Mystery of Inspiration

Inspiration, friend or foe. It seems to be an enemy if you ain't got it. What the heck is it anyway? Usually when I come to write a blog post there is something that triggers me. 

When it comes to blogging I don't actually know where inspiration comes from. Is it really from all those conversations I had down the pub? Or maybe the many family functions where we debated issues all night? Maybe it's the regurgitation of my daily diet of news? Crikey knows. 

All I can say is that, like a bolt of lightning, something happens and the words just flow and I feel complete in the sense that I have something to say.

But when searching for inspiration, it proves very elusive. I try and go back to the source. I replay the moment of inspiration in my mind trying to work out what happened but it's like looking for the end of the rainbow.

It's almost as though, instead of me finding inspiration, it's inspiration that finds me. In a quick minute it's all there and if you don't try to capture it, it's gone. I recognise it when it happens but I don't have a clue where it comes from. So my questions to you readers and fellow bloggers is:

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Come to think of it, what is inspiration?

I would love to hear your comments, views and opinions on this.

Father's Day Heroes

This Sunday 16th June is Father's Day here in the UK. So, I'm not going to waste my time on dead beat dads who couldn't care less. No. This post is for the many fathers around the world who did their best with what life presented them with. 
 
To all those fathers who work many hours in low paid jobs just to bring in a decent wage, and to the increasing many that work 2 jobs just to make ends meet. You have supported your family well.
 
To all those that take time out of their busy work schedules so they can attend their children's school plays, parents evenings and sporting events. Your children will always remember it.
 
To all the 'stay at home dads' who look after the children, do the laundry, shopping, cooking and cleaning without complaint whilst mum earns a crust.  Nothing wrong in that and it's good you shared the load.
 
To all the fathers who continue to pay child maintenance despite a divorce, separation or relationship breakdown. We're proud you supported your own.
 
To the many fathers in the armed forces. We can only imagine how hard it must be for them to be away from their families. Thank you for the sacrifice and for risking your lives to keep all of us safe.

To the dads who have shown their daughters how a man should treat a woman in all circumstances of life. And taught their sons what it is to be a real man. Thank you for raising your children into responsible, caring, respectful adults of today.
 
To the unfortunate dads who found themselves incarcerated but after doing 'time' for their crime, they made a complete U turn and completely changed their life for the better. What a bitter pill you swallowed. But, well done, you deserve a second chance.
 
And I mustn't forget to mention all those men who took on the full responsibility of raising children that were not theirs, but supported, nurtured, loved and cared for the kids as if they were their own. And for those who will move heaven and earth (legally!) to get access to see their children. You deserve a medal for sure.
 
Anyone can have a child but not everyone can be a good father, male role model or mentor.
 
If you have a message of encouragement you would like to send out to fathers, please feel free to leave a message here.

I'd love to hear your comments, views and opinions.