They’ve always known they were different. Rare birds.
They want to make the world a better place and the people in it happier.
Polite folks just say they “march to the beat of a different drummer.” Others call them “peculiar” because, for whatever reason, they aren’t apt to play the reindeer games.
What do they have in common? They are all creative and love, most of all, coloring outside the lines. And while everyone else’s reindeer looks “normal,” theirs has to have a glowing red nose.
Do you know about this famous doctor named Patch Adams from West Virginia?
He wears a shiny red nose to make sick children snicker. Because laughter is sometimes the best medicine of all. Patch doesn’t just treat disease like most doctors. He treats people.
What else do these rare birds have in common besides coloring outside the lines? They twirl with abandon and jump in puddles just for fun. And sing high-pitched songs to backyard cats regardless of what the neighbors think.
Sometimes they create things that make the world say, “You’re just weird.” But Picasso and Stravinsky didn’t care; they liked their art, regardless.
Emily Dickinson secreted over 1700 poems in trunks and pouches, and wore only white dresses after her father died. The “Belle of Amherst” was one of a kind. No carbon copies to be found.
Besides creativity, another common trait in eccentrics is collecting (and sometimes hoarding). The strangest case I know is the man who was evicted from his house for adopting too many strays. And so he bought land and built a village for his homeless cats, Caboodle Ranch…
Then there are those who wear whatever strikes their fancy. They’ve invented a style of their own, and have no desire to “fit in” fashion wise.
You might be an eccentric if you have any of these traits:
A creative nature…
Childlike spontaneity…
A spiritual penchant…
Idealism (a desire to make the world a better place and the people in it happier)…
An obsession with one or more hobbies…
A propensity to think outside the box…
If you are “one of them,” please elaborate in the comments.
uh, yeah. when i was a little girl i always looked forward to watching the 'rudolph the red-nosed reindeer' christmas special on t.v. i loved the island of misfit toys! but, i could not figure out what made those toys 'wrong' or 'bad' ... they seemed 'special' (in a good way) to me -- haha!
ReplyDeletemy favorite salvadore dali quote: “the only difference between me and a madman is i'm not mad.”
Linda – I never saw the Rudolph Christmas special. There was an island of misfit toys? If I were a toy, that’s where they’d put me, I’m certain. As a child, you could discern the specialness of those oddball toys. Don’t eccentrics always pull for the underdogs?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the quote! Love it! My favorite is from the Skin Horse. “… once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
in case you want to visit the island of misfit toys:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SH1j1luFOw
i'm embarrassed to say that i got teary-eyed screening this for you -- haha!
Oh Linda, that is SO precious! Thank you! I can see why you cried ;-) I wonder if the toys ever do find a home with a boy or girl who loves them just the way they are… Now I’ll just have to rent the movie and find out.
ReplyDeleteI tend to think outside the box a bit...especially when it has to do with spiritual concepts. This has gotten me in a bit of trouble before! ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat post :)
Debra and Linda,
ReplyDeleteRudolph has long been my favorite! When I watched as a child, I longed for all the misfit toys to find a loving home; I still tear up every time I watch this classic Christmas tale. Think I'll sneak a peak at this link, Linda!
Debra, I loved this line from your post: "They twirl with abandon and jump in puddles just for fun". This shows how the "eccentric" is alive in the moment, not caring what those with "normal" agendas think. I am reminded, too, of how Jesus told us we must inherit the Kingdom as little children, filled with all the abandon, the wonder, and sheer delight in being the unique persons God created them to be.
My mom tried really hard all my life to make me "normal"; I so love her, but I know that is why it has taken so many years of my life to "come out" as a misfit and be proud of it!
Blessings, my friend, and thank you for helping this oddball to not feel I'm behind the 8-ball!
Jessica – Yes you do! And the thing that makes you unique is that you don’t mind saying so ;-) So many would wear their proper little masks and pretend to be ‘okay’ with the same old rigmarole. They don’t like people to ask too many questions, you know. Shh…
ReplyDeleteif the shoe fix i guess i will have to wear it. great post and god bless
ReplyDeleteMartha – You and Linda have me intrigued by this story! When I saw the clip of the misfit toys I knew I was meant to see the film in its entirety. I may wait until closer to Christmas, but then again maybe I won’t wait.
ReplyDeleteI read that eccentrics are among the happiest people on earth because they aren’t bound by societal norms and do tend to be more alive in the moment. Many are like those children Jesus spoke of, who will inherit the kingdom.
Bless our mammas, who tried to normalize us! And bless you my friend and fellow (rare) bird of a feather!
Roy – You are one of us without a doubt ;-) Bless you cowboy!
ReplyDeleteHi Debra, I found you on Twitter. Actually you're the first person that I've following all the way back to their blog.
ReplyDeleteI consider myself a bit different. I still skip, and I talk to animals, and take photos of odd things. I balk at the ordinary and search for the unique. I've never quite fit in with the main stream of things but now I see that as a good thing...I'm being me.
I've spent the last five years working with people that society views as damaged. They have taught me so much about the joy of being myself. Great post...glad to meet you;)
Happy Sunday Debra!
ReplyDeleteWell now you're talking girl. I've never 'fit the mold', my kids always say "You're mad as a box of frogs Mum" their friends always say,"Lets go see your Mum" Why? I have a stuffed squirrel on the stairs and a clown wearing a red striped Victorian bathing costume diving into the sink in the kitchen. There are elves in the conservatory and a witches-ball in the hall...need I go on?
Hugs x J
I never "fit the mold" literally and figuratively. Blonde and grey eyed growing in Egypt, heavy accent living in the States. And, to top it off, asked to leave a couple of churches for my "different" beliefs. Yep! Would say different. As for hobbies, well! Teach me anything and I will owe you for life.
ReplyDeleteOh my, haven't you touched on a lightning rod that will resonate with many! I've always said that there is a very real malady in this world of everyone feeling alone. Lonely because they're different, they don't fit in, they're not like everyone else. I believe the truth is that we ALL feel this way. Some of us hide it behind a mask of conformity, but deep down inside, we all feel different and separate from the rest of the world. A step slower or faster, our rhythm slightly discordant or our colors a trifle too brash.
ReplyDeleteIf we're fortunate, we're raised to celebrate those differences. Many, though, are encouraged to muffle the brightness, and that's sad. I'm one of the lucky few who was encouraged to let the brightness shine effusively, and I appreciate that bravery that my dear Mother embraced. It couldn't have been easy, in the face of a family full of conformists, but she did it. I see, experience and express Life in a different manner as a result and I find that other people resonate with my form of expression. That's beauty personified, so I will continue.
Lovely post, Debra! I am replying to your own comment on my last Grasshopper post, and I just posted new content today after a bit of a protracted silence. It's good to be back in writerly mode and visiting all my favorite people.
Much love to you, sweetheart!
- Dawn
Hmm I tend to think that when things are suppose to happen it will and all of sudden the gates open... It has happened many times and then I realize or connect the dots behind me.... It has happened again today hence the quick trip I have to make today....I guess that puts me into the category of weirdness!
ReplyDeleteLeah – What a pleasure to meet you, another kindred soul and unique individual! I love meeting people who still remember how to skip, and who talk to animals, and take photos of odd things, and don’t fit in with mainstream thinking ;-)
ReplyDeleteAre these people you work with...are they on the island of misfit toys too?
Thank you for following the trail all the way over here. Again, it’s such a pleasure to meet you, and I hope to become much better acquainted, because you sound like a fascinating soul!
Jane – Happy Sunday! What time is tea? I’ll be right over. I can meet your squirrel on the stairs and your clown diving into the kitchen sink, and the elves… and oh, what fun we’ll have sharing our stories of “weird.” My daughter informed me that her boyfriend said of me, “Your mother is… so unique!"
ReplyDeleteCheers to imagination!
Sonia – I wonder if your truth is stranger than your fiction ;-) Probably. I love hearing stories by those who have been kicked out of churches because of their “different” beliefs. You know that the prophets never did fit in - and never will. That’s what makes them so “peculiar.” Anyone at odds with the system is anathema ;-( But the ancient story never has changed, has it?
ReplyDeleteDawn – On hiding behind the mask of conformity…I just read a most interesting article by Steve Jobs. He hid behind the mask for years because of his parents’ expectations of him. Six months into college, he dropped out. And look where it got him! He wasn’t raised to celebrate his uniqueness, but he managed to escape the mold into which they tried to fit him.
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the lucky ones Dawn. Your mother had the foresight to allow your brightness to shine, instead of attempting to tone it down. It’s sad but true that the world (particularly educational systems) doesn’t value individuality. We all know how well they esteemed Einstein;-)
Check you later… hug!
Savira – ah yes: a spontaneous nature qualifies you as an eccentric ;-) Smart of you to connect the dots looking backward so that you see a pattern. You see how letting things happen as they are meant to unfold is basically a sweat-free lifestyle typical of many free spirits. You aren’t “weird” just free-spirited! Have a good trip. Wishing you traveling mercies. xoxox
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that my husband is unique and one of a kind. He loves to laugh and enjoys making others happy in his own way. I hope some of him is rubbing of on me. He makes me smile. I love your top picture with the rainbow. It really grabbed my attention. I enjoy your artistic style. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLaina – Aww, you’re just so sweet. So your husband has a great sense of humor? I’ll bet he is the sunshine of your life ;-) I love the rainbow picture too, as it best depicts those happy campers who bring promise and hope to this world that is all too often dismal. Thank you for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteAwww, Debra...how could I let this one get away? Writing you a response here just wasn't enough, so I dedicated a post on my blog both inspired by you and dedicated to you, as well as those friends of mine who are also round pegs surrounded by silly square holes, and who may need a little extra support now and again. Magic support, of course. With extra giggles on top. You inspire us all, my friend.:)
ReplyDeleteI think my old Christian friends see me as really outside the box - perhaps eventually outside their take on 'Heaven' but that's OK. Yeshua was a man definitely in the 'one of them' class.
ReplyDeleteHi Debra:
ReplyDeleteThe list titled:
You might be an eccentric if you have any of these traits:
contains EVERYTHING that I am.
My worldview is DEFINITELY not average, normal, conventional.
--The fact that I believe we all come back, that we all have had past lives
--The fact I see The Law of Attraction working in all our lives
--I have several obsessions
Writing, photography, reading.
--My spiritual nature is something I've ALWAYS had.
I'll echo theprodigalprphet:
I think SOME of my friends ALSO see my belief system WAY outside the box. But ya know what? I really don't care anymore. It's what I believe and if someone can't or won't accept me, there are many other who will. If that makes me eccentric, then so be it. I can live with it. Can those people who reject me live the fact that they have pushed me out of their lives because I'm different in ONE respect?
--
Chris
BTW:
Don't know if I mentioned this before here:
No longer on Facebook. I've migrated to Google+
http://gplus.to/cjpwisdomphotos
Oh my my...you sure know how to stir up 'trouble' Ms El-Ramey and that's what I love about you. My husband recently confirmed what I always suspected about myself - that I am a misfit in my own family and many of my friends! I speak my mind - which doesn't go down too well with most of them. I've changed jobs from banker, to social worker, to teacher, to entrepreneur. And then I give up my business and 'settle' at being a house engineer and a writer. I think, I unsettle most of my family and friends with my choices...Do I qualify? ;)
ReplyDeleteMarching to a different drummer came to me as a young one, I played drums in the school band, there were 8 boys and I in the percussion section. No dainty flute or clarinet for me. I liked being part of the heartbeat. I am affectionately called,"odd" by many. I love that, just means I am true to me, not"them". Great post thanks.
ReplyDeleteWell I always lamented that I do not have any talents as such. Then I write, I have a passion for running and reading, I love photography though I can't click a nice picture with out shaking the camera...cooking is a task and so is getting up in the morning...:-)
ReplyDeleteI get into serious trouble for being very blunt,if I don't like someone,it shows on my face,I can't even pretend to do so...and that causes a bit of a problem for me.I am super obsessed with my hair,crazy about shoes,and I don't posses any one great talent so to speak of.Inspite of all this,I can fit into any group I am in..Now I don't know what I should define myself as.
ReplyDeleteAlpana
Brynne – Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones not fond of rules, and who have no respect for the status quo. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to change the world…are the ones who do. I needed this film, needed to be reminded this week more than ever.
ReplyDeleteAnd what do you think about our synchronicity here, both of us twirling to the same rhythm?
Prodigal Prophet – You could never be a prophet if you weren’t one of them. Prophets aren’t “normal” you know. That’s why they were stoned long ago, and why they don’t fit in societal molds. The fact that he doesn’t fit in is precisely what makes the prophet a prophet. They discern false value systems across the board. I perceive that our notion of heaven might be one and the same ;-)
ReplyDeleteChris – Why did you leave Facebook? I feel a little sad that I won’t be able to track you down as fast because I don’t know enough about Google + - although I’d like to know how it works. I’m just behind the latest waves in everything, it seems ;-(
ReplyDeleteYou are chief of the eccentrics! You fit the bill to a tee, having all of the characteristics. YOU should have been featured in this film, which a friend of mine shared with me, and which I’ll now share with you. Check it out. Here’s to the crazy ones!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX9GTUMh490&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpresenceofmagic.blogspot.com%2F&feature=player_embedded
Corinne – That’s what I love about YOU! Shh, don’t tell anyone, but I’m a misfit in my family too. Always have been. That’s what eccentric folks do: stir up trouble ;-D In a good way though.
ReplyDeleteTalk about changing jobs… I’ve been a teacher of misfits since way back, then an interpreter for the deaf…then I go from one extreme to the other and teach music. And finally I have found my bliss and call in life: writer. That’s what we should do for the rest of our lives. Just what we want to do! Crazy folks do that; it’s what makes ‘em happy. I want to pass this gift along to you, special friend, that a friend passed along to me. I already shared with Chris, but I want to feature you in the film too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX9GTUMh490&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpresenceofmagic.blogspot.com%2F&feature=player_embedded
Jan – I think there are certain people who were born to march to the beat of a different drummer, and you are one of them. You liked being the heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteHere’s to the kids who are different,
Kids they call crazy or dumb,
Kids who don’t fit,
With the guts and the grit,
Who dance to a different drum.
Here’s to the kids who are different,
Kids with a mischievous streak.
For when they have grown,
As history has shown,
It’s their difference that makes them unique.
Janu – Everybody has her unique talents, latent or not. Writing, that’s a talent you have. Photography, there’s another (wobbly or not ;-) I’m not such a cook myself. My recipes are like old clichés, worn out and boring. Nope, I’m not much of a kitchen artist. Getting up in the morning, oh I’m not a lark either. Whoooo! Fellow night owl here!
ReplyDeleteAlpana – Oh, you’re not blunt. Just transparent and real. I don’t like wearing masks either; although sometimes we have to, don’t we?
ReplyDeleteIt’s not necessary to define yourself. No labels needed. Just be your lovely self, and that’ll be sufficient!
You mean there are people out their who know how to express themselves, letting go of the constraints and reservations that seem to plaque so many others, and who can have joy and happiness and bring the same to others. They are eccentric because they don't conform, let us all loosen the shakles and become eccentrics
ReplyDeleteLarry – yes, exactly. People who know how to express themselves, people who go against the grain, people like Gandhi, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Socrates, Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Patch Adams, you, me… those who, like you say, loosen all the shackles and let go of the restraints.
ReplyDeleteI suppose I'm a tad eccentric, but my son is a total eccentric. Loves to create costumes and wear them out in public, made a giant straw made of straws and cup made of cups (I wrote a poem about it once) just because he wanted to, is always trying to make the world a better place (one offer of lemonade or tea at a time). Now none of this may sound too eccentric, until you know he's a 16-year-old boy. ;) Peace, Linda
ReplyDeleteLinda – there are eccentrics, and there are classic (full-time) eccentrics. Your son just might be a classic eccentric if his MO is to make the world a brighter place. .. Not to mention making costumes and wearing them in public ;-) I’d say that’s the real deal.
ReplyDeleteI’d love to read that poem of yours! Good to hear from you again!
Thanks, Debra. I loved it...and I love you, but you know that already!
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.andhratemple.blogspot.com/
Seriously, you're asking this question? Me, I am plan Jane, nothing special or creative about me. Like others I live inside a page, running from word to work, wrecking havoc on the order of things. My home floats by sometimes so I catch a ride to find a new venue to play. Some day, I am lazy and want to curl up under the sun and see the world pass me by. But there are days like to day when I rack my brain for a clue to the first stand of a poem waiting to be born. Nah, I'm nothing like those people you wrote about.
ReplyDelete@ Corinne – Blowing a kiss all the way from North Carolina to Mumbai! *mu-ah*
ReplyDelete@ krishnareddy - Thanks!
Brenda – I recognize facetious when I see it; you and I both know there’s nothing plain Jane about you, not with such saucy, spicy writing ;-) Let’s not be pretend we’re anything less than fiery and zesty! I feel like stealing the story of the 8-year lying to the priest because she needed something to confess. Making up stories to meet her confessional obligations. I love stories like these, and want to read ever so many more just like that one. There’s nothing (to me) as engaging as a childhood memory. And I’ll bet you have a lot to draw from!
ReplyDeletehello how much weirder then me can you get? LOLOL I have 9 weird ones to trail along with me LOLOLOL..As always...XOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteI loved this post when I read it the day it came out. Just wanted to say so. Sorry for the delay.
ReplyDeleteI call myself eclectic. People call me unique. I laugh a lot. I think outside the box.
Life is good even if only inside my head. Ha ha ha
@ Bongo – Your weird self is beautiful; yes you are a treasure. 9 weird ones? - Intriguing. Who might these be? I thought there was only ONE Bongo!
ReplyDelete@Single Mamma – You’re exactly right. You are eclectic. You are unique. I just went over and checked out your story about Grizzly, and left you a weird comment ;-) Lovely to meet another rare bird (of a feather). Come back any old time!
Well, I am one of those people that totally support this kind of things that tend to be so not normal for the rest of the world. This is life, this is what should spice us up to be living happy and thinking that everything that happens has a special reason...
ReplyDeleteMiss Lego – Are you one of them then? Out of step with most of the world? Yes, I believe there’s a reason for everything that happens. And the world does need more spice ;-) Thank you so much for stopping by; lovely meeting you!
ReplyDeleteDebra trust you to again write something which is thought provoking. I have always been a misfit in my family and have lived with it. In some ways I am a rebel and so sometimes life can get lonely for me but no regrets. the people that matter to me in my life all are a bit eccentric and think out of the box.
ReplyDeleteI miss these kinds of people. Individuality was lost somewhere after 1996.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by Flim Flam Sam's comment: What happened in 1996? Lol! I'm not sure if I appear to be eccentric to the outside world, or is that a symptom? In any event, I think I blend in fairly well, but in my head I feel like the other.
ReplyDeleteYou said:
ReplyDeleteWhy did you leave Facebook? I feel a little sad that I won’t be able to track you down as fast because I don’t know enough about Google+.
Good Morning Deb:
Didn't like all the new privacy changes they were making like Frictionless Sharing:
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2011/09/not_sharing_is_caring.html
and making it possible for someone to see EVERYTHING you've EVER posted on FB. I stayed after all the other changes because there wasn't a viable alternative. I now have over 1000 people seeing everything I post in G+ and that's in just 2 months. When I was on FB for OVER three years I had just under 300 following me.
You said:
You are chief of the eccentrics! You fit the bill to a tee, having all of the characteristics. YOU should have been featured in this film, which a friend of mine shared with me, and which I’ll now share with you. Check it out. Here’s to the crazy ones!
I'll DEFINITELY check out the film. Thanks for sharing.
--
Chris
great post as usual :) I did not realize that about Emily Dickonson. And Patch Adams is one of my favourite stories and movies of all time. I can watch it over and over again with the exact same enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I fall into the eccentric category though......or do it?
They couldn't have found a better to play Patch Adams than Robin Williams.
ReplyDeleteBlack sheep, eccentric, genius, creative, tortured mind, out-of-the-box, weird, strange, crazy, whatever you want to call it; I am it! Always have been, always will be, and am happy to be it.
When you are a child they tell you, "you can be whatever you want to be." What they don't say is, "You can be whatever you want to be as long as you are painfully normal and fit into society." The latter is what they mean though. As we get older we actually believe that poppycock. Ok, I never did but, I am surrounded by those who do. As a child (whether I was a genius or prodigy or plain naive) I knew what and who I was. I didn't allow someone to tell me who I was. You will never lead in this life if you follow just to be safe. Nobody but, me could have lead me where I am today and nobody will ever stuff me in a box and keep me there.
Great post Deb!
This is unique..... and what a lovely picture (the first one)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post Debra!
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid that I'm not as spontaneous as many, however I've found that my children seem to bring that hidden sense of whimsy out of me when I least expect it.
I guess it's in there somewhere... :-)
Have a Blessed Day!
Debra, I still look forward to watching Rudolph during the Christmas Holiday. So, what does that say about me? I've also been told I'm a little OCD about a lot of stuff. Oh well, I'm just me :)
ReplyDelete@ Rimly – At least you surround yourself with likeminded souls. If you’re different from the others in your family, if you don’t meet their expectations, well… I know how that goes ;-) And so do all the others who are different. Be thankful you are who you are: wonderfully created!
ReplyDelete@ Flim Flam Sam – I don’t know that individuality was ever (or will ever be) lost. Might it be that we just don’t hear as much about these kinds of people? I don’t know. What do you suppose changed after 1996? Any ideas?
@ Adriene – Oh, you’re able to blend right in with society? There’s a talent I don’t possess ;-) I dressed as a starving artist one Halloween, and my students didn’t even realize I was in costume. Do you really think poets are “normal?”
@ Chris – Thank you for the clarification. Makes perfect sense to me. I’ll check out the link you sent. Thanks! I still miss you on FB though ;-) But I have been contemplating Google + - so I’ll read and learn.
ReplyDelete@ Aaron – I love Patch Adams too. After seeing the movie, I did a little reading about the real Patch Adams, and discovered that the film wasn’t far from the reality. The real Patch did use humor therapy with his patients. How would you like a doctor like him?
Do you fall into the eccentric category? Only you know for sure. You might be a part-time eccentric ;-)
@ Jenn – Agree 100 %. Robin Williams was a superb Patch Adams! No matter how many times I’ve seen that movie, I NEVER get tired of it. It’s destined to be one of the classics, don’t you think?
ReplyDeleteWhat distinguishes eccentrics from neurotics is that eccentrics are generally happy. This I learned from the research done on the subject. So stay that way!
When you are a child they tell you, "you can be whatever you want to be." What they don't say is, "You can be whatever you want to be as long as you are painfully normal and fit into society." True that!
You’re just not a herd follower. You’re one of the individuals who are allowing your own children to be themselves and find their unique paths – and that in itself is a rarity. Bravo!
@ Haddock – Another soul from India, I see ;-) Thank you for stopping by. I need to go over and learn how to make fluffy omelets. Yum!
ReplyDelete@ Phil – Nothing like having children to bring out the whimsical side of us, aye? Children and cartoons…
http://www.nakedpastor.com/2011/10/18/inappropriate-tee-4-let-go/
@ Mary – Now I know I MUST see Rudolph! Christmas is coming soon, you know, so this film is on my agenda for the holidays. OCD? You go overboard sometimes too? That says it all! You are one of us!
Laughter is good medicine.
ReplyDeleteBut add hobbies that are a pleasure and you have more, I discovered papercrafts and rubber stamping and even a little bit of jewelery making as panaceas for my stress and anxiety.
The bi-product a work of your hand, the quiet time it somehow works out in your mind and I feel better.......
But I am not different, I'm quite normal just acting on what little creative inklings I possess.
Being Me – Laughter is the best medicine oftentimes. A guttural belly laugh, a giggle, even a spontaneous smile works wonders for the body and soul.
ReplyDeleteInteresting hobbies: paper crafts and rubber stamping and jewelry making to minimize stress and anxiety. Everyone needs some quiet time for sanity’s sake!
Have a relaxing and wonderful weekend. Hugs!
Debra,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all - I am way behind!! A series of stressful weeks, then a week away with little access to internet, means that I'm now trying to catch up...
I hope things with you are settling and that you are feeling better than you were a few weeks ago. I have been thinking of you and hoping you are well.
I have never thought of myself as an "eccentric" per se. My uncle, I can safely say, is a fine example of eccentricity. Conversations with him are unfocused, strained, long and winding, and his favourite outfit is a lime green suit, with matching socks and tie. There's no doubt there.
I prefer to think of myself as unique, and have even embraced the term "weird" in recent years. Definitely creative, definitely outside of the box. I seek out difference in virtually every aspect of my life - not those people or things that are "trying" to be different, but those that are naturally the odd ones out. I find incredible beauty in the margins.
Kristen, I LOVE your description of your uncle in lime green suit, complete with matching socks and tie. No doubt about him!
ReplyDeleteI'll be checking in with you again. Glad you're back. I am better. Thanks for asking ;-)
You know the greatest thing about life is I was born with a genius in my family ~ I'm referring to my brother. He's two years younger than I am, but he was the one who introduced me to the literary world, the art world and he's an 'eccentric'.
ReplyDeleteHe wrote Patch Adams and he answered back ;)...
Such great people inspire me to grow in everyway...to go against the current... and not to be afraid of what people might say or think ;)
When the Spirit blows, I allow it to stir me...
Oh great love! I love this post ;)
Melissa – I’d love to meet your brother! Is Patch Adam one of his heroes too? Because he’s one of mine!
ReplyDeleteI’ve missed you so much dear friend!
If you do follow the Spirit, you’ll live an adventurous life – amen? One has to have a pioneer spirit to go where the wind blows ;-)