“Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”― Eckhart Tolle

Sunday, May 20, 2012

What We've Learned So Far

Well, you know you can't go on a journey such as this one and not learn a few things in the process.  As a matter of fact, I suspect by the time all is said and done we'll have learned quite a number of things.  It's really good the Goatmother isn't a Nubian.  I'm just sayin' ...  Anyway, this week is going to be quite a busy one.  The first three days are already filled with appointments.  What a popular gal that Goatmother is, eh? So, who the hay knows when I might get back here to post.  And now that I think of it, let me just say that I am trying to keep up with reading and commenting on blogs, but if, per chance, I miss it somewhere along the way,
please know that I'm still with you in spirit.

Now then, allow me to get on with the title of this post because, after all, it is getting on in the day and soon it will be time for Peanuts.  One simply does NOT miss Peanut time.  It just isn't done.  So, okay.  Things we've learned so far:

1)  People and goats are friggin' AMAZING!   Please pardon my verbiage, although I suppose technically friggin' isn't a bad word.  It's just that nothing else even comes close to fitting.  You see one reads the newspaper and listens to the news, and all that is presented is the negative stuff.  Mostly.  Someone robbed a bank, some goat ate the neighbor's topiary, someone murdered someone, some goat butted the postman.  It is enough to make one lose faith in the existence of goodness.  But let me tell you, those news agencies do everyone an injustice.  They sensationalize the few bad Alpine... uh, err ... apples out there until we begin to think that is all that exists.  But it isn't true.  The truth is that people and goats are kind, generous and giving.  Always ready to lend a hand and a good butt.  They are willing to go the extra mile, and yes, even give the extra Peanut.  Yes, there are a few exceptions, but honestly, contrary to what we are 'fed', those few are just that.  The few.  The minority.  No. 1 is the most awesome of the things we have learned thus far and will likely remain so.   I think most of us already know this, we just get duped into forgetting and need to be reminded every once in awhile.  Let's hope it doesn't take a ball bat.

2)  Life is what happens while you are waiting for your email program to actually send your mail.  This one is major.  I mean do you actually know how many things you could get done if you weren't waiting on your email to get sent?  Or even for your email to get downloaded?  Entire corporate take-overs have happened in less time.  Grass grows faster.  Oy.

3)  Imagination can be like fine art on drugs.  I mean think about it.  Imagination can be a good thing.  It can lead you to dream impossible dreams, which in turn can help you achieve impossible tasks.  But it can also lead you impossibly astray.  Left to its own devices, imagination can paint impossibly horrid scenes worthy of Rodin's Gates of  Hell.  But most of the time, what it paints is far worse than reality ever thought about being.  So why doesn't it ever work the other way?  Why doesn't it ever paint you pictures of Wonderland, or Oz, or Peanuts?  Oh, wait.  Maybe that last one wasn't a very good example, but you understand where I'm going with this, right?  Given any 'Problem A' , it soon becomes a case of  'This is your imagination on drugs'.  Curb it.

4)  Healing is like breathing ... you can't just breathe out.  Someone told the Goatmother this a long time ago.  Trouble is it has taken her all these years to actually understand what it means.  (Did I say, before, it's a good thing the Goatmother isn't a Nubian?  Maybe I ought to reconsider that statement.)  The Goatmother has always been one to give to others.  It's how she is.  But when it came to herself, well, I suppose she was often not as kind to herself as she was to others.  Plus, somehow, she always seemed to feel as though accepting help was some sort of sign of weakness. Well, you know what?  It ain't.  And that is how healing is like breathing.  If you just keep giving, eventually you run out of air.  Life is about balance.  It is about giving AND receiving.  Breathing in.  Anything one-sided is, well, lop-sided.  There is no shame or weakness in doing both.  It is what keeps life flowing through all things.

5) (And this is likely THE most important thing learned so far)  ALWAYS be sure you have at least one presentable pair of underwear.  Being a goat, I'm not all that familiar with the reasoning here, but the Goatmother assures me this is highly important.  One just never knows.  My question is this - why is underwear a 'pair'?

So, okay.  We're off and running.  Who knows where the road shall lead?  But wherever it does, thanks ever so much for coming along.  You may be far away and scattered to the ends of the earth, but your presence is felt like a massive stronghold.   Thank you.

22 comments:

Millie said...

Your goatmother certainly is popular. We're still all sending our blessings. Health truly is a thing not to be taken lightly.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Best of wishes, for this busy week!

You have come up with a fine list of "What We've Learned." Now, to put 'em all, into practice, hu? :-))))

And YES, why is called "a pair of panties"?????? There is a deep question, which may or may not have already been the topic of some very expensive research project... Now, who wants to pay me, to research it? lol.

No, pay you! You asked the question. ,-)


Gentle hugs,
"Auntie"

"Home is the most popular,
and will be the most enduring
of all earthly establishments."

~~Channing Pollock

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

And oh for Pete's sakes! No more noise about being sorry for not reading/commenting in all blogs and that sort of thing!!!!

"Auntie" REALLY sezzzzzz...! :-) Hugs...

Candy C. said...

I like number 4, very deep and very true...
Take care of the Goatmother this week Marigold, it sounds as though she is going to be very busy and please make sure she wears her presentable undies! Hmmmm...why DO they call them a pair?!?

DebH said...

We're here, We're here, We're heeerre!! I always think of Horton hears a Who...and Yes..I think of you often and know its all unknown, but when the Dr said it was the beginning of a journey, it kinda made me mad.. I've been living my journey for quite some time and I think my entire life is a Journey! I also love this Journey too,,good, bad and everthing its made up of! Keep us updated!!

Snowcatcher said...

Well said. I think imagination can go in many different ways; we just have to direct it into good paths and forbid it to go down dark paths. :) Unless, like, we have Steven King talent...

May this week bring you many blessings and bursts of happiness. Remember we all indeed are still pulling for you.

Mrs. Micawber said...

Is it Wednesday already? Because these are words of wisdom indeed.

Good luck with the rest of this week's appointments! May your doctors be kind and wise and understanding, and give you the best of care.

Ginnie said...

Oh, I especially like number 4. Thinking about you all, especially this week with the appointments. And let me know if Goatmother needs a "countdown calendar" of tea (or chocolate, peanuts, or whatever) and I'll put one together for you.

Marigold said...

Dear Millie,
Yes, that Goatmother is quite the sought-after one. And you are right. Health is not to be taken lightly, which is why I eat Peanuts. I am convinced they are a super-food. In fact, I think I ought to make a little red cape for them. What do you think? Keep those blessings coming! The Goatmother is using them up right and left. :)

Marigold said...

Dear Auntie,
They have Government studies for all kinds of things like the mating habits of the Dual-nosed Snot Monkey. I think the money would be put to far better use studying something like why underwear is a pair. They should pay me. After all, I work for Peanuts. :)

Marigold said...

Dear Candy,
Yes, I do believe No. 4 might actually be one of the great mysteries of life. Perhaps it is the answer to the Universe and other great imponderables. I am keeping my eye on that Goatmother. She has lost so much weight, that when she went to the ND yesterday, and the woman wanted to check her stomach, at first she couldn't find where the beginning of the underwear was because there was so much leftover material. Well, at least they were presentable. See? You just never know.

Marigold said...

Dear DebH,
Wise words, those. We might have to make you an honorary goat. Thank you for thinking of us!

Marigold said...

Dear SnowCatcher,
Thank you for the blessings! Now, then, Shhhhh! about that Stephen King thing. We don't like to encourage that little green UnDead (or do you know about him?) Anyway, yes, as I've said before, imagination is just too little to be out on its own. Keep those legs in shape for some more kicking! :)

Marigold said...

Dear Mrs. Micawber,
Thank you! We hope your wishes achieve fruition! So far we've found all doctors great, but the 'help' is sometimes not quite so 'on the ball', so to speak. However, we remain ever-vigilant. In fact, I may need to reassemble the HomeGoat Security team. Besides, we've heard coyotes.

Marigold said...

Dear Ginnie,
How very sweet of you! Well, we still don't know any numbers to countdown, but soon. It is always 'soon'. Ha! Thank you for traveling with us and for your very sweet and generous offer! Who knows, we might take you up on it. :)

Ginnie said...

Just let me know!

Marigold said...

Dear Ginnie,
Thank you! You are a jewel too! :)

* said...

Hope the goatmother's busy week is beginning to lessen off a little and that everyone is present and correct.

I must add that your words of wisdom are always enlightening, but I must admit to thinking it would maybe be quite useful for you to be around to butt our postman .....he certainly could do with one!

Marigold said...

Dear Faith,
Oh, yes! I could lie in wait in the bushes and get him when he isn't looking. Then I am just sure he would have to go home and readjust his 'drawers', so to speak, so that No. 4 would be applicable in his life. :) We would not, however, alert the press.

Marigold said...

Dear Faith,
Oops. I got carried away, that would be No. 5, not No. 4. I'm sure he's already breathing in. Probably more than out. :)

catsmum said...

hive the goat mother some goaty snuzzles from us, okay ?
Rosie, Robbyn, Ruby and Rowan [ 4 goats from OZtralia]

Marigold said...

Dear Catsmum,
Thank you for the snuzzles! They are most assuredly welcome!