Exploring the mystery is currently investigating the nature of disappointment. (Origin of inquiry: Sunday New York Times Travel Section, March 30, 2014).
Describing the “grandeur and timeless culture of Rajasthan,” reporter Russ Juskalian observed that viewing a fort, accessible by a narrow stone roadway that passed through a series of stone gates, “did not disappoint.”
Having been a tourist and pilgrim in India, I suspect that Juskalian would not have been disappointed viewing any apparition* (look it up), if it meant he could dismount from his camel.
The “did not disappoint” phrase tickled my fancy. I wanted to write about it! It gave me a theme and an opportunity to use illustrative personal photos. The resulting post, I fantasized, would be full of pithy* language (you didn’t put away the dictionary did you?)
Despite an exhaustive search, India pictures remained hidden. While searching I encountered the image above; it seemed the ultimate word on disappointment. Plus it contained enough cynicism to partner with last weeks quote (for those of you without images it says: Eat Well, Stay Fit, Die Anyway!).
There is more to explore about disappointment but not today. In the meantime, please go to the blog or reply to this email with your comments. Have you been disappointed since last week? What does disappointment feel like?
Thanks for understanding that exploring the mystery takes second place to the gorgeous spring day. If you are disappointed, use the disappointment to explore disappointment. Nicky Mendenhall
*When writing, words sometimes appear in my head and I don’t know exactly where they came from or what they mean. Often the dictionary definition proves eerily accurate for my purposes. Does this happen to you?
2 comments
I'm not that cynical. I'd say, "Eat well, stay fit, die later." This week my disappointment was that my kids are still sick. I can't do anything about that except express sympathy and offer food. What does it feel like? The usual mothers' heartache.
As for the dictionary. Sometimes I think I know what a word means but it's clarified when I look it up or the second meaning pops out – like your use of "apparition." I'd probably get back on my camel if I saw an apparition!
I like your take on the slogan – die later. Thanks!
Sorry to hear your children are ill – very disappointing when we can't fix their suffering.
Thanks for your thoughts on the Dictionary – I like the idea of reading the second definition. Your comment about seeing apparitions brought a smile.
Thanks for your comments –
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