Ha-ha-ha-happy go lucky me

“Who peed on your cornflakes this morning?” would ask my ex-wife, in her usual subtle and highly original way, when I would arise in a particularly grumpy mood.

Probably you, I would think, but would refrain from saying, not wanting to throw more fuel onto that conflagration.

So, I get the impression from some comments left on my latest blog that a few faithful readers feel I am in a particularly vile mood of late. You know, that I have taken my curmudgeonliness to a higher level or something.

And then, as I re-read my last couple of blogs I could see how a reader might construe my thoughts in that manner. I suppose it does look like I’ve been accentuating the negatives of life. Oddly enough, I don’t really feel that way. A blog is essentially a capsule of a few thoughts revolving around a theme, but doesn’t really reflect my overall view of life, which is relatively upbeat.

So, as I was pondering this, I thought that its origins both lie within ‘me’ but also within something over which I have no control other than to do what I’m told.

I’m generally a pretty healthy guy, and I endeavor to take care of myself. So, when I had my health scare a few weeks ago, it sort of threw my equilibrium off balance. How could I have something wrong with me when I do what I should do?

Anyway, things are under control and I’ve been following clinical advice to the letter and, my doctor has told I that if I do that stuff, I will be jolly fine and healthy. OK. Now, all I have to do is accept it all. That’s what has put burrs under my saddle, I guess.

Then, I was reminded of something. My ex-wife, poor soul (yes, the same one as the cornflakes pee comment) had MS. In that she showed a lot of courage and fortitude. She also got as much emotional support from me as I could muster.

But, she would also do foolish things. She would try to deny her reality by doing the opposite of what she should have been doing. Heat is a bad thing for MS sufferers. What would she do? She’d linger for hours in a steaming bath.

“You are so goddamned contrary,” I’d tell her. “You take a hot bath, and then you’re going to feel like hell. That’s because you refuse to accept the reality of your condition. Your body isn’t going to tell you what to do.”

“You got that right,” she would reply.

“Damn foolishness,” I’d say.

So, I realized that I have been doing similar thing. I haven’t wanted to accept certain realities about me – you know, just little stuff like age and mortality and taking even better care of myself – and while I haven’t flown in the face of doing what I should, I’ve still been left a bit angry about it all. Just like she was. Now I get it and know why she did what she did.

Phew. Glad to get that off my mind.

Now, let’s look at the brighter side of life. I got another award! I got it from my dear and respected blogger friend, Jazz, so that makes it a great honor.

Brilliant Weblog is what the thing do say, and it has to be passed on to 7 worthy folk. In the first place, Jazz chose about half the people I’d like to send it to, so I shall have to choose seven others. Glad to, but again I hate to narrow it down, but I must.

Here is my noble seven with whom I would like to share this puppy:

Liz has become a particular favorite of mine with her Los Angelista’s Guide. She is eclectic, intelligent, witty and a genuinely warm human being with all her values in the right places. She inspires me often. She’ll do the same for you.

Ab-Fab artist Andrea is my next choice. I get green and a few other verdant hues of envy over the stunningly fine artwork of Andrea. But, her blog is also an inspiring, enchanting, thoughtful and intriguing read.

Tanya the Art Butcher is always a delight. Even though she granted me my previous award, I want to send one back to her, since she invariably gives me a smile with her whimsical views of domesticity, family and so forth, without ever getting sloppy.

A person of eclectic tastes and interests always is jmb. I actually know her real name, but I’m not telling. Never content to sit back and let life pass her by, she gets out and grabs the day in carpe diem manner.

Thailand Chani carries her spirituality into realms that can invariably be understood and fully appreciated. I love exploring the subtleties of the human condition with her. Always thought provoking is she and I relish her wisdom.

If you haven’t visited Marianne in Paris, you should. Explore the French capital through the eyes of a young Englishwoman and find some enchanting home thoughts from abroad, interspersed with an inimitable sense of pleasure, and sometimes frustration. And a hint of Jane Austen thrown in for good measure.

Finally, but assuredly not ‘least’ is Lady MacLeod. If you haven’t found her yet, you should. Be prepared for a bit of exotic at a number of levels, including her chosen provenance, Morocco. She can be riveting.

There are more, so many more, and wish I could have picked you all. As I’ve said before, you wouldn’t be on my blogroll if I didn’t value what you write.