There’s been a lot of homework happening around here lately and a lot of staring blankly at the television. When I wasn’t doing that, I was reading some of my thoughts on other people’s blogs. Several bloggers have been guilty of writing what I was thinking before I could finish thinking it. I’m always surprised when it happens, because it seems so random and yet, it isn’t random at all. I read blogs that I enjoy, blogs that draw me into their stories and that I can relate to in some way. So it shouldn’t surprise me that sometimes the blogosphere becomes a virtual mind-meld.
Wende posted this picture and asked a simple question: Where did you find beauty today?
photo by Wende http://evidently.org
I never thought I would say this, but beauty is in the grand design. When the pieces of my life begin to fall into place and everything I touch works (and doesn’t fall apart), that is when I know that the last forty years months were worth every single doubt I have ever had. I’m a Capricorn – I have a lot of doubts. Beauty, for me, is in the certainty that perseverance pays off – sooner or later.
Beauty is dog-eared, too. I annoyed the driver by taking this picture (okay, because I took four or five), but I could not resist. Out of a bland and boring day, on my way home to a night of more homework and drudgery, up pops this gorgeous dog. Unexpected beauty, indeed.
Kylie’s been in my head, too. Her recent post about old friends had me nodding my head because I’ve been in that place before and, in a different way, am there now. When is it time to let go? Circumstances almost always change, but sometimes people don’t – or can’t – change. Or they change in unanticipated ways.
I had lunch with an old friend a few weeks ago, someone I have known since kindergarten and have called my best friend on and off since then. We caught up on the last five years. We laughed, talked about work, talked about family, all the safe topics. Nothing very personal, just fluff. It was a pleasant, relaxed lunch with a childhood friend. We didn’t acknowledge the changes we saw in each other and in our acquaintanceship. There was a lot we chose to ignore, which is what acquaintances do. They skip the heavy, emo stuff.
The conversation gradually slowed until there was simply nothing left to say, so we said we should definitely do this again. Soon.
So you aren’t stuck under a fallen book case unable to call for help? That’s a relief, I was starting to wonder.
I really do ‘get’ this post. If only we could all stop thinking and just appreciate the beauty around us, life would be so much simpler.
I’ve also been checking out your flickr photos – and I didn’t lurk either. I actually commented! And yes, that’s a hint.
PS: You need to change my link in your side bar. No pressure.
When is it time to let go? Oh wow I wish I knew the answer to that one.
The dog is gorgeous indeed, and I know exactly what you mean about suddenly seeing something that makes you smile for no reason at all.
PS Thanks for the link!!
Kylie, TFC knocked the bookcase onto me, but I was finally able to crawl from beneath it.
PS – the link is changed. Whiner.
Penelope, seeing that dog jump up was the funniest thing. It was absolutely delightful. The dog’s owner was not delighted that I was taking pictures, though. Oh well. I covered her license plate – what more does she want?
PS – you’re welcome.
Whiner???
I do believe you have just broken what was left of my heart, but thanks for changing the link.
I always laugh when I see a doggie in a car. I take mine in the car a lot, too.
Yeah, sometimes I feel my life is shit, but there’s certain things, people mainly, and I say, it’s all worth it.
I’m getting a real kick out of seeing my photo on your blog… it’s nice to see something online that ISN’T mocking my obsession with beauty. I should email you with details–it’s sordid I tell you!
And I know what you mean about people writing posts before me. That happens so much to me.
And really, you have to stop calling Kylie by your pet name for me. That hurts my feelings.
Annie, last year I saw a cat climbing around in a car. I guess people take their cats in the car, too, but I’ve never seen it before. It was hilarious.
Wende, I love the picture! I think it’s great that people have the talent (and time) to turn something ordinary into art – or at least making it something not-so-ordinary.
If you have to be obsessed with something, then I think “beauty” is not a bad place to start. It could be worse. Ya know?
[...] time ago. I look at the person I used to be and I don’t recognize her anymore. Last January, I wrote about my friend – about how she was boring and we had nothing in common anymore. She read it. And she hasn’t [...]