Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Quickening Quest 9/30/09

We must all sacrifice our lives to something. Freedom is being able to choose what that is.

DB - The Vagabond
******************
NOTE: Today is the last day of September. Beginning tomorrow The Vagabond will once again humbly turn the dais over to the real thinkers and doers of the world, the movers and shakers, the thumpers and the zappers, the dreamers and the planners, the twisters and stompers, the rippers and menders. So check with them for your daily quotes. Vagabond will make an occasional appearance, but from now on most of the inspirations will come from the aforementioned drummers and diggers. I'll keep the journal as usual. DB
*****************************
Yesterday AOL posted a story about Jack Borden, a 101 year old attorney from Weatherford, Texas who still goes to his office every day, works a 40 hour week and is active in real estate matters for individuals. His story is inspiring to me.

A few years ago I worked with an actor who was 82 at the time, with an infirm knee which was eventually replaced. He must be close to 90 now and still working.

I retired 8 years ago but not because I wanted to. In my earlier years I tried doing many things but finally settled on being an actor because I was good at it, because people kept hiring me to do it and because it is probably what I was put on the planet to do.

Would I go back to work if I could? You betcha ! I'm only 70. I have been thinking of what it would take for me to be able to return to the stage and trying not to be depressed about it. There are what seem to be a jungle of limitations and difficulties to get through. My eyesight, my teeth, my hip and some other infirmities all need to be taken care of. I would have to move from here and live where there is some access to the market. I would, in essence, need to start over. The challenges are huge and seem to be beyond my capabilities.

I've learned to develop a sense of humor about the ironies and absurdities of life no matter how awful they may be. But why are the issues of my life ganging up against my life? Why is my life preventing me from living? Is life only a matter of overcoming the obstacle that are in the way of life? Why does my garbage weigh more than my groceries? Where is George Carlin when you need him?

Today I emptied a disposable paper vacuum cleaner bag, put it back in the vacuum cleaner and vacuumed my floor. If I were to fail to see the metaphor in that I would be ashamed of myself.

DB
*****************
May your October be a happy one.
=================================

6 comments:

Linda's World said...

Well I may just start emptying mine too. I was horrified last week when I had to buy a new package of them. Let me know what size and brand you use...frequently I see them at the Goodwill but never in the size I need. Linda in WA
P.S. no luck on the Maytag website. I'll have to call a store that carries them and see if they can find the information for me.

Ben said...

You have skills with a great value, DB. Are there other avenues for them? Voice-overs? Teaching? Perhaps the advent of the on-line world gives an opportunity to network with fellow performers. Just a few thoughts...

Best of luck...
Ben
http://ben-better-left-unsaid.blogspot.com/

Liz said...

I choose not to sacrifice my life to anything.
I hold it more valuable than anything I have yet been shown can act for what I believe.

Arlene (AJ) said...

I just take the good with the bad and determined not to let anything get me down...prefer to see what good I can see and learn from and do in each day. Keeping poositive I believe can get you through anything....life can be challenging that's for sure, but I'm determined not to give in to it. Take care DB.

Beth said...

Ben has some interesting suggestions. You can do an awful lot from your home these days! Hugs, Beth

Ken Riches said...

I am sure there are options, and opportunities, wish I could wave a wand and make it happen. Must thing about this some...