Ffolkes,
Putting together the Pearls for this morning’s piece for some unknown reason turned into a marathon effort. Although I don’t examine the internal process that recognizes just the right quotes or poems, it generally runs smoothly, and finding acceptable options is accomplished with a minimum of fuss. But today found me searching frantically through piles of stuff, getting more and more frustrated with each wrong choice, mumbling imprecations and studiously ignoring the passage of time. To watch me, one might believe I was being paid a significant amount of gelt to go through this; why else would I put so much effort and sweat equity into it?

Alas, I am not being paid for this, other than intangibly. I do get the pleasure of the occasional reply, telling me that someone liked what I wrote, while other times a fascinating or humorous discussion might ensue with one or another of the Pearl Drops, as those readers who receive the daily Pearl via email are affectionately known in this house. Very seldom do I get something from someone who disagrees with something written here, but it has happened, and those dialogs are appreciated as well. There is also the beneficial effect on my mind and spirit of pushing the dross out of my head in order to put it into some kind of comprehensible nonsense for publication; it’s always a good idea to not let that sort of crud build up for too long, or it can be a terrifying job to remove it.

In spite of, or perhaps because of, the difficulties faced this morning, I have managed to piece together a pretty good little group. This batch should be viewed with a slight squint, in order to see what meaning may lie around the corner from where it is actually being viewed. In fact, a lot of what I write ends up being like that, and looking at it askance can only improve your appreciation. It’s not that I like to be obscure, I just like to be obscure, y’know? It’s one of the few joys I allow myself these days, as it is relatively inexpensive…..enjoy, and don’t forget to wash up afterward…..

“It’s not denial. I’m just very selective about what I accept as reality.” — Calvin (“Calvin and Hobbes”)

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When thus the heart is in a vein
Of tender thought, the simplest strain
Can touch it with peculiar power.
— Thomas Moore (1779-1852)
— Evenings in Greece, First Evening

“The only way to compel men to speak good of us is to do it.” — Voltaire

How small of all that human hearts endure
That part which laws or kings can cause or cure!
Still to ourselves in every place ensigned
Our own felicity we make or find.
— Samuel Johnson

Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe. And what do we teach our children in school? We teach them that two and two make four and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are?

“Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness *positively*, by uniting our affections, the latter *negatively*, by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last is a punisher. Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one….” — Thomas Paine, opening lines of _Common Sense_ 1776 — *asterisks denote Paine’s use of italics*

Now there is an ending, with the added perspective of being a beginning. I just love juxtaposition; the word AND the deed! Whew, what a ride! Y’all take care out there….

Kowabunga!