My Conundrum 1
This morning, on the way to drop off my daughter off at school, we passed a gruesome sight- a cat squashed on the side of the road, its internal sundries spread several yards down the road. This kind of thing upsets me- puts a dark cloud on the day. Besides being a cat lover (general animal lover), I think it makes me remember that life isn’t bloodless, that bad things happen. Someone’s kitty isn’t coming home today (although in this particular neighborhood, it may not have actually had a home). I love the episode of King of Queens where he discovers that his dog isn’t his original dog from his childhood (its been replaced several times over the years when the previous dog died). Doug’s dad has to go in for a colonoscopy and he tries to face the fact that we’re all not just filled with marshmallows and happiness.2
We (at least I) tend to go through our routines and schedules- got to get here and there, get lost in the tunes on the radio, deep in thought, forgetting that the things we do have consequences- cars are dangerous to animals. I hate being unconscious like that, but it happens. 3
When we first moved in to our new house- newly built in a new area, we had deer roaming through our back yard, squirrels everywhere, rabbits, raccoons and a wide variety of birds (including hawks and owls). Within the year, our neighborhood was completely developed and no more deer. I haven’t seen anymore raccoons and very few squirrels (which for our area is rare- their everywhere). Rabbits seem to adapt readily, lol. The larger birds are beginning to reappear along with the hummingbirds. 4
I sometimes long to live in the days of less widespread technology and less attitude. Don’t get me wrong, living in a cave with a sweaty troglodyte doesn’t appeal to me at all. The simplicity of life, even a hundred years ago, at least in the country, seems so romantic and serene. But then again, growing my own animals to slaughter and eat isn’t too peaceful, but natural, I guess. I am a fan of modern convenience, especially good dentistry and medicine. I appreciate my washer and dryer- I have washed my clothes in a basin with a washboard and hung them out, and not for the novelty of it, but out of necessity. I’ve also spent the cold winter months bathing in ice cold mountain water, not the refreshing experience the Irish Spring commercial promised. Its sounds wonderful to live in nature, but its difficult too- a challenge for us pampered children of modern convenience. I guess I just long for the peace of wilderness away from our consumerism and self-centered lifestyles. 5
I have enjoyed watching the Ken Burns series on National Parks, especially some of the quotes. I really need to look up those quotes and add some of them to my quotes collection (note to self…) <------ 3 periods, no less, no more for an ellipsis (I got the lesson yesterday on this, yes NOW I get it (even though I had it a while ago and just inadvertently put in an extra dot trying to crank out something under a time crunch)). 6
Well, there is my conundrum for the day. I want peace and the serenity of nature with all the modern conveniences (including, but not limited to, the computer/internet). I want to commune with nature and be able to keep up with the games that are kicking my butt on facebook. 7
Sigh. So where’s the pun?8
Co-nun-drum: noun
1. a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words, as What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper.
I guess I have to settle for the second definition…9
2. anything that puzzles10
Speaking of which I saw an article on MSN about why we should let newspapers die. Need to read that…11
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The pic is of me in the summer of '79 on vacation in Washington State.
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Adding your comment:
lol I've never fed a deer, but its a good thing you didn't end up with an antler in your chest! I can relate to wanting that peacful serentity of nature. I have always wanted to build a log cabin type house up on a mountain next to a creek with a awesome view. fireplace, etc 