Single = lonely?

It has been on my mind for some time now. An interesting theory that language, being a mean of communication, aiming at revealing someone's intention, belief, or opinion, can actually influence these intentions, beliefs, and opinions more that we think.

Take single parent for example. While the definition is pretty universal (OK, there might be nothing pretty about it, in general), the actual wording differs significantly from one language to another. 
In English, it simply means someone who is taking care of their children on their own.
And is back from a 'in relationship' status to the one from beforehand. One step back for some, huge step forward for most.

In Polish, however, this is totally different. The notion could be translated into English as 'lonely parent'. 'Lonely mother' or 'lonely father'. Incredible how much negative reference is there.


How come? Because of social life patterns? Because of mainstream acceptance? Because of zero, or little tolerance to life choices people make?

I don't know. But it makes me kind of sad.

Keeping Up Appearances 21 years later

- She can't help the way she looks. It's not her fault - she says when we are watching the replay of gymnasts twisting, tumbling, doing anything I could do if there was no gravity. And no chocolate.
- Yes, but I what I meant to say was ... - I try to explain
- Let me finish first - she raises her hand and continues - it's life's fault. You should blame life for the way you look.

And I wanted to say that what I meant was one of the gymnasts had daggers in her eyes and that unpleasant look on her face. Like if she hated all. Or ate something which made her tummy hurt.
And I wanted to say that I agree it is not about the looks.
I wanted to say I meant the way you are as a human (or sometimes as not human at all), that behaviour finds its way to end up on your face.

But then I stopped.

And thought once again about what she told me.

And said nothing.

Because that little philosopher of mine was completely right. If there is anyone to blame for the way you look, it is indeed your life.

...

Control, command, and rule... in leopard heels

Insightful, clarifying, and informative. One could say that about that book. But I can refer these words to the main character as well: Theresa May.
 
While her portrait here remains professional, some details about her private life were cleverly sneaked into. Which makes this non-fiction a true page-turner.

Like her personal situation. Like her passion for outstanding quality footwear. Like her health issues.

Highly recommended to anybody living in the UK, or interested in recent history.

I just wish the book ended in a less cut-through, no-summary way. 
Then again, this is a life story of a woman who recently became UK's Prime Minister. Life story. With events being written in history right now. So it's life that is part of this book. And that's what makes it even more interesting to read.

(I read ARC of this book)

Auto

It was one of those days when Facebook said to me I should complete a sophisticated test, one in the lines of 'if you think you are funny, this is the most laughs-provoking quote you could post in 20 years' time...'. Or something equally silly. As all you need to do is click. Once. In the rare case of a particularly multi-level analysis you do it twice. And you are presented with a result. Bang! This is what you will say to your so called friends in 2036. Your welcome.


I don't like the word 'should'. It plays tricks with my mind which instantly, instantly produces that voice in my head that says: 'No'. 'Don't do it.' 'It is you who decide, no should-teller has a right to tell you what to do.' And only now, when I look at my no longer-aspiring philosopher, the 7-year old mirror of my stubbornness, only now I can feel the pain my grandma must have felt when she was finding the ways to get around all the 'shoulds' in the world to make me do things.

But that day, it was different. I obeyed. Clearly, clicking on the link Facebook suggests you and letting an online application rule your mood means you are in trouble, or something is not quite working on some levels in your life. Or both.

So I did it. I let this blue time-consuming tool tell me what would be the first sentence of my autobiography book. Which only proves the point. I wasn't myself that day. Otherwise I wouldn't let anyone and anything write words for me.


If you ever come across a biography written by me and by popular free social networking website, you might expect it will start like this: 'In life, I've often found myself standing in front of locked doors. Thank God for sledgehammers.'

Seriously?:)))

And now... something completely different

Kazimierz Wierzynski
Zielono mam w głowie

my very inaccurate English version ...;)


I'm carefree and lightsome
My head full of violets
Grown in the flower-beds of thoughts
Under the never-setting sun
That gave me my bright blue soul
I spread smiles around
I give them away in bunches
I'm this joyful wind-storm of awe and happiness
That poets sometimes feel
When they know they shouldn't be human
They should be Spring itself...

Weather conditions explained - the Rio way

If anyone is wondering what is the weather like in the Americas today (perfect timing, considering the Olympic Games are just about to start:), just read on...

'It is really hot in America', she said, in one of those 'come on, you know I'm right, just admit it' kind of voices. 'Everyone should be using their sun cream. If you are in America, and you're not sweating, something is wrong with you.'
:)))

So, now you know. Enjoy the Games:)

Pulling out a rabbit

'Sometimes, if you expect nothing, you get something, right?', she said, casually, eating her fancy breakfast (biscotti and water... I know. Fancy;) and reading a book, which probably triggered the question she sort of asked.
All I could do was nod. And sit there, in awe of capacities a young brain reveals sometimes.