Quote of the Week

 
The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection. - George Orwell


It seems that today, as a society, we are always striving for perfection.  To be good is not good enough, to be better still falls short, and only by achieving perfection, can one truly be satisfied.  The problem with this is that true perfection does not exist in human nature; there is always another level to be reached.  While putting your all into seeking that elusive state of perfection, you neglect to pat yourself on the back for a job well done, and say "That's good enough".

Have I Got Holes in my Head?

Don't answer that!

How come it is when you wait until you have time to sit and write down all the thoughts rolling around in your head, they seem to have rolled right out.  It’s like my head has holes in it, and my thoughts and ideas just plop right through the holes.  That’s it – my head is a sieve.  Nope, that can’t be it – then everything would fall out.  I must have a flashing sign inside my head.  One that says “All good ideas must exit here”.  

It’s a one way door like a turn style.  Oops, no can back up.  Sorry, let’s keep it moving.  Don’t want to create a bottle neck.

Then the lights are out and the door is locked.  A couple of the bolder ones pound on the door but the guard just yells “Go Away – She’s done thinking for today."

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.

 - Anais Nin


Who we are as individuals influences everything around us, including what we see.  Two people may see the same picture, building or other object and offer completely different opinions.  Using the cliche about seeing the glass half full or half empty, it is easy to see how different personalities would have different views.

Nursery Rhyme Redo: Humpty Dumpty

Image source:  merlinprincesse's photostream

Humpty Dumpty was fat and grumpy
And off of the wall he fell
He landed astride a nobleman's horse
Who tossed him into the well

It's Time to Go

Summer Evening, Edward Hopper, 1947

It was a hot summer night following the end of World War II.  A woman's voice could be heard above the call of the frogs and crickets.  "Charlie, you can't leave, it would break mama's heart.  She would be lost without you with Daddy gone."

Lauren, Charlie's sister, was trying to dissuade him from enlisting in the Army on his 18th birthday.  

"The war's over," Charlie explained.  "This is my chance to see the world, learn a trade, and make a life for myself.  Daddy would be proud."

"Daddy died in the war.  You think he'd want you running off and leaving mama and me.  To risk ending up like he did?"  Lauren was not only scared for her brother, she was angry.  Angry that he could just up and leave them.  It wasn't mama's heart that would break as much as her own.  Not only was he her brother, he was her twin and her best friend.  Losing him would be like losing half of herself.

Reading her thoughts, as he did so often, he said quietly, "Don't worry, you won't lose me.  I'll be safe.  Daddy will be watching over me.  It's time for me to go."

Written for Magpie Tales #77