Saturday, May 26, 2012

Ignorance

"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance." - Confucius

I stumbled upon the above quote while searching for something on the web today. There are a lot of variations of this out there. Some much more complicated, some made so simple the meaning becomes lost.

It brought to mind a story that made the difference between “ignorant” and “stupid” crystal clear.

I was having dinner at a restaurant with my husband, Dart and his father, both Cuban. Our waitress spoke Spanish, so my husband ordered for us in their language. She looked at me and in Spanish asked a question, which I couldn't answer. This situation, where someone assumes I speak the language always leaves me uncomfortable.

Dart said to her, in English, "She's ignorant of the Spanish language."

I lost my breath. I honestly could not breathe for the perceived insult. The look on my face must have made my feelings obvious. I got up and walked out, with Dart right on my heels. I left the restaurant with him following and apologizing and trying to explain himself. At least, that’s what I think he was saying. I couldn’t make out exact words. The pounding in my head drowned out all ability to process and understand speech in any language. I kept walking until the throbbing in my ears subsided.

Once calm enough, my hearing returned. I spun around and shouted, "How dare you! You would call me stupid in front of a stranger? In front of your father? What was it? Did you think if you insulted my inability to speak your language, she’d think you more of a man? What the hell?"

“Please, sweetheart, listen. You misunderstood. I said ‘ignorant’, not ‘stupid.’”

“What?! What difference does that make? Is that your idea of an apology?”
“No! Baby, ignorant is to say you haven’t learned something you’re capable of learning. Stupid means you’re incapable of learning, no matter what.”


I gasped. I suddenly remembered English is his second language. With no trace of an accent, it was sometimes hard to keep that fact in mind. Of course he would differentiate the words down to such detail. I felt a bigger fool than I’d ever felt in my life. Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t throw my arms around him and profess my undying admiration or anything. I am woman, after all.


So I said, “I understand you are ignorant of the implications of certain words when spoken in public. Now, let’s get back to the table. I think your father may be concerned.”


Since then, I have been keenly aware of my ignorance, as Dart has been aware of his.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Over thinking


I was admiring my husband’s handiwork on one of his projects. I said “Wow. I could not do that. I would have messed that up so bad.”

He said, “Well, I found you can’t over think it. Just do it.”

“Hmm…” I said. “Interesting concept. I’ll think on that and get back with you later.”

It took a second, but he laughed.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Movie Quotes - Random

A list of some of my favorite movie quotes. No, I'm not going to rank them. I love them all.

Most of links contain the quote referenced. Feel free to click the links and enjoy the show!


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"I want my father back, you son-of-a-bitch."

~Princess Bride, 1987


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"Schwarma's after."

~The Avengers, 2012


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"This is Sparta!

300, 2006

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“Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!”

~Auntie Mame, 1958

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“Just when you think you know something, you have to look at it in a different way.”

~Dead Poets Society, 1989

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“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”

~Casablanca, 1942

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“A boy's best friend is his mother.”

Psycho, 1960

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"Remember the signal?"

~Team America World Police, 2004

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“I’m as anatomically impaired as a Ken doll.”

~Dogma, 1999 

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“I am your father.”



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“Ya just gotta go out there and give a hundret and ten percent!”




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"Do you think the sexes should be equal?"

"Heavens, no! Men would become unmanageable."



~Dark Shadows, 2012

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Sunday, May 13, 2012

She’s Gone

I'm republishing this today as a dedication to my Mom on Mother’s Day. If your Mom is still alive, give her a big hug for those of us who have lost ours.

I was speaking with a friend and she mentioned something about her mother. It made me catch my breath. This poem has been formulating since.

She’s Gone

A random sight
a flash of pain
stops me cold
reminds me
she’s gone

A child reaches
grasps it’s mother’s hand
Both laugh, something between them
The sting of loss
Pierces my heart

Breath stolen
for a moment
I fight the tears
always hidden
Why now?

A mask, my brave expression
I have children of my own
never again my mother’s embrace
I had it once
some never did

It’s hard to walk
harder to breathe
swallowing hard
try to smile at them
‘Don’t cry’

Mother died, long ago
decades passed
Longer spaces between random waves
that returns me
to my mothers side

Knees find strength
I carry on
her final words
“You will be fine”
She’s gone

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Kickstarter Complete!

WE DID IT! WOO-HOO!!!! Thanks to everyone for their pledge, support, prayers and all around good vibes sent our way! We did it!

I'm getting published!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/875 … -anthology


Thanks Casper! You put in a lot of very hard work and your diligence and effort have paid off for everyone involved in the project. You and your team are amazing!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Bumper Snicker

Bumper sticker of the day --  Make it as hard to get welfare as it is to get a building permit.