Welcome to the Wakefield Doctrine (the theory of clarks, scotts and rogers)
The answer to your question(s):
- yes
- I hope so
- no…but thank you for the compliment that is implied
So what do you think, is the primary value of an exercise such as this Ten Things of Thankful in the enumeration of the positive events and conditions in our lives or is it in the (necessary) process of reflection, the looking back on the last week, maybe our entire lives, or is it the community that is created by participation in this bloghop? In my opinion, like so much in life, it is a little of all three. Having said that, I would venture it is one (of the three) for some of and maybe (one of the three) for others of us.
…that ‘three’, you know what happens when I see three of anything recur, don’t you?
But I will resist the temptation to follow the very sexy trail that might find a correlation between the underlying dynamic of writing a ‘gratitude list’ with the three personality types of Wakefield Doctrine. (why, no I think that the use in this context of the word, ‘sexy’ is more scottian than rogerian… but I could be wrong*)
To the List!
…before I get to my List of Ten Things, let me follow-up on my suggestive answer to the implied, but not stated, question above (Number 3). Sure, I enjoy finding different ways to present a list of 10 things that I am thankful for and there is no doubt that I do this, in part, to cover my… ‘awkwardness’ in writing about something that is so personal and (by definition) emotional in nature. But, as we all know, in life it is the process not the product that really counts. So, the things that I am thankful for:
#10 the weather (currently cloudy with a 60% chance of rain but highs in the 80s) if you say, “Hi clark!! Hot enough for you?” my answer would, “yeah, almost!”
#9 the relationship (that is potential) between dog and human ( you know, how in the worldview of clarks, the formation of emotional bonds with others is…lets say, not a lead pipe cinch? there is something remarkable about the emotional connection that dogs are able and willing to offer)
#8 Lyle Lovett (lol, no! seriously I have ‘the youtube’ on right now….wait, I’ll put in the link… at the bottom, knucklehead!)
#7 bloghops…they let me be different me, given what we used to call ‘a premise’ back in college, I am somehow able to come across….differently both here and the other two ‘hops: Twisted MixTape Tuesday (hosted by the ridiculously talented Jen and the ridiculously gifted Kristi ) and Finish the Sentence Friday (the one that started it all for the Doctrine and bloghops) from the so-sexy minds of the Four Sistas: Janine and Kate and Stephanie and Dawn
#6 our hostess Lizzie and (whatever the technical term is for ‘the-character-next-to-the-main-character-in-a play’, you know like Angelica in Romeo and Juliet) Christine
#5 for being invited to be a cohost for this here bloghop here
#4 (with a bullet!!) the increasing level of cross-commentationing**
#3 having a premise (see above) for spending some introspective time, rather than the isolate-tendency that all clarks are heir (and heiresseses) to…
#2 the DownSprings and Friends of the Doctrine that have come to read the Doctrine and find something (in the Wakefield Doctrine that is useful or amusing or comforting or…. (dare I say it?)…exciting! Cyndi yo! and Denise and Michelle and Cheryl and Katia and Chris…and everyone else who steps ashore on the Isle of Wakefield
#1 hey Considerer… thanks
*ha ha, couldn’t resist one Doctrine joke.
** not a real word, but it refers to how people are commenting to each other even in other people’s posts and such
About clarkscottroger
Happy Saturday. I’m thankful fer yer blog, too. Taking a study-break…now back to the critical literary analysis. O.o
@Cyndi
We’ll be on the line tonight, of course…if case you need a quick non-reality check…
oh! yeah… working on the possibility of a Video Tea (tomorrow…say 12 EDT…) just in case
#9. I agree, and I observe it all the time when I’m out in public with my guide dog puppy-in-training. Just the sight of a dog draws people out of their shells. Strangers talk to (or about) Drexel all the time. They instinctively know that a dog will be accepting and loving.
@Kristi
…the embodiment of ‘unconditional love’
This may well make me unpopular, but I’ve never been big fan of dogs. Or cats. Or fluffy things generally. I’m sure they’re very nice and all, but…no.
I’m far more people-centric.
Could you mean ‘supporting actress’? There’s certainly been some drama going on lately…
These were a good ten – you’re welcome.
For me, it’s the community and the exercise of SEEKING the good stuff. Particularly when you don’t want to. That’s when the crunch hits and the attitude transformation begins.
@Considerer
I was going for the character (often in a play) who is there not only (through their character’s backstory) to provide for a certain influence, but by the nature of (this relationship) to offer an insight into the main character that would not otherwise be credibly possible. (Similar to the role of a Narrator, offering the audience information about the action that is not available to the characters but enhances their roles…like that is there theater or drama major in the house?)
Saturdays are kind of dis-jointed this workthing keeps interupting me!
So are you saying I’m Robin to her Batman? Sonny to her Cher? (Aaaand those are the only duos my tired mind can think of at the moment). Regardless, I’m enjoying the role of Kinda narrator/supporting actress/insight giver to Lizzi. :)
Most certainly, yes, a combination of all three. What started out as an exercise in simply listing things for which we are thankful has become a way to reflect on more than just the past week. No one wants to keep listing the same things each week, even if we are grateful for the same things. We have to look harder and really reflect on what good is in our lives. Over time (7th week!) we can look back and see all of the different, wonderful things for which we are grateful and really reflect on where our lives are and where they are going. Plus, when putting all of that out for others to read, we connect much better and become a closer community.
Even though I’ve never been a big fan of dogs, I completely get the dog/human connection. Even our outside dogs have a connection with me, following me everywhere I go when I’m outside, just wanting to be near me. They are perfect companions for many, many people.
Lyle Lovett? Gotta say, I didn’t see that one coming! Of course, this is probably the first time I’ve ever heard a song of his. The only reason I remember his name is because he married Julia Roberts in Indiana.
@Christine
while I liked the Shakespeare allusion, I would go with Alfred to Batman (as played by Michael Caine in the Christopher Nolan movies Batman Begins, and The Dark Knight) the relationship between Alfred and Bruce Wayne/Batman is complex, certainly not one of being subservient, rather Alfred displays strength and affection and no small measure of wisdom, but not in as a partner in the traditional sense, more’from the side’. ya know?
“…when putting all of that out for others to read, we connect much better and become a closer community.” Very true, and it is also part and parcel of earning membership… though saying it that way may sound differently than it is intended. I’m not sure if I believe it is a human or societal component, but the idea that membership is a thing that can be earned only by giving something of value.
yeah Lyle Lovett is one of those performers that are not flashy or showy… simply come up with music that makes you stop and listen and smile.
WOW! Okay, so I didn’t like the name, so I didn’t listen to the song first time round, but after hearing a little more about him, clicked play, and DUDE! I gotta trust you more on this music thing! Epic harmonies.
And I’m not au fait with Batman or the entire world there. So no idea.
I’ve a small feeling Christine may be more akin to the Hobbes to my Calvin.
Or perhaps the Bert to my Ernie – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpozspIMH9E
@Considerer
damn!! I totally like Christine as Hobbes to your Calvin (I loved that strip, not surprisingly)
Yeah Lyle is great..I recommend Lyle Lovett and his Large Band or Pontiac as great albums
Christine…I think you’re more like Tonto. Does that make you feel better? ;)
I never knew how much love a dog could give until we brought ours home four years ago…growing up we had a cat, which is an altogether different creature. Thanks for describing it so eloquently. :)
@Mrs A Random
… I can see Tonto from a certain perspective.
I’m liking Considerer’s Hobbes and Calvin a lot! lol
I am thankful for blog hops too. I was able to use a picture of a half eaten muffin that I had no idea would come in handy later! ;-) Your #10 sounds nice. It was almost hot enough here today too.
@Kenya
lol ain’t this blog thing fun? I sort of had a similar thought when I first saw your Post (actually I thought, ‘hey looks like lemon poppy seed!’ lol) Very much enjoying the not cold weather.
Clark, I too am just so thankful for you and your friendship. I know I have said it before, but just had to share again. Have a great rest of the weekend and thank you as always for hosting this wonderful hop!! :)
@Janine
pleasure is all mine…having old friends around, somehow is more conducive to making new ones…somehow have a good Sunday
That was what seemed to fit best in my mind. I adore Calvin and Hobbes and the idea of casting myself in the role of a bratty, blond, 6 y/o boy appeals greatly. I already feel like the baby of the gang (TMT ref there) and this would play nicely into that.
Only Christine could know what she’d be like as Hobbes though…
@Considerer
the genius of Watterson’s comic was the subtly of the characters, (imo) I did not see Hobbes as simply a foil or a ‘straight man’ there were strips I can recall where he played a role in contrast to Calvin youthful impetuousness, but without coming across as being too ‘adulty’
…now I gots to go find some strips to cite…
I do adore Hobbes. He is foil, best friend, conscience, listening ear, philosopher, partner-in-crime, betrayer supreme (tea with Suzy? Tuna at night? Pounces on return from school?) and guide.
I rather think he steals the show.
His character has by far the most scope and vibrancy.
Haha!! I will admit, I’ve never heard Lyle Lovett sing. The only way I know about him is because he had a brief relationship with Julia Roberts years ago and people were wondering what the hell she was doing, lol! Fun list!
@Melanie
I really like his music, can’t remember how I came across him (pre-Julia days) in the matter of having him in the Post, I think a part of the reason is that I used one of his songs in MTT blog hop. In fact, I think I’ll use that song (on Tuesday’s Post today.
Hey! speaking of today, we’re going to be practicing the video chat thing…a couple of different times if today is a stay-at-home-winter-day for you. Michelle Liew is going to call in at 9am EDT and then Considerer (who is almost the same time zone as you) will be around at 5pm EDT (Eastern Daylight Time).
have a good week
I am thankful that you’re such a kickass friend who stuck up for me yesterday and who will totally understand my innermost thoughts on reading the letters k-r-i-s-t-i and it NOT being me (which I’m totally okay with if K2 is reading this thinking I’m a huge jerk which I’m actually not, I’m just used to seeing comment replies to those letters being directed as yours truly and hello). Lyle Lovett, huh? You and Julia Roberts have one more thing in common. Dogs are awesome and amazing and definitely not a lead pipe cinch. Well said. By the way, FTSF was my first intro into the world of hops, too. We’re so cool.
@Kristi
yes, yes we are. The blog hop is (an) interesting activity here in the blogosphere. This one (of Considerer’s) is exceptional mostly in the sense of community that seems to be developing*. And, I was happy to.
*not community in the more traditional use (at least not in a exclusive sense)…there is the ‘community’ of all sharing a conversation but more in a general sense of community like a street in a small town…small shops and coffee houses. All on discussing the same things and people will (in the course of a weekend) go from one to another… community like that
Glad to hear you’re thankful for the weather as well. It’s been kind nasty here this past week, but it seems to be cooling off. We will see what the rest of the week brings, though.
I’ve not had a dog since living at home, and am more of a cat person, but I think the bond can be quite evident regardless of which. Even in other animals. Except snakes. I’m pretty sure all snakes want to do is eat their owner. Maybe there is still a connection to be found there…
I’m very thankful for blog hops too! To be honest, without them my blog would be pretty damned barren.
Jak
Aaahh! Calvin and Hobbes!! Fantastic duo and perfect analogy! My kids have several of their books, and I am off to peruse.
@Christine
I totally tip my hat to Considerer for the Calvin/Hobbes parallel… perfect!
An interesting list Clark. I was also contemplating the value of this blog-hop and wondering if it actually adds to the gratitude I feel. Like you, I was also thankful for the weather – though in our case that included sun. We Scots do love the sun, because we don’t get so much we get tired of it!
And how lovely it is that you have honored all the blog-hop hosts.
@Yvonn
we have an expression here at the Wakefield Doctrine* ‘everyone does everything at one time or another’. It’s intent is to convey the idea that is not simply the nature or character of the things we do or know or even believe, it is how we relate ourselves to (a thing, an action an idea) and, further that how we relate ourselves is within our control (potentially).
So it is with a blog hop as Considerer (and Christine) have created and are nurturing here… I am not one who, by my nature (a clark) is inclined to reflect on the things in my life that I am grateful for…hell, I am totally not one who, by my nature (a clark) is likely to be ‘public’ with such feelings. However, at this time, engaging in such an exercise is beneficial. (Not easy, by any stretch of the imagination, but beneficial). That reflects that by virtue of how I relate myself to it, a gratitude list blog hop has a value. Another time, perhaps not. Now, totally.
I will ‘follow your comment back to your blog’ welcome to the TTofT
*well, truth be told, we have a lot of expressions here at the Wakefield Doctrine
Yes, community with the small town hopping from the book store to the cafe to the coffee shop. Totally awesome and how lovely is it really that in this huge planet of ours, that we’ve found a blogging community that can pop over back and forth and have real conversations…really truly wonderful.
PS I love Calvin and Hobbs.
@Kristi
it cool… I need to go dig up a (sample) strip from Calvin & Hobbs
(lets see if this works):
http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2009/07/16
@Christine – glad you like them too :) I shall have to decorate a cardboard box so I can fly, Spaceman Spiff-style over to visit :D
@Melanie – THAT’S where I know Lyle Lovett’s name from! THANK YOU! That had been bugging me.
@Jak – *hugs* Blogs are so good for making connections with people, right?
@Kristi – ‘K2’. I like that. Might use that one. Didn’t know this was your first blog hop though – figured you were a thoroughly seasoned everything-bloggy traveller and so was HUGELY awestruck and a little overwhelmed when you said you’d co-host. Don’t ruin it for me! I think you’re too awesome to be taken down to just ‘whelmed’
@Clark – whaddyamean ‘clarks aren’t by nature thankful’? It’s a topic of DEEP retrospection, like how all things in all possibilities of all universes have come together so I can experience *this moment* and then you think of the cosmic chances of that happening and just stop, for a moment, awed.
@Considerer
…that’s what I said! (Christine! you’re the voice of mature wisdom… ahh I mean seasoned perspective…maybe hey your Hobbes, convince Considerer that she has misinterpreted… lol)
@Kristi meet Jak… Jak meet Kristi And that’s Christine metaphorically walking this way with look of strained patience on her face
You had me at “Lyle Lovett.”
@Dyanne
lol he pretty amazing life form. (Not sure at which point you came in…originally I had ‘Here I Am’ then I switched over to the current, ‘If I had a Boat’