Life of Wry

Perhaps the best cure for the fear of death is to reflect that life has a beginning as well as an end. There was a time when you were not: that gives us no concern. Why then should it trouble us that a time will come when we shall cease to be? To die is only to be as we were before we were born. -William Hazlitt, essayist (1778-1830)

I’m not in a mood.  Really.  I wasn’t thinking about death today.  I wasn’t even reflecting–choice of pictures notwithstanding.   I just came upon this quote and thought it was interesting.  And the creek was very still this morning making for some great photography, even for us non-photographer types.   So.. there it is.  I’m leaving the quote there–maudlin as it may be–for your reflecting pleasure.

No, if I were to reflect today, it might be on Peter’s piss and vinegar mood–that’s piss and vinegar in a good way.. mostly.  On this day, he was up early, made his own breakfast (happens .0023% of the time), and showered (that may actually be a pre-school first).  (And here you may picture me quietly observing from a distance, face furrowed in a slightly perplexed, if not dubious expression.) It’s a fun and funny age–this transition to manhood.  Or at least adolescence. He’s growing, darkening, deepening.  Moving into a space more his own, test driving some odd little personalities.  Plucky, cocky. Overall, I think he’s digging it… as he seems to be pretty full of himself lately.  He’s more private, too.. which is interesting to observe.  For the first time, I’m aware that Peter is living a good part of his life outside of our view.

Anyway…

Reflect as you will.  On death, adolescence, or something else of your choosing.  It’s a good day for it.