— At this Stage we Move from 'Purpose' to 'Reflection' —
*May I share for a moment: Days ago, I lost two of my besties very suddenly, both in the same day. I then put my drawing into a 'Circle of Life' image by Leonardo as a tribute to Audrey and Addie. They will be missed.
— The Windmills of Your Mind —
LOVE~HATE can they be intertwined somehow – The Circle of Life – Jumping Through Hoops: Most of us can relate to too many problems to solve overloads. As soon as you solve one problem, more circles appear side-by-side, with those special often unexpected moments. 'The Circle of Life,' as a philosophical concept, is that our lives resemble a complete full circle – with its joys and trials.
— Stich Of Time ~ Hang On —
Perhaps Karma, from inanimate objects to our everyday occurrences, we don't often stop to think about why we wonder about them - the goes around comes arounds.
— Full Circle Moments —
I've always been fascinated, but hated the Child's 'Circle' Game. I marvel at how these total inaccuracies actually can occur; rumor misinformation can bring out real or perceived results. Caught up in Circles Time after Time.
Remember the 'Circle Game' - starting with the 1st ear whisper: Seated players are thinking of what they are going to say next rather than what's going around the table at the time - happens every time! Not just different meanings; altogether different interpretations. Hence, the probable explanation for unexpected off-the-wall outcomes: DonutBreakBreather start-over anyone..!
For instance: At the 'Suits' big conference room table what goes around the room changes with each 'Half-Listening' at its finest, 'Oh, what were we talking about, again?' Monday morning daydreaming, reflecting on weekend romps, is common to most of us. Turned off to the mash-ups of often repetitive-rhetorical circular corporate table-talk! Not unlike jury room big-table round and round deliberations.
Out to Pasture - Retirement: The first thing that popped into my mind was the fact that I 'Love' being retired, but I 'Hate' not working with the remarkable people that were in my life for so many years. I sometimes think that I've lost that aspect of my sense of purpose and contribution.
Nah! I just miss the daily drama coffee-break lunch room dessert swaps as 'Juicy Gossip' runs amok. Often heard at the water cooler: "You Don't Say—who would have thought—Not Them!" The constant who's-seeing-who streaming grape vine: We've all chimed-in with that. When, of course, we weren't that day's focused at subject matter!
It does give me more time for everyday-daydreaming. I have always treasured certain everyday things. Diners 'Greasy-Spoons' became a much loved obsession of mine when I was going through my college-military years. I liked the fact that the common man (or woman) could sit right next to a person of the highest social status and it was acceptable, nay expected, behavior to talk to that stranger. Although the food only came in one genre, comfort, Meatloaf slathered in Gravy.
These centers of this purposeful, in-your-face, social life were all entertainment for me, a shy loner. And one never had to dress up or even buy tickets to attend these non-stop 'Interactional Observational Feasts.'
— Got any Love~Hates? We all have them..!
Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California
'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community -
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Jay Kantor
'For The Kids Someday'
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I am the only sister among seven brothers. Six of my brothers reached high positions in life, but the seventh—perhaps struck by an evil eye—remained behind. He was the most loving, compassionate, and supportive brother to me. His name was Zaman. He was the second child after me; the rest were younger. Through my mother’s prayers, all my brothers achieved respectable statuses. Zaman also received those prayers, and my mother loved him the most.
By Sudais Zakwan3 days ago in Families
Comments (36)
You're a brilliant philosopher and student of life, Jay. The people that we encounter really make our experiences. Love-Hate is such an apt analogy for the circle of life! Your artwork is charming & thoughtful! Thank you for bringing this piece to my attention. It is a philosophical masterpiece! I love the Tagline: At This Stage We Move From Purpose To Reflection. Sorry for your losses my friend! I love the joyful seasons of life; the somber ones not so much! Lol Take Care My Friend. I'll be reading more of your work Jay! This was a treat! 🥰
Love seeing your drawing as always (the one hanging on the clock hand is fantastic Jay!), and you muse on some serious topics while also mixing in your humour. "I liked the fact that the common man (or woman) could sit right next to a person of the highest social status and it was acceptable, nay expected, behavior to talk to that stranger."- such a lovely idea😊
Really good!
"Well said 👏"
This speaks volume and make a lot of senses..The author deserves some accolades
I'm sorry for your loss.
Sorry about your friends Jay. At 75 I am beginning to experience the same thing. I lost a brother in 2022 and it seems like the older you get the more people you have to say goodbye to. But none so needless than the murder of my oldest son at 44 years of age, and that is not understandable. It changed the dynamics of the world around me, and myself as well. After I found his killer I thought I would feel better, but he is still gone however, I do not regret walking those streets for justice. I have totally related to your article however it did make me personally sad as well. However, life makes you sad at this age and I can't see it getting any better anytime soon. The older we get the more we will see of it. Nicely Done Article!!!!
So many great insights into the fallible human condition. I could relate to ‘Out To Pasture - Retirement,’ I’m technically not retired yet as I quit my job in order to care for my mom but I am no longer part of the day to day grind. It’s true it’s always about the people. I miss the wonderful bright clever people I work beside. That ‘water-cooler’ grapevine is all too much a tempting bite I’ve taken a few times and of course enjoyed. Great observations, Jay!
So sorry for your loss Jay. Congratulations on top story.
loved how you described the common denominator of a variety of individuals at a diner...
sorry for your loss J, our people are always with us..
So sorry for your loss, JK
There's always something just so comforting and relatable about your reflections! I really appreciated the delve into your mind with this one, Jay! Sorry for your loss, but congrats on Top Story!!
Such a beautiful reflection, Jay! My love and hate is simple: chocolate and candy. I’m ok with most humans but narcissists drive me over the wall in exasperation.
Jay, your reflection on the Circle of Life and the nuances of everyday interactions is deeply moving. I especially appreciate your honest take on the balance between love and hate, particularly in the context of retirement. It's so relatable how the absence of daily connections, like the coffee breaks and juicy gossip, can feel like a loss of purpose. Your description of the 'Circle Game' and how we often misinterpret or half-listen to what's happening around us really hit home for me. It's so true that we all sometimes get caught up in our own thoughts, missing out on the richness of the present moment. And the way you described diners and their role in social life brought a warm nostalgia—there’s something magical about the simplicity of those spaces where anyone can connect. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful reflection, it’s a reminder to embrace all the little moments that make up the big circle.
I'm sorry for your loss. Congratulations on your Top Story!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Back to say congrats on Top Story, Jay!
I am sorry for your loss Jay. Sorry I missed this one. I think it got lodged in Vocal's digi AI attack black hole (a circle of sorts??) Love hate for me? Well I once wrote a story about a round cake aka my love hate cake. Aside from that... so many many many things! Arguably all life is a love hate business! Cake to deep. Huh... What's stirring? Oh... another round thing there. #fabric of the universe! To infinity and beyond. 💫❤️
Aw, Jay, I'm so sorry for your losses. Hugs. I know you will miss them
Very sorry for your losses, Jay. The cycle of beginnings and ends always keeps going doesn't it, but the ending can hurt like heck. Love-hate for me: Roller Coasters
Aw, JBud. I'm sorry about your friends. That's tough. Hugs. Loving the schtick art. I'm late to the party. I remember Harold Lloyd "a pair of glasses and a smile" and the clock! Your drawings always make me smile. Right. Brekkie and work for me. Might get chance for a cuppa if I'm lucky. Mwah from your Brit Bud. RD in wet GB
I've never been a big fan of the color orange. When I think of our current situation & how I feel about it, I guess it makes sense.
The circle of life never stops turning. We have a purpose, when it is fulfilled, we move on to the next stage. your friends are on their personal journey. Embrace the gift they gave you and rejoice for the lives they lived. Hugs and blessings.
Jay - Often it's easier to just bury our heads in the sand than to confront life's slopes - Rich