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 |   Second blog -- answers to an ocean of prompts |
 "Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself." CHARLIE CHAPLIN  Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet confinement of your aloneness to learn anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you. David Whyte        This is my supplementary blog in which I will post entries written for prompts. |
| Prompt: 2024 What do you expect from 2024? What or who will you turn to when you want to learn more or do more in the coming year? In what ways does 2024 excite or captivate you? ------------ Not much really! I can't expect anything from any year, except for no bad things happening. As for learning new things, I turn to myself. Factually speaking, if I don't make the effort, no one or no one thing can teach me what I need or want to know. As to getting excited about 2024, I just hope the world survives, one more year, the stupidity of its inhabitants. Predicting the future with certainty is challenging as it depends on various factors including technological advancements, geopolitical events, and societal changes. To tell the truth, I am hoping and possibly expecting continued progress in technology, science, and various industries. I would like to see innovations in areas like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and healthcare to continue shaping the world. I would also like to see much improved geopolitical situations, economic conditions, and public health, because as it is, there is too much strife between countries and people, too much poverty, and public health is on all the politicians' back burner. Yet, I think, what still works is WdC, and for that, I'm very thankful for the the owners, mods, and all the writers, artists, and readers on this site. See, despite all the negative opinion I have of the world as it is, I too can believe in the treasure at the end of a rainbow.  . |
| Prompt: Let this quote inspire your entry today: “I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn’t show.” — Andrew Wyeth Or discuss Wyeth's work if you need more inspiration. ------ What most amazes me about Wyeth is his point of view or rather the angle he looks at his subjects. It may be from the top or the side or at an angle that is somewhat off and uncanny, too. Yet with his unusual and peculiar sight, he reaches at an insight about his subjects that no run-of-the-mill painter can. Having expressed my awe of him, I have to say, I don't agree with him about winter and fall. He may feel "the bone structure of the landscape" but I only feel the cold and the wind. Although fall is a season of breathtaking beauty with its palette of warm hues, it is also a warning sign of the impending cold of winter. The falling leaves, are quite picturesque, and although I loved them much earlier in my life, I now see them as a symbol of decay and endings, which evokes feelings of melancholy in me. Granted, this must have something to do with the many years of life I've had. The only reason I didn't like fall during my much more youthful times was that I associated it with the return to routine. Later on came my allergies against pollen and mold spores which didn't help. As to winter, reduced light in most days plays a role in affecting my mood as it does many other people who may even fall into depression called, Seasonal Affective Disorder. On top of it all, raw, biting cold and shorter days often mean illnesses like the flu, plus discomfort and inconvenience. Yet, watching the snow covered everything and especially the trees from behind a window in a warm room is also precious. Still, this splendid view is not enough for oldies like me to like the winter season. . |
| Prompt: As the year closes, memories flow... let this quote inspire you because. "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." Author unknown ---------- twilight's embrace, a gentle glow, hints at a love that used to flow as an alive, happy melody, now a treasure, a full symphony his smile lit up the darkest night now a memory, shining bright his embrace, the warmth of a sunny May comforts me still when days turn gray he lingers in sunsets in colors that fade his life I recall, as history made his love transcends the edges of time he's now my poem with cheery rhyme in hearts' gallery, his picture's framed he was much loved, his essence remained to the realm unseen, he took his wings inside my heart, he reigns as kings . |
| Prompt: "There's nothing more beautiful then the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it's sent away." Sarah Kay Write about this in your Blog entry today. ---------- the ocean, a lover true, has currents deep, kisses the shoreline, with a promise to keep day after day, as the sun sets night after night, without regrets, the ocean refuses to stop her quest for shoreline's embrace, where she rests for a while, with love so wide so deep, awake in the day, alive in sleep ocean and shoreline, in a lover's tryst, lost in a moment, in a sun-kissed mist so I stand where land meets the sea to watch this vision, wild and free the ocean's kiss, relentless and kind, is testament to love, and a rare find as ocean, the lover true, has currents deep, kisses the shoreline, with a promise to keep ################################# Prompt: How was your Christmas this year? Write about it in your Blog entry today. ------------- My son from NY came to visit and we had a good time. Then, we talked to family members via Chat and Skype. We opened presents and enjoyed the day. The weather wasn't the best it could be, but it wasn't too cold or hot either. Right now, it is raining outside and it looks to be a dull day. I guess the weather on the 25th was a bit better. It must have been the weather this year to discourage my neighbors from putting up the Christmas lights as only two houses on my street has lights and decorations. As usual, I only had a wreath on the front door. . |
Prompt: Homeless Shelters Suppose you volunteered at a homeless shelter. How did you spend Christmas 2023 there?Alternately: Write about community attitudes towards homeless shelters and how those attitudes can change for the better?------ Several years ago, a woman who was quite disturbed came to my area through the backyards and did some damage to the back porches and broke into the sheds and destroyed some property. One of my neighbors found out, through the use of his surveillance camera, that a certain type of a church that sometimes housed the homeless was where that woman came from. Some pressed charges against that church because they didn't have a permit. I wouldn't because I understood her anger against people who seemed to have everything. It is understandable that such incidents can encourage negative attitudes in neighborhoods toward homeless shelters and the homeless who use them, but not everyone who uses a homeless shelter will engage in destructive behavior in the community. Most of these homeless people are just homeless, going through a difficult time in their lives. Yet, some of the factors that influence negative attitudes in neighborhoods against the homeless shelters can be a lack of knowledge, stereotypes, and media portrayals. I think those attitudes should change for the better and for more humane ones. If we only could have meaningful and respectful interactions with homeless people, listen to their stories, and empathize with their situation, our biases would change and this would reduce the prejudice. I also think educating the public about the causes and consequences of homelessness, and coming up with potential solutions and policies could help dispel myths, challenge stereotypes, and increase support for homeless services and programs would help greatly. Also, volunteering, donating, or advocating for such programs could bring about a sense of social responsibility, solidarity, and compassion, as well as create opportunities for mutual learning and understanding. After all, the homeless are people just like us. |
| Prompt: Preventing the Negative *Bullet*How do you prevent a negative anything from happening? Alternately: *Bullet*The Grinch tries stealing Christmas every year, and this year, things began to go wrong on the Christmas Eve, which you suspect he is starting with your home. What went so wrong and how are you preventing his negative effect on your happy abode? --------- Anything that I would consider negative would vary depending on its specific content. Although some negatives can be prevented before they can happen, for others that suddenly drop on me out of the nowhere, I would have no say over them. I would just cry or grin then I would try to bear it, I guess. What is considered a negative event may depend on the circumstances and the people. The idea is, if something looks, sounds, or smells iffy, I know I have to be on full alert. That is after I have identified anything's potential for a negative happening. Could that be a personal setback, a professional mishap, or a broader societal issue? Then, I would have to assess the probability and the risks of it taking place, which would encourage me to develop a plan, based on my initial assessment. Maybe I would need to change my behavior in certain areas or implement new safeguards and systems or look for outside help. I could also monitor it and adjust myself to the course of its progression. This is so that, if my preventing the negative doesn't seem to be working, I should be ready to make adjustments. After all, it isn't always possible to prevent every negative event. Then, just maybe, negative events can lead to personal growth and improvements. Thus, my focus should be on what I can control but not what I cannot avoid. In the same vein, I can't stop the Grinch from stealing Christmas or any other joyous occasion. But I can adjust myself what that "joyous occasion" really is, as the folks in Whoville did in Dr. Seuss's version by finding the true meaning of Christmas. After all, it is all about adaptability, and marking an event or a situation as "negative" is someone else's or my own personal view. . |
| Prompt: Book-reading Goals The New Year is approaching and typically we think about personal goals. My question to you is about books on your bucket list to read. Do you make a list of books to read in the beginning of a new year? Like Goodreads has a reading challenge, 30 books in a year, just for example, do you challenge yourself to read more? ------ No, I don't make any lists for the year because I never know what that year will bring while in progress. I only make to-do lists for the day I'm in. I pledge in Goodreads a certain number of books for each year. One year, 2018, I pledged 100 books and ended up reading 133. That was my record year. https://www.goodreads.com/review/stats/3637965-joy-cagil For 2023, I pledged 30 and. as of today, I'm at 32. This is partly due to my eyesight not being as good as it used to be. Also, I have a lot of personal responsibilities to take care of. I don't necessarily challenge myself to read more than the number of books I pledge, but so far, I have done better than my pledge. As to making a reading list, I think, for most people, there are options according to what they are interested in. I'm interested in just about everything, maybe except in the horror genre or criminal behavior. I wouldn't waste my time reading a book such as, "How to Rob a Bank," unless it was written in the humor genre. I guess to make such a reading list, for the average reader, the considerations could be, (off the top of my head): The genres that reader likes the most Favorite authors and time periods: Our day, World War eras, Ancient Roman or Greek stories or other much older ones such as pre-dawn stories . Recent best-sellers, classic literature or hidden gems by new authors The length of the reading list, as no one should bite more than they can chew, since this may lead to self-depreciation and guilt feelings.Any other ideas, anyone? . |
| Prompt: Have fun with these words: boot, lamb, mutual, discreet, letter, main, and volunteer. ---- One breezy fall morning, May Marty found a *letter from her neighbor Sam slipped under her front door. The letter said: "Dear May, I have a proposal that might interest you. For the Holiday celebrations our town is planning next month, we're looking for *volunteers to organize and coordinate various activities. You're organized and *discrete and this makes you an ideal candidate for helping us. If you agree, please come to the old oak tree by the river tomorrow at noon. Wear your best pair of *boots, as we might have to get a bit dirty. Looking forward to seeing you. Sam The next day, May put on her sturdy boots and made her way toward the river. Sam was by the oak tree, waiting for her with several other neighbors of theirs. Together, they set to work organizing activities and made plans under the old oak tree as a playful little *lamb from a nearby farm joined them. Finally, the day of the celebration arrived and the town square buzzed with excitement with the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods and other food. Later, in the quiet of the evening, as they stood by the river, Sam turned to May and said, "Thank you for volunteering. This *main event wouldn't have been the same without you." May said, "Our efforts were *mutual, but I would have volunteered even if I didn't know you or got a letter from you." Sam and May looked down at their boots and exchanged smiles, both knowing well that the smallest gestures and collaborations could create a most significant impact in a close-knit neighborhood like theirs. . |
| Prompt: "Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind." Lionel Hampton Write about this in your Blog entry today. ----------- I don't know where the heart would be if we didn't have the mind, but that's another story. I believe Lionel Hampton means to say that gratitude is more than just a momentary feeling or reaction. It is a lasting impression, a memory in the heart. Still, I wonder if we would remember that memory if we didn't have a mind. But never mind, let me talk about gratitude in itself. Each act of kindness or each moment we feel grateful for is a seed planted in us. As we reflect on these instances and remember them, we feel the warmth they bring as those seeds germinate, grow, and bloom. When we talk about such memories, we're referring to strong emotional experiences that shape us. The more we revisit these feelings, the stronger they become. Over time, these gratitude memories can act as an internal compass, guiding us towards positivity and away from negativity. Then, such memories can provide strength and positivity during hardships and challenging times. To wrap it up, gratitude as a memory is a dynamic, transformative force. It is not passive or static but an active process of remembering, feeling, and growing. . |
| Prompt: "Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality." Write about this in your Blog entry today. ------- Hospitality means the spirit of generosity, kindness, and the joy of giving. Add it to Christmas, the holiday season becomes a memorable one. For example, I can never forget the Christmas party a friend gave to a whole bunch of us several years ago. This was important because among us were old people who lived alone and several couples who were away from their families. Christmas hospitality extends beyond family circles to embrace neighbors, colleagues, and even those who may be alone during the holiday season. This helps combat feelings of isolation and spreads a message of goodwill. During this festive time, people open their hearts and homes to family, friends, and even strangers, creating an atmosphere of warmth and connection. This improves the feelings of belonging and togetherness among people, especially when the aromas of delights from the kitchen waft through the air as the host prepares a feast. At the heart of hospitality is the principal of service, be it around Christmas time or any other place or event. A good host, at any time, understands the importance of empathy, patience, and excellent communication skills. The same goes for the host in a Christmas setting. This is because Christmas hospitality encapsulates the essence of the season—a time for love, compassion, and reaching out to others. . |
| Most family or holiday gatherings are centered around food. What do you think of food during the holidays and does food affect your feelings about the holidays? *********** Warmth, happy feelings, the spirit of giving, and food altogether mean The Holiday Season. The importance of food is the one most commonly shared part of the season among everyone whether they are on a diet or not. Come to think of it, I can't even imagine anyone being on a diet during the holidays! I mean, who can deny the effect of food on our taste buds and the profound impact of it on our emotions? Those delicious dishes evoke a sense of nostalgia, bringing up memories and traditions with the familiar scents of roasting turkey, spiced cookies, mulled cider, and the chocolate-covered goodies. Such food reinforces a sense of unity due to a family's and their friends' shared history. Yet, there is that stress of preparing the elaborate meals and meeting the cultural expectations. Still, when people indulge in the traditional treats, all that anxiety and stress is forgotten. This is because holiday food can influence positively our moods and well-being. Whether the holiday food carries a symbolic meaning or not, it is a strong force that goes beyond mere eating. Tradition, memory, nostalgia, joy, and other positive emotions enhance the overall appreciation and connection of people to one another. After all, who wouldn't swoon over chocolate-covered fresh strawberries, or crab-stuffed mushrooms or Pomegranate-Hazelnut Roasted Brussels Sprouts or homemade manicotti! Just the thought of those makes my mouth water, for sure! . |
| Prompt: In what ways can people express love and appreciation to others in their life? ------------------- There are so many ways. The more creative you are the more ways you can come up with. This also depends on the relationship you have with any one person. Off the top of my head, encouraging others during challenges, remembering important dates, recognizing any one person's achievements and positive qualities take the first place. Then comes celebrating milestones in the relationship (that is remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant events), attentive listening and should something go wrong, apologizing sincerely and forgiving little mistakes easily. Next comes the helping out with tasks and gentle physical touches--if permitted--such as hugs, holding hands, or a pat in the back. And last but not the least, come the letters and notes with personal messages, thoughtful gifts, with some of them as surprises. The way I see it, although in our time gifts are mostly store-bought, the most cherished and thoughtful ones are the attentions we give to others in any shape or form. Store-bought or not, any gift that expresses love and appreciation is priceless for it becomes the basic token of our human connections and relationships. As I was writing this, my next-door neighbor brought me a plate of goodies such as chocolate-covered strawberries plus other little tidbits. It was very thoughtful of her and her gift is much appreciated because it came from her heart. Aren't I the lucky one! . |
| Dec 14 Prompt: "When an alabaster blanket covers the earth in January, we are reminded of her beauty found in the crisp simplicity of a blank page. Full of promise and hope, a fresh journal to write creative events. Recording what happens in our life is a legacy for those we leave behind." Write about this quote in your Blog entry today. Post a reply... ------------------- From a blanket of snow to a blank page...frankly, I never thought of snow as something to write on as snow eventually turns to slush, just like some writings, as I should know from my own writing escapades. Anyway, from which angle you look at it, a blank page is a canvas of infinite potential. It is the tapestry of thoughts and ideas. It's the starting point of every story, the birthplace of creativity, the uncharted territory of the mind waiting to be explored. It's a space where anything and everything can happen. The beauty of a blank page lies in its patience. It doesn't rush you or demand immediate attention. It waits, quietly, for the first stroke of the pen, the first thought to be born into words. It's a mirror reflecting the deepest corners of the writer's mind, opening to a stage where ideas and characters come to life. Then, sometimes, for me, it is an intimidating void. This is because I fail to see it as a beautiful promise, a canvas waiting for my touch, a story waiting to be told. This is because at times I fail to see that the promise of a blank page is the promise of creation. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Dec. 15 Prompt: “Hot cocoa and cold toes remind me of Christmas.” ― Toni Sorenson What reminds you of Christmas? Of December ? -------- Dec. 15 There are many reminders and symbols of December and Christmas, and they may vary depending on cultural, regional, and personal traditions. Off the top of my head, for Christmas, the reminders could be: Christmas decorations, Christmas trees, gifts, Santa Claus, Nativity scenes, and Christmas Carols. As for December, December birthdays, Winter weather up north and crazy weather where I am, Winter Solstice, Advent Calendars that count down the days, holiday decorations, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other holidays I may not know about, and New Year's Eve when people feel free to get drunk and celebrate the coming year without knowing if what's to come will be good or bad, but then, jumping to conclusions is a human trait, after all. |
| Prompt: A letter is practically a gift. Write about this in your Blog entry today. ---------- Surely, a letter could end up becoming the best gift. When preserved well, it has the ability to transcend time as it is a time capsule in itself, preserving sentiments and events, after it may be tucked away in a drawer or kept between the pages of a book, and then found again years or decades away in the future. The value of a letter lies in its simplicity, sincerity, and the strength of emotions it conveys, be it nostalgia, laughter, tears, or joy. It is a gesture that goes beyond the material, resonating with the recipient on a deeply personal level. During the First and Second World Wars, letter writing was the main form of communication between soldiers and their loved ones, which helped to ease their pain of separation. Opening an envelope to reveal the letter had to be like unwrapping a treasure in a moment of anticipation and excitement. Many touching personal stories are vividly brought to life through the exchange of letters, letters between lovers, friends, siblings, sons, and daughters. In our day, many of those letters written during the wars are still alive in the archives and museums. Such letters can also be valued as significant historical documents, especially if they describe events that later become famous. Some romantics like my grandmother preserved those old letters in a pile wrapped with a bright red ribbon. Then, when I held them in my hand years later, I felt a deep respect and admiration for my grandfather whom I had never met in person. Letters are valuable gifts that are poignant and authentic. Even if, in our time, communication has taken many other forms, those old letters serve as a reminder of the power of words that link people. Those of us in our time feel lucky when we hold such a letter in our hands and wonder how it has survived in an old trunk or a drawer to celebrate the beauty of human connection. --------------- In Addition: Here is an article that shows the contents of a book written in 1876, titled How To Write Letters by J. Willis Westlake, an English Literature professor in Pennsylvania. https://www.themarginalian.org/2012/12/21/how-to-write-letters-1876/ . |
| Prompt: If you knew for sure, your words would change the world for the better, what would you teach the world in an online video as something like a TED talk? ------ To the benefit of everyone who may turn to my so-called TED talk video, I'd try to teach everyone tolerance and patience. These virtues are as essential for personal growth as they also are for the peace at home and abroad. Who knows, after all if people really knew how to instill inside themselves and use these qualities, we might just manage to have a peaceful world in which everyone worked for the benefit of everybody. I guess I would start my talk by promoting cultural awareness. That is, learning about and respecting different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This type of exposure to diverse viewpoints could even bring about the appreciation for one's own culture and background. Then, I would go on with encouraging empathy in people so they would understand the differences in every person's life experiences. This would teach people to be patient with others who might have varying perspectives and challenges. Offering the idea of open, honest, and effective communication, that is expressing one's own thoughts in a respectful manner, would come next. This is because effective communication is essential for building tolerance. Next, I would advise the masses to choose their leaders not on popularity and false impressions but on loftier virtues. This is because leaders and influencers play a crucial role in setting examples as they can create a positive ripple effect that could encourage others to follow suit. I would also tell my listeners to question assumptions and stereotypes, and watch if their elected or to-be-elected officials are basing their judgments on preconceived ideas. Conflict resolution skills would help also, as they promote active listening, compromise, and finding the common grounds. By addressing conflicts in a constructive manner, a person or any group of people can learn to be patient and tolerant even in challenging situations. I would also include to respond to negatives thoughtfully rather than impulsively. I would also recommend that the listeners' educational systems and core study programs to reflect a varied range of histories and perspectives, so the students can understand the world better, broader, and more deeply. This way, everyone in the world, if this can ever be done, will feel valued and accepted. After all, we do have a diverse and interconnected world, don't we! . |
| Prompt: What if instead of today's technological advancements, we could have magical advancements? Which would be more powerful – magic or our new technology? Write a story, poem, or anything else you like. I can just imagine: No more long lines in airplane travel or blocked and slow-moving traffic, no more cars, trains, buses trucks, etc.; instead, broomsticks, teleportation spells, telepathy. Heaven! Diseases could be cured with a flick of a wand or a well-brewed potion, drastically increasing life expectancy. Instead, healing spells and potions. No more physics, chemistry, computer science, Ai, etc. Instead, we would be learning about different types of magic, potion-making, and spell-casting. Best yet, we might harness magical energy for power, reducing or even eliminating our reliance on fossil fuels, to solve many environmental issues. Plus, new forms of security would be developed, and for instance, protective spells could be more common than physical locks, passwords, electronic keys, etc., and law enforcement would use truth spells during investigations. The economy would change, too. New industries based on magic would emerge and professions like Potion Master or Spell Creator could become very popular career choices. On the other hand, ethical questions about the usage of certain types of magic could arise. Arguments and conflicts between those proficient in magic and those who are not could lead to social inequalities. Misuse of magic could also become a significant issue. It would be a whole new learning, though. Yet, come to think of it, I'd rather live with magic than any new technology (at the moment, Ai), which very few people know how to use it or misuse it. And the rest of us, especially the elderly and those who have no techy background, flail about losing their way. . |
| Prompt: "Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. ...John Ruskin Let this quote inspire you --------- It is true that each type of weather has its own unique benefits and experiences. Yet, I can't call a hurricane or a tornado-laden storm "good weather", either. But just maybe, that transition from a sunny day to a stormy night adds excitement to our days to keep life interesting. Also, I do appreciate the differences in seasons, from the warmth of summer, to the crisp autumn, to the frozen beauty of winter, and to the blossoms of spring. Then, there is that soft glow of a sunrise, the stunning colors of a sunset, the dance of raindrops, and the calmness and beauty of a snowy landscape. On the helpful side, weather's different patterns support the ecological balance on our earth. Rain provides essential water for plant life, snowpacks contribute to freshwater resources, and sunshine supports photosynthesis. Then on the personal side, I suspect that experiencing a wide range of weather conditions teaches us resilience and adaptability, and the extremes of weather encourage moments of introspection. These moments provide a chance to connect more deeply with nature and to reflect on life, goals, and our personal well-being. Finding the good side in every experience and recognizing the positive aspects in all kinds of weather can allow us to lead more fulfilling lives. This is because the weather's whims teach us how to appreciate the interconnectedness between us and our world's quirky nature. . |
| Prompt: "Of all the months of the year there is not a month one half so welcome to the young, or so full of happy associations, as the last month of the year." — Charles Dickens Share with us about special times with your families. ----------- I am having a special time right now, because yesterday, my older son arrived to spend time with me. I bet it will be a very special time, as it is always so with him. The key benefit of spending time with family is the opportunity for connection and communication, especially if there is mutual respect and understanding and ways and preferences in common, as with my kids and me. When my sons and I are together we feel our sense of unity and teamwork. We learn from one another, celebrate achievements, and work through challenges. My life started out in a big family; therefore, I appreciate family bonds very much. There were times, in our house, where we would be 40 to 50 people, and mostly sleep-overs. Luckily, we had a big enough house, and that regular interaction with family members helped me greatly throughout my later life. In my adult life, my family life was condensed usually to my immediate family; me, my husband, and our two sons. Now in old age, I am kind of alone more, however not lonely, thanks to today's technology that lets me stay in touch with my relatives and sons quite often. Something is better than nothing, I'd say; although sometimes, I miss just being together with my cousins who are now scattered all over the world. Yet, I have enough good memories of fun times and much love for my immediate and extended family to keep me going. |
| Prompt: "Don't let anyone tell you the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon." Write about this in your Blog entry today. --------- Although this quote is re-quoted by a few other people, Buzz Aldrin the astronaut said it first. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/570233/buzz-aldrin-quotes I believe Buzz Aldrin explains what he means in the rest of the quote much better than I could. So I googled it, and in its entirety, the quote says: " Don't let anyone tell you the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon.—and I made some of them! So don’t allow anyone to denigrate or inhibit your lofty aspirations. Your dream can take you might higher and much farther than anyone ever thought possible!" Oh, wow! And he's so right in essence, and in the same vein, here's another quote from one of my high school teachers that may explain what Buzz Aldrin means. "Never give up; try, try, and try harder. It can be done." After all, this astronaut did walk on the moon, didn't he! As such, we do appreciate our astronauts because we appreciate their years of training and education. When they achieve a milestone, our astronauts honor us. We applaud them, not because they set foot on the moon or maybe later--much later, after my own lifetime--in other galaxies, as well; but because their egos help to boost our own collective ego. Still, I rejoice that, here, the human ego is speaking, and there's nothing wrong displaying our human egos, collectively or not. The ego is the conscious part of the mind responsible for dealing with reality and navigating the external world. One of the key functions of the ego is to maintain a sense of identity and self-awareness. This self-concept contributes to a person's self-esteem and influences how they relate to others. Luckily, I can recall this much from my own meager training in psychology and thank you, Sigmund Freud. Come to think of it, this human collective-ego is also implicated in various psychological defense mechanisms for protection from anxiety and discomfort. These defense mechanisms--such as denial, repression, and projection--serve us so we can maintain a positive self-image. Yes, here, the astronaut is egging us on. And most educators know that the younger or the more naive set can gain more ground, if praised rather than put down. I mean, how would it look like if some other important person would say, "You guys are a nothing, for you're only passers-by on a planet that is probably less than one-millionth of a dot on the vast expanse of the universe"? That assumption, too, would be correct when or if we could be able to look at and examine the structural components of the whole universe. Yet, from our tiny place and our tiny points of view, we still applaud our own quests and perceptions, so we can think we may survive, and even take over the entire creation. After all, even the tiniest microbe can bring down a huge body.  . |
| Prompt: "It's to hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world. " Dolly Parton Write about this in your Blog entry today. ------------ Well, who doesn't like Dolly Parton! as a successful and iconic country music artist, Dolly Parton has often been associated with authenticity, resilience, and a genuine sense of self. She always shines brightly amidst the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. I like her for her authenticity and her values more than I like her music because I heard her talk several times on the talk shows or what not, and she impressed me with her truthfulness. Coming to this specific quote, it is a reminder of the struggle to maintain authenticity and individuality in a society that may not always appreciate or understand the value of true uniqueness. It means, in a world where mediocrity is readily accepted and conformity is often rewarded, striving to be exceptional, authentic, and true to oneself can be a daunting task. I am guessing the quote itself refers to Hollywood and the music world, although its idea is also true for every profession or line of work in life. On the plus side, this quote might inspire people who feel the pressure to conform to societal standards or who find it challenging to express their individuality in a world that often favors the ordinary over the extraordinary. just as a rhinestone is a cheap imitation of a diamond, lacking the depth and brilliance, of the real gem. The funny thing is, the whole world is trying to make a buck using this quote and Dolly Parton, in addition to lots of second-rate musicians using it in their lyrics. Check these out: https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Rhinestone-Fashion-Relaxed-T-Shirt/dp/B093DRH5HQ https://www.etsy.com/listing/240733812/dolly-quote-its-hard-to-be-a-diamond-in https://www.amazon.com/SpotColorArt-Diamond-Rhinestone-Handcrafted-Canvas/dp/B06... https://www.discogs.com/artist/2126608-Blood-On-The-Dance-Floor |
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But good job quickly redirecting back to the positive things.
