Art in Car's Dust by Scott Wade - based on the painting, 'Hylas and Nymphs' by John William Waterhouse (1849-1917) Be an optimist -- at least until they start moving animals in pairs to Cape Canaveral. ~Anonymous I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else.
~Earl Weaver The basis for optimism is sheer terror.
~Oscar Wilde For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else.
~Sir Winston Churchill Churchill seized upon the central point for me today - to be OF USE or not to be OF USE. What is 'of use' against pessimism, loss of heart, and entropy? Entropy is in constant backward motion, eroding whole categories much as oxidation results in rust or tarnish. Every little step I take pushes it closer toward the pure morning sunlight when the day was starting and all things were possible. Sitting down and succumbing to thoughts, images, and potential catastrophes is of no use against entropy and therefore aids its regression, which is ultimately cyclical as New continually becomes Old and Old gives birth to New. There is optimism in that cycle, especially when I'm not stuck in the future or the past, with this particular form, associations, or possessions. It's more important than I think to be gentle with myself. Allowing too much oxidation of spirit sends it low and becomes frightening. Lightheartedness and good cheer are also contagious and can return to assist in a challenging moment. This is my ghost story. My night sleeping in the haunted house on the corner for a dare. Waiting to see if i will emerge despite the bumps and visions to solid day once more. I know it's important to make that effort. I eat blueberries which are excellent antioxidants.