme for our international collaboration quite the challenge. I tried several times to write about curiosity and discarded them all, one after the other. Eventually I got the post together and, tbh, it’s a bit of a curate’s egg and a mish-mash of several things: I look at curiosity, give you some political thoughts (which you need to avoid if you’re dislike my views on certain people and/or person!) and then I finish with a sharp veer towards last month’s theme of gardens and gardening, where I find myself being curious about other people’s gardens!
I expect you know that there’s two interpretations of this word: it could be that a curiosity is an odd and unusually interesting object or, it’s that quest and hunger for knowledge. Setting aside the object, and looking at the latter meaning, the reason I am floundering is – I used to have that yearning in buckets, but now? I have to admit I feel a bit flat and tbh I am wondering whether I’ll get back that feeling of wonder and lust to learn and know more?
Gee whiz, fancy saying that! But, this has to be everything to do with the past few months where I have just been in survival mode.
So, consequently, I started to search for more about curiosity and if you wanted to you could just disappear down a wormhole of interpretation – try looking at Wikipedia for starters. But obviously curiosity is a good thing as it is after all, the generator of so many things: scientific advances, exploration on land, sea and space, great writing and great art, philosophy, you name it people search for answers out of sheer curiosity. But what I will focus on now is the benefits of being a curious human being as there are many benefits, and some very good reasons for us all to being curious searchers out of truth, beauty and meaning.
First of all, curiosity keeps the brain active. Be curious about everything I say and note I’m saying these words for me as well as you! Being curious will help develop new neurons in your brain and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline – yay, that sounds about right!
Then think about it, you’ll never be bored, if you’re curious. It’s all about getting that spark from being interested in everything and gets us (me) out of our comfort zones and into looking at things differently – I’d raise a glass to that!
Being curious can also increase positivity. Why? Because trying new things is sure to boost your mood. Let’s have more of that!
And being curious about other people, and how they live and think, can only encourage one to be more open-minded. I’m going to run with this. Btw, as you know, this blog is not just a fashion blog so there is a possibility you might be offended by my comments below. Please don’t read if you feel you might be, offended that is, but on the other hand you probably know me by now!
In June 2016 a devastating event occurred – it was Brexit, one of the greatest self-inflicted wounds we could perpetrate on this nation ever. I remember howling with despair when I head the result. My thoughts were WHY, WHY, WHY!?! Well, instead of sinking into despair I set out to understand this result. I was curious. So, around every two weeks, for several years, I wrote on My Other Blog about Brexit and the why’s and wherefores of the results. Towards the end of the many essays I posted it was more about the disastrous negotiations that got us absolutely nowhere. Oven ready deal? Oh dearie me! But at last we have had the final (I hope) downfall of that cad, that proven liar, that craven lazy oaf. That’s Boris Johnson I’m talking about, who has resigned his post as an MP, and good riddance, never to grace Parliament again (we sincerely hope). Actually technically speaking Boris did not resign he applied, would you believe it, for the stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds. I mean, don’t ask, but it is one of the many archaic practices in our Houses of Parliament. And yes, it was granted and he has resigned. But enough of that as I could say a lot more.
The thing is, gosh, was I curious! About EVERYTHING to do with that vote. And I did come to understand why people voted the way they did.
So, curiosity is to search and see, really see where events and policies are taking us, and to do that we have to explore ideas, ideas that we may not like, and then, after much analysis and thought, we can perhaps come to empathise and understand – or certainly aim to. Mostly here I’m talking about politics and the way the world behaves. Despite the news sometimes being such a disaster area – we need to know things, we need to be curious.
Anyway, to keep one’s sanity we also need to be curious about the good things in life. And for me it’s gardens. Here’s a couple of pix of a lovely Sunday in Lewes when 15 gardens were open to Lewesians to raise funds for Southover Bonfire Society. We went to seven of them.
There were small gardens and larger gardens, but the last one was lovely. This is an English garden at its best.
There was no lawn to speak off instead there were grass paths with daises and other flowers in the middle – so gorgeous. I now think lawns shouldn’t be cut as they used to be, with everyone aspiring to have a lawn cut to the standard of a Wimbledon tennis court. Let the bees roam free amongst the flowers I say.
This was very clever as we actually thought the garden was going to continue through this door! No, it’s a mirror!
I walked over 9000 steps that day. So pleased, as my back had prevented me walking that far for over two weeks. And for those of you interested in fashion I’d say 90% of women going round the gardens were wearing dresses as, phew, the day was humid and hot, and what one needed above all was a swishy dress. Most of the dresses btw were midi-length and linen. Linen dresses are a very Lewes thing!
What a great day and how good it was to be given an insight into other people’s gardens and talk to the hosts about their planting and gardens – this is the best way to be nosy and curious.
That’s all from me for now as it is time to introduce you to the collaborators of this thought-provoking monthly challenge, all of whom have great blogs. It’s been lovely to get to know them more through us all writing for this international themed post.
First of all I am introducing, Gail who writes the blog Is This Mutton and began this challenge. Gail is so curious she created a blog 17 years ago called “A Curious Girl’s Guide to Life.” Her interest in miscellany makes her a good addition to a pub quiz team. Click here for Gail’s post
Leslie from Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After (what an amazing title!) shares with us a list of quirky things about her that make her rather a curiosity! Click here to read her post.
Michelle writes the Following my Muse blog and she says: Curiosity is defined as the desire to know and learn. But that seemingly simple desire is exactly what moves civilisation forward. Click here for her contribution.
What a lovely photo of you framed by the rose arch – one to keep I think! I love the mirror ‘gate’, so effective. I love visiting gardens too. We went to one open under the National Garden Scheme in a very rural location around a house built in the 90’s. The owners are a farmer & someone who keeps horses & inherited the land so miles of countryside all around. We walked up to a viewing platform they call ‘the mound’ through some woodland where they have luminous ‘toadstools’ and fairy lights for their grandchildren. A wonderful panoramic view laid out before us, truly stunning but as much as I enjoyed it I couldn’t help thinking about the unfairness of how some people have so much when others have so little. As to curiosity, where would we be without it? Older people who retain what you could call curiosity or just interest in the world outside their windows have a much richer life than those who don’t. As you say it keeps boredom and apathy at bay. There is always something new to learn and you never stop learning if you keep an open mind.
Thank you so much for the kind words about the photo which I think was helped by the lovely healthy roses. I say healthy as I have a climbing rose inherited from the last owner and it is very unhealthy at the moment with a lot of black spot. I know I should spray it with an anti-fungal and feed it with manure. Not done either yet!
The garden you describe sounds so interesting and yes, rather lovely. Being curious about gardens can amuse and entertain and indeed educate all at the same time – it is such a good use of one’s time and so very enjoyable.
And yes always be curious and it’s not that curiosity killed the cat, but lack of curiosity certainly leads to a less rich life.
Thanks Lynda 🙂
This topic is proving fascinating, everyone has a very different perspective. Your Brexit example is a good one that aligns to Michelle’s concept of ” focused curiosity. ” I’m hoping that once partygate is over, today, we really will hear nothing more about that craven oaf until his inevitable book, which should be titled “My Truth.”
I’m thinking I might get that Anthony Seldon book on Johnson or should I? Would it drive me mad with fury and disgust that this type of man can rise to the top. It’s amazing listening to the types interviewed who back Johnson – do they think we’re daft. Everyone knew he lies but nothing was done, where was the Speaker in all of this??? I’ll stop there. But what a fascinating subject which in the end I grew to like!
Thanks so much Gail for starting this monthly collaboration. And next month I’ll keep my clicks well away from the draft of the post!!!!
What an interesting topic! I am a curious person-probably in both senses of the word!- and I don’t think that will change ! Also wearing my linens, it’s hotting up here in Greece, though I think we’ve actually had cooler weather than you until now.
Hi Maisie and it’s good read to hear you are curious person!
It’s amazing that we’ve had such hot weather in June but on the other hand this is the way things are going. And don’t really like it tbh. We have or had a moderate mild climate with a moderate and mild summer and that’s how it should be. Anyway, also glad to hear you wear linen – there’s nothing like linen I say!
Thanks Maisie
Penny, I enjoyed what you refer to the mish-mash of this post, because it shows thinking in action. I could relate so well to your thought processes as you looked at the topic from different points of view. And yes, it’s difficult to muster that sense of wonder when you are tired and in pain.
As for Brexit, honestly, I couldn’t believe Britain made that choice either. We have a loud contingent of our Republican Party, (which continues to shrink) that is hell-bent on imposing their religious beliefs on others, and have declared war in the LGBTQ community with a special hatred toward trans people. I used to wonder why they were like that. Apparently it’s a combination of genetics and environment. Anyway, I’ve quit worrying about the why. These people need to be sent back under their rocks.
Oh and the gardens are gorgeous!
Michelle
https://followingmymuse.space
Thanks Michelle, and yes it was difficult to be curious and out and about searching for answers when we were so confined to home and unwell. Things are much improved now, thankfully 🙂
Brexit was an engineered catastrophe, engineered that is by the very very rich who wanted to become even wealthier without EU regulations. Very few who voted for Brexit understood that. I have two friends who articulate very good points (on sovereignty) in a very reasoned and academic way why they voted to leave, others voted with their gut that ‘Europe’ was a bad thing and best to be out of it. Sadly it is such huge mistake and one that won’t be rectified in my lifetime although we may possibly have to rejoin the Single Market bit in a few years time and I might see that come about.
I read things about American politics and shiver at the possibility that Trump might get in again. Have you read Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead? Highly recommend and gives such insight into poverty and the lives of people in the Appalachian area. It’s just won a prestigious award.
Thanks Michelle 🙂
Have to agree about Johnson . I felt such a happy glow this morning at the committee’s findings . It’s what we have been waiting for . The icing on the cake was Johnson’s ranting response at his humiliation . He’s obviously livid . It’s been a very good day .
I absolutely agree with you. I do believe he is finished and yet I feel a slight sense of doubt as, like Trump, Johnson is a sociopath who believes in himself utterly. He will work towards a return of some kind. Hopefully, though, he will never return to politics or any position of influence. But it is amazing he can still earn millions from suckers who want to hear his fantasies. I am thinking of getting the Seldon book.
Thanks Wendy 🙂
I belong to an organization for retirees which presents all kinds of lectures on many topics, politics, culture, the environment, local history, etc. It is sponsored by a local university and an organization for seniors called Road scholars. there are also films and trips to various cultural and historic places. the yearly cost is 200 dollars a year and there are classes four days a week. You can attend as many or few as you like. I have been a member for at least 5 years now and it’s just wonderful. I have mentioned it before but it fits right in with the theme of this post. So grateful when I found out about the group. It is on a summer break right now but I will be back to my classes in the Fall.
What a lovely garden Penny. I am very lucky. Although my own personal garden is small, really all I want to manage the grounds of my complex are so pretty this time of year, it is like living in a garden. the management really does a great job of planting and maintaining a variety of flowers, including lots of roses this time of year. Also lillies and we have just finished with one of my very favorites, peony.
For the past few years I have been somewhat of a political junkie, watching news show after show. But I am thinking that I am fed up with the ranker and division, the name calling and I am fed up with seeing and hearing about Donald Trump. To say I dislike the man is a gross understatement . Do we have to see him every time he gets on and off a plane? the coverage is so repetitions, enough already. End of rant.
that’s about it. always enjoy your posts Penny. With love from New York, Darby
We have the University of the Third Age and it sounds very similar, it is very active in Lewes but I aren’t as yet followed it up. Will do for the September start of classes.
Like you, my garden is small and all I can manage but it does give me food for thought as if this very very hot weather in the UK continues my choice of cottage garden type flowers will not suffice and I will have to change it all to much more drought and sun tolerant type of planting. But it’s good to think these things through.
I ration my political watching and reading, but I am thinking of getting the latest biography on Johnson as apparently its very good – might drive me wild though!!!
Thanks Darby, take care and love from Lewes 🙂
I am always curious about other people gardens and home, so I enjoyed these beautiful pictures: that mirror is just perfect.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Yes, for a moment it really fooled the eye! So clever. There were small gardens and big gardens amongst the 7 we visited but this one was the best.
Thanks Mireille 🙂
I think you underestimate yourself, Penny! I think you are very curious but maybe not actively curious these past few months…does that make sense? I love how you are so vehement in your dislike of BJ…even awful initials! But, at least, he isn’t being indicted and probably guilty of felonious behavior like the orange Fraudy Five! Brexit continues to confuse me…how did it even begin to benefit the UK? I honestly don’t understand that.
On to the gardens! I would absolutely love to turn our side yard that we share with a delightful lady into a wildflower patch. We can’t get grass to grow there as it’s just clay and shaded. If it were wildflowers the mowers wouldn’t have to bother with it. I think that’s a win win! Now, let’s see if I can persuade anyone of my wisdom!
Have a wonderful weekend, Penny!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Ahhh, thanks Marsha, yes I’m back to being curious once more! Well, this Brexit was engineered by very rich media barons and, well, the very rich, to get out of the EU regulations and make themselves wealthier. Certain politicians played their part saying it was about, ‘being in control’, including Boris who actually didn’t want to leave (true) but thought he might leap into the Prime Minister role if the Remainers won! Seriously, he was gutted when the Brexiters won and you just have to YouTube to see his reaction – his face! But Brexit was voted in with lies and half-truths. I have a couple of friends who can give very thoughtful and academic reasons on why the UK should leave from a sovereignty point of view, which I find quite rational (but don’t agree with) but to leave our biggest business, export market was the hugest, most suicidal move our nation could take. Now we won’t rejoin the EU in my lifetime but we might have to rejoin the Single Market for economic reasons – businesses after businesses have gone bust, but don’t forget Johnson actually said, f..k business! And yet some Conservative voters still love him! Oh Boris. he is a rascal, they chuckle – very similar to the love that Trump gets. But Brexit has only rewarded the very very rich. And we are so much poorer as a nation now – it’s madness.
Oh for the sanity of gardens and gardening! My side return is the same as yours – it will be difficult to do but worth it. Yours sounds great – go for it. Thanks Marsha 🙂
I enjoyed where your curiosity took us Penny and not being English the whole Brexit thing has been confusing! I hear you on many of the points you made though! I love the gardens you visited and the wildflowers are a delight. It’s been a great prompt and got us all going in different directions which is a good thing and helps us to learn more about each other – and yes I’m a curious person 🙂
Oh gosh Brexit is confusing until you realise that the nation was bamboozled into it through lies and half truths promoted by very wealthy media barons, it has been suicidal for so many businesses.
But enough of that, the gardens were lovely and the last one was the best. I loved your contribution, and it was delightful to read of the questions you grandchildren ask.
Thanks Debbie 🙂
Hi Penny, like you I had a couple of drafts before settling on my curiosity topic for this month. I dived down a rabbit hole and found some interesting information on being curious. I can imagine how confusing Brexit was. We are currently having that situation with The Voice to Parliament referendum later this year to change the constitution and include our indigenous people to have their own ‘voice’. I think it is important to be curious enough to keep learning from life and especially important social issues that affect us all. Your garden photos are beautiful.
It was a challenge, this theme. But we both got there!
Oh gosh don’t start me on Brexit, the stupidest thing we could have done ever as a country. But it did make me curious, and actually it doesn’t help to shout out slogans or give short and sharp contributions like the one I just wrote in that last sentence. The result was actually caused by many things, it was complex and it is important we come to understand each other. Being curious and asking those questions, particularly the why’s is the way to empathy. I wish our media would go that way, but it’s rare. And now of our rags has given a column to Johnson – unbelievable!!!
One has to look for sanity and gardens can give that – thanks Sue 🙂
Oh, my friend, we are feeling much the same way about curiosity and investigating things these days. I just don’t have the energy. Although, I know how good it would be for me to find the energy and take an interest in learning more about SOMETHING!!
I do like learning about people and their lives and where they live…not famous people but my students and their families, and friends, and friends of friends. So, in that way I am a teensy bit curious. And in trying new recipes, arts and crafts, books. Maybe there is hope for me yet.
I just love the haphazardness of the gardens you shared. We are trying very hard to grow clover or ground cover or anything on the shady side of our house. I would like to put a meandering flagstone walk and have the ground cover grow all around the stones. Those tiny daisy-looking flowers would be perfect. And how clever to have that mirrored door in the garden. Great fun.
Really I think you are a person who is curious, it was just that the writing of it came at a time when you couldn’t think. I too felt that way. But Leslie you have been through such stress just lately – I can empathise completely as Mr F’s operation was the straw on the camel’s back. But his op wasn’t a serious one or even a serious issue, it was just that it went wrong in so many ways. But we are pretty much over it. Now I do hope you are having some ‘me’ time. By doing that your energy will slowly return.
The haphazardness of an English cottage garden is quite carefully crafted, as it is a deliberate way of gardening that makes it look as though it has just happened casually, but it is not really as all the plants are carefully chosen to look like that. However, luckily we have just had some rain, but I have some doubts about this type of planting now that English weather is changing to very hot (for us) and I may have to change the bed to drought and sun resistant planting. I shall see how this summer goes. It s sounds as though you too love designing your planting – it is a lovely preoccupation.
Take care Leslie and big hugs from across the pond 🙂