Someone referred to my recent photo post as a "selfie" which was not my intent. I do not understand this obsession and selfie sticks have to be the epitome of narcissism.
Selfies will probably be around as long a people yearn for the spotlight.
Dad used to quote a poem that started, "Oh for the gift that God would give us to see ourselves as others see us." I have no idea why people want to post pictures that emphasize wrinkles, fat cheeks, bad skin, and unkempt hair. But maybe they don't see themselves as do others. Or maybe I'm just way too vain.
Thanks, Vee for that comment. It took me back to my high school English Literature class where we studied Robert Burn. I reread aloud the poem (To a Louse) with the accent I learned from the Scottish immigrant "Grandpa Simpson" (not my grandfather.
"O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us It wad frae monie a blunder free us An' foolish notion What airs in dress an' gait wad lea'e us An' ev'n Devotion"
Or if you want modern English, "Oh, that God would give us the very smallest of gifts To be able to see ourselves as others see us It would save us from many mistakes and foolish thoughts We would change the way we look and gesture and to how and what we apply our time and attention."
Vee, Chuck has filled us in. I recall Burns' poem, too.
Chuck, Dad used to quote a modified version, "Should some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us We would take one long deep breath And straightway laugh oursels to death."
Secondary Roads and Vanilla, my little brain just called up what I remembered Dad saying during my childhood. My education was apparently deficient. I did not study this poem in school.
I adore Robert Burns - "The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley, An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain, For promis'd joy!"
We 'did' Robert Burns in 5th grade, loved all his stuff as a kid. My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Walsh, was Scots and read Burns with the proper accent - only thing about her I liked (we had a mutual dislike of each other.)
Well, neither do I like those who refuse to be in pictures or insist on making silly faces. Sometimes, a selfie is required to be able to record one's presence in a place or a moment. I just try not to overdo them.
12 comments:
I'm hoping for Selfie Pretzel Sticks to hit the market soon.
Someone referred to my recent photo post as a "selfie" which was not my intent. I do not understand this obsession and selfie sticks have to be the epitome of narcissism.
Did you catch this Close to Home cartoon recently?
Eddie, what a great idea: several appetites fed.
Grace, Church Curmudgeon said the pix are called "selfies" because "narcissisies" is too hard to spell.
I have seen that cartoon now, thanks to your linking me up. Great addition to the conversation!
Selfies will probably be around as long a people yearn for the spotlight.
Dad used to quote a poem that started, "Oh for the gift that God would give us to see ourselves as others see us." I have no idea why people want to post pictures that emphasize wrinkles, fat cheeks, bad skin, and unkempt hair. But maybe they don't see themselves as do others. Or maybe I'm just way too vain.
Thanks, Vee for that comment. It took me back to my high school English Literature class where we studied Robert Burn. I reread aloud the poem (To a Louse) with the accent I learned from the Scottish immigrant "Grandpa Simpson" (not my grandfather.
"O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as others see us
It wad frae monie a blunder free us
An' foolish notion
What airs in dress an' gait wad lea'e us
An' ev'n Devotion"
Or if you want modern English,
"Oh, that God would give us the very smallest of gifts
To be able to see ourselves as others see us
It would save us from many mistakes
and foolish thoughts
We would change the way we look and gesture
and to how and what we apply our time and attention."
Vee, Chuck has filled us in. I recall Burns' poem, too.
Chuck, Dad used to quote a modified version, "Should some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us
We would take one long deep breath And straightway laugh oursels to death."
Secondary Roads and Vanilla, my little brain just called up what I remembered Dad saying during my childhood. My education was apparently deficient. I did not study this poem in school.
I adore Robert Burns - "The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft agley, An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain, For promis'd joy!"
We 'did' Robert Burns in 5th grade, loved all his stuff as a kid. My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Walsh, was Scots and read Burns with the proper accent - only thing about her I liked (we had a mutual dislike of each other.)
Gotta love the Sarge!
Vee, not deficient, simply directed down different pathways.
Grace, I get my Burns volume down occasionally. Can do a Scots accent only in my mind; the tongue can't handle it.
KC Bob, Sarge may not be able to keep Beetle in line, but he can sure put him in a pile. The bits and pieces, I mean.
Well, neither do I like those who refuse to be in pictures or insist on making silly faces. Sometimes, a selfie is required to be able to record one's presence in a place or a moment. I just try not to overdo them.
Sharkey, so the shot may not be candid, but it may verify your presence.
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