“A transitory spark… to light a candle that would burn brightly… only to be extinguished across a neutral dark…
Why then a chase for something elusive that would only become further away…”
~ not quite Emerson… ~ Ralph or Waldo... but me.
Really, this is a very, very.... awkward environment. It can seem like Amazon... we are shopping.... and looking to place someone in our shopping cart and then hope that some spark of interest or continuity presents itself, perhaps miraculously for some. Life is something that happens to us while we are busy making other plans... so finding oneself here is like watching a foreign film without subtitles or the full length version of Woody Allen's 'What's Up Tiger Lilly?" sans the popcorn.
In reality, I think it all begins with getting together for a cup of coffee and expressing one's self to explore whether or not there may be a thread of continuity or similarity in each other’s lives. We are not children nor are we teenagers with limited experiences. As an adult we have all travelled different roads, some the one less travelled and others a familiar and safe one. An open conversation would invite exploration of the many stops along the way. That could foster a new friendship beginning with a cup of coffee and conversation. Friends will support and understand each other and offer both the possibility of growth into something more.
Meeting a real person and getting to know them would certainly make each other more comfortable and perhaps create an environment that is far more realistic beyond a series of photographs. Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment. Having “No expectations” (1968 Beggars Banquet) is a simpler and far less stressful way to begin. One would think that at this point that fine white Arabian Charger had left the barn some time ago or perhaps it wasn’t there where we had parked it when we returned. In a way isn’t that why we are here?
Yes an initial personal attraction is needed to fan a spark that could become a flame. But a photograph and hopefully a current one is merely a beginning. If I were in the produce aisle at Kroger would you toss a ripe red tomato in my direction to get my attention? Or if I asked you to help me select a ripe mango or avocado would you? Would or could that unusual encounter lead to a more casual meeting to get to know one another better? Isn't the exploration of that conversation worth the trip as hopefully we would have progressed beyond the superficial Swanson TV dinner.
Forgive me for sounding traditional and I hope you’re not finding my comments perhaps offensive. But down to earth is who I am. A Dad, was a husband for a very long time. A college, adult education and high school teacher. A corporate trainer and technology consultant. FM radio (shudder) rock ‘n roll DJ (really a PD, MD, Engineer and FM Construction consultant), and at this point an entrepreneur.
WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get - photos are current)
Finally in circumspect, you will find that I am a real survivor of the many twists, turns, potholes and wide open spaces that one would never have expected in life. Navigating them with as much finesse and aplomb as anyone can faithfully expect especially since many were unexpected and experienced for the first time.
With all of that said... one may still ask oneself... So, why are we here and for what purpose or why are any of us here, and where in this broad infinite universe of ours is... here. Funny how the more we know the less we know and the more things change the more things stay the same. A circle, a continuum, seasons they go 'round and 'round and we find ourselves once again at a point on a curve that has come 360? full circle.
If you find that interesting... you bring the lettuce and I'll bring an avocado to Starbuck's for a hazelnut coffee with half and half or perhaps a Tazo Chai tea, no latte please.
