The Hound Dog Blog

Gumption traps

I like inspiration, motivation and celebration. Not exactly in that order, but I like all three. It's real nice when they all happen at the same time, though rare indeed. I also like words. Obviously. Otherwise, I wouldn't be writing so many of them. Maybe I could print them someday for a souvenir? What do you think?

This word, 'gumption,' is such a great word for so many reasons, not the least of which in Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert M. Pirsig has the main character explain why.

If you haven't ever read the book, the narrator talks about a 'sort of Chautauqua.' He explains:

What is in mind is a sort of Chautauqua-that's the only name I can think of for it- like the traveling tent-show Chautauquas that used to move across America, this America, the one that we are now in, an old-time series of popular talks intended to edify and entertain, improve the thoughts of the hearer. The Chautauquas were pushed aside by faster-paced radio, movies and TV, and it seems to me the change was not entirely an improvement. Perhaps because of these changes the stream of national consciousness moves faster now, and is brodader, but it seems to run less deep. (Pirsig pg 7).

You must read this. In fact, Mr. Pirsig is still around, and he doesn't need my help selling books. But, this is an amazingly popular book that could and perhaps would change your life if you you keep an open mind. My favorite part of this narrative is about the word 'gumption,' where Pirsig writes:

I like the word gumption because it's so homely and so forlorn that it looks out of style it looks as though it needs a friend and isn't likely to reject anyone who comes along. It's an old Scottish word, once used a lot by pioneers, but which, like "kin," seems to have all but dropped out of use. I like it also because it describes exactly what happens to someone who connects with Quality. He gets filled with gumption. (Pirsig pg 272).

I've been particularly filled with gumption lately and I intend it to stay that way. Paying off gumption-traps are time consuming and laden with interest. I like BMW bikes and Harley's, though I don't think I'll ever own one, for my life is short enough.

Homemade cookies and knitting

Blogging is like knitting?

Ok, I concede. You are correct. Blogging is like knitting. They are both crafts or hobbies which aren't terribly lucrative. I get it. It doesn't make $$$ in your world, therefore they are both irrelevant to you. But here is the problem with that thinking.

If craftsmanship has fallen by the wayside in this country (and it has), and blogging is a waste of time, then one would presume the comparison contrast to knitting was a gibe against both knitting and blogging. In other words, in your world both are a waste of time. 

See, you are right, they are meaningless to people who have this type of world view. This type of short-sighted, 'Stay-the-Course' mentality. Content, yes the content that fed your anemic mind, was written and crafted by academically inclined people. It didn't just jump off your textbook in class magically and it doesn't just appear on your computer screen for your amusement to debate while you stand at the time-clock.

The irony here is that most prefer homemade cookies rather than packaged, processed cookies. Most, also would prefer a beautiful, hand-knitted sweater that was infused with soul, love and care, as opposed to one made in the far east in sweat shop. Most also would prefer to read a blog that was crafted by a live person.  

P.T. Barnum said, "There's a sucker born every minute." 

Loose in the laundry room

Scarfs, cigarettes, CDs, guitars, live music. Are this relics of a different age? I just read a quote about the manager of MJ being a 'genius' in the early 80's when 'Thriller' was released and how releasing 'Beat It' was completely outrageous since 'Billie Jean' was already at Number 1. Turned out, the manager just took advantage of an opportunity staring him in the face... genius, I think not...

Have you met Jamie?

The spirit that moves

When you feel like you've lost you're way... think back to what my Daddy said

... we all get this way sometimes... The Allman Brothers Band

1000 months

Last week I stumbled upon (literally - like stumbleupon really) a post by The Guardian and the article mentioned that we as humans only have 1000 months to live. 

It just sounds like an awful short time. Especially when we live month to month, day to day. 1000 days sounds and reads differently than 1000 months. 

If someone told you that you had a 1000 days to live it is perceived differently than 1000 months.

I guess all I'm saying is if you live to be the ripe old age of 83 and 1/3, you'll have lived a long life and noone is likely to say you died way too young. 

But if someone were to tell me that I have lived 429 months, and I have, literally, telling me that the average life span is 1000 months is revealing - if not sobering.