Awestruck

[mlerules]

New concept for me: if'n the surroundings aren't up to snuff, change 'em to suit. Now I do this in various ways, but full-on terraforming's never seemed possible...before this past w'end. We found a neat set of rapids where the water coursed through a couple of big rocks, nearly perfect for blazing through on your tummy w/hand outstretched to fend off contact w/the "ouch rocks." The kids and I spend much time playing w/this. The following day, one of the big guys (swoon - many furry full-blooded boyz at this festival) makes his way out to our white water area and tries it himself. He does NOT approve of the "ouch rocks" and has a hard time getting started as he's got more body mass so the water can't take him as far. So, he starts grabbing HUGE stones (small boulders) and moving 'em outta the way. We watch, jaws agape, then start in w/some dam building to channel more water down our waterway and raise the water levels. Ta-da! It works marvelously! Later on, whilst we're crowding 'round the fire pit (it got chilly at night), a chair just wouldn't fit in what would've been a perfect spot (out of the smoke) but for a HUGE stump in the way. This thing was fully 4' across and 3.5' tall. As a joke, I'd already tried leaning my full (not inconsiderable) weight against it and it didn't budge. Along comes Tuor, grabbing the dang blasted stump and twirling/rolling it outta the way just enough. Much awe. And new food for thought: it can be possible to change one's environmentm along with or perhaps in lieu of changing one's view/judgment/thoughts 'bout the environment. If there's a problem (ouch rox or stump) and a solution (move 'em), it just might be possible to Make It So.

This w'end provided much food for thought. Huzzah for more mind fodder! So necessary. No pearls of wisdom have formed 'nuff 'round the grains of sand in mine mind to spew out right here right now...hopefully they'll come. Right now it's more a mess of richness in my mind, a bunch of unformed ideas floating around, stewing, marinating, playing w/one another...may they crystallize into nuggets of wisdom.

The w'end was also full of laughter: necessary for the soul. Sharp wits abounded. Cleverness, too.

I am pleased.

Comments

[stacymckenna.livejournal.com]

if'n the surroundings aren't up to snuff, change 'em to suit
"Julie of the Wolves" (why the hell can't I find my copy?!?!) twists this slightly to say "If you're angry or upset there's something wrong with your situation so do something to change it". At one point, stranded out on the tundra with a pack of wolves, feeling angry and frustrated, she remembers her grandfather telling her this idea, and the only thing she can think of to do to change her situation is to pick up a nearby rock and throw it. Otherwise, she was powerless to change her situation/surroundings. And yet, it helped...

[mlerules.livejournal.com]

I like this. Taking some small measure of control over one's situation/surroundings can make you feel a bit better, not quite so powerless. Action can affect the mind greatly. As can inaction...