Life Through the Eyes of Dr. Seuss

Often, when I begin a new post, I have no idea what to write about or where it will lead.  Today, it is no exception as I began to thread thoughts.... and it led to Dr. Seuss!  I am sure that many of you recall reading Dr. Seuss books to your children years ago.  As I revisited the whimsical sayings of Dr. Seuss,  I came into a new appreciation of the author's insight and deep reflection into life.  Here are a few examples.....

 

How did it get so late so soon?

Its night before its afternoon.

December is here before its June

My goodness how the time has flewn.

How did it get so late so soon? 

 Dr. Seuss was the pen name for Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904-1991). He was a famous author and illustrator, among the list of books being - The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham. Beloved by generations, his simple style with words struck a chord with both children and adults alike. Part of his success was due to a personal philosophy in his perception of life. He states, "I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living; it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities."

One of the joys of photography is often looking at the wrong end of a telescope, or camera lens for that matter.  A picture can emit numerous emotions from the viewer ranging from joy to sorrow and all that lies between.  The photo can project an essay or a sentence or even one word.  I use the below picture to make my point.  I happened to catch my cat in a comical pose on camera and the below caption from Dr. Seuss befits a truth.  So often in aspects of society, we try to "fit in" and lose ourselves in the process.   

"Why fit in when you were born to stand out" - Dr. Seuss

If you are not familiar with Dr. Seuss, I encourage you to read his books. And if you have books preserved in a box, a remnant from days gone by, go search them out and re-read for simple enlightenment. Here is a fun website to go to for more information about Theodor Seuss Geisel and "seussville".... http://www.seussville.com/

I invite you to return to The Turn-Up Patch.  It isn't Seussville, but I hope you enjoy my bi-monthly posts.  Next one will be on Monday, June 6.....  See you then!

 

Hello Spring!

Spring has sprung in Grant County!  It's always amazing to me how quickly trees and foliage take on a new life after the bare branches of winter.  Flowering buds and leaves seem to explode overnight in multi-colored dimension.  Perennials pop out of the ground along with the lush green grass of lawns and fields.  You know that spring has definitely arrived when our horses display a disinterest in eating hay set before them and prefer to wander off for the taste of new grass growth. 

WELCOME, sweet season of delight,

what beauties charm the wond'ring sight

in thy enchanting reign!

English poet, Elizabeth Bentley (1767-1839), wrote the above words in her 'Ode to Spring'.  Her poetry celebrates the beauty of the land and a deeper meaning of seasons correlating within the cycles of human life.

As you can tell in the above photos, the snow of winter still likes to intrude on the emergence of spring as it gives a few 'last hurrahs' around the surrounding countryside.  Quite a contrast as one season gives way to the other.  And so it is with Elizabeth's thoughtful words illustrated in her poem, which goes on to say.....

    We see fair Spring advances fast,

With Summer in the rear;

Soon Autumn's shades will interpose

And a succeeding Winter close

The swift-revolving year.

Of human life an emblem true,

The early morn of youth we view,

In Spring's delightful face; 

Meridian life's a Summer's day,

With Autumn fades; its quick decay,

In winter's blast we trace.

Then let us prize each fleeting hour,

Improve the moments in our pow'r, 

E'er time shall cease to be;

Then shall our spirits, taking wing,

Be crown'd with an eternal Spring,

From Wint'ry storms set free. 

Come back  to The Turn-Up Patch where we will visit again on Monday, May 23.