Stereotypes

Today I've been thinking about stereotypes.  You know, those great movie characters, such as the red herring, the first to get killed in a horror movie.  They're wonderful as narrative elements.  What they are not wonderful for is us.

This is lama fiber.  Alpaca or llama.  It's also Suri, which is silky.  Sheep people refuse to call it wool quite often.  I think it's llama wool.  Regardless of label, it's gorgeous and extremely soft.

Real people, like real life, are complicated.  We aren't just homebodies, or avid travelers.  Well, I guess there are some who fit, but not many.  Most of us are complex.  I think that's what makes a good actress, ore actor, the ability to be one of those things, or a small combination for a while.  To pretend to be some small part of yourself, or some part of someone else.  I mean really, is Anthony Hopkins really a murderer?  I sure hope not!  Is Norman Reedus really a bit of a hillbilly who was beat up by his dad?  No.  I hear he prefers to live in the city (New York I believe).

This is lama fiber combed out.  You can't feel how soft it is, but it's heavenly!

So, how does this relate to the average person?  My readers?  Well, each of us has different sides of us.  Sometimes it's hard to acknowledge those sides.  Did you know I grew up without a computer?  Horror of horrors!!  But I had my own pony!  For me, the pony was far more important.  It helped to shape my life from childhood to adulthood and on to parenthood.  It influenced my relationships and views on life.  Sorry, Norman Reedus, not a great match for you, but maybe for Daryl Dixon, lol.  I LOVE living in the country.  I can do my own plumbing, fencing and build out buildings.  But in all that survivalist reality, lurks someone who loves a beautiful horse and hand making sweaters.  I think you are dual in nature, too, or you wouldn't be reading my blog.

Be beautiful and rugged as the mood takes you.  Strip cabinets and refinish them, but also put those final touches on your artwork.  And above all, recognize that in others!  Don't pigeonhole people.  Let them be all they want to be.  Most especially if they are your children!

What are you going to be when you grow up?

I am amazed at how deeply we are affected by modern media.  Way before my time - I know you'll find this hard to believe - women used to wear swim suits that covered pretty much everything.  Now the question is which you find hard to believe.  Way before my time?  Or the bathing suits?

Yes, I have a tat on my ankle.

Anyway, it's true.  In every era there are the same issues floating around.  How we feel about them is definitely influenced by T.V., movies and social media.  I'd add news papers, but I don't read them.  Great coupons, though!  You can save a bundle.

Appalled by how much time I was sitting in front of the T.V., I choose to disconnect the satellite.  Over $100/ month for the same old thing over and over.  What I was watching isn't really relevant, maybe what I wasn't watching is?  I'm not sure.  Dexter was cancelled and that was it for me.  I named a horse Darkly Dexter.  He's a great horse!!!  A gentle giant who wouldn't hurt a fly.

Darkly Dexter a a baby.

Anyway, what we allow into our lives does affect us.  Undeniably.  The people, attitudes, news, shows, books ... The list goes on.  What you let into your mind affects your outlook on life.

Take me for instance.  I started watching The Walking Dead about six months ago.  I'm up to season six now.  Thank you to everyone who watched all along!  Without you I would never have become hooked on it.

So how has it influenced me? Life is precious, but only if you live life to the fullest.  If you hate your job and life, then find a different life and job.  Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.  Ok, so I'm still working on that one.  Hmm, maybe if Walking Dead had an episode with horses and llamas?  Spinning yarn and turning it into clothing?  Yeah, like that's gonna happen!

I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but whatever it is, I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it!  No, I'm not in my teens, lol.  Far from them!  But I think you can reinvent yourself as you go.  Once upon a time it was called a mid life crisis.  Now it's about finding yourself.  Who are you?  Who do you want to be?

Maybe you can be like me and have a great day job, but a bunch of side interests, too.  I don't understand people who have no hobbies.  Maybe that's because I have too many.  Should I make a list?  Ok, but I warn you it's a long one.

Reading
Writing
Horseback riding, short or long rides!
Training horses
Teaching people to ride
Raising horses
Llamas because they have attitude
Spinning yarn
Knitting
Crochet
Weaving
Dying yarn
Creating stories in my mind
Playing with my daughter
Ok, anything with my daughter!
Gardening
Plumbing
Electric work - simple stuff.
Building things
Riding horses while pretending things - remember playing cowboys and Indians?
T.V.
Movies
Talking to people
Blogging

I think I missed something.  No, I'm sure I missed something.  That's ok.  I'll remember later.  What interests do you have?  How have you been influenced by those around you?  Stop, think and reinvent yourself.  It's fun!