Modern Architchture, Limerick University
The day to post this week’s blog has gone on by. As is my habit, I always let my writing sit at least 24 hours before I post it. I stopped the day I began, feeling as if my writing was definitely lacking. Often, stopping is the best move forward. I awoke the next day with new thoughts and feelings buzzing through my head. Ultimately, a whole new entry emerged.
First of all, it was a gorgeous Fall day, cool, but the sun was blazing! WAIT! I notice I am down right ornery! I feel as if I want to be sarcastic and mean! STOP, breathe, and move on! So went the chatter in my head! I proceeded with a few exercises, made muffins and although I appeared nice and calm on the outside, I was acting! At this point it had become very clear that I needed a big attitude change. Not wanting to waste a beautiful Fall day being ornery I attempted to move forward…outside to do an errand.
Fast forward to the grocery store! Truly, there is nothing like a little Portland weirdness to change an ornery attitude. After accomplishing my errand I was walking to the store exit. There, by the magazines, was a rather tall man, maybe in his 60s, wearing a hat and sporting longish, salt and pepper colored hair. He definitely looked more than a bit rough around the edges! The best part was his beard; it was very full, bushy, and BRIGHT NEON BLUE! If that sight doesn’t bring smiles and chuckles, a situation may be hopeless. Truthfully, I see many different and very interesting sights in our wonderfully creative city, but the blue beard was a first. I am still chuckling inside. This sight even tops seeing the deli worker with a full, black beard, his little white net mask covering just his beard with elastic going round the back of his head! Are you smiling yet?
Stopping or at least delaying an activity can make a huge difference in how one approaches a task. I delayed posting the blog and the day had started a bit rocky. Both my blog and my day improved considerably by my stopping and breathing before springing to action. A stranger’s blue beard – perfect stimulus for a quick attitude change. We never know what will pop-up when we are aware and look about. Pay attention!
Fall mantra continues: Stop-Look about-Move Forward!