Uncategorized

I never thought the English language, per se, would be a great teacher of philosophy.  Perhaps I was wrong.

I was watching a video (click on this to link to the video) by Phuc Tran on the subjunctive use in the English language.  He makes several interesting points – some of which  I am still working through.  Here are some of the thoughts that I wandered away with!

There is a dark side to the subjunctive – that use of English which lets you think about what could happened.  On the far side of that is what should have happened, what we wish would have happened.  We become guilty and depressed.  Accepting things for what they are – the indicativeness of our lives (indicated by the indicative in the English language) – is the first step to overcoming depression and anxiety.

We can be creative or mired in regret when we live in the subjunctive.  The indicative does not allow us to imagine at all, but it does allow us to talk about ourselves and our experiences in real terms.

From some recent readings:

The greatness of one’s life is seen in both the blemishes and the beauty.

The sacred is always full of scars.

Yesterday I took some time to create some drawer/pullouts for our kitchen cupboards.

It has been a while since I have played with wood.  I had forgotten how much fun there is in that. 

My experience with wood for furniture’s sake goes back almost 30 years.  One summer my brother and I  made various pieces of art.  At least we like to think so!  No money in it, but lots of fun, hard work and learning.

After that I would spend a few days each year just making or restoring furniture.  With our move to Kindersley and a senior pastorate, my time was redirected.  Not much time for playing with wood.

At the moment we are remodelling our kitchen.  In doing so, I volunteered to work on some custom made shelving.  My volunteering was partly motivated by money.  But secretly this was a return to just doing something with my hands.

And fun it has been.  Another few hours to go and I hope to see the fruit of my labours completed. 

Yesterday I was exposed to the sun – particularly the top of my head.

The result?

A red top!

The opportunity was given to me to attend an outdoor parade of a local group here in town.  The chairs were comfortable and the company pleasing.  The refreshments following were welcoming!

I sat and enjoyed the presentation.  Along with a well thought out program, and as minor adjustments happened, as wind blew disrupting papers and as uniform changes occurred, the waiting time in the sun caused sunburn.

I’m one for whom most sunburn does not result in peeling.  I have been thankful for that over the years.

This morning I’m sensing a tingling.

We’ll see how long I will be red on top, or what the consequences may be!!