The Original Life Hackers.

You don't know what you've got until it's gone, no I'm not going to preach to you that you should respect your elders (that purely comes down to who they are and what they are like) however the young and ignorant are missing a trick here.

Let me put it this way....

Think of yourself in your autumnal years, say 70's. You have had a long and experienced life. You learnt some tricks, obtained more knowledge in life miles than a club card could hold. It seems wrong to achieve all these at the end of your years when they could have been more used early on. Now what do you do with it all? You simply can't just take it to the grave, it's selfish when you can recycle.

So do you write a book? Freeze yourself in cryogenics?

Most try to pass it on to their children, and most, not all (there are always some rare exceptions) just sit and let their words fly through each ear and out the other side regarding everything that is said is pure aged waffle.

Now, I lost grandmothers on both sides of my family. All I have of them is some memories, photos and one fantastic recipe. How I wish that I could of had more.

Take all that the older generation say, consider it and filter it, you never know where the life cheat codes are hidden. Even if it is how to deal with hip replacements for when you are older and there is no one else left to ask.

Moth to a Flame

It is as old as time, older than when the first caveman discovered how to make it, yet fire still burns as bright with each new flame. Every crest filled with ferocious energy striking the air above it. And yet it streams and flows like liquid. As if it's temperment is volatile to and from each extreme.

Sparks of fire leaping, flickering for brief and fleeting moments, reaching as far as they can with the uplifting heat of it's brother.

The warm glow surrounds and penetrates you, removing any chill that resides deep in your bones.

The low growl of the gases escaping purr like a contented cat. As you listen intently it then snaps you out with the crackle and harsh spit of wood. Only to repeat again.

And with it's end, it is just as contradictory, all the colour and drama slowly dies into dark powdery ash.

Beyond the beauty of the flames and embers, it can draw your mind in like a moth to a flame. Staring beyond the dancing flames takes you deep into your own mind like a hidden doorway. This mental access is used by many cultures in rituals, insighting visions and testing souls. Producing stimulus for all your senses and more.

So, if you get the chance, take some time alone one night to be hypnotised by it and let the fire consume you.