May 12, 2018

One of the best treasures to find is your own ignorance because once found, it does not have to be hidden or buried. By contrast, the more you get rid of it; the richer you become.

70% vs perfection rule: A while back our family gathered to celebrate my Mother’s birthday. I told Superhero I wanted to take the photo below. So, before the day was over I sat down with my Mother and Father. Superhero took the picture. I’ve had a couple people look at the photo and recommend ways to improve it. All of the recommendations made sense; angles, light, hand position, etc…each recommendation could create new depth. At first, I was a little sad because I had been so excited about the picture – I loved it and now was reminded that my impulsive nature created a picture that could have been done better by someone who planned the lighting, positioned the hands, and selected a better angle. As I pondered these things I thought about my 70% /perfection rule and realized you can always improve, but 70% is the moment itself. You can miss the best things if you are working on perfect and let the moment – itself – pass without attention. I like the picture just like it is, as natural as the moment that created it. In many ways it reflects my full circle; coming to understand and deeply appreciate the planner, perfection, realistic people and improve those underdeveloped characteristics in myself without losing the value of my natural, impulsive, compassionate, optimistic, live every moment self.

I’m forever taking pictures. I thought I would share a few of them today since I haven’t posted in a while. I know what they each represent to me. Ultimately each moment is an individual experience even when you share it with others – that is part of what makes them so wonderful (smile). The moments I savored as I pushed away my own ignorance for a greater knowledge, as well as the moments I recognized my unique fit to connecting humanity; they are both part of me and those with whom I shared them.

Just my idea of heaven

This plate and bowl bear the lines of a favorite song, handwritten for me with the greatest demonstration of love – the gift of one’s own time. Handmade things are my favorite:-)

My effort to convey the picture in my mind of the Griffins in my manuscript.

Superhero and I did this, I call it the hippocampus room because if you look close at the full picture you can see the seahorses (grin).

Enjoying someone else’s tulips because the deer ate ours (laugh).

It takes two people to have a friendship, but only one to be a friend. There is joy in both, just appreciate the difference.

The reason you don’t leave a Krispy Kreme truck parked on the street.

I ask what you feel, not that I may use it for my own gain, but rather that I may understand your hopes and fears. I share with you mine, risking that which is most vulnerable, hoping for mutual understanding – not agreement. Only when we do this can we see past the vanity of being right and hold the truth of the self-harm we cause when we hurt others. We are connected.

Finding new knowledge in a path I love.

Finding new ways to eat foods I didn’t know I liked.

And this little moment…