Swan-d-ful — photographs of local swans.

There is something incredibly graceful about swans. They have a perfect simplicity of colour, shape and movement. They inspire peace and tranquility when problems disturb the soul. When I was a child I was forever drawing them — chalk on a blackboard or with pencil. Then I tried using my simple paint box and painted a swan drifting in moonlight. I guess, later on, going to the theatre Royal in Nottingham to see the Swan Lake ballet (sitting up in the gods) a number of times climaxed that fascination. At that time I wanted to be a ballet dancer! But that was long ago. Now I just like to photograph them, not be one of them!

See also
Gladys Hobson — author
Diary Of a Country Lady
Wrinkly Writers - my life is an open book
Yesteryear — any questions?
Gladys Hobson - My Space
Magpies Nest Publishing

USA editions of my books can be found at AGPress bookstore

The Conflict Within

The Conflict Within

I am writing about our personal conflicts — when we are at war within ourselves, that is, our own inner feelings and desires

We may have conflicts ‘without’, that is, in the realm of relationships, the environment and society. It is not always easy to hold fast to ideals, or Christian values and principles, whether at work, within society, or the home. In this realm we may face a struggle for significance and to have control over our circumstances. This we can cope with if we are whole within. But how many people are that blessed, especially in today’s society which, to some extent, lacks family values and community adhesion?

We are all born with certain needs — food, love, self-esteem, security. Often greed takes over because we lack discipline or through failure to have our basic needs supplied. Self-indulgence — the result of the environment in which we are nurtured? And blessed indeed are those who do not have the need to be forever seeking sexual-fulfilment but rather find contentment with a lifetime partner. Especially in a society of ‘must have’ ‘will have’ never mind the consequences.

Many people are ready to blame the Devil, whatever that means to each of us.
A dimension in life that appears hidden of which we seem to have little or no control? A power that is anti-love, anti-life, anti-Christ. — EVIL?

I would suggest that the devil has become a scapegoat for much of the evil that originates in man — an entail of evil — that which Jesus said came out of the heart of man and which defile him — wicked thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, perjury, slander. It is easier to deny that which is within ourselves and project it on to others, or on to a devil. It is not easy to confront and deal with our own failings. What we really speak of is that which struggles against what we know to be good, true and holy. This is the darker part of the shadow side of our personality, and of the human race. A side which shows itself repeatedly in history, dark deeds often done in the name of God or for the ‘better good’ of mankind.

How easy it is to refuse to face our shadow and to point a finger at others or blame a devil for man’s failings.

Christians believe that their Lord came to earth as an ordinary man. He had the same temptations as all men. He was born as a child with the same desires, feelings, conflicts common to humanity. And this surely was his purpose — to redeem the shadow within man and to let in God’s light. To set free inspiration and creativity and the love, peace and joy of a life lived in relationship with God and his fellow man. Whatever faith we live by (or none at all), there is value in examining ourselves — our motives — and determine to live for others as well as ourselves. As many people have found — it is in giving that we receive.

My other sites:
Wrinkly Writers
Magpies Nest Publishing,
My Space Gladys Writes,
and others