Monday, September 6, 2010

Smiles From The Depths

Whenever I find myself in the cellar of affliction, I always look about for the wine.

Samuel Rutherford
************************
When I worked as the morning DJ for a local radio station in New Hampshire, I used to arrive for work between 5:15 and 5:30. The station signed on at 6 and there was a lot to do to prepare for the very busy morning shift. One of the first items of business was to set up the coffee pot. There was always a big can of Chock Full O' Nuts (an appropriate choice of brand to describe my colleagues, I thought) and a coffee pot to brew it in. There was always a mug available and a bowl of sugar. There was a problem about the spoon, however. There were usually nothing but cheap plastic spoons around, so I brought my own metal spoon from home and kept it in my breast pocket.

Later on one day another announcer came in to the studio and remarked about always seeing the spoon. I explained why I had it, and he issued a statement which I consider a piece of wisdom which I've never forgotten. "Keep a spoon in your pocket and a smile on your face."

If Mr. Rutherford frequently finds himself in the cellar of affliction he would do well to carry a cork screw with him at all times. As a matter of fact whenever we find ourselves in any kind of fix it's a good idea to be armed with the proper mental utensils.

A positive attitude is a useful tool to start with. I believe in the basic equality of people. You've heard the saying "All men are created equal, but some are more equal than others." Affliction can be the big equalizer of men and women. I think about the Chilean miners in that respect. Even though there are many who are trying to help them, they are completely dependant upon each other to keep up their spirits and hopes for rescue. That's a deep cellar and they are the wine for each other. Because of their videos their story is known the world over. But only they know what it is really like for them. As long as they keep finding the wine and keep smiles on their faces they will survive.

DB - The Vagabond
*********************

PUZZLE - WEEKEND EDITION

Labor over this.
***********************
KBH KF BOZOZSOB KQO NWCY FT GOIKOZSOB
EQOC UWTO EPG GUFE PCY FQ, GF ZOUUFE.
KBH KF BOZOZSOB KQO NWCY FT GOIKOZSOB
EQOC XBPGG EPG XBOOC PCY XBPWC EPG HOUUFE.
KBH KF BOZOZSOB KQO NWCY FT GOIKOZSOB
EQOC HFD EOBO P KOCYOB PCY VPUUFE TOUUFE.
KBH KF BOZOZSOB, PCY WT HFD BOZOZSOB
KQOC TFUUFE.

KEZ RFCOG

Good luck.
DB
*********************

5 comments:

Big Mark 243 said...

Great observation!

Rose~* said...

Indeed - the power of positive thinking does go a long way towards mental happiness. Enjoyed your post very much tonight, DB. I pray that those miners have the strength to pull through and hope that they can be rescued a lot earlier that what has been predicted.

Valerie said...

So well put - Affliction can be the big equalizer of men and women. Loved the post today, Dana. Take care! xox

krissy knox said...

That was a most beautiful and enlightening post. I truly understand the quote now! Thanks so much for sharing. May you always have a spoon in your pocket and a smile on your face!
krissy knox :)

Ken Riches said...

Splendid sentiment, that simple spoon ;o)