When you are at the bottom of the heap you think everyone is on top of you. Well, this is a surprise?
Knowing your humble position can make you oversensitive to criticism, real or imagined. Things you might laugh at or pass over when things are going well and your confidence is high will prey on your mind and seem barbed when you feel weak and vulnerable.
One obvious answer is to increase your wealth and status but that can be very difficult, though you should consider trying it. The other approach is to develop a thick skin and realise that most people will try to be polite and not rub your misfortunes in because they know the saying: there but for the grace of God go I. Remember that those who are up one day can be down the next. Every dog has its day.
Keep your chin up, stay optimistic and enjoy a wry smile at the thought of all the worries, stresses and ulcers the guy at the top is experiencing.
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. Learn to say it with limericks:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
"Pretty pussy" will not feed a cat
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. This book shows you how:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
"Pretty pussy" will not feed a cat
This is a variant of the idea behind: Fine words butter no parsnips. In other words: You gotta walk the walk not just talk the talk.
Politicians discover at a young age that if they talk well and learn to schmooze the public they get a highly paid job and lots of opportunities to grow rich. This means they concentrate on learning to do what pays best - persuading people to vote for them. Ideally they would learn to do worthwhile things and let their actions speak for themselves.
But that is letting the cat out of the bag!
Some funny video for you:
How to write a Limerick Edward Lear improved Part 1
How to write Limericks Edward Lear improved Part 2
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
"Pretty pussy" will not feed a cat
This is a variant of the idea behind: Fine words butter no parsnips. In other words: You gotta walk the walk not just talk the talk.
Politicians discover at a young age that if they talk well and learn to schmooze the public they get a highly paid job and lots of opportunities to grow rich. This means they concentrate on learning to do what pays best - persuading people to vote for them. Ideally they would learn to do worthwhile things and let their actions speak for themselves.
But that is letting the cat out of the bag!
Some funny video for you:
How to write a Limerick Edward Lear improved Part 1
How to write Limericks Edward Lear improved Part 2
Sunday, June 14, 2009
A brave retreat is a brave exploit
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
The high point of Old Western films was the arrival of the cavalry with trumpets blaring and guns blazing. Attacks are always more satisfying than retreats but: he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day. In World War II the British retreat at Dunkirk was hailed as a triumph as the battered army limped off under constant bombardment to reform and later to return to victory.
In our personal lives we have moments of success and failure - times to advance, times to pull in your horns and retrench. In the current financial turmoil many people will be faced with job losses and money worries till they feel like an army in retreat. The British at Corunna were in total disarray and falling back when somehow they managed to reform and fight back to win a defensive battle and then withdraw.
If you are reeling under a financial crisis try to keep cool and disciplined. Success can be snatched from the jaws of disaster if you stay positive, focussed and determined to grasp any opportunity to advance. Be brave: fortune favors the bold.
Fun videos:
How to write a Limerick Edward Lear improved Part 1
How to write Limericks Edward Lear improved Part 2
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
The high point of Old Western films was the arrival of the cavalry with trumpets blaring and guns blazing. Attacks are always more satisfying than retreats but: he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day. In World War II the British retreat at Dunkirk was hailed as a triumph as the battered army limped off under constant bombardment to reform and later to return to victory.
In our personal lives we have moments of success and failure - times to advance, times to pull in your horns and retrench. In the current financial turmoil many people will be faced with job losses and money worries till they feel like an army in retreat. The British at Corunna were in total disarray and falling back when somehow they managed to reform and fight back to win a defensive battle and then withdraw.
If you are reeling under a financial crisis try to keep cool and disciplined. Success can be snatched from the jaws of disaster if you stay positive, focussed and determined to grasp any opportunity to advance. Be brave: fortune favors the bold.
Fun videos:
How to write a Limerick Edward Lear improved Part 1
How to write Limericks Edward Lear improved Part 2
Sunday, June 07, 2009
A shut book is but a block
If you don't read you don't learn; if you don't learn you can't do; if you can't do you don't earn.
We are being encouraged here to apply ourselves to the acquisition of knowledge. In the day when this saying was first coined, books were probably hard to come by and a privilege to own; so not making full use of them would have been seen as foolish.
Today we are inundated with knowledge and our main preoccupation is how to filter it out. "How do we shut the book?" is the question because the Internet is like a hose of knowledge that is difficult to turn off. We are drowning in facts, figures and opinions.
There is a need for clever software that helps us to identify and chose the things we ought to know. Perhaps people need to learn to exist/work as teams, each specialising in their own niche and reporting to the group anything that everyone should be aware of. A sort of brain collective.
Escapist holiday read: verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
We are being encouraged here to apply ourselves to the acquisition of knowledge. In the day when this saying was first coined, books were probably hard to come by and a privilege to own; so not making full use of them would have been seen as foolish.
Today we are inundated with knowledge and our main preoccupation is how to filter it out. "How do we shut the book?" is the question because the Internet is like a hose of knowledge that is difficult to turn off. We are drowning in facts, figures and opinions.
There is a need for clever software that helps us to identify and chose the things we ought to know. Perhaps people need to learn to exist/work as teams, each specialising in their own niche and reporting to the group anything that everyone should be aware of. A sort of brain collective.
Escapist holiday read: verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
Sunday, May 31, 2009
A deluge of words and a drop of sense
This saying could have been written for politicians.
How much do we take away from the average conversation, political address, or even the news? Often not a lot. The modern world is filled with information - so much so that we can't cope.
At one time there were polymaths - people who tried to master all known subjects - but that age is long gone. Today we need coping strategies to filter out all the irrelevant stuff. But how do you know it is irrelevant until you have read it? If you read too much how can you retain it?
Speed reading is one useful technique where you learn to skim, picking out only the really important bits. You need to grasp some idea of what knowledge should you seek. Having wise old friends to point the way is good.
Hacking a path through this knowledge jungle to find the treasure requires a goal, planning, team work, tools, lots of preparation, and a mind set ever ready for the unexpected. You might have a map of sorts or just be winging it but the temples of knowledge contain many fair jewels for those who find their way there.
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
How much do we take away from the average conversation, political address, or even the news? Often not a lot. The modern world is filled with information - so much so that we can't cope.
At one time there were polymaths - people who tried to master all known subjects - but that age is long gone. Today we need coping strategies to filter out all the irrelevant stuff. But how do you know it is irrelevant until you have read it? If you read too much how can you retain it?
Speed reading is one useful technique where you learn to skim, picking out only the really important bits. You need to grasp some idea of what knowledge should you seek. Having wise old friends to point the way is good.
Hacking a path through this knowledge jungle to find the treasure requires a goal, planning, team work, tools, lots of preparation, and a mind set ever ready for the unexpected. You might have a map of sorts or just be winging it but the temples of knowledge contain many fair jewels for those who find their way there.
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Empty vessels make the most noise
Try dropping a sauce pan early in the morning and the literal truth of this is very evident.
The idea is, of course, that people who don't know very much are always convinced of the greatness of what little they do know. Experience tends to teach you to be wary of jumping to conclusions, and as you acquire deeper wisdom you learn to be more tolerant and understanding of others. It is very rarely that an argument or situation is totally clear cut - shades of gray are the norm. It is an observable fact that people who are the least useful at something are always the most critical.
The expression to sound someone out, meaning "to seek their opinion" is interesting here, as tapping on a vessel can tell you whether it is full or not. Perhaps rapping so called experts in banking and politics on the head with your knuckles might be a better way of testing their ability - or sending them a message!
Laugh with a video, it's good for the health.
How to write a Limerick Edward Lear improved Part 1
How to write Limericks Edward Lear improved Part 2
The idea is, of course, that people who don't know very much are always convinced of the greatness of what little they do know. Experience tends to teach you to be wary of jumping to conclusions, and as you acquire deeper wisdom you learn to be more tolerant and understanding of others. It is very rarely that an argument or situation is totally clear cut - shades of gray are the norm. It is an observable fact that people who are the least useful at something are always the most critical.
The expression to sound someone out, meaning "to seek their opinion" is interesting here, as tapping on a vessel can tell you whether it is full or not. Perhaps rapping so called experts in banking and politics on the head with your knuckles might be a better way of testing their ability - or sending them a message!
Laugh with a video, it's good for the health.
How to write a Limerick Edward Lear improved Part 1
How to write Limericks Edward Lear improved Part 2
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The fish will soon be caught that nibbles at every bait
This saying could have been made for the Internet Age when our inboxes are filled with emails offering goods or services. Information overload is the downside of the technological revolution that brought the PC to our desktops. How to deal with masses of emails, and other information, overloading the mind and causing inertia is a problem.
A useful strategy is to form clear goals and delete everything irrelevant, no matter how interesting it might be. To compulsive information junkies this is not easy but wasting time reading immaterial stuff is not wise.
The advent of services like Twitter allows a quick glance to let you know what should be followed and what to avoid. No doubt, as time progresses, clever people will come up with ways to streamline and organise our information requirements. Perhaps a robot that thinks for us!
Escape from everyday reality with this verse adventure tale from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
A useful strategy is to form clear goals and delete everything irrelevant, no matter how interesting it might be. To compulsive information junkies this is not easy but wasting time reading immaterial stuff is not wise.
The advent of services like Twitter allows a quick glance to let you know what should be followed and what to avoid. No doubt, as time progresses, clever people will come up with ways to streamline and organise our information requirements. Perhaps a robot that thinks for us!
Escape from everyday reality with this verse adventure tale from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Fair words make me look to my purse
If someone wants something out of you they know that the gentle art of persuasion is the best method of getting under your radar.
Conmen perfect the ability to convince you that they are your friend by saying the right thing and making you feel good. Mostly they like to get you tempted into a situation where you might feel you are getting a slight advantage over others - even bordering on the wrong side of right. This accounts for the saying that a totally honest person can't be conned. Well, conmen would say that wouldn't they? Salves their conscience, what little of it they have; but there is an element of truth in it.
The important thing to remember is if you feel you are being flattered, seduced and persuaded, carefully scrutinise your own conscience lest you are being tempted by the Devil. There are times in your life when you are more vulnerable, so be on guard.
The present credit crunch came about because people being offered mortgages they couldn't afford were being conned; the shareholders in the corporations providing the finance were being conned; the pushers of fair words were only interested in emptying your purse.
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Escape for a while from everyday reality with this verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
Conmen perfect the ability to convince you that they are your friend by saying the right thing and making you feel good. Mostly they like to get you tempted into a situation where you might feel you are getting a slight advantage over others - even bordering on the wrong side of right. This accounts for the saying that a totally honest person can't be conned. Well, conmen would say that wouldn't they? Salves their conscience, what little of it they have; but there is an element of truth in it.
The important thing to remember is if you feel you are being flattered, seduced and persuaded, carefully scrutinise your own conscience lest you are being tempted by the Devil. There are times in your life when you are more vulnerable, so be on guard.
The present credit crunch came about because people being offered mortgages they couldn't afford were being conned; the shareholders in the corporations providing the finance were being conned; the pushers of fair words were only interested in emptying your purse.
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Escape for a while from everyday reality with this verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Trust not one night's ice
Warnings about skating on thin ice are very common. It might seem like common sense but there is always a new generation that has to learn its lesson.
When I was a child I was lagging behind a group of kids that crossed a small, ice-covered stream. As I hurried to catch up, I trod on the ice and immediately sank up to my neck in icy water. I gave a wild yell and the guys at the rear caught my outstretched arms and yanked me out. I was in Hell for a matter of seconds.
This saying stresses the importance of checking and double checking a situation that might prove dangerous. For example, a rally in the stock market might be the start of a new bull run but it might also be a sucker rally in a continuing bear market. Someone you go out with might seem very nice but only time will tell if it is a polished veneer or they are the real thing.
Avoid commitment until you have tested a situation thoroughly.
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Escape for a while from everyday reality with this verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
When I was a child I was lagging behind a group of kids that crossed a small, ice-covered stream. As I hurried to catch up, I trod on the ice and immediately sank up to my neck in icy water. I gave a wild yell and the guys at the rear caught my outstretched arms and yanked me out. I was in Hell for a matter of seconds.
This saying stresses the importance of checking and double checking a situation that might prove dangerous. For example, a rally in the stock market might be the start of a new bull run but it might also be a sucker rally in a continuing bear market. Someone you go out with might seem very nice but only time will tell if it is a polished veneer or they are the real thing.
Avoid commitment until you have tested a situation thoroughly.
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Escape for a while from everyday reality with this verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Truth hath a good face but bad clothes
Honesty is genuine and not given to pretense. There is a classic image of the poor but honest individual who might not present themselves well but have hearts of gold. This is a person you can trust and rely on. They will share their humble crust.
Their opposite is the typical con man who is an expert on presentation. He knows and understands human weakness and his trade is exploiting it. He seeks to impress by dressing well and developing a charming manner. If you are taken in you pay dearly for the charm.
The people who caused the present credit crunch did not have bad clothes though they could be said to have taken the clothes from the backs of the poor. Come to think of it, look closely at their faces and they are not a pretty sight.
Escape for a while from everyday reality with this verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
Their opposite is the typical con man who is an expert on presentation. He knows and understands human weakness and his trade is exploiting it. He seeks to impress by dressing well and developing a charming manner. If you are taken in you pay dearly for the charm.
The people who caused the present credit crunch did not have bad clothes though they could be said to have taken the clothes from the backs of the poor. Come to think of it, look closely at their faces and they are not a pretty sight.
Escape for a while from everyday reality with this verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
Sunday, April 19, 2009
He that is won with a nut may be lost with an apple
This is a caution against bought friends. If you seek to make friends by doing people favors they will not be sincere - just value you for what they can get out of you.
The best way to make friends is by being yourself and letting others see what they have in common with you. There might be a tactical short term value in sucking up to someone but long term they will be of little consequence. If you have a disagreeable personality it might be worth considering what your problem is and finding a fix. Having a few good friends is better than a lot of insincere ones.
If people only like you for what they can get they will quickly change allegiance when a better offer appears. In other words they will tell you what to do with your nuts.
Escape for a while from everyday reality with this verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
The best way to make friends is by being yourself and letting others see what they have in common with you. There might be a tactical short term value in sucking up to someone but long term they will be of little consequence. If you have a disagreeable personality it might be worth considering what your problem is and finding a fix. Having a few good friends is better than a lot of insincere ones.
If people only like you for what they can get they will quickly change allegiance when a better offer appears. In other words they will tell you what to do with your nuts.
Escape for a while from everyday reality with this verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
Sunday, April 12, 2009
He that measures not himself is measured
This saying deals with the idea of self-criticism.
Unless you consider your own performance, and how well you have measured up to expectations, others will be quick to spot your shortcomings.
It is a recommended practice to self-assess regularly - to have goals and objectives that can be quantified and measured in some way. Regular assessment lets you know how you are doing and where you need to improve.
Don't wait until a competitor or mischievous person points out your faults, or quietly exploits them.
The Japanese have a word kaizen that means constant checking and improvement, and they have used the concept to great effect in personal and business matters. Do not wait till you have been tried in the balance and found wanting.
Easter is a time of renewal - act now.
Escape for a while from everyday reality with this verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
Unless you consider your own performance, and how well you have measured up to expectations, others will be quick to spot your shortcomings.
It is a recommended practice to self-assess regularly - to have goals and objectives that can be quantified and measured in some way. Regular assessment lets you know how you are doing and where you need to improve.
Don't wait until a competitor or mischievous person points out your faults, or quietly exploits them.
The Japanese have a word kaizen that means constant checking and improvement, and they have used the concept to great effect in personal and business matters. Do not wait till you have been tried in the balance and found wanting.
Easter is a time of renewal - act now.
Escape for a while from everyday reality with this verse adventure story from James Hogg abridged by William Clark.
Queen Hynde of Berigonium, Scotland by James Hogg & William Clark
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Put your finger in the fire and then say it was your misfortune
This appears to be a variant on play with fire and you will get burned.
We are all tempted by situations that have an element of danger - a little adrenaline boost perks us up and makes life seem exciting. When we find we like a little of something there is a logic in thinking: if a little gives a buzz a bit more will give a bigger buzz. And so many of the ills that plague mankind begin.
The drug dabbler becomes the drug dependant becomes the addict becomes the hopeless down and out. The loan from a friend becomes the use of a credit card becomes the mortgage becomes the "can't lose investment on borrowed money" that eventually goes down the pan and brings bankruptcy.
The credit crunch of today is the consequence of governments, and those who should know better, taking reckless risks and hoping that it will be someone else who gets burned -- and sadly, that is probably so.
To use old fashioned language: the devil tempts us with a dainty like a fisherman tempts a fish; once hooked we are reeled in and fried.
Don't poke your finger where it doesn't belong.
Ad.
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
We are all tempted by situations that have an element of danger - a little adrenaline boost perks us up and makes life seem exciting. When we find we like a little of something there is a logic in thinking: if a little gives a buzz a bit more will give a bigger buzz. And so many of the ills that plague mankind begin.
The drug dabbler becomes the drug dependant becomes the addict becomes the hopeless down and out. The loan from a friend becomes the use of a credit card becomes the mortgage becomes the "can't lose investment on borrowed money" that eventually goes down the pan and brings bankruptcy.
The credit crunch of today is the consequence of governments, and those who should know better, taking reckless risks and hoping that it will be someone else who gets burned -- and sadly, that is probably so.
To use old fashioned language: the devil tempts us with a dainty like a fisherman tempts a fish; once hooked we are reeled in and fried.
Don't poke your finger where it doesn't belong.
Ad.
The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter. - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Sunday, March 29, 2009
When God says "today" the devil says "tomorrow"
Don't put off till tomorrow what can be done today is the same idea. People have long recognised that humans have a tendency to procrastinate. The trouble is that having made a decision you then have to live with the consequences for good or ill. It is therefore tempting to put off a choice till the last moment.
Those who study these things and offer advice will tell you to make lists, prioritise have a routine, be positive and so on. It is so easy to give well-meaning advice -- and even easier to ignore it.
If you wake up one fine morning and rise determined that today it will be different -- you will be decisive and efficient -- you just might be starting on a whole new way of life.
If you are naturally pessimistic and cautious your decisions will be mainly to do as little as possible and be safe. If confident and energetic, you will boldly go on to fame, fortune or disaster.
There are no perfect guarantees in this life.
The ills that have come upon us as a result of the credit crunch mean that many people will be faced with difficult decisions. Now is a good time to get your house in order.
Like a ship heading for battle or stormy seas it is a good idea to batten down the hatches and clear the decks for action. Only you can know what that means in your own life, and how to transfer the metaphor to practical actions.
You are the captain of your ship of life and your decisions will affect the outcome for good or ill. Be prepared.
"The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter." - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Those who study these things and offer advice will tell you to make lists, prioritise have a routine, be positive and so on. It is so easy to give well-meaning advice -- and even easier to ignore it.
If you wake up one fine morning and rise determined that today it will be different -- you will be decisive and efficient -- you just might be starting on a whole new way of life.
If you are naturally pessimistic and cautious your decisions will be mainly to do as little as possible and be safe. If confident and energetic, you will boldly go on to fame, fortune or disaster.
There are no perfect guarantees in this life.
The ills that have come upon us as a result of the credit crunch mean that many people will be faced with difficult decisions. Now is a good time to get your house in order.
Like a ship heading for battle or stormy seas it is a good idea to batten down the hatches and clear the decks for action. Only you can know what that means in your own life, and how to transfer the metaphor to practical actions.
You are the captain of your ship of life and your decisions will affect the outcome for good or ill. Be prepared.
"The human race has one really effective weapon and that is laughter." - Mark Twain. This book will arm you:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Sunday, March 22, 2009
He that studies his content wants it
This saying suggests that only those who are discontented are to be found pondering the nature of contentment. Put another way: only unhappy people are concerned with the pursuit of happiness. You never miss the water till the well runs dry is a very well known saying and all of us have experienced it.
The wisdom here seems to be telling us that if we go about our lives in a sensible, active way we will be happy and contented without realising it. But like a contented, suckling baby, take away its teat and you will get howls. Perhaps being overly concerned with the pursuit of happiness could be a false goal -- just do the ordinary things of life competently and conscientiously, and happiness follows.
Tell yourself that you must keep up with the neighbors to be happy and you will never be.
The wisdom here seems to be telling us that if we go about our lives in a sensible, active way we will be happy and contented without realising it. But like a contented, suckling baby, take away its teat and you will get howls. Perhaps being overly concerned with the pursuit of happiness could be a false goal -- just do the ordinary things of life competently and conscientiously, and happiness follows.
Tell yourself that you must keep up with the neighbors to be happy and you will never be.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The habit does not make the monk
This could be a play on words as habit can refer to a regular practice or a monk's cloak.
Here we are being advised that just because someone professes to be something or goes through the motions it does not follow that they are genuine. The proof of the pudding lies in the eating thereof. Many people convince themselves that appearances are what counts, and that the image they project is the reality. After all, we do tend to take people at face value.
The typical con man is an expert at appearing to be what he is not. He assumes the outward manners and style that his victims expect in their heroes. Don't judge a book by its cover conveys much the same idea.
But are you wearing a false habit? It is not until a testing time comes that we really find out what we are made of. It can be a shock to realise that under pressure we will let ourselves down. Tough training courses in the armed services are designed to confront and reveal weaknesses so you will know your true capabilities.
Many people discover that it takes a major crisis in their lives to become self aware, realise weakness and folly, learn to truly improve, and become the person you only thought you were.
An excellent present for Mothering Sunday:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Here we are being advised that just because someone professes to be something or goes through the motions it does not follow that they are genuine. The proof of the pudding lies in the eating thereof. Many people convince themselves that appearances are what counts, and that the image they project is the reality. After all, we do tend to take people at face value.
The typical con man is an expert at appearing to be what he is not. He assumes the outward manners and style that his victims expect in their heroes. Don't judge a book by its cover conveys much the same idea.
But are you wearing a false habit? It is not until a testing time comes that we really find out what we are made of. It can be a shock to realise that under pressure we will let ourselves down. Tough training courses in the armed services are designed to confront and reveal weaknesses so you will know your true capabilities.
Many people discover that it takes a major crisis in their lives to become self aware, realise weakness and folly, learn to truly improve, and become the person you only thought you were.
An excellent present for Mothering Sunday:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Sunday, March 08, 2009
The house shows its owner
Our homes are to some extent an expression of ourselves. They demonstrate our ambitions and make statements about our aspirations. Given time and unlimited resources we would externalise our personalities in what we build. Our follies and weaknesses would be plain to all but ourselves.
If you look at some of the buildings commissioned by the super wealthy you get the idea. From extravagant tower blocks to show the dominance of a super tycoon to the awe inspiring devotion to love of the Taj Mahal. The buildings are reflecting in stone the innermost thoughts and motives of their owners.
Conversely, a humble and penitent monk will live in the simplest cell possible. He is trying to tell us that he has put aside all earthly temptations and desires and seeks only the simplest existence.
Most of us content ourselves with an average house with the occasional little attempt at individuality -- even if it is only a twee garden gnome.
This book will help you write your own verse, romantic or otherwise:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
If you look at some of the buildings commissioned by the super wealthy you get the idea. From extravagant tower blocks to show the dominance of a super tycoon to the awe inspiring devotion to love of the Taj Mahal. The buildings are reflecting in stone the innermost thoughts and motives of their owners.
Conversely, a humble and penitent monk will live in the simplest cell possible. He is trying to tell us that he has put aside all earthly temptations and desires and seeks only the simplest existence.
Most of us content ourselves with an average house with the occasional little attempt at individuality -- even if it is only a twee garden gnome.
This book will help you write your own verse, romantic or otherwise:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Those who starve together stick together
Adversity tends to form a common bond: in dangerous occupations like mining and soldiering people have traditionally formed strong supportive communities. The men become a band of brothers and the women support each other -- never knowing when a husband will be lost or a child need help.
To a family on the breadline, survival is uppermost in their minds, and they recognise the need for each other. When everyone is poor there is no jealousy, no reason for envy of other's possessions. You share what you have and others share with you.
When good times come and people have plenty they become more selfish as they are not dependant on the support and sympathy of fellow sufferers. Driven by envy and greed each strives to beggar his neighbor and keep up with the Jones. This kind of behaviour can lead eventually to a community failing -- reducing everyone back to basics where they can relearn the value of co-operation. Their credit gets crunched along with their big heads.
This book will help you write your own verse, romantic or otherwise:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
To a family on the breadline, survival is uppermost in their minds, and they recognise the need for each other. When everyone is poor there is no jealousy, no reason for envy of other's possessions. You share what you have and others share with you.
When good times come and people have plenty they become more selfish as they are not dependant on the support and sympathy of fellow sufferers. Driven by envy and greed each strives to beggar his neighbor and keep up with the Jones. This kind of behaviour can lead eventually to a community failing -- reducing everyone back to basics where they can relearn the value of co-operation. Their credit gets crunched along with their big heads.
This book will help you write your own verse, romantic or otherwise:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Poverty parts friends
Poor relations can be an embarrassment. Who wants to listen to you modestly bragging about your latest expensive acquisition when they are on food stamps? Some people are poor through their own follies and others through misfortune but it rubs it in if friends start to progress in opposite directions.
If your friends are struggling while you are becoming successful you will have less and less in common and your outlook on life will change from theirs. Where they see despair and hopelessness you could be looking at prosperity and improvement. Some friendships will last through good and bad times but eventually there will be drift away from weaker ties. Life is tough and you need to look after number one.
Most people would regard it as right that you should try to help friends in trouble but there will come a point when you have to say enough is enough -- you can't let others pull you down unfairly. When to let go and part company is a difficult judgement to make but sometimes it has to be done.
Learn to write limericks and you are half way to song lyrics:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
If your friends are struggling while you are becoming successful you will have less and less in common and your outlook on life will change from theirs. Where they see despair and hopelessness you could be looking at prosperity and improvement. Some friendships will last through good and bad times but eventually there will be drift away from weaker ties. Life is tough and you need to look after number one.
Most people would regard it as right that you should try to help friends in trouble but there will come a point when you have to say enough is enough -- you can't let others pull you down unfairly. When to let go and part company is a difficult judgement to make but sometimes it has to be done.
Learn to write limericks and you are half way to song lyrics:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Love makes one fit for any work
Poets have long hailed the inspiring power of love; from Helen of Troy to the cute girl next door, no self-respecting weilder of the pen can do without the sublime influence of a lovely lady. Not many people would rush to regard poetry writing as work but for those to whom it is a vocational calling it is almost as important as the loaf of bread won by much toil in field and factory.
The poet has no doubt about the importance of love in its most refined and basic forms to inspire and drive activity but all humans are motivated by this mysterios joy to greater achievement and worthiness. True love elevates the spirit. ennobles the soul and magnifies the mind of the inspired person who has increased zest and power to accomplish. The knowledge that someone you love and respect reciprocates your feelings is the greatest boost to self-esteem you can have.
However, like all good things love has its downside and we find in the songs of the world many sad lyrics of love lost, love betrayed, stolen love and heartbreak. Those of us who have toiled under a heavy heart know how difficult it is to keep positive and engaged with daily tasks; but as the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, said, "The joys o' love are sweeter far than any other pleasure And if so dear its sorrows are, enjoyment what a treasure".
Friendship can be steadier and more reliable than the foibles of love. Try this song on Amie Street. This is a download site that lets you purchase for a few cents in the early days of a song's release before the price rises. If this blog is of value to you purchases help to fund it, thanks. (You get a free listen to part)
Ol' Jim (Magic in Them Feet)
For more on romantic verse and tips on writing them you might like to try my blog:
Limericks Verse Poetry
This book will help you write your own verse, romantic or otherwise:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
The poet has no doubt about the importance of love in its most refined and basic forms to inspire and drive activity but all humans are motivated by this mysterios joy to greater achievement and worthiness. True love elevates the spirit. ennobles the soul and magnifies the mind of the inspired person who has increased zest and power to accomplish. The knowledge that someone you love and respect reciprocates your feelings is the greatest boost to self-esteem you can have.
However, like all good things love has its downside and we find in the songs of the world many sad lyrics of love lost, love betrayed, stolen love and heartbreak. Those of us who have toiled under a heavy heart know how difficult it is to keep positive and engaged with daily tasks; but as the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, said, "The joys o' love are sweeter far than any other pleasure And if so dear its sorrows are, enjoyment what a treasure".
Friendship can be steadier and more reliable than the foibles of love. Try this song on Amie Street. This is a download site that lets you purchase for a few cents in the early days of a song's release before the price rises. If this blog is of value to you purchases help to fund it, thanks. (You get a free listen to part)
Ol' Jim (Magic in Them Feet)
For more on romantic verse and tips on writing them you might like to try my blog:
Limericks Verse Poetry
This book will help you write your own verse, romantic or otherwise:
700 Limericks & How to Write Them by William Clark
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