Monday, June 20, 2005
The Guy in the Glass !
When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.
For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.
He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.
- Dale Wimbrow 1895-1954
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.
For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.
He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.
- Dale Wimbrow 1895-1954
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Going for Bliss !!
I have always been a dreamer, perhaps its a piecean trait or whatever, but in doing so i have been in a continious state of prepration, not stopping by to enjoy what I am doing, 3 years back my dream was to do what I am doing now, I am quite convinced that dreams necessarily take you into the future and that is not the way to be happy. Brenda's post on sustaining dreams reinforces that belief as well. Yes, live the moment right now because this moment is not going to last. Concentrate on what you are doing now and in achieving sublime concentration in whatever u do, you will find bliss !
Getting Local?
I just realized the other day that its been close to 7 months since I have been in Istanbul, people around me are also realizing this and some incidents are proof enough. I was walkin on the street at Dikilitas approaching the bus stop and a car suddenly stops next to me to ask me for directions, I try and guide them in my broken turkish, this is not just a one off incident but happens quite regularly. The otherday a few of us trainees went by the water to have fresh fish, the waiter starts talking to 2 of them in English and starts explaining to me in turkish and gives details. I understand 80% of what he says and translate it for the others. I was wondering why was this the case, when I came in for the first few months people could make out I am a 'yabanci' = foreigner, but now it seems that I am one of them. I guess its the body languge, the way you walk around, your sense of direction comes through in the way you carry yourself. Of course I am told I look a little Turkish/Kurdish and go to a local hair dresser which could also be a good reason. It has been quite facinating to observe this change and its a sign that I have blended into the people and life here. I have decided for whatever more time I am here, I am going to make more of an effort to learn turkish. The other day I was convincing the stall owner next to our dorm that I frequent to cook me some Tandoori chicken. We managed to communicate and the deal is that I am going to marinate the 'tavuk' = chicken with some Tandoori masala from home and he is going to roast it for me. Cant wait to have Tandoori chicken by the Bosphorus with some beer! Inshallah!
