A haiku and a walk in the forest

 

Birdsong fills the morning,
I walk on soft forest ground,
Step by step, toward a new day.

 

 

I am sharing with you my very first haiku, and I hope you like it.
The photos were taken during today's morning walk.

I recently read the book Shinrin Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing, and I loved it. I realized that I was already doing everything recommended, except writing haikus.

So I decided to write one. While I was writing it, a beautiful black kite flew very close to me—it was a magnificent moment.

It was a moment that felt just perfect—I was exactly where I wanted to be.

Without any regrets and without any sadness. 

Living fully in the present, caring for both body and soul.

It’s not the life I once planned, but over the years I’ve learned to love it just as it is.

 

I stand by Ukraine

 

I stand by Ukraine.

 

 

 

 

Leaving a comment & a delicious dessert

 

I recently attended a one-day training programme at work. The host professor taught us many useful things. But some of the things he said were just plain silly.

He was advising our managers (who were also there) on how to resolve disputes when two employees want to go on a long summer holiday at the same time and only one can go. His advice was - be the wise judge and decide that the employee with small children can go (because children have holidays in the summer). And tell the employee without children all the advantages of going on holiday in October or November.

I didn't want to say anything personally because I was literally the only one there without children.

But when we had to review the training, I left my comment for the professor. I wrote that I did not agree with his advice. Because there is only one holiday I dream about all year round: swimming in the crystal clear Adriatic Sea in Dalmatia (that is only few hours driving away). The sea is warm enough for swimming only in July and August.  Of course, there are other seas where you can swim all year round - but those options are out of our budget. So his advice - that I could be left without a summer holiday - is just cruel.

It felt good to share my thoughts with the professor. Perhaps he will think about giving this advice the next time to another group.

In the photo above: this dessert was part of our lunch that day. It was delicious! So I decided to focus on the wonderful things in that day.

I don't have children, but that doesn't mean I don't have a private life

 

I am sharing with you a photo of a beautiful ornament in one of the chapels I visited during the Christmas season. I find this mosaic simply beautiful: peaceful, colourful, vivid, soothing and eternal.  I needed to see this photo again - because today's workday was just awful.

Most of the time I like the place where I work. But not today.

I had a disagreement with my superior about doing extra work outside of working hours. She (the mother of an adult son) literally said to me: "We, who already have grown-up children, have to be flexible with our time, so working on public holidays shouldn't be a problem for us".

Her manipulative, insulting comment really got to me. I've been part of her team for over a decade and she knows full well that I don't have children.

I didn't keep quiet.

I said: "I don't have children, but that doesn't mean I don't have a private life."

***

I felt good because I spoke out - also on behalf of childless people whose suffering is still too raw and who never speak up (yet).

I am not paid more than colleagues with children. So it is only fair that everyone does the same amount of work.

Japan

 

After 10 years without long-distance travel, my husband and I have finally bought our plane tickets: to Japan. I am so looking forward to our travel adventure, which will take place in a few months.

I know I have a few readers from Japan. And some of my readers may have already travelled there. So I have a question for you.

- What are your favourite three places to visit in Japan?

- What is the best part of Tokyo to book a hotel in?

You can leave a comment here or write to my email at: klara.soncek (at) gmail.com

My Christmas wish

 

I have the same Christmas wish as the last nine years. 

I would like to receive an email from you. 

To know who you are. 

Where you come from. 

Why you read my blog. 

What my blog means to you. 

Has it helped you in any way?

 I promise not to publish your email or misuse it in any way. 

And I promise to write back!

 My email: klara.soncek (at) gmail.com 

I am looking forward to Christmas :)

 

PS: on the photo:  Piran & Christmas lights

Notre Dame

 

The photo was taken just a few weeks ago on my business trip.  

I have been visiting Paris at least once a year for the past five years. I feel privileged to have been able to follow the restoration process and I am very happy that it is now complete.

To see world jewels like Notre Dame is simply priceless!