Dogs
People who acquire a dog and then let it sit outside in the back all day. I am not talking about obvious neglect and abuse cases or the disgrace of backyard breeders. The dog is fed, has water, and a bit of overhead shelter. She or he is lkely bored and lonely if it spends a lot of time barking. Even introverted dogs like some company and comforts. No strolls around the neighborhood. There are obviously expenses incurred. This is not an outside dog with a purpose, like a sheep herding dog. Why?
Looks
The incessant comments on looks. Yes, I understand that because of our human DNA we are primed to view everything visually first, from the time we are born, and seem hardwired to appreciate beauty in general (not just people – everything from nature to art and architecture). When I took a “Values” test beauty was in my top five of values. Greek philosophy equated beauty with goodness. Which it is, because deep down beauty means goodness, as opposed to cosmetic beauty. It is a major part of commerce. It keeps the gossip going. Why is Catherine, Princess of Wales, wearing this? Why can’t movie stars or any women be a) more glamorous b) have more humility c) show less c) wrong color! d) be more adventurous e) work done? g) not enough makeup h) too old I) trying to look young. It is a Goldilocks dilemma. On a more serious, note It is a fundamental part of prejudice and bigotry. Also, I notice there is often this online comment after a death (famous or not) “It’s sad, she was so pretty.” And? What if she was not? Should we give people lifetime achievement awards for their looks? I have no answers. Enjoy the sunset.
Being Right or Happy
I am often guilty of the temptation to insist on being right, over being happy. I got it. I love showing my logic. Plus, rightness can often lead to good things happening. Such as correct directions for baking a cake, going to new places, a good career fit, choosing a mate, or even public policy. It is also extremely relevant in fields such as medicine, where you do not want mis diagnoses, or a disastrous surgical mistake. I am soon to have some surgery; I want my doctor to be surgically correct. As in surgical precision. It is important in my field as a therapist, especially if there is an indication of suicidal ideation. Release or hold? In some cases, such as driving, your expertise comes up against others’ lack thereof. So practiced expertise is important, as any mountain climber would agree. I also have full respect for confusion over dead wrong certainty. So, let us not get too attached. One extra note that being right may be a result of careful attention, while being happy may be carefree. Just a thought! In the end though it is hard to figure out rightness or happiness. Its all so confusing.
The Internet and Comments
Comment sections. Ugh! I recall in early days when I learned it might be possible to communicate in real time, awesome! Wow! A new version of the public square. I think my first experience was on Salon, which to my surprise is still around. Back in the mists of time, in 1989, Tim Berners-Less created World Wide Web. And it was good. It was an implementation of Marshall McLuhan’s Global Village concept. Or was it It’s a Small World Disney ride? The thing about the Internet and social media is that it supports our inclination to tell stories, and that can go in so many different directions. A village can be a place of closeness, support and understanding or it can be a hot bed of gossip, speculation, rumor, etc. What spreads faster? Too often, online is a cloak to hide behind, not honest discourse. In any event is there a way for me to turn off the comment section? I suppose I need to work on my self-discipline. (See section on being right or happy)
Trends
Well, trends are always trending. It must have started with the cave dwellers, ‘I like the colors you used on your drawing.” “How do like my top?” You can see the trendlines in historic art and architecture. I am not much of a trend follower or for that matter trend setter, although sometimes if a trend becomes everything and everywhere, it’s not even a trend anymore. If you come across your parents or grandparents’ year books you will see what I mean by “trends.” Decorating is a major contributor to trends. I have mixed feelings. In the first place there is obviously some monetary reasons – we must sell something new! Every year invariably something we loved last year, or last ten years, but now, not so much. Grey anyone? Who is this we, by the way? And why the constant everyone. Well, I know why, because of need to belong. So, it must be gone! Let’s somehow quickly erase those open concept homes. Most trends are just updated versions of old ideas, though occasionally something genuinely new appears. As an aside, if there are more opinionated people than professional decorators, show me. (Although the best ones understand and listen to their clients while using their expertise, not easy). Also, I grew to really dislike Facebook groups faceoffs on décor pages debating TV over the fireplace or not. Talk about comment flareups! Don’t get me wrong, I respect the talents of designers, and the roots of décor and design in art and architecture, and most of all nature. (My mother was good at decorating and reno, she worked in a design shop, and my sisters and I inherited this interest). There is also something called personal style, a different thing than trends. So Trendy Pretendy. NEXT please!
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easydoesitlife 