Light Tackle

I admire light tackle fishermen. They lure the fish, then—in concert with its natural instincts—draw it closer and gently pull it from the water. They may bring the fish to shore to eat it, or release it, with both fish and angler wiser for the experience.

If the goal is just to get the fish from the water, one may alternately blow up an M80, or poison the stream. Effective, but graceless. 

Bridging a Chasm

Bridging a chasm may begin with a slender thread, fixed to an arrow and sent across. A slightly heavier cord is then attached to the end of the thread, and drawn back. The process repeats until the divide is bridged by something stout enough to hold a person, who may carry supplies for the completion of the project. 

At each step the critical element is trust; trust in the materials, and in the skills and attentiveness of those working on each side of the chasm – but most of all, trust that the people on each side actually want a bridge built. 

Teaching Tolerance

The only effective way to teach tolerance is by example.

Matching intolerance with intolerance feels good - really good. Public humiliation is particularly satisfying. If the goal is to condemn, and to prove one's superiority, this approach is very effective.

But if one hopes to win a soul, rather than condemn it, there is a better way. Humiliating a person—however justified it may feel—ends the conversation, alienates them, and destroys any opportunity for influence.

Facts can be argued, but feelings are always valid, whether based on legitimate facts, or on prejudice and misinformation. Feelings are not changed—at least not for the better—by humiliation or intellectual intimidation; but by the gradual building of trust.

Seek first to understand how this individual came to believe what he or she does. Look for points of commonality – however remote they may seem. If none are found, there may be no choice but to agree to disagree; but you are no poorer for the effort. But if one reaches even a point or two of understanding, those points may form the cornerstone upon which and incredible shared understanding can be built.

Un Petit Hommage à Fromage

J'adore le fromage.
J'adore la brie, chevre et gruyere.
Je le mange avec du vin,
des craquelins,
et des poissons.

Je mange du fromage au petit déjeuner,
au déjeuner
et au dîner - 
et parfois entre ces repases.
J'adore le fromage. 

A Cry for Help

Strange - sometimes the last person to hear a cry for help is the one issuing it. 

La Maison de Plage

'Je t'aimerai toujours',
Ensemble, nous avons écrit dans le sable humide
Au bord de l'eau à marée basse.
«Toujours» ... nous avons ri de l'idée même -
Et pleurait pour nos rire insensé.

Plus tard, nous sommes rentrés à la maison de plage.
J'ai allumé un feu;
Nous nous sommes assis près de la fenêtre ouverte,
Nous avons bu du vin et fait l'amour
Au son du vent, des vagues,
Et de la marée montante inexorablement.  

Michel-Jacques Villeneuve

Pride and Gratitude

It is sad when people in need are too proud to accept help from others. 

Sadder still, when pride doesn't prevent the acceptance of help, but only comes into play when it's time to express gratitude. 

Reflective Glasses

We all wear 3/4 reflective glasses.  What we see all around us is as much a reflection of our hearts and souls as it is an objective view of the World.