Recently I wrote a post about how to look at the edges of a carpet as a metaphor for life. You know the bits of a carpet that aren't neatly sewn up but rather hang there loosely at the edges? Do you see those bits as fray - as messy, a nuisance and unorganized? Or do you see them as fringe - as … [Read more...] about Fray or fringe worldview; you can choose
Fringe or Fray: how you see the edges affects how you see the core
I love lists. I love making them and checking them off. I like to think (some might say delude myself) that they help me have a sense of control over my life. I can get a bit crazy when I feel I don't have any control, when I'm unorganized, when I'm not sure where things are, what I have to do … [Read more...] about Fringe or Fray: how you see the edges affects how you see the core
Fail forward
When Albert Einstein was asked what the best source of invention was he replied 'mistakes' (as heard on Terry O'Reilly's Age of Persuasion). The only time we don't make mistakes is when we're sleeping (found on an IKEA postcard). Why then do we deny mistakes? Cover them up? Hide from them? Are … [Read more...] about Fail forward
Leaving behind Tim Hortons at the Olympics
This is the view that greets me most mornings as I start my volunteer shift as a NOC assistant for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Tim Hortons on the sidelines. Cups of caffeine left behind, lined up along the garbage can, as we weave our way through security into the athlete's village. No liquids … [Read more...] about Leaving behind Tim Hortons at the Olympics
Start small & think big; creme brulee over soya sauce
A taste of two worlds. And a time honoured lesson. I was trying to put soya sauce on my sushi the other day and having a devil of a time. The little package of soya sauce didn't have a small pre-cut in it designed to make it easy to open. While yesterday my taste buds were watering in … [Read more...] about Start small & think big; creme brulee over soya sauce
Perspective & the Problems of Privilege part 2
Never doubt that there are spirits alternately laughing at and with you, supporting you, egging you on, helping you walk on eggs and sometimes throwing egg in your face. After my last post about feeling the angsty-post-Christmas blues I simply had to laugh at this over the top take on privilege in … [Read more...] about Perspective & the Problems of Privilege part 2
Perspective & the Problems of Privilege
The house is a mess. The kids have been watching too much TV. I've been eating too much Christmas chocolate. The effects of Christmas (a.k.a. gift wrap, decorations, gifts, extra food) are strewn around the house like land bound flotsam and jetsam. I'm feeling argumentative and frustrated and … [Read more...] about Perspective & the Problems of Privilege