These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Monday, July 28, 2008

Food for Thought

Ruth in Canada sends me lots of neat things, and I just love this. Something we should all consider. Thanks Ruth!

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Near a boat docked in a tiny Maritime village, an Albertan tourist compliments the Maritime fisherman on the quality of his fish, and asks how long it took him to catch them.

'Not very long,' answered the Maritimer.

'But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?' asked the Albertan..

The Maritimer explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

The Albertan asked, 'But what do you do with the rest of your time?'

'I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a nap with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs ... I have a full life.'

The Albertan interrupted, 'I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you!

You should start by fishing longer everyday. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat.'

'And after that?' asked the Maritimer.

'With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Toronto, Boston, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise.'

'How long would that take?' asked the Maritimer.

'Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,' replied the Albertan.

'And after that?'

'Afterwards? Well my friend, that's when it gets really interesting,' answered the Albertan, laughing. 'When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!'

'Millions? Really? And after that?' said the Maritimer.

'After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a nap with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends.'

And the moral is: Know where you're going in life ... you may already be there!

We all need to realize how much we have, and how little we really need.


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I have to go think now. Warm thoughts to all of you.

6 comments:

  1. Please tell Ruth how much I appreciated that story, Lynilu - it is SO true !

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  2. Annie, I will pass that along to Ruth. Yes, it is quite true.

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  3. great story and reminder! Thanks to both of you for sharing!

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  4. Beans, isn't it? You're welcome. :)

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  5. I do so hope I don't spend "the rest" of my life.. here.. in this house. I don't think it's my "forever place".

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  6. MQ, I hope so, too. I know that it hasn't been "yours." You'll find it one day. :)

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!