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23 Oct 00 - 01:15 PM (#325388) Subject: NoMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Noreen A friend gave the following piece to me a few months ago. The proverbial light bulb flashed on above my head when I read it, and I really think that it has changed the way I look at my life. It may not do the same for you of course; you may have gone through life picking daisies in abundance- as I have been trying to do since. Now this is the risky bit: your opinions, please, Mudcat friends? Noreen
A final note on stress is best said by 87-year-old Nadine Stair from Louiseville:
I'd Pick More Daisies...... If I had my life to live over, I'd try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax, I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would be crazier, I would be less hygienic. I would take more chances. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones. You see, I am one of those people who lives prophylactically and sanely and sensibly, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I have had my moments, and if I had to do it all over again, I'd have more of them. In fact I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day. I have been one of those people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, arid a parachute. If I had it to do over again, I would go places and do things and travel lighter than I have. If I had my life to live over, I would start bare-footed earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would play hooky more. I wouldn't make such good grades except by accident. I would ride on more merry-go-rounds. I'd pick more daisies.
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23 Oct 00 - 01:44 PM (#325406) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Naemanson I love it. I like to think that has been my philosophy except, when you get right down to it, I'm wrong. I have carried my share of parachutes and picked too few daisies. But, on the brighter side, it's never too late to start. |
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23 Oct 00 - 02:20 PM (#325437) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: mousethief If I pick too many daisies, I lose my job and my kids get really hungry. It's a nice, friendly philosophy for somebody who doesn't have to support a family. Go ahead, my flame-proof suit is all zipped up and working.
Alex |
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23 Oct 00 - 02:32 PM (#325445) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: wysiwyg I was just out looking for my entry in this chat, THE LAST DAY OF POMPEII by Michael Smith and recorded by Anne Hills on her early DON'T PANIC album. Alas. Did not find. May have it on the LP jacket, and I needed to type it up anyway to sing it sometime. Unelss someone else beats pore tired old me to it.... But then there is the easy entry, the caption from a Gary Larson Far Side cartoon-- two cows chatting in the field, as I recall, and one says to the other, "Don't forget to stop and eat the roses." This has become a line our whole family uses with people, forgetting that they may have no point of reference for it at all-- but then that makes them ask, see, and we explain what we understand by it, so it works. ~S~ |
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23 Oct 00 - 02:32 PM (#325446) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Noreen Alex, note that it doesn't say- I'd spend all day picking daisies to the exclusion of all else. There must be a *happy* medium somewhere. :0) May I wish you joy in your flameproof suit! *BG* Brett, thanks for that, particularly the last sentence... Noreen |
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23 Oct 00 - 03:01 PM (#325466) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: mousethief Generally, I pick daisies until someone comes to the front door and shoo's me out of their yard. Is that enough?
Alex |
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23 Oct 00 - 03:32 PM (#325501) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: okthen "gather thee rosebuds while ye may" cheers bill |
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23 Oct 00 - 03:47 PM (#325512) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Old Zulu saying = "It is better to live one day as a lion, than a week as a whipped dog" Live and experience life don't hide in its shadows, and wonder what its like to live. Yours, Aye. Dave |
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23 Oct 00 - 04:04 PM (#325524) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Micca This would have been a CRACKER of a TFTD.... but , yeah I know what you mean... some times we live too much in the physical world of jobs, flame proof suits, earning money, parachutes.. and dont "feed the soul" and it leads to burn-out, breakdown , and alcohol /drug abuse... but, you can and must do both too, and bringing up kids, earning a living, is going to come to an abrupt halt with that heart attack/breakdown that you may be angling for "Its mine ,I earned it and I am going to have it" not a great idea...or IMNSHO a very responsible way to live. |
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23 Oct 00 - 04:16 PM (#325534) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: hesperis I'd rather pick daisies than be pushin' them up... |
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23 Oct 00 - 04:19 PM (#325543) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Lindsay Two song lyrics come to mind (even if this is not a music thread). The first is "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with" and the second is "Don't worry be happy." Isn't it possible to come up with a live where you plan for the worst, hope for the best, and live in the moment. I always thought the answer to question "Is the glass half-full or half-empty?" was both! Terry Wessling |
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23 Oct 00 - 04:55 PM (#325581) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow That's funny - the Mudcat serendipity/synnchronicity thing once again. I was just reading a poem about picking daisies, but in a rather different setting.
It's from an article by the Scottish folklorist, collector, singer, songwriter and academic, Hamish Hendersonwhich was included in a book "Alias MacAlias - writings on Songs Folk and Literature"published in 1992, which I rescued from a library book sale where it had been criminally included. It's out of print, typically.
The article is about soldiers in the Second World War who took to writing poetry as a way of dealing with their experiences, and it's an extract from a poem called Thermopylae 1941, by a man called John E.Brookes, who was a private in the Australian Infantry Force in Greece (before the war he'd worked his passage from Liverpool to Australia, landing with 2s6d. When the war started he walked from Broken Hill to Melbourne to enlist.)
The poem was stuffed with others in a cupboard under the stairs till he saw an advert in 1979 asking for poems written by soldiers, and he sent it to a man called Victor Selwyn putting an anthology together (which when published was called "From Oasis into Italy",(and that was my father's war too) which is also out of print.
Anyway, I'd just been looking at it, and reading this, when I opened the Mudcat and saw this thread. And I thought I'd like to post it here.
It's a long quote, but you won't be too likely to get a chance to see it elsewhere. And I think it's going to make me think about daisy-chains a different way from niow on. So here goes:
No purpose served consulting horoscopes
…I said "They wore
And later, with our cigarettes concealed |
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23 Oct 00 - 05:09 PM (#325590) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Llanfair Noreen, I think that you are of the same generation as me, and had the same kind of expectations placed upon you as a post-war girl-child. The work ethic, together with the expectation that we would marry and have children, look after a home, and have a career, and keep our husbands happy, with a good solid chunk of guilt if we were failing to keep up the standards. I made a conscious effort to shake off the guilt, and the diet, when I was 40 and ran away with a bass player. It has taken till now (52) to stop worrying about stuff and look around me. We don't have to earn a lot of money, unless we want to own a lot of stuff. If a person wants to drive a new car every year, then they have to put up with the stress at work to pay for it. Their choice. Since I stopped working, and allowed my husband to be the mortgage payer, I have become rich beyond the dreams of avarice, but in time, not money. And it's the time that you need to pick the daisies, and to find yourself. Love, Bron. |
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23 Oct 00 - 06:33 PM (#325685) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Morticia Brilliant thread Noreen,and very apropos to where I am in my life, as you know. I love my work but hate the conditions under which I have to do it, the expectations grow ever greater and the resources fewer, including my own.....one day this stress will kill me, or certainly make me very ill........and every day I go out there and do it all over again. I worked in a home for the elderly once, everyone should do it, you learn a lot. I learnt, this is NOT a practise run, I learnt, you regret most, those things you DIDN'T do and I learned that you are a long time dead. I've been busy raising and keeping a family, in three years my share of responsibility in their financial well being will end.......then just you watch me pick daisies!! I hope we get a chance to pick one or two together :). love Terri |
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23 Oct 00 - 07:02 PM (#325702) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R Is it worth the aggravation To find yourself a job when there's nothing worth working for? |
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23 Oct 00 - 07:21 PM (#325720) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Helen I think it's appropriate to paste in this poem again. I'm sure I have put it into another thread a couple of years ago. A while back I went to an amateur concert put on by an Older Women's Network (OWN) group here in Oz. A small group of wonderfully warm & funny older women performed this. I love it. I received it via e-mail from an internet friend I met on the e-mail harplist. Helen
Warning
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry |
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23 Oct 00 - 07:31 PM (#325723) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Naemanson McGrath - Thanks for putting that poem in this thread. It was perfect. I have somewhere here a book of poems from WWI and it is not the one you mentioned. I should dig it out. Looking way back up to the top of this thread Mousethief worried about losing his job if he picked too many daisies. That is a valid worry but you still need to play in the fields. Part of the way to do that is to make your work more like play. That requires a special group of people and a morale which is difficult to find. Fortunately that is what I have available in my office and it makes a world of difference. Bron, I hate to ask this question but does your husband, the mortgage payer, get to pick the daisies too? Morticia, I too am looking forward to picking lots of daisies when I get these kids off and out of here. But you have to relax NOW or you won't make it to your dream time. I have six more years (OK 5 1/2) before my younger daughter graduates from college (I hope!) After that my money is my own! I am smeling roses and picking daisies like mad right now but I will shift into a frenzy when those kids are no longer my concern. (But does that ever really happen?) |
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23 Oct 00 - 07:31 PM (#325724) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R "I am old, I am old, and I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled." |
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23 Oct 00 - 07:33 PM (#325726) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Micca Ah, Helen, you are almost forgiven for the Vegemite for knowing that poem, it is a personal favourite of mine and surprisingly was one of the top 10 poems in a survey codducted by the BBC To find the UKs Favourite poems. |
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23 Oct 00 - 07:48 PM (#325736) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Helen Micca, only "almost forgiven"? Sigh! (grin) Helen |
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23 Oct 00 - 08:15 PM (#325748) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow "McGrath - Thanks for putting that poem in this thread. It was perfect. I have somewhere here a book of poems from WWI and it is not the one you mentioned. I should dig it out."
Wrong war, Naemanson. 1941.
Mind, you aren't the only one to make that kind of mistake, we've got it in to our head somehow that any songs or poems about war are from the Great War.
I once sang a song of mine about my parents and me in the war, and a fella came up and said he liked it, and how it was another great song out of the First World War. Which was very flattering - but I'd said it was about my parents and me. God, I hadn't thought I was looking that old...
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23 Oct 00 - 08:30 PM (#325752) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Dave (the ancient mariner) "Only those are fit to live who do not fear to die; and none are fit to die who have shrunk from the joy of life. Both life and death are parts of the same great Adventure." -- Theodore Roosevelt |
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23 Oct 00 - 10:30 PM (#325807) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Noreen Thanks all for the contributions, I've been out this evening (picking daisies!)and it was lovely to read all the responses when I came back. The challenge seems to be to get the right balance between daisy-picking and sensibleness, which is nigh on impossible in some occupations, particularly when combined with family responsibilities. I'm planning to have some 'moments' to make up for lost time... Noreen |
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23 Oct 00 - 10:31 PM (#325809) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Naemanson OOPS! I still should dig out that book. |
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23 Oct 00 - 10:41 PM (#325817) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R Anyone ever been to a pig pickin'? |
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24 Oct 00 - 04:04 AM (#325914) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Llanfair Naemanson, Jim gets to pick all the daisies he wants, because he has no responsibilities apart from going to work. I do everything else. Having said that, he didn't get home till midnight last night, after dealing with the aftermath of the accident at a Portmadoc level crossing.Cheers, Bron. |
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24 Oct 00 - 04:50 AM (#325925) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: sian, west wales I saw that on the news. If Jim had to deal first-hand with that, I think he'll have to have some serious daisy-picking time. Hope he's OK. sian |
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24 Oct 00 - 05:45 AM (#325938) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: sledge Given the state of my back garden I generaly have a lot of daisies (among other things), all are welcome to come and pick daisies whenever, but please take a few of the others while you are at it. cheers Stu (not one of natures gardners) |
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24 Oct 00 - 06:09 AM (#325946) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: KingBrilliant Llanfair - we are the other way around - I go out to work & Mark does the rest. Its a great way to do things. When we both worked then 'the rest' rarely got done & that usually led to arguments & guilt-ing. We definitely both get more daisies this way! The other important thing is to look around the metaphorical meadow & choose which daisies you really want - ie taking time to think about what you actually want in isolation from what is conventional or fashionable. If you fancy an orchid for a change then why not..... (or a cowslip or whatever) [Help - I'm getting all muddled up in metaphors now & I'm not even sure myself what I'm on about] BTW - Llanstock was a lovely field of daisies! Kris
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24 Oct 00 - 08:42 AM (#325994) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I' more daisies.... From: GUEST,Patrish Great thread Noreen, I used to pick daisies when I was a child and would bring them home to my mum, who put them in a jam jar. I know its not the meaning behind your daisies, its just a happy memory. I should get out there myself and start picking - I worry that when I get round to it that they will have all gone. Patrish |
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24 Oct 00 - 09:50 AM (#326035) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: CamiSu Guess I'm picking daisies here instead of being out in the sheep meadow painting a set drop, but it's still a bit chilly for that anyway... I love the fact that the daisies come to you, if only you listen. This morning I was startled by the sound of maybe a hundred birds waking up in my barn while I was out feeding sheep! And the other day the maple between us and the neighbors dropped a TON of whirling seeds in a wind gust, and they just DANCED in the air forever! And it only takes a moment to pick these. You hardly even need to stop! (except maybe your worried mind) BTW our clothesline is often entirely purple! CamiSu |
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24 Oct 00 - 11:21 AM (#326079) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: L R Mole Pick daisies or daze pickers? Were I a daisy I fear I'd be picked soon enough for me, I suppose, but I'd rather it be by the wind. |
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24 Oct 00 - 11:30 AM (#326084) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Mrrzy Matt R - mmm mmmm MMMMM about pig pickin! Noreen, this is great. The closest I get is that when biking with my children, I wear a helmet and so do they. When biking alone, I don't always... Love that long hair in the wind! But I do have to set an example... |
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24 Oct 00 - 01:47 PM (#326183) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: John J Wow! I'll report back when I've digested this lot. John |
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24 Oct 00 - 02:06 PM (#326190) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Naemanson Matt, is a pig picking the same as a New England pig roast? Great fun for all but the pig. CamiSu - Don't you just love it when the maples let go like that in the wind. I especially love it when the wind picks up the falling leaves and Mama Nature dances. This morning as I drove to work the rising sun was at my back. There was a great band of mist over the New Meadows River under which there was some clear air and then mist right on the river. The sunlight crept into this band of clear air to light up the brilliant yellow trees on the far bank. The color was made more dramtic by the darkness of the mist and fog. Gorgeous. The daisies are there to be picked. Once, while driving at dawn I saw the end of the rainbow. It was part of a perfect weekend. We had been performing at a Windjammer Festival in Camden. As we came off of the stage Ann Dodson came up to me, laid her head on my shoulder and said, "I love to hear you sing." The next morning at dawn, while still flying from such a compliment, I was driving through the morning mist. the sun shone down and there, beside the road, was the end of the rainbow. I knew my pot of "gold" had been delivered the night before. It was a great weekend and full of such daisies.
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24 Oct 00 - 03:34 PM (#326273) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: katlaughing Whew! I've got a lot of thoughts about this thread; took me awhile to get them sorted; even now I am not sure they are! I think it was Mortee said women of our generation were raised to believe we have to be the perfect mom, housewife, hostess, etc. Men, of course, were raised with all kinds of stupid strictures, too. I am so grateful to both of my parents because they took time for so much of *picking daisies* with us. Hardly a Sunday went by that we didn't go for a picnic and drive, making it a point to get far away from people and exploring nature in all of her Colorado and Wyoming beauty.:-) There was always time for music, a good book, or other activities, too. I think the greatest loss to our generation and those coming up is time, just the time to do nothing or anything. Ever notice how many times someone says, "Not now, I don't have time?" It is tragic. I never accepted the tenets of society, as a consequence my kids haven't either. They are doing a better job of being secure, financially, than I did. That said, I've picked daisies all of my life and I do not regret it for one minute, though. One thing we've done because of it is develop a great faith in the Cosmic/Great Spirit to provide us with our needs through whatever channels we choose or are guided to. Even with that faith it has been scary at times. But, our lives have been very prosperous in ways which to us are much more important than money. We've always been able to take care of our basic needs and a little more (composer brother, etc.) Picking daisies has left us with no apparent material wealth and no IRA's in the bank etc., but we also have no doubt that we will always be able to make our way. I guess what I am trying to say is picking daisies, to me, is not just stopping to appreciate and experience nature, but also to fly in the face of convention and live differently, which can seem a little dangerous or stupid at times, but always works out, as long as we *listen* to our hearts. One way of always ensuring I don't forget those daisies is to greet the day, standing and facing the East, actually *reading* the sky, like an old farmer (*bg*), smelling the air, listening for and hearing the birds, wind, and other critters an dgiving thanks for it all. It is a great way to start a day, no matter where you are. It also makes picking daisies throughout the day, easier.
Pick Daisies First - All Else Follows!!Great Thread, Noreen! I am not sure any of the above is coherent, but I do have a lot of experience in helping women who are going through the realisation that they are a person along with being a mom, partner, etc. and helping them get started on being their own person, again, esp. in exploring what it is they want to do or change. I've got lots of ideas, background and information. It has all come to me by way of wisewimmin who went before me or are going beside me and it includes dear male friends, too. We can all help each other to notice the daisies in our lives and in the changes which come about, even if they seem frightening at the moment. Thanks, darlin', luvyakat |
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24 Oct 00 - 03:49 PM (#326281) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Naemanson Wow! Kat, you sound like my kind of person. Fly in the face of convention is my life's work. I work on a military base in an office full of right wing conservatives and do my best to warp their lives to recognize the one true path into the daisy patch. As an example of the type of people I work with I forwarded the quote that opens this thread to our most stressed out member back when I first saw it yesterday afternoon. This afternoon I asked her if she had enjoyed it. She hadn't read it. Didn't have time she said... There is someone in serious need of daisies. |
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24 Oct 00 - 04:43 PM (#326333) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow I know this is headlined as a non-music thread, but there are some good songs with daisies. The one I like listening to best is the Carter Family's "Darling Daisies". Doesn't seem to be on the DT, and I haven't got the words handy - but maybe someone will post it. It fits in with the general sense of this thread.
"Don't forget to stop and eat the roses." Here are some recipes involving rose petals. But watch out for the thorns. I woudln't think even cows would find them edible. (Goats might though.) |
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24 Oct 00 - 05:57 PM (#326393) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: katlaughing McGrath, I don't think it means literally no music allowed.:-) It's just a warning to poepleo they won't come in here and be crabby if they saw nothing to do with muisc. Thanks to you and your posting of your incredible song about you and your parents thye couldn't even do that,now! I forgot to tell you how much I loved reading your song. I had tears running down my face; you are such a superb songwriter! Thanks for sharing it with us and the background too. Naes, goodonya! I guess by fly in the face I meant willing to take risks and, yes, be a little unconventional and Rog and I have been that if nothing else! Sad to hear of a coworker who can't even take time to read good wishes from a colleague. Six more years to go,huh? You keep looking at those daisies, darlin, 'cause at the rate your coworker is going she';s going to be pushing them up instead! If we have been forgetful about smelling the roses, etc. and we pile on the stress, rest assured, at some point in time, if we are lucky, our bodies will warn us. It may not be a very pleasant warning, chests might have to be cracked open for surgery, might have to take some kind of horrible meds, but we'll be alive for another day and get a second chance to PICK DAISIES and we'd better pay attention!**BG** It seems the more we can simplify the better off we will be. I am working on this right now and it is difficult to let go, but I know i have no choice. Again, Noreen, really excellent thread, thanks you so much for sharing and starting it. kat |
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24 Oct 00 - 06:57 PM (#326465) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Mrs.Duck Right I'm applying for the job. I can pick daisies. What's the rate of pay and is there a pension scheme? What about holidays? Sad when reality creeps in. I am often very guilty of forgetting the important things in life instead of remembering that a job is just that and even if it seems to occupy every minute of the day (as teaching seems to) it is not worth turning your back on happiness for!!!! |
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24 Oct 00 - 07:59 PM (#326516) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,Joerg May I ask a question to you all (except CamiSu maybe) without any explanation why (for now): Must daisies really be picked? - What about just seeing them being there in the green grass and all that beauty and smiling and not disturbing any more ... Does that tell something to you as it does to me? Or is that too encrypted? I really don't know but I'd like to find out. Peace to you all. Joerg |
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24 Oct 00 - 08:03 PM (#326524) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R Excellent question, Joerg. |
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24 Oct 00 - 08:06 PM (#326530) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,mousethief (at the library) Actually it kinda misses the point. Whether you pick them or enjoy them in place, the point of the thread is to take time and enjoy life, and not be so busy that you will look back, from the edge of the grave, and regret how you spent your time on earth. Now if you want to start another thread about whether it's better to pick daisies or enjoy them in situ, I'll be happy to join in. But in this thread, it's pedantry.
Alex |
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24 Oct 00 - 08:12 PM (#326539) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: katlaughing Joerg, it's just that we didn't mean it so much literally, but as a metaphor; taking time to "smell the roses" as another way of putting it. Although, I do believe some flowers do not mind being picked and brought in to cheer an invalid or a home; sometimes I think it is part of their karma:-) Also, I do not see any restrictions on this thread and asking about picking them is entirely appropriate. kat |
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24 Oct 00 - 08:27 PM (#326556) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow Margaret is the same name as Daisy, so this counts as a Daisy poem. And this is the season for it:
Margaret, are you grieving Gerard Manley Hopkins |
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24 Oct 00 - 08:42 PM (#326574) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: hesperis If you ask the flower for permission to pick it, so that it has a chance to go into almost a state of 'stasis', it doesn't resonate so much pain when picked. That is my experience. (Just make sure you listen if it says 'no'!) (Does that sound strange to you? Oh, well. Too bad.) ~*sirepseh*~ |
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24 Oct 00 - 08:42 PM (#326575) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R It's easier to say "STOP!" than to actually do it. I don't have any time the stop and do anything. I got 10 minutes to walk from my car to the ECU wood shop where I inhale sawdust for 2 hours, then after that right upstairs to CA where I listen to Carl ramble about fonts for 2 hours, then head down to the darkroom sinks for an hour and a half to develop film, they maybe 20 minutes after that to get eat something and let the film dry, then back in the darkroom for the next 4 hours and 15 minutes, then walk a mile over to the Newman Center, carve pumpkins with pals for 2-3 hours, then back to the car (in the dark), drive home, and get cracking on CA homework for Wednesday's class, loading new film in the camera to start work for next Thursday's photo crit! Daisies? I ain't got time for no stinkin' daisies! Bus fumes, maybe! |
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24 Oct 00 - 08:57 PM (#326591) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Gypsy Before my Grandmother sunk deeply into senility, she would tell tales of living in Arabia, and Ethiopia, and Turkey, and Persia. And would tell the most marvelous things that she and Grandpa did, like riding camels, and hunting with cheetahs. But not once, did she mention that the bills were paid on time, or that the house was clean, or how hard they worked. She could warm her heart and hands with her memories of what she did, and how she LIVED. When i am 90, i hope to never be bored, because my mind will be so filled with rich memories, of DOING, not waiting for the right time. So i wear purple now, and do without a lot, because i don't choose to work 16 hour days anymore. And you know what? It works. |
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24 Oct 00 - 09:20 PM (#326602) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Noreen Matt, that's the whole point- If you've no time to pick daisies maybe you shouldn't be doing all the other time-consuming things that you don't enjoy? Unless it's as a short-term thing, say a college course, in which case you are only postponing the daisy picking for a while. But isn't pumpkin-carving picking daisies? Or why do you do it? I love the way you have all (or most) got into the concept of daisy-picking and all its associations. I've been using the phrase for a while now and find it very powerful. And thanks all for bringing poetic and musical :0) links in! It all makes very interesting and thought-provoking reading. Noreen |
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24 Oct 00 - 09:24 PM (#326607) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R Postponing? I suppose, for at least another 1 1/2 years. |
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24 Oct 00 - 09:41 PM (#326610) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: BigDaddy Retired detective Frank Serpico (of book and film fame) gave a rare interview on public radio a few years ago. He spends much of his time sculpting and sees the process as a metaphor for life. He says if he's sculpting a bird, what he's really doing is taking away everything that is not a bird. In his own life, he consciously seeks to remove the parts that are not Frank Serpico, and, hopefully, what is left will be the real thing. If we don't have time to gather daisies, we probably could stand to do some sculpting of our own lives. Cheers, J. |
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24 Oct 00 - 09:41 PM (#326611) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,Joerg Thank you for THAT reaction. I have to leave now, but just let me give you another hint of what I meant (still no explanation): I was touched by Noreens quote because it reflects another one of many questions like: "What is better, black or white?" And the following was also only discussing that. I'm not only thinking of some grey between black and white, I'm thinking of thinking of considering (yes) the existence of DIFFERENT COLOURS. The thought of NOT having to pick daisies was just a very simplified example. Joerg |
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24 Oct 00 - 09:49 PM (#326616) Subject: ADD: Last Day of Pompeii From: wysiwyg Could not find exact words, but these are almost right. Might be some of verse one belongs in verse two and vice versa. Lost the lyric sheet that came with the LP! Haven't sung along on this in years, and now the turntable is broken, waaaaah! Enjoy. This is sung kinda light and ironic and go-for-it breezy-- jazzy.
~S~ |
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24 Oct 00 - 09:50 PM (#326617) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: MMario Matt - surely there is time for a few daisies somewhere in there? Or seeing a bird on the wing while you walk across campus? Or to let a tune run through your head while dippin' stuff in and out of the photo-chemicals? |
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24 Oct 00 - 10:02 PM (#326623) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R Well MArio, there was this one time, I was walking back to the School of Art after lunch, and this hawk came swooping right across the sidewalk in front of me, and snatched up a squirrel in it's talons and flapped back into a tree with it. It was pretty gory! BTW click for the School of Art pic. The multiple-paned windows in the brick wall directly above the stairs is my CA classroom, where I routinely go through Carl's tortures three days a week. |
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24 Oct 00 - 10:58 PM (#326646) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Naemanson Matt, you have to pick daisies as the opportunity presents itself. Look at the following example of a busy young man and how he could fit daisy picking into that schedule. (The names have been removed to protect the innocent.) "I got 10 minutes to walk from my car to the ECU wood shop (DAISY PICKING TIME) where I inhale sawdust for 2 hours, then after that right upstairs to CA where I listen to Carl ramble about fonts for 2 hours, then head down to the darkroom sinks for an hour and a half to develop film, they maybe 20 minutes after that to get eat something (DAISY PICKING TIME) and let the film dry, then back in the darkroom for the next 4 hours and 15 minutes, then walk a mile over to the Newman Center, carve pumpkins with pals for 2-3 hours (DAISY PICKING TIME), then back to the car (in the dark) (DAISY PICKING TIME), drive home, and get cracking on CA homework for Wednesday's class, loading new film in the camera to start work for next Thursday's photo crit!" I realize it isn't much but you have to start slow. And you should focus on making daisy time. As I keep telling my stressed out friend at work. You cannot wait for the time. You have to make time for picking daisies. Of course, I am as guilty as anyone at not picking enough daisies. Thanks, Noreen, for the thread. Thanks to Praise and Mcgrath for the poem and song. |
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24 Oct 00 - 11:12 PM (#326650) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R Uh, Brett, that was "10 minutes to walk a mile". Besides, there are no flowers...just dead trees. But I can tell you, from my photo class, I know every manhole cover and sewer grate on campus! Sigh, people just don't understand! I'll never buy into this wacky new age philosophy. I'm no nature boy...but I do love inhaling sawdust and marker fumes! |
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24 Oct 00 - 11:13 PM (#326651) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: CamiSu But Matt, you're getting to study ART! And since you have to do it, it doesn't get shoved off for other things. I look back on those days as the really fun time, and altogether too short--as I didn't finish either an art or an architecture degree. But now when I have to have a set done for opening night, and I'm painting all night, I grouse, too, until the night comes and the lights come up and the audience goes "Oh!" Now THERE's a daisy as well. Besides, 2-3 hours carving pumpkins? THAT sounds like daisies.... CamiSu |
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24 Oct 00 - 11:20 PM (#326658) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R Yeah, but I'm just barely getting by...I HAVE to work hard. I'm not really that good at anything. Oooh they'll be sorry if they ask ME to carve a pumpkin! I am the originator of the Lonestar Roughrider Bike, the Amazing Mudcat Guitar, and the Propeller-Head Spider! RAAAR! |
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24 Oct 00 - 11:41 PM (#326668) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: wysiwyg Matt, You have to see manhole covers as daisies. Go rent LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. Remember I tole you that you ARE that guy?? GO SEE. ~Principessa! |
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24 Oct 00 - 11:49 PM (#326673) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R I just saw that Sooz!! And if anyone thinks I'm just a dumb kid who won't listen to reason, just come down here! I'd love to drag you around with me for a whole week...then you could see what it's like. This ain't your 60's hippie folk college anymore! |
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25 Oct 00 - 05:06 AM (#326801) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Llanfair Matt, if you are looking at the manhole covers and gratings as you walk round college, you are missing everything else, the walls, the sky, the other people. People watching is one of my favourite occupations, and I can do it for hours!!! I went to Occupational Therapy college when I left school, and found all the craft classes rather boring, or difficult. But I did learn the skills. I have never lost them, and 30 years later I run a craft group, and spend a lot of time making and doing things. I consider it daisy picking. Cheers, Bron. |
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25 Oct 00 - 06:03 AM (#326807) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: CarolC If I had my life to live over, I would do it just as I have. Perfection hides where we least expect it. (In my opinion...) Carol |
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25 Oct 00 - 06:23 AM (#326813) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock Praise - thanks for "The Last Days of Pompeii". I know it's good n' metaphorical like the daisies, but I like it as I'm off to Pompeii next week to take photographs for a few things I'm working on and I'll remember that song when I'm there! (I reckon they had a whale of a time in Pompeii though - if the remains of it are anything to go by!) |
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25 Oct 00 - 07:12 AM (#326819) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: John J Bloody hell Noreen, you've started something here! John |
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25 Oct 00 - 07:12 AM (#326820) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Naemanson I know what you mean Matt. If you think you are busy now try including all of that with being a parent. You'll see what I mean some day. Llanfair hit the mark with her comment. I like to think of the things I see when I drive to work. I work in a windowless office inside a metal building. I HAVE to focus on the things I see elsewhere. Sometimes it is a glimpse of a heron hunting in the shallows as I drive past at 60 MPH. I always watch for the osprey nests and wave at them and their babies. Yesterday it was sun and fog and bright yellow leaves. Find time to pick daisies, if not now, remember to do it later. |
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25 Oct 00 - 08:00 AM (#326835) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Bernard They told me 'Go for it!' So I went for it. It had gone... |
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25 Oct 00 - 11:24 AM (#326969) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow Clicked on your clicky, Matt - "East Carolina" - I've heard of North Carolina, and South Carolina, but East Carolina sounds like something out of an alternative history. Or it should back in the Atlantic.
A bit like the region they've tried to invent which includes where I live called "West Anglia". Which sounds OK, except that the Angles never got down this way, so poor old King Harold is turning in his grave I imagine, down in Wakltham Abbey. (What's left of him anyway - they never found his head I believe...) |
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25 Oct 00 - 11:42 AM (#326992) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: mousethief Lovely sunrise this morning. Reds and pinks and oranges spread out across the flat clouds, it looked like the whole eastern sky was on fire. Very stirring.
Alex |
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25 Oct 00 - 01:46 PM (#327099) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R McGrath, in the University of North Carolina College system, we have East Carolina University, Western Carolina University, and Central Carolina University. I happen to go to East Carolina. BTW Eastern Carolina the REGION is NOT made up. The people here in "Down East Carolina" are totally different from the folks from the Western part of the state. Especially the "Hoi Toiders" from Harkers Island. |
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25 Oct 00 - 02:47 PM (#327132) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow That'd be Eastern North Carolina I take it?
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25 Oct 00 - 03:15 PM (#327139) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Bert Yeah Kat, that McGrath is one superb songwriter isn't he - the rotten bastard *BG* When you look at a manhole cover you should be able to see the designer sitting at his drawing board, the pattern maker with his funny rulers that account for shrinkage in their measurements, the foundry man pouring the molten iron, the fettler removing the frills from the edges, the truck driver delivering it and the installer putting it in place. And that's just the manhole cover. What about the driver who's wheels run over it every day, or the poor sod who has to go down through it to get to work? Now there's a photography exercise for you. Would you make it one picture, a collage or a whole gallery wall? It's all there waiting for your eyes to uncover. Bert. |
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25 Oct 00 - 03:33 PM (#327159) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Mary in Kentucky I like Mousethief's first post about picking too many daisies and the kids go hungry. All of my life I've had the luxury of picking lots of daisies, and I have, it's just my nature I guess. But there was always someone else making sacrifices (parents, hubby, good friend) so that I had that luxury. If I had my life to live over, I would pick fewer daisies and establish a career that I could go back to instead of trying to break into a new field every few years. It's easy for me to look down my nose with disdain at people who are in my opinion "materialistic," but I sure do enjoy my computer, and my dependable car, and the college education I have, and the freedom to choose my daily activities for the most part. I'm very grateful to those that have made it easier for me to have daisy pickin' times. Anyone remember the thread about the song "I''ll Bring You a Daisy a Day?" We had trouble finding the sheet music for that one. It's a smarmy song, but one with fond memories for me. (Hubby pulled up several plants, roots and all, and said, "Am I ahead for awhile?") |
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25 Oct 00 - 03:42 PM (#327166) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: mousethief Mary in Kentucky: Thanks; that was exactly what I was referring to. Most men in our society don't have the option of staying home and picking daisies while the wife works. Few women are "liberated" enough to want a man who doesn't work. Studies have shown that even women who achieve great things in the business world want to marry men who earn more than they do! Thus, dumping on the men who are trapped in this cycle for not picking enough daisies is a little unfair. (And don't even get me started on the "afraid of commitment" bullsh*t.) How sad nobody has commented on my sunrise.
Alex |
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25 Oct 00 - 03:49 PM (#327167) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Mary in Kentucky mousethief, I see the sunrise every morning. (I have to begin work at 7:30, and this week the sunrise isn't until 8:01) And yes it has been beautiful. I know what your point is, but also, my point is that those of us who have picked daisies have also made sacrifices in security. |
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25 Oct 00 - 03:54 PM (#327170) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: mousethief Mary, good point.
Alex |
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25 Oct 00 - 03:59 PM (#327174) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: MMario alax, I'm still trying to decide whether or not to be mad because it's "your" sunrise. MINE was very nice, thank you! *grin* (Maybe "today's"?) |
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25 Oct 00 - 06:38 PM (#327301) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow Here's Darling Daisy, by the Carter family, recorded back in 1934, which I mentioned earlier. A deceptively simple song. It hits the spot.
When first I met my darling daisy
She was sleeping in a bed of roses
If you want to see a bright-eyed beauty (And thanks kat and bert. Sometimes maybe I hit the spot too.)P> |
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25 Oct 00 - 06:40 PM (#327303) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow Some of those words might be off a bit - it's a scratchy record. If anyone knows better, let us know. |
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25 Oct 00 - 07:16 PM (#327343) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: BigDaddy This thread is beginning to remind me of the recent "past lives" thresd. Some of us get it and some of us don't and the twain just don't meet. Thanks to those who believe and all our best to those who don't. |
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25 Oct 00 - 07:24 PM (#327352) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: BigDaddy Just had to add one more quote: "Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours." That's from Richard Bach. |
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25 Oct 00 - 08:04 PM (#327383) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,mousethief (at the library) MMario, get mad at yourself for being so literal-minded. It was shorthand for "my sunrise description" or "my description of the sunrise I witnessed." It was meant to be a daisy, and I was hoping other people would pick up on it and share something they had experienced in much the same vein. Alas, for everybody who "got it" but didn't really "get it," or at least were unable to "give it" when prompted. If you pick daisies, you must give at least some of them away, or they don't help you any.
Alex |
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25 Oct 00 - 08:28 PM (#327406) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: CarolC I don't think it's an either/or question. In my life, I'm the one who has made all of the sacrifices, and I'm the one who has taken all of the risks. And believe me, I've taken a lot of them. I've had a very hard life. I don't want to understate this. But I wouldn't change any of it, because it all has meaning for me. I think when you can find meaning in every part of your life, both good and bad, you are engaging in an act of daisy picking. When you do that, you can look back on your life with no regrets. Regrets are the opposite of daisy picking. I have no regrets, and I am at peace with my life. Carol |
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25 Oct 00 - 08:50 PM (#327422) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Matt_R Help I smell like epoxy & Dektol! |
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25 Oct 00 - 08:54 PM (#327424) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow Fortunately, they haven't put a smell facility on the Internet yet... Maybe that's why we're talking about daisies rather than roses, they don't have a scent that I've ever noticed. |
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25 Oct 00 - 09:51 PM (#327461) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Uncle_DaveO This is not really thread creep, I think. It's brought to mind by Mousetheif's sunrise. So hold on. The people at my church (NOT what you'd call a normal or Christian church, where you might expect to hear that word) talk a good deal about spirituality. I see myself as a rationalist, a here-and-now, physical world, bread-and- butter person who believes in the semantic proverb, "Find the referrent". Frankly, I don't know what that word "spirituality" really means. So I've been frank to say to my wife, my minister, and to others. BUT.... I have had ONE (count 'em, one) experience in my life which I have to--must!--count as spiritual. It was like this: Some years ago,one morning in early springtime I walked from our house to the mailbox to pick up the morning paper. It was March or early April, and the trees were just budding out, just enough to make a sort of haze you could look right through. As I faced the street, toward the lovely pink-with-a-few-clouds sunrise, the neighbors' cottonwood tree was silhouetted against the sunrise, a perfect smooth-edged oval green haze against the new morning. I was struck with amazement. I stopped in mid-stride and gaped for about 20 seconds. Then I got the paper and went on with my day. I can visualize it to this day, some fifteen years later. If THAT was not a spiritual experience, there is no such thing. That was one daisy I'll always have. Strangely enough, by my lights, my Beautiful Wife, in an e-mail to our mnister (which I really wasn't intended to read, but ran across by accident) said something like: "Dave professes to have no idea what spirituality is, but over thirty-seven years of married life I've found him to be the most spiritual man I've ever met." I'll take her word for it, but I STILL don't quite understand the content of the word. But I'm sure it has something to do with picking the daisies, with finding daisies even in the ashheaps, and in Matt's darkroom and manhole covers. Dave (the rationalist skeptic) Oesterreich |
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25 Oct 00 - 10:10 PM (#327466) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: CarolC DaveO, Maybe it has something to do with the fact that, after thirty seven years of marriage to your wife, you still call her beautiful. I think that is a sign of a beautiful soul. Carol |
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25 Oct 00 - 11:09 PM (#327507) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,Joerg Now we get much closer to what I am thinking/feeling in this context. Please understand that I'm not trying to play some quiz with you. It's just much too difficult to me to express (even to myself and even to understand myself) what I mean. We are talking about some very general problem here. What problem exactly? Everybody is giving hints to answer ... what question? What's the point? MT gave some good hint: "take time and enjoy life, and not be so busy that you will look back, from the edge of the grave, and regret how you spent your time on earth". That's good. Not yet completely what I'm thinking of but the best we have until now, so let's work on it: Picking daisies means taking time and enjoying life. But what's the metapher for the opposite? I couldn't find one yet. So I am no longer able to only talk metaphorically (please forgive me that I first tried). Looking back from the edge of my grave is something I already had to try. Not completely because there still was hope and as you can see this was justified. I remember WELL how I then realized that there were things I could in some sense take with me. What things? Good question. There are things that are essentially different from things like money or what is bought for it. You still can get them but only as a present. Trying to buy them won't work and if you try to pay for them you are likely to destroy what you got. You only can accept that you are in dept forever. Really forever, because this dept you can take with you when you go. (BTW: Just because of this I also consider it wrong to talk - and think - of things like these in terms you talk of money. There's e.g. a widely used expression in german like "investing emotions/feelings". Never heard it in english, though. Silly.) So you might understand that I have some problems with Noreen's initial quote in general and especially with that metapher "picking daisies". To me it doesn't hit the point because it is just another activity and that quote is also focused on things to DO. But IMNSHO you will never find the answer to that (what?) question by considering or discussing different activities ("black/white" problem) or how much time should be spent for them ("grey" problem). You will have to take PERCEPTION into account and how much (not only time) you spend on it. So the question leads to a problem of action vs. perception rather than to one of action no. 1 vs. action no. 2. Metaphorically: What use is picking daisies if I can't see them, smell them or even just feel them (trying to listen to them won't work)? On the other hand - if I can, why do I have to pick them? (To take them to somebody I like, of course, but that doesn't apply here.) Leaving them in situ will leave them in vivo and I won't have to bend down or get on my knees thus avoiding the risk of an aching back (a "witch shot" in german) or green stains on my trousers. Wouldn't that be "stress" too? The only reason for plucking daisies is also the thought of looking at them later - exactly the problem, yes, yes, yes. DaveO (and Matt) - when my grandfather died I was in the army and couldn't get to this funeral in time. But I visited his grave just a few days later. The flowers from the coffin had been put on top of the grave, and there were some pinks among them - frozen as it had been very cold in the meantime. It was a very cold morning again and hoarfrost was lining the edges of those pinks' petals - tiny, delicate ice needles, perfectly even, yet meaning death to the flower itself. Beauty? What do people know of beauty? And - how should I have been able to pick that flower in order to take it with me? In fact I did, but in some differnt sense... Love to you all (at least peace) Joerg |
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25 Oct 00 - 11:49 PM (#327527) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: CamiSu Alex, here is a daisy I posted yesterday. (My threads don't seem to last long.) clicky Enjoy! Cami Su |
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26 Oct 00 - 05:33 AM (#327624) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Micca the interesting things that have come out in this thread... Thanks Noreen, Jeorg, it isnt the daisies or there picking ,its is the time to notice the small , apparently trivialities of life , and taking time to notice them and the things around you, for yourself and their sake, time to BE, not just to DO all the time.To define your self in terms of you, not what you are to other people, breadwinner, father, SO or whatever, but be YOU, the unique. I put this in another thread but it is almost as applicable here in the spiritual sense Click here |
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26 Oct 00 - 05:47 AM (#327628) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow "In fact I did, but in some different sense..." Exactly. Vin Garbutt sings a song he wrote called "Photographic memory:
Take a look now, use your photographic memory |
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26 Oct 00 - 05:59 AM (#327630) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock I think (ahhh, dangerous words those - means an opinion's coming!) DaveO nailed it on the head when he talked about "spiritual experiences". I'll just put in my usual "I'm not religious" disclaimer here, but if religion is a feeling or an emotion at the amazing beauty and wonders of nature, then with the risk of sounding trite, I'd say that the best "religious" experiences are those moments when we "feel" a sense of awe and a welling up of emotion. It's like the "homesick" feeling where you're homesick for something - some time, place or emotion, but you're not sure what it is, just that you want to experience it. For A-Level English I had to read D.H. Lawrence's "Sons and Lovers" and I couldn't stand it - I found it depressing and disturbing, but reading papers about him I remember coming across a quotation about his view on religion being the moments when you are toatlly aware and in awe of nature. I tried to find that quotation to add here, but couldn't locate it, but I did find this one, which is perhaps even more relevant: "Brute force crushes many plants. Yet the plants rise again. The pyramids will not last a moment,compared with the daisy. And before Buddha or Jesus spoke the nightingale sang, and long after the words of Jesus and Buddha are gone into oblivion, the nightingale still will sing. Because it is neither preaching nor teaching nor commanding nor urging. It is just singing. And in the beginning was not a Word, but a chirrup." -- Sketches of Etruscan Places, Tarquinia
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26 Oct 00 - 09:23 AM (#327697) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: wysiwyg There area lot of daisies that will never grow if we do not plant them when we can. And sometimes the Great Planter has entrusted the seeds to us by planting, first, in us. So we will bear seed to scatter. As much as I can, I live now in a frame of mind that stays poised between thanks to that Provider and accepting personal responsibility as well for what I may plant. It took me a long time to settle for myself that question, who has the power, us or some Big SkyDude. (Duh!! If you live in relationship with the Dude, you see the answer is, BOTH!) So back to daisies. I like picking them, and have gotten pretty good at picking them on the fly, sometimes all day long. But I find, at this time in my life, that there is even more satisfaction in planting the daisies. (And at pointing out the ones people have growing out of their ears that they may not see.) Not the real ones. I do not garden. But I do plant a lot of seeds. I used to focus on MAKING THOSE FLOWERS GROW. Now I just scatter seed wherever I go, and trust dirt to receive it along with the eventual spring rain to make them sprout... and you know, the sun seems to come up pretty reliably without my forcing it to. You can really wear yourself out there! Joerg, these are all metaphors, and I am glad you sent me your e-mail address awhile back. I owe you a reply. I have been having to limit my daisy time these past few weeks, seeing them but not having time to stop and describe them. But I will write you. This thread has helped me know you better, too. I look forward to corresponding with you. There is a Biblical parable about sowing seeds, and it does not have to be read only as planting seeds of The Gospel. I recommend looking at it to see some ancient wisdom about daisies. There are SO MANY good-news items to share with people, so many opportunities to impart a word of positivity and hope when you see folks wandering around seeing only bleakness in the manhole covers. So I see it like this-- that what a lot of you have been doing in this thread is PLANTING DAISIES that will bloom quite unexpectedly in the years to come, in the hearts of people reading and thinking about this thread, and the lives they touch... Aren't you blooming, where YOU were planted? Isn't your life the bouquet of those seeds you have tended, that were sown along the path of your life? Aren't we all doing that throughout our lives, intentionally or not? This has become a nicely long thread. Perhaps if there is merit in continuing discussion along those lines, it's time to think about Part Two. I'm saving this thread. It's the start, I just realized, of an article I have wanting to write, about the difference between evangelizing and proselytizing. And I found it in the Mudcat Garden. There's a metaphor for you, creative geniuses. Do we have a garden yet? Songs, traditions, jokes about the Mudcat garden, anyone? ~Susan |
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26 Oct 00 - 11:57 AM (#327813) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: mousethief CamiSu, yes, I saw that in the other thread, and should have responded as to how much I enjoyed reading it. Especially the little birds. Jeorg makes an interesting point about being vs. doing. I guess what "picking daisies" means (when I use the metaphor) has to do with contemplation or enjoyment of the world around us, more than with doing some particular act. Of course sometimes it takes a little doing (for instance, walking to a place where there's a pretty view) in order to have the moments of contemplation or enjoyment (which DougO might call "spiritual" moments, I think). But Jeorg is right to point out that it's not a matter of "doing" -- if I understand his point correctly, sometimes we have to stop doing for a bit. Reminds me of the Taoist idea of the uncarved block, doing without doing, .... 63.
Do without "doing."
The difficult problems in life
Now light words generate little belief, And hence, never has difficulty. ----------------- But what do I know?
Alex |
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26 Oct 00 - 10:14 PM (#328227) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,Joerg Still not quite "d'accord". In my feeling there's some great magic in the fact that it doesn't take time to notice things or to 'be' (kind of the same in this context). I 'am' always, regardless what I'm doing. So why not take this for serious and really BE, not although, but WHILE doing. Isn't that likely to improve my doing? So to say something like "take time to be" is a contradiction to me because only acting takes time and by saying something like this 'being' is again confused with 'acting' where it is so important to understand that there is some essential difference. Of course 'being' isn't free. You just can't pay for it by spending time. You must 'raise' or 'procure' "something of yourself" for it which is the best expression I can figure out. (Calling it "heart" or "soul" might be correct if understood the right way, but that isn't guaranteed.) And once you 'spent' it you won't have less of it but more. It's not like money, no. Therefore I also think that some concept like "stop doing, start being" won't work. Being works best while doing (NOT 'by' doing!!!!! You can't 'do' 'being'.). Metapher: Don't try to 'be' tomorrow when you suppose yourself to be 'free' for it. And be sure that there is always enough of "yourself" to be spent (and gained!) for precious things like 'being' today. Joerg |
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27 Oct 00 - 04:19 AM (#328390) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Wolfgang Here's the link to the obvious song relevant to the thread: THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER. I've seen daisy pickers neglecting basic needs of their children and I've seen parents neglecting emotional needs of their children like laughter and all that while caring for today's or future's basic needs. I dislike both errors in living. My impression is that for many of you it is less different lifestyles you are talking about than different verbal descriptions of the same lifestyle. Wolfgang |
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27 Oct 00 - 04:45 AM (#328394) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock Daisies are often regarded as a symbol of innocence, and picking daisies is therefore reminiscent of time spent in innocence and innocent pleasures, not just a personal indulgence, but time spent away from all the worries and problems and jaded outlook that come with experience, knowledge and age, and away from the drudgery of day-to-day life. So although you can "be" now, and enjoy your everyday life with such awareness of existence, the daisy picking is a return to the essence of an imagined perfect childhood, oblivious to the darkness in the world. ...Now that was a bit deep for me at 9.45 am. And, of course, my views do not represent the views of affiliated daisy picking people in any way. And perhaps the old lady genuinely did want to pick actual daisies. That's just as nice as picking metaphorical ones. |
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27 Oct 00 - 05:30 AM (#328401) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: McGrath of Harlow Vin Garbutt's metaphor of taking snapshots is helpfuil here - it's not necessarily a matter of taking time out, but rather of conscious detached awareness. |
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27 Oct 00 - 12:01 PM (#328561) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,Mary in Kentucky Joerg, I thought I understood what Daisy Picking was until you brought up some new ideas. At first I thought Daisy Picking was like "take time to smell the roses." But now I think that "smelling the roses of life" refers more to an attitude of awareness and appreciation. It really doesn't require a significant change in one's daily activities. Daisy Picking, on the other hand, seems to me to be a conscious choice in one's activities (and time), and thus is a different metaphor than "smelling the roses." I can "smell the roses" when I enjoy the sunrise as I'm doing my morning chores. But to go "daisy picking" I choose to sing songs, take my children out to see the stars, visit my neighbor, log on to Mudcat...;-) |
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27 Oct 00 - 12:04 PM (#328565) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Naemanson What a great thread. Dave O. I have experienced the same thing. I do not consider myself spiritually inclined in the common sense. I do not go haring after power places in the Earth nor do I follow mediums or gurus. Yet my dear friend and former vocal coach, who does all of those things and more, calls me the most spiritual person she has ever met. I too am floored by the site of a tree decked out in her autumn foliage and half shrouded in the mist. I love to sit on my porch and watch the setting sunlight reflected from the trees on to the glass smooth river. Look at radiant joy on a child's face or the tears of anger when denied some pretty plaything. My life is full of daisies. And, Joerg, I leave them all in place and consider every one of them picked and cherished and, whenever possible, shared with my friends. One last point: Is the Mudcat a daisy? Or can it be considered a daisy only if we read a beautiful post?
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27 Oct 00 - 12:42 PM (#328589) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: mousethief I think it's possible to over-analyze certain concepts until the original point -- which had something to do with simplicity -- is completely lost in a string of philosophy. This is something I know a little about, having earned a couple of degrees in philosophy. Part of the problem is that this is a feel-good thread in a music environment, not an analytical thread in a philosophical environment. For ways I have added to the problem, I apologize. Nevertheless, I must say just one thing more: what you DO affects HOW you BE. You can't BE the same sort of peaceful while you're busy as you can while you're not. Unless you're the Buddha himself, perhaps, but how many of us have attained to that level of inner peace? Thought so.
Ciao for now, |
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27 Oct 00 - 02:25 PM (#328649) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: katlaughing My daughter called me out on the front steps this morning for a moment of being still and picking daisies with our ears. It sounded as though we were in the wilds of Alaska. Very faintly, then growing into a perfect crescendo were neighbourhood dogs about two blocks to the north, gathering their voices in one concerted, continuous howl, like a wolfpack. It was marvelous! She hasn't been living up here but for the past two months and hadn't heard it before. She thought someone had a pack of sled dogs or something. After we listened for a few minutes, delighting in the chaotic, yet ordered-sounding chorus, I told her we'd probably hear a siren in a minute because that's generaly what it means. They always hear them before we do and sure enough, we could barely hear one a couple of minutes later. Joerg, I undersand what you mean, I think, that we BE all the while we are DOING, then we would always BE and not have to stop to do some noticing or whatever. I would call it being in the flow of the Cosmic, to always be at one with the Creator, thus noticing the beauty in all things while doing whatever we need to do or have chosen to do at any given moment. Thus it would be unnecessary, redundant even, to say "stop and listen or look or whatever" because we would naturally be aware already, at all times. kat |
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27 Oct 00 - 07:14 PM (#328875) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Micca I take your point kat, but I think the difference intended by the original poster is more to do with too much time spent in "being for others" as opposed to time spent in "being for oneself". to some there is no difference in these two things. But to others, we often have to function for partners , family, etc. and no time is spent on the "inner person" , sometimes the effect of this , if it goes on for a long time is we lose touch with ourselves and all our life/living seems to be from reflection in others. and their needs of us. This is not to say "daisy gathering" cant be a wonderful shared event, but the prime choice must rest with you, not them. and I think MiK is accurate on the difference to "smelling the roses", daisy gathering is more pro-active than that. This is why there seems to be 2 strands at least to the discussion above and why Naemanson and others identify it with the apparent (and real) spiritual nature of "gathering Daisies" because that too is " being for oneself". |
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27 Oct 00 - 10:05 PM (#328952) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,Joerg Maybe some day you will knock me down. NOT YET, but this attempt was not so feeble. :-) Mary - I love you for that remark. Not only because I feel understood but also - mainly - because: How could I forget CONSCIOUSNESS? Why did something that important not come to my mind? Another evidence that also the best of us all (that's me, of course, heheh) are in no way protected against not seeing the most essential... Naemanson - whether Mudcat is a daisy or not does not depend on Mudcat but on those who participate. That's not the same to me! Please also note what I think I must tell to Mousethief - to me you didn't add something to the problem, you rather added some very good suggestions for words to understand what we are talking about. Thank you, that helped me. (Nevertheless I still don't know what kind of thread this is. I never know what doesn't seem important to me. My fault.) Again you said something that tells something to me: "WHAT you DO affects HOW you BE". Correct! And what about: "HOW you BE affects WHAT you DO"? Very trivial but still correct. Do you notice that this makes up a circle? Every time I notice a circle of this kind I get a feeling of "Ouch!" that is very difficult to explain. I would very much appreciate knowing your opinion of such circles, because I think we (at least I) might obtain still another key to the problem we are talking about here. kat - Hmmmm... May I mark your posting just above with a CAPITAL ASTERISK? It gave me some completely new idea I first have to understand myself, so please give me some time... Joerg |
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27 Oct 00 - 11:11 PM (#328976) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Troll If you don't take care of your own head, you will soon find that you cannot take care of those who depend on you. never neglect the spiritual side of your nature. As the late Don Grooms wrote: "When you're layin' there in that coffin, And they're about to close that lid, It's too late to say you never felt better in your life, And you think it'e 'bout time you did." troll |
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28 Oct 00 - 12:15 AM (#329001) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: katlaughing Yes, I agree, Micca, that is what the original posting was about and I think Mary made a very important point, as did you. Joerg, I look forward to your further postings; I am really enjoying them. Also love the circular motion/notion, as long as they spiral upwards into the next, and so, that the consciousness is growing is evident. With that comes the At-one-ness. Thanks, kat |
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28 Oct 00 - 09:12 PM (#329427) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: GUEST,Joerg "Never felt better in my life" - why should it be too late to say that on my death bed? I don't know how good I would feel if I could tell to myself that I managed to get there in dignity and if somebody I feel loved by (does that construction work in english?) was there. It's never, NEVER too late to feel better than ever before. And anyway - *garrrinnn* - wouldn't that be kind of FAMOUS last words? Sad and cynical of course ("Thank God this BS has come to an end.") but what if I want to express exactly that? At the moment I'm far from believing that life is BS but opinions change as we get smarter ......... uhm .............. as we get, err, at least different. Still much better than having to die without being able to express anything. Well, that's only some longer refresh, because it doesn't refer to what I'm really interested in. But I don't object any more to situations when nobody knows something to say. Maybe they're all thinking. As I am. Patience. Joerg |
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29 Oct 00 - 12:22 AM (#329555) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: katlaughing Joerg, It works perfectly well in English, in fact you have a very good command of English. Thank you.... "patience is a virtue for which we all strive" kat |
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17 Dec 02 - 01:24 PM (#849044) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Noreen I was reminded of this thread in mudchat last night; and it did me good to be reminded. There are still lots of daisies to be picked... |
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17 Dec 02 - 02:14 PM (#849066) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: CapriUni Hey, Noreen! happy third day of your Birthday Octave! (your birthday eve was the first day, your birthday proper was the second day, and this is your third day -- you have eight in total... just like the notes of a scale ;-)). Anyway, I like this philosophy! But I'd ammend it just a bit: Not only do I wish to pick more daisies... I'll endeavor to plant more as well... Just a thought... |
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17 Dec 02 - 03:19 PM (#849104) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Micca This thread still retains its power even 2 years on, even if,as the man said... " when you are up to your arse in crocodiles, it is hard to remember the original intention was to drain the swamp" still, Carpe diem.. |
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17 Dec 02 - 03:39 PM (#849116) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: CapriUni LoL, Micca! Just walk out very, very carefully... and be careful not to step on any tails... |
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17 Dec 02 - 04:49 PM (#849162) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Cluin You know, I get a lot of this sort of inspirational glop in my e-mail every day. And my first inclination is to just hit delete without bothering to read through it. That's what I would have done with the above message. But here's one I did get that I kept becauise I felt there might actually be some use in it. So I'll post it here in rebuttal. Cowboy Axioms * Don't squat with your spurs on. * Don't interfere with nothin' that ain't botherin' you none. (That includes daisies) * If you find yourself in a hole, the first order o' business is to stop diggin'. * The easiest way to eat crow is while it's still warm. The colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller. * If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some importance, just you try orderin' somebody else's dog around. * Always take a good look at what you're about to eat. It ain't so important to know what it is, but it is downright crucial to know what it was. * Just 'cause trouble comes a-visitin' don't mean you gotta offer it a place to sit down. * Never get into a stinkin' match with a skunk or an ass-kickin' contest with a porkypine. * Never ask how big an ass somebody can be 'cause they'll by God turn around and show you. * It's always pref'rable to keep your trap shut and look stupid than open up and prove it. * If it don't seem to be worth the effort it probably ain't. * It don't take no bonafide genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep. * Never ask the barber if you need a haircut. * Don't worry about bitin' off more'n you can chaw; your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger'n what you think it is. * A good horse don't never come in a bad colour. * Always drink upstream from the herd. * Gen'rally, you're learnin' nothin' when your mouth is a-jawin'. * Lettin' the cat out of the bag is a damn sight easier than puttin' `er back in. * If you're a-ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back ever now and then and make sure they's still there with you. * Good judgement comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment. * Good timin's got a lot to do with the fav'rable upshot of a rain dance. * There's two theories to arguin' with a woman. And neither one works no hell. * They's three kinds of men: them that learns by reading, them that learns by observation, and the rest who just gotta have a piss on the `lectric fence for themselves. * Never kick a cowchip on a hot day. * If you give a lesson in meanness to a critter or a feller, don't be surprised when they learn that lesson and teach it back to you. * When you're a-throwin' your weight around, you best be ready to have it thrown around some more by somebody else. * The biggest troublemaker you'll ever deal with watches you shave his face ever' damn mornin'. * Never miss a good chance to shut the hell up. Oh.... right. |
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08 Dec 09 - 10:27 PM (#2784297) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Noreen Hmmmm.... nine years (NINE YEARS!) down the road from the original posting, on the way back from the funeral of a friend, and considering great personal upheavals to come at home, I remembered this thread... It is salutary to read through again, and I hope, will provoke more thoughts from contributors new and old. Oh, I have picked lots of daisies in the last nine years, and I know the world has many more- tonight's positive thought to go to bed with! Thanks, friends. |
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08 Dec 09 - 11:18 PM (#2784328) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: CarolC Appropriate to be refreshing this thread also because at least two of the people who posted to it before have since passed on, and the eighth anniversary of the passing of one of them, LR Mole, will be in just a few days. From Mr. Mole's post nine years ago... Pick daisies or daze pickers? Were I a daisy I fear I'd be picked soon enough for me, I suppose, but I'd rather it be by the wind. Fair sailing, Mr. Mole. |
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09 Dec 09 - 08:27 PM (#2785040) Subject: RE: NotMusic: I'd pick more daisies.... From: Noreen pick more daisies |