(Writing Prompt WWU May 08, 2010)
"[But] we accept irony through a device called metaphor. And through that we grow and become deeper human beings.”
(Do we now? I'm not altogether sure about that; are you?)
'Life is a rat race' conjures up certain images; of rather large mouse-like critters with long skinny tails scurrying about in underground dark sewer pipes, eating any dead or decaying matter they come across. They run about, over, under, beside or atop of each other, coming and going every direction in a hurry, fighting each other for food scraps discovered, and looking for a way out of their predicament. Rather than just flippantly repeat this metaphor, if I think about its meaning or implication, I don't think 'life is like a rat race' at all, even though it can become trying at times. I'm also not sure how, through this metaphor, I have grown or become a deeper human being.
'Life is a fox trot' brings to mind a happier scenario even if pretty quick paced. As I think about the fox trot I think about dancing in general which could mean the waltz, the square dance, the polka, the schottische, the line dances; the list goes on, which sets a varied pace and different circumstances. Most of these dances are done with a partner so that would mean life with a partner (as the music plays).
Not a bad picture of life on the dance floor although out of necessity, I would have to beg to sit out a few along my journey of life. What could life be while I was sitting out? Hmmmmm.
'Life is a dog walk'.......now that could ring some bells for me since I have very often commented to my dog 'ah to have your life would be so grand' but again when I really think about it I can see a few down-points to living life as a dog. I wouldn't want to give up the luxury of the toilet, nor the privilege of eating at a table, the ability to get a drink if I was thirsty, food if I was hungry. It wouldn't do anything for me to be covered in hair all over my body or be accidentally left outside in the rain or be led around on a leash.
That is but a few images I see when I envision life as a dog walk so again after thinking about it seriously I don't think of life as a dog walk.
'Life is a ladder' kind of goes with the quote by Miley Cyrus "Life's a climb but the view is great". This urges the mind to go UP and up and up; I see a never ending climb though, rung after rung after rung, with the possibilities of good things 'just over the next rise' which never seems to come. Somehow life with expectations that never materialize doesn't make me jump for joy; I would have to say I wouldn't describe life as a ladder.
I must be careful with the metaphors of life; if our life is not what they allude to we might not elude their allusion.......:)
Sigmund Freud said "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar".
I say 'Sometimes life just is'..............what do you think?
On the way to Watino on the 11th, we stopped in Spirit River, drove past the hospital where I was born (it has changed considerably from what I remember), took a fews photos then made our way onward. Stopping in at Eaglesham we found the school pretty much as it always has been (no changes there except for enrollment which I am told is way down); again took a few pictures. I tried to locate the convent where I used to take piano lessons but it seems to have been taken down; the catholic church still stood but no convent..........more pictures and on to explore the little village. We found a few landmarks; the butcher shop (which of course is no longer a butcher shop); the general store (still a business of some kind); an old family house - Blomert's (still standing but seemed empty and abandoned); the community hall (pretty much the same); the sports grounds and ball diamond (seemed much smaller than I remember it). After exploring for a short while and seeing no one walking down the street with whom we could converse, we headed on to Watino. The little store on Eaglesham corner was still there though changed somewhat.
Coming down the hill and into the little valley where Watino sits was familiar and brought back some memories. We visited the mainstreet where it seems the sidewalk that used to be there had disappeared; mainstreet was just a dirt road running past the houses; there were several holiday trailers parked along the river bank and we were later told that many people parked and lived there for the summer months. The property where I had lived after we moved to town was grown up to trees and bush; the house had been burned down some years previous. There was a new bridge across the river which we got a good view of when we walked a while by the river; let Mocha our for a run.
Stopping in at the cemetary we became aware of some deaths I hadn't heard about. We paid respects to my brother who is buried there and quickly left because the mosquitos were big enough to carry us away.........they almost did get away with Mocha...:):)
Arriving in the Edmonton area (and again getting lost following directions to the farm) we got to Tammy and Bob's in time to go to bed which we did; tired and ready for a rest. Friday (12th) we went into the city; got in a visit with Carl and Shirley and then a wee visit also with Joan. Following behind Aaron and Diane we arrived back at the farm in time for dinner (yummy burgers) with Tam, Bob, Benji(e), Shelby, and Brodie, a short visit then off to bed again. Saturday (13th) we took care of burying Carla's ashes, visited, played a few games, had yummy seafood lasagne for dinner, more games, then off to bed once more. Sunday (14th) while Tam, Bob and Benji(e) went to a birthday party the rest of us drove in to Edmonton and had a fun game of mini golf with Aaron coming out on top this time (way to go Aaron). Following our game we went to Boston Pizza for dinner which was very good. After dinner we said goodbye to Aaron and Diane and Shelby and Brodie then headed back to the farm for the night to pack and get ready to leave in the morning.
For the next 10 days we were treated royally and thoroughly enjoyed our visit with everyone. George was happy to meet more family and so appreciated being made to feel so welcome.
Richard and Dianne invited us out to their place for dinner on Sunday (30th). It was great to see them again (and for George to meet them); we had a very nice visit and of course more wonderful FOOD. By this time I was beginning to feel like a blimp.........I would, when it came time to return home, actually LOOK like a blimp.
Niagara Falls was awsome as I remembered it. George was glad to get to see it close up in the 'Maid of the Mist' boat which takes people right up close and into the mist from the falls.......it was great, blue raincoats 'n all. After the boat ride we stopped at the casino for dinner (yessss it was indeed a buffet) and we certainly did it justice.
On Thursday July 04th my niece Diane brought us over a 'Meals on Wheels' dinner..........vegetarian chile complete with napkins and homemade bread. it was all delicious. Friday we went to Janet's for a game of cards and visit (but guess what...........we had no food, only water; WOW).
We celebrated Ava's birthday on June 15th with family and friends at her house.
The muffin was toasted; butter or not.........Cinderella said no, Hawkins said yes because I would work off the calories doing my chores. Should I have peanut butter or just plain..........same argument. Hawkins won both rounds; I licked my lips after my English Muffin adorned with butter AND Peanut butter. Had I thought to throw jam into the argument I may even have had some jam on my muffin as well.
