(Apr. 11/16) Cindy Lou Who-Do-You-Think-You-Are?

Context for this post:

What follows is an imaginative embellishment  of the intense discomfort  that trips me up when–having tried too hard–I succeeded only in making a (real or imagined) fool of myself.

Well hello, Whiskers…

Oh-oh, why today of all days…why here, why now?!  This is not good, not good at all…I mean, me being me, it was bound to happen… but I kept telling myself that, by the time it did, we’d be the kind of friends who could say anything to each other….

Oh, shoot…that didn’t come out right either….

I’m not saying you ever have to fear saying the wrong thing!  You couldn’t possibly!  You’re utterly fantastic…a natural…and I gladly hang on your every word…melody….photo… painting…sketch…video…graffiti…street art…and, comic strip!

It’s just that, as I’ve (perhaps too gently) warned before, I’m a work in progress; so,

although I’d give my right arm to put my best foot forward,

what chance do I have now that I’ve stuck said foot in my mouth (homing-pigeon-toes,  Achilles heel and all)!!!!

Although, if I’m being honest, I’m a seasoned hopper (*practice makes perfect*) and could’ve mitigated this humiliating (meet and) feet if I hadn’t tried to kick myself after the fact.

And–

in much the same way one thinks of a clever response long after it serves any useful purpose–

it occurs to me that I should carry a cream pie at all times…

That way, when I fall on my face, I can do so with Pee-Wee Herman (“I meant to do that”) panache….astounding one and all with my unrivaled gift for hilarity–while breaking the ice and my fall, simultaneously.

But, then I remember why I never do…I mean, how does one unobtrusively carry a cream pie without making a (Three Stoog-esque) spectacle of oneself?

Secondly, who am I trying to kid?  Today, I’m having a hard time laughing with myself, never mind at myself.

But, just now,

as I hear a wheedling tone creeping into my whine,

one of my all-time heroes wrings a bell and I remember to suck it up…

Oh, Sponge Bob, such a darling!  I mean, if anyone has a right to be self-absorbed, it’s he…yet, that yellow fellow is one of the world’s irrepressible optimists!

And, so are you, my friend,

because despite being led down this rocky road, you’re still here (‘such a saint 🙂 )!

So, the least I can do is help you understand where I went wrong, right?

Right!

(*Warning: Here comes an obscure–M.C. Hammer–rap reference*).

“Break it down…oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh…Stop, Hammer (out a metaphor) Time”.

Rather than getting bogged down in the marsh, I choose to be mellow.  I’ll visit the pineapple under the sea, soak up the wisdom of  smarty (Square) pants, and let my opening faux pas roll off my back like water off a duck’s…

Oops…okay, it’s clear I’ve missed the boat, and I’m treading in dangerous waters.  But having learned my lesson, I’m reminded that when you find yourself digging a hole, stop digging…

So, given our newly-achieved comfort level, I’m going to choose transparency over trying too hard in that embarrassingly-vulnerable way of mine…and, to that end, here comes a Random Blurt Alert…

Graham crackers….chocolate…

Truth is, I couldn’t find an organic way to playfully  insert crackers and chocolate into the narrative….and, let’s face it, marsh was a stretch at best.…

Hey, wait…I confused Rocky Road (chocolate and marshmallow) with S’mores (chocolate, marshmallows and Graham crackers)—so, I only missed the mark by half…

Nope, gotta take that back, I forgot one of the ingredients…ah, nuts!

In retrospect, however, there is an upside.

This drawn-out misstep definitely ushers, “Hello Whiskers”, into the merciful, rip-the-Band-Aid-off, category…painful but quick.

Not to minimize it, mind you!

My astoundingly aaaaawkward  (*uttered in falsetto*) salutation couldn’t be met with anything less than  bewilder-ness—as in, “I am utterly lost…which garden path(ology) is Truly leading us down this time?”

However, in keeping with your generous spirit,

might I suggest an alternate route…oh, say…“That Truly, comically quizzical as ever. 🙂  Surely there’s method in her rad-ness. I wonder what’s on her mind today.”

And—flashing a smile befitting the Cheshire cat auditioning for a toothpaste commercial—my response is, “I’m glad you ask”!

Ever happy to see you, I wanted,

as is my custom,

to greet you with a pet name….

and, while alternative classics denote affection,  Lassie is gender specific—as is Rex.

And, if I opened with, “Hello, Lucky”, my warm regard could easily be misconstrued as arrogance….

Whiskers was a humble attempt to respectfully cover all bases…

And, yes…given context, I needed to shift from literal pet name, to term of endearment–

but, my thought process was arrested before I could do a game-changing 180.

You see,

since I was late for our weekly get together,

I worried that,

feeling let down,

you might’ve gone off me.

So, when you did show up, I was caught off guard and trapped in a prison of my own making.

With only a moment to think, I wasted precious time visiting the What-If-?-Department stored in my head–where all manner of wears (on me) can be found…

Nothing rational, mind you…

But I couldn’t find the time to trust the clanging bells, sirens, and flashing-Lite-Brite warnings meant to steer me clear of the —- What-If-Stevie-Nicks-Stevie-Wonder?—-section.  

Given another second for a second thought, I could’ve rejected the close-shave-ludicrosities found there; but, in a pinch(ed nerve), they seem Einsteinian.         

And granted,

when it comes to mental acrobatics, I am more limber than most (*was there ever a more dubious distinction?*); but, we are all susceptible to contorted thoughts under duress, aren’t we?

Aren’t we….?

(If you could see me now, I’m giving you an imploringly-sheepish look—and counting on your desire to see the best in others….

Although, under the circumstances, I suspect this expectation is further evidence of irrationality…

But, fingers crossed–if I see a like, I’ll know you found a way to see me through my foggy thinking (*sigh*)).

And, is there any way you could hang in for one last…er…point?

Yeh?!?  Wow…okay….but, just give me a minute to think, please.

(*If my new friends haven’t seen “Hook” (Robin William’s version…where the inside joke is that Toodles has lost his marbles…a word-play/euphemism  for losing his mind and  happy thoughts), and “Hello Good Bye” (Canadian TV show where airport comings and goings are captured), I’m sunk!*)

As I was saying,

when panicked…

wait, quite uncomfortable will do…

my mind becomes an airport.

Shakily, I call out, “Toodles, Marbles”.  And, I wave at my wits end–while my mind wanders off in a throng of confused and scattered thoughts.

However, I cling to the notion that it’s only matter of time before my mind comes to accept that–wherever we go, there we are.

For,

in that moment of lucidity,

sanity returns to find that hope has hoisted me on its shoulders so I can be seen—

flailing wrist propped up by my other hand–

waving with the vigor of Granny from the “Beverly Hillbillies”.

So, that’s the hello of it…and here comes the goodbye….

I’ve done all I can to make the best of a bad situation.

Over-thinking aside,

I hope what you remember is that I over-shared because I over care…and, that’s gotta count for something….

And, although my initial intention was to discuss and defend the following:

“Being positive doesn’t mean you live in Candyland. Positive people have real problems.  They get angry, they challenge people and fight hard for what they believe in.  Positivity is not about wearing rose colored glasses and rolling over when the going gets tough. It’s about being strong. It’s about being self-aware and accountable for your emotional state.”  (collectivelyconscious.net)

I think we can all agree, Amazers, that

—however clumsily—

I’ve proven that optimism is not for the faint of heart…but, rather, for those who are willing to bare their souls…

God bless you; and thanks so much for being here…I’m so much better for it!  🙂

P.S. Here’s a shoutout for MOZALFA ILYAS; ILLUMINATED LITERATION; LIFESASMORGASBORD; BYINDIABLUE; GARY (Fiction Is  Food); WHOIAMTODAY; CALL ME A DREAMER; DREAMS COME TRUE; ABBIE; RAISINGAGALAXY…they are absolutely wonderfully-lovely people and bloggers who were kind enough to comment on a my Bite Sizer about bawling about kindness…quite vulnerable for me to share, considering I wasn’t sure if it qualified for “too sensitive”  status (I can’t stand that assessment…too sensitive…no such thing…).

They have absolutely wonderful things to share!  Also, for paying me the highest compliment, I am including RESPECTABLE MARRIED WOMAN in this list.

P.P.S. The title made sense when I started writing—given that optimists are often viewed with suspicion, or as naive, or as schmoozers etc.…but, it is so cute that–when my train of thought was derailed–I didn’t have the heart to reject it 🙂

 

 

 

49 thoughts on “(Apr. 11/16) Cindy Lou Who-Do-You-Think-You-Are?”

  1. I think I got dizzy reading this… (is that possible?)… maybe I am more of a Patrick (under my rock)… so I read it again… some reason… had something pop in my head… something I heard (or read… or actually probably saw on tv).. I am not sure why and how it is relevant… but here goes (hope you are not bothered)… Seneca the Stoic said “Nothing, to my way of thinking, is a better proof of a well ordered mind than a man’s ability to stop just where he is and pass some time in his own company.”.. (had to find it… didn’t have that one at the tip of my tongue or fingers.,,) ummm… relevant maybe because…. while reading this I was made to feel like I was eaves dropping on a private conversation you were having amongst yourself… don’t take me wrong… I found it very interesting and amusing… but alas… kind of a little intimidating… (kept asking myself… was I suppose to understand that? or is that a “had to be there” thing)… thanks from a captivated dullard…

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    1. Thank you sooooo much for your comprehensive comment…that was so kind of you to take the time to give me such a thoughtful response…I saw your message just before leaving for work, and I felt awful that you felt “kind of a little intimidated”…however, I am so glad you told me…as a result, I have made some of the more obscure references more clear….so, you did me such a great favour by letting me know that it was hard to understand/follow in some places…my goal is to take the reader on a joyride…but, not make them dizzy to the point of confusion…you are far from a dullard…the fact that you’ve shared your thoughts with me–and, gave me a like–and, saw the good in something that you didn’t quite understand is so very sweet. I’m gonna go to your blog and read/comment on your offerings 🙂 Thanks again! 🙂

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  2. Wow. I started reading this trying to control my cerebellum and insisting on understanding this in a Very linear way. What’s wrong with me? What happened to my creativity and my sense of adventure? So I said “fuck you, cerebellum” and I started again and just rode the wave and let go and loved the ever loving shit out of this entire thing. And in loving the ever loving shit out of this, I realized how much my thoughts are so similar to how you were writing… and learned I need to love the ever loving shit out of my own throught process instead of trying to cerebellum the fuck out of it and linearize them so I am all confused and annoyed and frustrated. Plus I will forever say method to my radness now because of you. So thank you and wow and all that stuff.

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    1. You are so awesome….as I’ve said, I love the way you think….and, it’s the highest compliment to know that this post reflects your thought process–and that you’ve learned to love the way you think…and it makes me smile and so happy to think of you throwing “method to my radness” around like confetti…I am soooooo flattered 🙂 Thank you, my friend 🙂

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  3. This post was roller coaster ride, the cream pie reference mad me choke on the chocolate brownie, I was munching.
    note to self: never eat while reading truly unplugged’, and on a serious note, from one optimist to another, I do agree that it takes courage and strength to be an optimist and it is quite irritating when others think of us as grinning idiots, so totally, disoriented from reality.
    P.s. I just stated a fact, ( if it put a smile on your face, then I will temporarily forget the fact, that facts are serious things, that ought to be objectively understood, microscopically examined, and instead do a cartwheel and shout Yay!)
    P.P.S.( WordPress did it again, your posts do not appear in my reader. Are you getting mine? I visited your site again today, to look for new posts. I am going to unfollow and follow you again, hope that solves the problem)

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    1. Thank you very much 🙂 I’m glad you found humor in this post…I modified it just a bit (just now) in case some of my references were too obscure to understand…I might have been a bit too abstract, even for me 🙂 And, no, I don’t believe your posts are appearing on my reader. I will unfollow and follow as well…but, will visit you site just in case 🙂

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      1. How extraordinary…I too thought you had missappeared (deliberate wordage just because I like it on the basis my younger said it a lot whilst learning to talk…something I have deeply regretted much since 🤔)

        Bit references too obscure for minds as warped as yours…nay, nay and thrice nay my twisted friend…you are still friend I hope…sudden thought…you didn’t disappear but decide you don’t like us?? Is this true?? Oh my oh my, catastrophising whilst writing a post…and continuing like some magical dictation… Where was I?

        Oh yes, obscure references…Lewis Caroll is all I have to say !

        ‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
        Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
        All mimsy were the borogoves,
        And the mome raths outgrabe.

        “Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
        The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
        Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
        The frumious Bandersnatch!”

        Now there was a twisted wonderful mind indeed….

        Great post Truly…even though I didn’t see it either…nevertheless I will hunt you down if you go missing again 👻

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      2. I love the Lewis Caroll quote…I am going to Google it so I can get some context….I can understand “Beware the Jabberwock…and, the words that follow, but not what precedes it….I’m very intrigued…and, again, thank you for appreciating my crazy rambling style…you are a valued friend 🙂

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      3. Jonny Depp recites this ‘poem,brilliantly in the film. Odd thing is…I find your ramblings utterly sane….however this leads me now to question my own state of mind….it keeps returning to ‘I’ll let you into a secret, all the best people are’. I think I may have to just accept it 😜

        Glad you like the quotes 😇

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      5. I promise I am still here….you can’t get rid of me that easily…I was really distressed yesterday when I thought that you and others couldn’t see me…you’ve already become part of the fabric of my life….also, thank you for sending me the translation of the Lewis Carroll quote…also, I forgot to tell you that you were the inspiration for my inclusion of the “Cheshire cat auditioning for a toothpaste commercial” in my Cindy Lou Who post…. 🙂

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      6. There’s a psychological thing for you…withdrawal from social media and affects on mental well being!! Just confirms everyone here is quite mad…which, is fine by me 😜 Oooh I like that wrt Cheshire Cat. I’m generally quite good at inspiring folk allegedly…implanting germs of ideas and such like. I’m also of the opinion you are a Dr Zeus fan too 😱

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      8. Ha, thought so Cindy Lou is Grinch territory. My kids used to love Cat in The Hat…or was that me 🤔 There a good verse in Oh The Places You Will Go that sums up slumps too….particularly apt one that 😱

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      9. We have much in common, my friend…Cat in the Hat is probably my favourite of favourites 🙂 And, “Oh, the Places You Will Go” is wonderful, too 🙂 A horror story writer with a heart of goal and the sensitivity of a poet…you are a wonderful mix of such wonderful things…thank you for brightening my morning (I’m about to leave for work). Take care… 🙂

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      10. Hmm…I must rethink this…I have an image to maintain…supposed to be dark and gothic. I write horror you know!! Apart from Rose…she’s out of genre.. Weekend coming up so enjoy your Friday 😊

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      11. Don’t worry….I won’t tell anyone…I used to take singing lessons and my teacher would have me work on really high notes and really low notes (that I wouldn’t be using) because she said it would make the notes, in between, that much stronger…which was true…so, consider anything out of your preferred genre, extra high and extra low notes….they round out your work :). It is 7:03pm where I am….I get off work at 4:30pm, but had a couple late clients…so, I am looking forward to an early night, and a great and relaxing weekend….I am hoping to post a new post on Sunday. I will look for you…if not here…on FB 🙂

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      12. That’s pretty good advice she gave you. My analogy is emotive. Highs and lows produce particular writing minds…or the writing produces highs and lows…never quite sure which. I’m not sure the snippets on my blog really give that part away…which is good 😇 Can’t wait for your new post…which thinking about it Inshould do too !!!!

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      14. Something a bit different and from a new project called The Bequest. I’ve decided which sample to throw out so sometime today. Then we see if you are still seeing me in your reader 😁

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      15. Yay….and yes….it showed up in my Reader! Although, it shows that you sent this message two hours ago–and, I was just alerted, a moment ago, that there was a new posting (which, turned out to be yours). Also, all of the other blogs I am following are showing up on my Reader….so, all is right as rain 🙂 I’m going to read your new post straight away 🙂

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    1. This is so fantastic…I read it just before leaving for work…which meant I had to rush to be on time (I made it) and I’m going to read it again…and probably again…it feels like home. haha 🙂

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  5. Oh Truly, I love this post so much! Exactly what I needed to end this day of nonsense! What a joy to read your post! And what you say at the end after your derailment period, spot on! Also, totally digging the references! Hook, MC Hammer! Rock On!

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    1. Why, thank you sooooo much 🙂 It means so much to me that you ‘got’ this post…I am so happy to hear it…knowing that it hit the mark is a gift and a blessing….as are you…thank you for taking the time to read it, and especially for commenting….the feedback is so helpful (eg. knowing that you are familiar with my frames of reference). Thank you for being so encouraging…take care 🙂

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  7. I dipped my toe into your stream of consciousness and experienced a new-found freedom of association– exhilarating! I also worked up quite an appetite. Time to hit the Mulberry Street Diner and have some green eggs and ham… : )

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    1. Thank you for using your gift of creative expression to give me such a boost…you’ve delighted me with your charming and whimsical commentary….I really appreciate it and I am thrilled that you “get me”…have a great day 🙂

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    1. What a sweet surprise! Not to be presumptuous–I’m assuming that your comment “nice” is the same as clicking “like” 🙂 Also, I’ve “followed” you in–and commented on one of your posts…I look forward to reading some more within the next day or two…take care 🙂

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      1. Yes nice comprises lot many feelings (like awe,surprise,happiness,curosity, smile) and simply wow! How nicely one can write so many things in such simple way….well m planning to write something soon. M more of a data,fact n reserch person😉

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  10. I love your approach Truly. I hope that we will continue to celebrate in our particular forms of nonsense, whether people understand us or not. Yours makes the day just that little brighter every time I read what you’ve posted and I await the next with anticipation. We will enjoy being awesome from time to time, keep it up. x

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  12. I think this might be the first time I have read a post and had fun!
    Looking forward to reading more from your beautiful mind!

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  13. I loved this post, Truly. I’ve experienced that painfully embarrassing vulnerability countless times. I’m not sure whether it is an artifact of abuse or simply another aspect of being human. Your image of Sponge Bob self-absorbed was though priceless!

    Lots of love,

    A. ❤

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    1. Oh, Anna….thank you soooooo much….I remember agonizing over that post after I posted it….I worried it missed the mark….turns out that people I imagined would like/understand it did….but, I am sooooooo thrilled that you enjoyed it…I wouldn’t have predicted that, and it lets me know that it has a broader appeal than I imagined….and, I love that you relate to/picked up on the vulnerability factor on such a powerful level…I’m sending you love and light my treasured friend ❤

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