Rain rain go away!

Whilst I don't really mind the wet stuff, when you have got things that need to be done outdoors it can pose some problems.  Especially when you use sensitive equipment that doesn't like getting soaked.  I do try to get the best water-resistant equipment when I make any purchase, as with my DSLR, a Nikon D300.  At the time it was the only one in that price range that offered even the slightest bit of protection from the elephants.  Yes I wrote that in to try to lighten an otherwise drab account of a rainy day!

 

So what can I do instead.  Research, yes there is always plenty of that to do when you have another documentary to write.  Some of the information is already in place, but getting the motivation isn't always as easy as it sounds.

In my previous working life, especially working outside which I spent a good many doing, I was often put off by our Weather system.  To anyone who doesn't live in the UK, you may have heard all the English talk about is how bad the weather is.  Just of late though, that place has been taken over by how many of us hate politicians and a total lack of leadership for the people.  Saying nothing about the Marie Antoinette system they have forced onto us, 'there is no bread let them eat cake'.  Did she say it, or didn't she, maybe it was invented for just these times!

Anyway enough of that, just playing my part of a whinging pom!

Rain, rain go away.  The plants need it I guess, but then do I need frequent showers?  Em, the answer to that could be yes, where does our water come from out of the taps.  All our water comes down in rain, gets processed then sent out to us through the maze of underground pipework to your home.

Anyway enough wittering.  As always days like this give that much needed time to catch up on paperwork and the things we all like doing so much.  Here I am again, about to set out on another moan!  No I don't hate paperwork that much, but then given the choice where would I rather be.  Sitting here typing this or in a nice warm sunny woodland with the wildlife chattering all around me.  No competition.

So you may ask why am I writing this when I am supposed to be cooking, em doing my books.  You may well ask and the simple answer to that would be my literacy seems to work like a pressure valve.  Things or pressure build up behind it, then and only then am I able to write with gusto and interest for anyone finding this drivel.  If I don't have that pressure and write something, even if its something I am interested in, it always comes out wrong.  It looks wrong to me, and to everyone else, know what I mean?

So in the hope these tappings will encourage further and brighter thoughts into my head, I tap on getting no further with all the important stuff I am supposed to do.  So on that note, I will take all the future advice I will get from my fans, both here and Youtube and get on with it.

Cheers, I hope the sun is shining where you are.

Stress relief in easy steps. Tree Identification

Trees, from the first moment that thought came into my head, to make a DVD not just about bushcraft but about trees!  Our unsung hero's, some lasting a single lifetime while others watching over several generations as they grow and die.  But what makes them special?  What makes them overlooked, if that were possible.  These pre-paper, fire and construction timber beings, always there watching over us like invisible guardians.

Ask yourself when have you ever hugged a tree.  To most the act is simply laughable and brings about thoughts of dancing around in the nude, barking at a full moon.  If I could tell you different would you believe me?  How many of us will stop and look at the majestic beauty of what trees give us all year round.  That's right, they have their own beauty when they have shed all their leaves and only the twigs and branches are visible  swaying to the rhythm of the winter storms.  They are true followers of the real Earth magic.  Adjusting themselves throughout time to give an abundance of possibilities  for all woodland creatures.

So I ask again, why do they remain invisible to all but a few?  The simple facts are our lifestyles and a lack of knowledge about them.  The lack of knowledge grows in the winter months when it is more difficult to identify what tree is what.  But that is the time when we need them the most, to remind us of times gone and to keep our feet firmly planted, lest we be blown over or slip on slippery ground!

Our lifestyles encompass our lives in such a way that it blocks out all of natures goodness.  Just recently while listening to the local radio, Lawrence Reid was speaking to Michaela Strachan about her new campaign called 'Lets go Wild' which encourages children to get outside and experience great outdoors. She stated that, 'if you have had a stressful day, go out for a walk and you will feel so much better, just breathe the air'.  Many people are forgetting the benefits the outdoors can offer us.  The disconnection that occurs when children spend so much time at their computer, and the reconnection and joy they experience when they see wild animals and plants is very rewarding.

To help rekindle the want to get outdoors, watch nature programmes on TV and DVD.  This after all is a useful resource and can't be overlooked.  Learning as much as you can will help, and even give rise to organise the next outing while you are still there.

Stress is our unseen enemy, it will creep up and devour your life and soul if you let it.  I have always been an outside type of person and always had a fondness of trees and nature, often recognising the fact that can play a huge part in stress reduction.  Where stress is concerned I am no different from anyone else, I need to find time to get outdoors away from the hum of the computer and escape the four walls!

So the idea I had to bring you the Tree Identification DVD, suitable for all viewers and translated to over 10 different languages.  Bringing the outdoors to you, indoors.  In easy to follow videos with loads of information about the trees you may find along your woodland walk.

More information and purchase details can be found below:

Purchase:  http://www.surviving-outdoors.co.uk/shop.html

Trailer: