The Fox and the Grapes

Sour Grapes

"A hungy fox saw some fine bunches of grapes hanging from a vine that was trained along a high trellis and did his best to reach them by jumping as high as he could into the air. But it was all in vain, for they were just out of reach. So he gave up trying and walked away with an air of dignity and unconcern, remarking, 'I thought those grapes were ripe, but I see now they are quite sour." - Aesop

Now, everyone knows the reality that is: we want what we can't have. It's certainly true, us humans are driven by challenge. The allure of bigger houses, nicer cars, more grandchildren, a brownie with zero calories...there is absolutely no necessity to it all, only the illusion that if we can't have it, it's better.

On rare occasion, the exact opposite happens. That is, we hate what we can't have.

It's amazing that a 7th century man could know exactly how we feel at those moments, and could relate that feeling to us with such a simple story. In this fable about "sour grapes" we can easily see the fox's disillusionment, yet in our own lives, we can fool ourselves into this behavior.
In Junior High I tried out for cheerleading. I didn't make the team. I should have just tried again the next year after more practice, but I decided that I hated cheerleading and wanted nothing to do with it. I thought the grapes were ripe, but then saw they were sour.

This concept is nothing profound, but it opened my eyes to the ways I can decieve myself, and limit myself, for my immature attempts at saving face. How many times have I despised people because they don't like me at first, or they have things that I don't? More importantly, what can I do to stop myself from having a "sour grapes" attitude, and start thinking logically?

Preparation and Celebration

My days have revolved around preparing for big days. Holidays, Wedding, Ceremonies...Finding a job? Does wishing count as preparing?

Since art is the only stabilizer I have, besides God, I have been messing around with leaves and spray paint. Here is the outcome:




It's amazing what you can create with the simplest processes. Nature provides the best tools for creativity.

And this 4 month old butterball is the coolest thing since sliced bread.

Keep it super sweet you wonderful people, Cynthia