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3musesmerge's avatar

A note from LoveLetterist:

Over the weekend I cam across a poem that made me think... and smile.

You might like it, too?

There are two kinds of people on earth today,

Just two kinds of people, no more, I say.

Not the good and the bad, for 'tis well understood

That the good are half-bad and the bad are half-good.

No! The two kinds of people on earth I mean

Are the people who lift and the people who lean.

What's interesting to me is... We can only really know... ourselves.

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Gary Spangler's avatar

What meaning do you assign to “lean?” Something like “lean into the wheel” or “don’t worry about the mule; load the wagon” came to mind for me?

Does the poem have an author?

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3musesmerge's avatar

Author of poem: Ella Wheeler Walker

Meaning assigned to “lean”.

This might surprise you — more facets than even I’m aware of! I’ll give it a shot!

What happens if we change “lean” to “learn”?

I think of leaners as learners. We all fall on various points of an infinite spectrum. In some areas we learn and in others we lift. I am grateful for all who continue to lift me with their teachings!

There have been times in my life when I have been a learner who was not “doing my best.” Not because I didn’t want to… I either lacked awareness or was in a state of discomfort/disconnect where I was unable to find the “how”. A stuck learner?

What I have now learned is that life itself is continually giving me clues and opportunities to grow! Some are dandy and some are adversity (like cancer). As long as I pay attention and do my best, I think I’m a lifter and a learner!

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Gary Spangler's avatar

I couldn’t agree more!

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Gary Spangler's avatar

First, I took tremendous joy from re-reading Chapter 17! Jack’s daily contributions to your state of mind and spirit are priceless. As an artist you could buy a buzzy engraving tool and some blank medallions to inscribe and gift others. A bit beyond simple nicking perhaps. Author’s consent seems a good first step. Otherwise what would you do with the engraver? Imitate bees?

Second, I got a screenshot of your bookmark (pretty sure that was from a teaberry plant) to ask Siri for her opinion. She had a mental collapse. Nothing close to any plant. Instead, recipes! The one for “spicy catsup” was my favorite. She mustn’t get out much...

The flying theme was very cool! Is Tal okay? I wondered what Antoine de Saint-Exupery would have done with a wing suit on the Pyrenees? 🤭

Cal’s diligent efforts to create wind for Tal’s take off demonstrates her ability to be a team player. All for one and one for all!

This is the day that the Lord hath made. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad in it!

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3musesmerge's avatar

I am beyond tickled by Jack’s effort to keep me smiling! What a gift!

Bittersweet!

‘Ole Saint Exupery had a brain far superior to mine! Likely courage, too. I’m a big fan of his work.

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Gary Spangler's avatar

If I recall, in one of his books he described flying at night without instruments and crossing the Mediterranean. Maybe near Gibraltar. I seem to recall navigating by stars?

You’ve nudged me to look in my Kindle. Somehow I ended up with part of one of his books?! Beth’s dad once commented: “I’ve decided to start keeping books that I’ve finished. Before too long if I pick them up again it’s like reading them for the first time!

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