This and that and the other thing

The Paper cup theory

2010-05-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

A few years back, I used to go a particular coffee house nearly everyday. I was a regular; I had many friends there to chat with. I knew the owner well, knew the manager well. I even named a drink that was my special drink on the menu. In other words it was a home away from home.

The business was fairly new and as they grew they offered not only the regular to-go paper cup, but also a beautiful hand-made ceramic cup for in-house sipping.

Most everyone started using them. They were pretty and better for the environment.

I still ordered my to-go paper cup. Regardless if I was meeting someone there or planning on staying for an hour or more (which happened all the time).

At some point, I noticed that I had a "reaction" to the idea of the ceramic cup.

I never wanted one, in fact I found myself secretly offended that I was asked...and I had to make a choice about it.

I realized making this simple choice reflected a large part of my personality. I couldn't commit to a ceramic cup. It somehow suggested being immobile. Therefore, certain spontaneity was gone. If I did want to leave before I finished my tea, I would have another choice to make. I would have to go to the counter and ask for a paper-cup (there goes the environmental choice) then have to transfer the liquids (another chore). Or I could just leave it unfinished (but i'm not done). All wasteful choices with energy exertion to boot.

I have listed just a few real variables that could occur with a ceramic cup choice, but mostly what I was concerned about was the feeling of being "locked in" or dare I say, "hobbled" by my new ceramic ANCHOR that I held in my hand.

This train of thought may belay the idea that I don't make commitments in my life, quite the opposite. I behave like I have ceramic cup. Hunker down for the long haul or cuddle up and cozy in, get the work done and I am very dependable.

I think what it means that personal freedom is very important to me. I believe I will most often make the right choice, if given the space to think about it.

Ceramic cup people have strong roots and headquarters. They establish territory invite people into the fold. Paper cup people flit and make a little nest made in many places.

I guess the difference is that the big bad wolf could easily blow down a paper-cups house but not the ceramics abode... but paper-cups could create a new one.

With that said, I probably think to much about things of this nature.

A little somethin' - somethin'

2009-11-19T11:20:00.000-08:00

A little somethin' - somethin'
This is truly my first blog. So bear with me...I am not a writer, but more of a observer that would like to get a few of these thoughts out of my head. These random idea's, concepts and ramblings stock-pile in my head. They then become random pieces of paper all over my office.
I only have a finite room in my noodle and in my office. Idea's begin to vanish while they were still just a scribble or a thought.

Many of my email friends who receive my first email of the day...get a page of ramblings... So rather than bog down in it, I am going to blog down in it.
Up and out.

Here we go... My thoughts today...My title was to be "Reasons for Hope"... Lets see if I can set a parameter and stick with it.
In visual art, that is easy for me...writing, not so much.

I like to read and hear about hope, and happy endings. I feel comfort in the fact that others find hopefulness a purpose for being. The need for hope at all is a major component of the human condition. There is something quite wondrous in the fragility and quirkiness of people.

In the past I would have described myself as a dreamer. That my optimism and hopefulness had a flavor of Polly Anna and childish thoughts. Just hope itself, but not a path to it.

Now, I would say I have more real world experience where tenacity and faith are required. The outcome of of many situations was not certain, or my idea for the best outcome. They were full of painful realizations and loss, and I didn't know what to hope for except that I would not always feel this way.

There it is there. Hope is a just a kernel of truth. It is a small thin thread or a vapor or mist but it is always present, a comforting companion. Hope is right now, but it is also shining in the future and illuminating our past. We cannot get enough of it, we can not give enough away.
I like that - the infinte. Endless...timeless...regardless.

Hope let's me know that my blog isn't a silly idea, even though I have major grammar problems with my writing. That maybe, it will improve with practice...hence maybe that is the whole reason for the blog.

I guess I stayed on topic.
Now I'm distracted and started reading the newspaper. I am obsessed with the real estate section right now. I am all over the board. That is about as much as I can write. My mind is now starting to make lists of the things I need to do.
That is a clear sign to move on.