Monday, Monday
22 total reviews
Comment from Green Lake Girl
Monday, Monday . . . the lyrics played through my head as I read your essay. It's fascinating to read someone else's perspective on life. The age-old question of why we are here. If you've made a difference to people, that is a major accomplishment. To impact someone's life in a positive way is like giving them a gift. You're a good writer and your thoughts are well organized making for a very thought provoking read.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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Monday, Monday . . . the lyrics played through my head as I read your essay. It's fascinating to read someone else's perspective on life. The age-old question of why we are here. If you've made a difference to people, that is a major accomplishment. To impact someone's life in a positive way is like giving them a gift. You're a good writer and your thoughts are well organized making for a very thought provoking read.
Comment Written 10-Jun-2014
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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Thans for reading and reviewing. Had an introspective day.
Comment from Dean Kuch
I'm a firm believer in fate and irony, SE. I think those two factors, more than any others, are the driving forces behind our lives. Some people get lucky, end up being in the right place, at precisely the right time. Then there are the types of people who finally, after decades of playing the lottery, realize they have the winning numbers written down on their notepad, but neglected to play them. There too are people who DO play their numbers, win, and end up losing the ticket, or accidentally washing it with the laundry. In other words, fated fools.
As for reincarnation, if it were true, I've always thought it would be great for an atheist to be reincarnated as a tree, giving comforting shade to people going to Sunday service in the courtyard of a church. After a century or more of this, and still standing long after the church has closed and crumbled away to dust, to be cut down, taken to a paper mill and made into paper. That paper then to be sent to a Christian Publishing house and used for printing Bibles on.
Now, that's irony there...
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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I'm a firm believer in fate and irony, SE. I think those two factors, more than any others, are the driving forces behind our lives. Some people get lucky, end up being in the right place, at precisely the right time. Then there are the types of people who finally, after decades of playing the lottery, realize they have the winning numbers written down on their notepad, but neglected to play them. There too are people who DO play their numbers, win, and end up losing the ticket, or accidentally washing it with the laundry. In other words, fated fools.
As for reincarnation, if it were true, I've always thought it would be great for an atheist to be reincarnated as a tree, giving comforting shade to people going to Sunday service in the courtyard of a church. After a century or more of this, and still standing long after the church has closed and crumbled away to dust, to be cut down, taken to a paper mill and made into paper. That paper then to be sent to a Christian Publishing house and used for printing Bibles on.
Now, that's irony there...
Comment Written 10-Jun-2014
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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A fine example of irony. Standing as a sentinel to a belief system one does not believe in. Makes you wonder about the guards in the death cams and whether they were all cold-blooded killers at heart.
Thanks for reading.
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They only did what they were ordered to do. Just on the wrong side of the fence, is all.
You're welcome.
Comment from Donya Quijote
Contemplative, reflective, thought provoking and all on a Monday. You must be in some mood. Speaking as one who drop off the planet tomorrow and no one would notice. I think I kind of know where you are coming from. Even my former Spanish students will forget all that I have taught them. The teacher after uses translation so they don't have to learn anything. I, too, wonder if I am make any difference sometimes. Just so you know you are one of the reasons I stay here, so you have made a difference...
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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Contemplative, reflective, thought provoking and all on a Monday. You must be in some mood. Speaking as one who drop off the planet tomorrow and no one would notice. I think I kind of know where you are coming from. Even my former Spanish students will forget all that I have taught them. The teacher after uses translation so they don't have to learn anything. I, too, wonder if I am make any difference sometimes. Just so you know you are one of the reasons I stay here, so you have made a difference...
Comment Written 09-Jun-2014
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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Well it begs the question, why would no one notice? Are you really so completely isolated that there wouldn't be a relative or friend to grieve your mourning?
Yet, I understand. Even my family, small though it is, would benefit more from my insurance policy than my presence, though they'd waer otherwise.
Have you been following my book?
It's being serialized on Page and Spine. com each Friday a new chapter is printed, but the early ones are archived n the site for easy access. It's a story about a terminal patient and how she lives the rest of her life after being given 3-6 months to live.
Comment from DALLAS01
Wow you sure are in a contemplative space. When I go to that place that you are describing, I have to get the hell out of my head, because it usually leads me to the edge of some proverbial cliff that likes to watch me teetering. Good write. Do something nice for yourself.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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Wow you sure are in a contemplative space. When I go to that place that you are describing, I have to get the hell out of my head, because it usually leads me to the edge of some proverbial cliff that likes to watch me teetering. Good write. Do something nice for yourself.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2014
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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Yes, I was, am in a reflective state of mind. Not a horrific funk, but levelling off to accept the way things are. thanks for reading.
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acceptance is a daily refrain....lol
Comment from Sasha
I enjoyed this so much, I read it twice. I think most of us were scullery maids, we couldn't all be Cleopatra. Ingrid, you always stop me in my tracks with your writing. You make me think...even when I don't want to think. I loved every word of this and wouldn't change anything. It is perfect just as it is. You are such an amazing woman, my dear, scullery made or not, I have no doubt you were a good one. One last thought, we all look back on our life and wonder what would have been different if our childhood had been different. I know I do. But I am pleased with who I have become so I guess that was the path I needed to take to get to where I am now. I am not famous, but I am at peace with who (or is it whom) I have become. You should be too. I have tremendous admiration and respect for you. I enjoyed this very much and plan on bookcasing it so I can read it again.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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I enjoyed this so much, I read it twice. I think most of us were scullery maids, we couldn't all be Cleopatra. Ingrid, you always stop me in my tracks with your writing. You make me think...even when I don't want to think. I loved every word of this and wouldn't change anything. It is perfect just as it is. You are such an amazing woman, my dear, scullery made or not, I have no doubt you were a good one. One last thought, we all look back on our life and wonder what would have been different if our childhood had been different. I know I do. But I am pleased with who I have become so I guess that was the path I needed to take to get to where I am now. I am not famous, but I am at peace with who (or is it whom) I have become. You should be too. I have tremendous admiration and respect for you. I enjoyed this very much and plan on bookcasing it so I can read it again.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2014
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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Yes, and Tuesday, Tuesday would have been about human excrement if I actually posted what I wrote, but perhaps not this week. Thanks for the lovely stars and the read.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Ingrid,
okay, you've done it again... again you say? Yeah, I read what you have to say and sit here motionless in front of a screen letting your words soak in. In my conclusion, I can only come up with this... I think everybody revisits the path they took to get to where we are in present day, but their are two distinct groups. One sits and ponders on what could have been and the story continues to revolve and revisit. The other is the writer who has the memory and turns it into constructive memoir, or even just an amusing musing of ones thoughts. One thing's very clear to me from reading this though, you see yourself as someone unincredible, even mundane, where as, I see you as a very incredible person with so much wisdom to impart, a pragmatic woman who takes every day as it comes. Here I sit still contemplating your words and then my focus goes to the visual you chose to adorn this well crafted essay... some may see the sun shrouded in cloud and going down, while others like me, will see the sun rising up through the clouds to light a brand new day... the one that tells you--'why not me?' I have to believe in purpose, for without it I am doomed to how you have so famously coined...'a pointless life' and I for one, will fight that until the end.
Don't blame me, you cause it... I'm only the recipient of your thoughts... your the one that evokes response. It must be the fact Neptune has just turned retrograde... smile))))))).
With our thoughts we create,
anything we want,
James xx
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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Hi Ingrid,
okay, you've done it again... again you say? Yeah, I read what you have to say and sit here motionless in front of a screen letting your words soak in. In my conclusion, I can only come up with this... I think everybody revisits the path they took to get to where we are in present day, but their are two distinct groups. One sits and ponders on what could have been and the story continues to revolve and revisit. The other is the writer who has the memory and turns it into constructive memoir, or even just an amusing musing of ones thoughts. One thing's very clear to me from reading this though, you see yourself as someone unincredible, even mundane, where as, I see you as a very incredible person with so much wisdom to impart, a pragmatic woman who takes every day as it comes. Here I sit still contemplating your words and then my focus goes to the visual you chose to adorn this well crafted essay... some may see the sun shrouded in cloud and going down, while others like me, will see the sun rising up through the clouds to light a brand new day... the one that tells you--'why not me?' I have to believe in purpose, for without it I am doomed to how you have so famously coined...'a pointless life' and I for one, will fight that until the end.
Don't blame me, you cause it... I'm only the recipient of your thoughts... your the one that evokes response. It must be the fact Neptune has just turned retrograde... smile))))))).
With our thoughts we create,
anything we want,
James xx
Comment Written 09-Jun-2014
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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By nature, James, you are a born philosopher. You get the depth of thought translated into simple words, because you feel at a deeper level than most folks. Of course, that also means you suffer more --cost of admission.
Thanks for the galaxy of stars, they're gratefully appreciated, as if acknowledgement that someone heard me.
Comment from boxergirl
I found this interesting but a little sad. It seems that you have been searching for meaning in your life whether it be the past, present, or future. I know sometimes people try to follow a "religion" and often become disillusioned with the results. I was brought up in church, and dealt with this problem until in my later years, I realized that I was putting my faith in people and not my Heavenly Father. I found out he loves me for who I am and he will always be there for me. He doesn't promise a perfect life here on earth because we live in a broken world, but he does promise to be with us when we do have to endure the trials. Another thing he promises is to prepare a place for us when we leave our earthly bodies. A place where there will be no more pain,no more sadness, no more death. And because he sent his son Jesus to die for our sins, we have access to him anytime we want. I can share my thoughts, fears, anger, frustrations, everything with him. He loves us whether we love him back or not. To gain that access, all I had to do was say, "God, I can't do this on my own. I need you in my life. I trust you to be my guide through this journey and I know you have a purpose for me while I'm here." All he wants from us is to love him and love others.
I hope you don't think I'm trying to be preachy because that is the last thing I want to be. I just know how much peace and contentment that I have found because of him. I do agree we can all make a difference in this world.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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I found this interesting but a little sad. It seems that you have been searching for meaning in your life whether it be the past, present, or future. I know sometimes people try to follow a "religion" and often become disillusioned with the results. I was brought up in church, and dealt with this problem until in my later years, I realized that I was putting my faith in people and not my Heavenly Father. I found out he loves me for who I am and he will always be there for me. He doesn't promise a perfect life here on earth because we live in a broken world, but he does promise to be with us when we do have to endure the trials. Another thing he promises is to prepare a place for us when we leave our earthly bodies. A place where there will be no more pain,no more sadness, no more death. And because he sent his son Jesus to die for our sins, we have access to him anytime we want. I can share my thoughts, fears, anger, frustrations, everything with him. He loves us whether we love him back or not. To gain that access, all I had to do was say, "God, I can't do this on my own. I need you in my life. I trust you to be my guide through this journey and I know you have a purpose for me while I'm here." All he wants from us is to love him and love others.
I hope you don't think I'm trying to be preachy because that is the last thing I want to be. I just know how much peace and contentment that I have found because of him. I do agree we can all make a difference in this world.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2014
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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We can all say the words, but to be infused with faith at your level is a gift. It would be just as difficult for someone like you to accept that there is no God, as it is for someone to accept there is.Thanks for the kind words and generous response. I do appreciate it.
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8-)
Comment from Jay Squires
I finish this piece and can only sigh. At seventy-four years of age, I think I am (and have always been) one of God's unchosen. I daresay, over my many years I have gone through as many phases as you, thinking each was the way, and finding at the end of that particular road I was more ignorant than when I first embarked.
Life is not short. Actually, life is very long and the older you get the longer it gets and the farther away are life's answers.
If I went on for twenty pages on this review of your piece (and, trust me I could), I would not be able to capture the wisdom in your statement of unknowing, yet accepting.
God bless, you Ingrid (and to echo someone whose name I don't recall) and God bless us all!
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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I finish this piece and can only sigh. At seventy-four years of age, I think I am (and have always been) one of God's unchosen. I daresay, over my many years I have gone through as many phases as you, thinking each was the way, and finding at the end of that particular road I was more ignorant than when I first embarked.
Life is not short. Actually, life is very long and the older you get the longer it gets and the farther away are life's answers.
If I went on for twenty pages on this review of your piece (and, trust me I could), I would not be able to capture the wisdom in your statement of unknowing, yet accepting.
God bless, you Ingrid (and to echo someone whose name I don't recall) and God bless us all!
Comment Written 09-Jun-2014
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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Your very generous response and abundant stars are greatly appreciated.
as we age, we can no longer take things for granted--especially this shell we have been given to lug around--our bodies. That more than anything begins to feel like a burden. Thanks very much.
Comment from judiverse
This is very thoughtful and reflective. I was confused when I first saw this post, as it was listed as fiction, so glad to see you changed that. Your opening is very thought-provoking. You round that out in your conclusion by writing about making a difference--if not in God's book, then in your own. I think everyone has that same wish--to make a difference. Excellent thoughts about being a shepherd and on reincarnation. Yes, even a scullery maid can make a difference. Excellent organization of material from one paragraph to the next. judi
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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This is very thoughtful and reflective. I was confused when I first saw this post, as it was listed as fiction, so glad to see you changed that. Your opening is very thought-provoking. You round that out in your conclusion by writing about making a difference--if not in God's book, then in your own. I think everyone has that same wish--to make a difference. Excellent thoughts about being a shepherd and on reincarnation. Yes, even a scullery maid can make a difference. Excellent organization of material from one paragraph to the next. judi
Comment Written 09-Jun-2014
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2014
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Yes, even some of us old-timers forget to change the genre, but I did catch it. Thanks for the very generous bouquet of stars.
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You are very welcome. judi
Comment from The Death
Hi, Ingrid.
Very thought-provoking narrative of your personal views about real worth and meaning of life, with more emphasis on living the life without worrying about other's thoughts and actions.
We all are different, but do share some similarities. Childhood plays a critical role in framing our personality. Some are lucky to have a healthy upbringing, others are unfortunate. Despite all these facts, we are individuals--supposed to stand alone and face the world with the aid of wisdom gained through personal experience.
True to my biological nature, I contributed, birthed and nurtured a child, but at the best of times, I felt functional, not brilliant, nor enlightened.
Do you think a dash would be more effective after 'functional' rather than the comma used?
While still in my reincarnation phase, I was astonished by the number of people who though they were Napoleon or Cleopatra.
It should be 'thought'.
The beauty of life is not in finding ourselves tagged with some religion, but in being the 'real' us, accepting and tackling whatever comes across.
It is so ironical that people have trust in some wicked preachers, but fail to impose faith in themselves.
You have encapsulated a lot here. Your philosophical thoughts and commentary is very interesting and deep, too.
Strong introductory part and subtle-paced exploration of this theme keep the readers engaged.
Loved the closing line! It's all about being self-satisfied with our actions and lives--rest doesn't count. We should strive do the best we can for others. This is the only thing we have in hand.
Excellently crafted!
Regards,
Anupam
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2014
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Hi, Ingrid.
Very thought-provoking narrative of your personal views about real worth and meaning of life, with more emphasis on living the life without worrying about other's thoughts and actions.
We all are different, but do share some similarities. Childhood plays a critical role in framing our personality. Some are lucky to have a healthy upbringing, others are unfortunate. Despite all these facts, we are individuals--supposed to stand alone and face the world with the aid of wisdom gained through personal experience.
True to my biological nature, I contributed, birthed and nurtured a child, but at the best of times, I felt functional, not brilliant, nor enlightened.
Do you think a dash would be more effective after 'functional' rather than the comma used?
While still in my reincarnation phase, I was astonished by the number of people who though they were Napoleon or Cleopatra.
It should be 'thought'.
The beauty of life is not in finding ourselves tagged with some religion, but in being the 'real' us, accepting and tackling whatever comes across.
It is so ironical that people have trust in some wicked preachers, but fail to impose faith in themselves.
You have encapsulated a lot here. Your philosophical thoughts and commentary is very interesting and deep, too.
Strong introductory part and subtle-paced exploration of this theme keep the readers engaged.
Loved the closing line! It's all about being self-satisfied with our actions and lives--rest doesn't count. We should strive do the best we can for others. This is the only thing we have in hand.
Excellently crafted!
Regards,
Anupam
Comment Written 09-Jun-2014
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2014
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Right on the spag--corrected and on the function--far more effective. Thanks.