In August of last year, I invited readers to "Make Your Own Thought," posting a collection of quotes with the last word left out. I supplied my own preferred completions in the comments section. For the record, I'd like to bring the completed thoughts together here.
"Always carry with you a little reasonable doubt, should you meet someone who needs to be found innocent."
"Let us learn humility from the sun, which, in all its glory, will yet give anyone the time of day."
"I remember this from childhood: that when I had done something to earn my parents' respect, I didn't want their unconditional love."
"Try to do something each day that you would do if you didn't think it was too late."
"A senseless tragedy remains forever tragic, but it's up to us whether it remains forever senseless.
"Of the Seven Deadly Sins, Sloth is the only one I still have energy for."
"How do you know you died? Well, I guess you start meeting people you thought were dead."
"Having completed most of the book of life, I can tell you that the answers are not in the back."
"How often we overlook the happiness in our lives that it is not yet a memory."
"Who would not be a little dishonest if there were such a thing as a little dishonesty."
"I have made choices in life that would have been wise indeed had they been choices."
"As important as penciling in each day a new page of your life story is to go over some previous page in ink."
~~ Robert Brault
19 comments:
Robert, I can't even pick one today; they are all so good. I'm visiting my parents and just read your entire post to them. They were alternately laughing at your wit and nodding at your wisdom.
Thanks for giving them (and me) such a pleasant morning!
=)
RB, the one that made me go..wooo:"How do you know you died? Well, I guess you start meeting people you thought were dead...(I am still shaking that one off). and this one: "Having completed most of the book of life, I can tell you that the answers are not in the back." and the finale: "As important as penciling in each day a new page of your life story is to go over some previous page in ink..Excellent Robert enjoy your week :)
I'm always so happy when I see you've posted something new! And, as always, the quotes are wonderful! Thanks Robert!
"A senseless tragedy remains forever tragic, but it's up to us whether it remains forever senseless."
This really resonates with me, maybe because I've seen a few senseless tragedies in my time. It really is true!
"As important as penciling in each day a new page of your life story is to go over some previous page in ink." Simply graceful Robert as always! It becomes even more tempting to think that a learned one like Robert might "go over some previous page" of yours!
Wonderful thoughts, Robert! And yesterday, I was delighted to see that you were on Mary Englebreit's daily calendar page. It was perfect for the day that I was having dinner with my life-long friends which I've posted on my blog. Thank you.
Sue,
Thanks. I'd like to have been there. My wife never nods at my wisdom -- and laughs only when I threaten to leave her for a nodder.
Karen,
Really appreciate the attention you give my stuff. Thanks -- and have a great week yourself.
Becky,
Ditto my response to Karen. You're a good friend.
Winterswan,
I am pleased that my words resonate in "the magical world." Thank you -- and welcome.
Raj,
While my life story is pretty much sealed in ink, everything written here is very much in pencil.
april,
It's good to hear that I have graduated from refrigerator magnets to calendars. Thanks.
Robert-I like the subtle challenge in all these reflections to dig a little deeper into the ground of this paradoxical life.
Of the seven deadly sins...so funny. Choices...a little dishonest. I just don't know how to choose favourites anymore. Even your replies are gilt edged. They say that behind every great man is a greater woman so say hello to the great Mrs Brault from me, and I hope you both have a good weekend.
Loved them all today. Thank you!
Also -- bright spot yesterday morning when I tore off my 'page-a-day' calendar page and found one of your quotes - one of my favorites! Loved that, too!
I enjoyed each one of these, Robert!
"Let us learn humility from the sun, which, in all its glory, will yet give anyone the time of day."
* * * cheering our sunny days * * *
"Try to do something each day that you would do if you didn't think it was too late."
I appreciate this one too ~ it reminds the heart that there are things that go beyond the confines of time.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend*
~Maria
You always, always make a lot of sense! And I always, always enjoy your entries! Thank you.
nothingprofound,
Thanks -- although I aim for no more subtlety than finding a prize in a box of crackerjacks.
Ken,
Mrs. Brault returns a cheery hello. Wish you every success with your new art site -- and thanks for liking my musing about art.
Jan,
I hope folks don't get too upset, tearing off a page of their calendar to see what day it is, and instead finding a lesson in life.
Maria,
Yes, let us enjoy the clear blue skies while we can. A lot of storminess dead ahead for the upper right corner of the USA.
Aileen,
It's great to hear from you again! I can kick myself for losing touch. Makes me a little nostalgic for the early days of this blog and out visits back and forth.
smiles all,
rb
awesome quotes. i'm going to link to your site from mine!
Guess I will stop looking for the answers in the back of the book! Great quotes!
carlos,
I don't think I've ever laid eyes on a site so completely monetized as yours. There seems to be commercial intent to everything you post. Not a crime, but not a site I wish to be linked to.
Maxie,
I would note that many of the answers not found in the back of the book can be found on your blog.
smiles,
rb
You asked that we not beg you to continue, so I won't, but I regret that I've never before written to tell you how much your blog has meant to me. My two favorite quotes: "Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true." And "To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness." This one may very well have saved our marriage.
Bless you, Robert Brault. I'll hold out hope that some day you will once again share your wit and wisdom with the us.
As a relative "newbie" to your site, I am distressed that I won't be able to eagerly hurry to you on a Tuesday to see a fresh supply of thought provoking insights. That said, I am grateful for that part of you that you have so graciously shared with us. Like others, I shall continue to check your site just in case you have an overwhelming desire to post a thought or two. Best of luck in whatever endeavor your path leads you to. You will be missed.
Libby
Anonymous #1,
If you've never written before, then your first comment has been well worth waiting for. I will treasure it. Thanks so much for your appreciation. As for saving your marriage, you will have to take credit for that yourself.
Anonymous (Libby),
My heartfelt thanks, but please do realize that my archives are full of fresh thoughts, assuming you haven't read them all. Occasionally I repost from the archives, and it surprises me how even my regular readers comment on them as if they were new.
smiles both,
rb
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