h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

DESTINY

Okay, I’m going to get the sappy, reflective journal entry out of the way early in the month. It isn’t about baseball, but is prompted by all the recent remarks that the Cardinals were a ‘team of destiny’ or that they were ‘destined to win’.

I’m not sure I believe in destiny. At least not in a predestination, God or fate has ordained that this is going to happen and there’s nothing you can do about it sort of way, or that there is some puppet master pulling the strings for everything that happens in our lives individually or collectively. But I don’t completely disbelieve, either. I have always thought that if we do the right thing at the right time we can achieve remarkable things. I also believe in creative visualization to the extent that we can attract good luck or bad luck by our attitude, hopes and fears.

Have you ever just sensed that something was going to happen, whether it was logical or not? For some strange reason, ever since I was young, I sensed that I was supposed to do something important, something special. I didn’t have a clue what that was, but was sure it would happen. It was my destiny or fate. Of course it was pure fantasy and no such thing has happened. Failed journalist. Failed novelist. Failed illustrator. It is disappointing to be on the brink of something and have events beyond your control take over and change your course. But that always gave me something to blame rather than having to admit that I didn’t want it badly enough to make it happen.

It would be nice to think that something I’ve done has made a difference and is worth remembering. This is not to say that I haven’t had successes here and there. I’ve been a part of some things that were important, but it has always been for some cause or other. I’ve never accomplished anything special for myself.

The thing is, if I knew what it is I’m supposed to do, then I could use creative visualization as a way to help make it happen. Sort of like the Cardinals players really believing they could make it to the playoffs and then win. No one believed they could do it except themselves. I clearly don’t have the proper focus to visualize this ephemeral destiny of mine. All I know is that I’m not getting any younger. My hair is gray, my back is weak and my vision is fading. If some transforming event is going to take place, it needs to hurry.

Perhaps the true failure is my attitude towards myself and what ‘important’ really means.

Well, you have introduced quite a lot of disparate folks all over the world to the wonders that are the life of a hillbilly with a passel of BC's. Not everyone can lay claim to that ...

I sometimes think I should have achieved something 'important', too.

I have accepted to be mediocre and let other people do the great things.

Just remember, it wasn't just visualization, positive thinking and believing that they could win that led the Cardinals to win. There was also all that training and practice, millions spent on analyzing their performance and coaching. Also, don't neglect random chance, quantum effects if you will to determine whether particular plays went in their favor. Also, everyone neglects consider how many other teams were convinced it was their year as well. Selective observation, as it were.

In other words, I don't worry about predestination.

If just thinking and believing were enough, the Toronto Maple Leafs would again have won the Stanley Cup sometime in the last 40 years or so ...

Greatness or success aren't always measured by how many times your name is in Time magazine. Some days when I am at my lowest, I mentally browse the past and see the names and faces of people whose lives I have helped when they most needed it. A little step at a time, but at this time, I know that there are literally hundreds of people across this country that I could phone, and quite a lot in other countries, and each would (and sometimes do) greet me well and chat for extended times

A person at a time, that is a success. How's about your own history Hyp? With your heart, I would imagine you have done quite a lot of good over the decades

Just being good to people isn't what I was talking about. Not that I want to diminish simple goodness or the notion that we should all do what we can when we can. But it isn't the same thing as accomplishment.

BG, with the Cards this year I think the random chance you mentioned definitely came into play.

I've definitely enjoyed the hillbilly stories too - I'll never forget the story about the clash between the landscaper and Smellfungus

That one was too naughty for h2g2 and was posted elsewhere. I don't think I have a copy of it anyplace.

Sorry about the belated reply, been busy writing am now trying to catch up with my reading.

Isn't it still available 'elsewhere'? I remember printing it out and bringing it to the Salonista meet.

I beg to differ that you haven't done that "important thing". I know I've said it, as well as others, that your work on the programs and exhibits you do would stand up proudly with any programs, at other libraries. I've seen exhibits just as good at the Los Angeles Main Library, and believe me, they're no slouches!

I bet more than a few kids have seen those programs, and maybe been inspired not to sleep through maths or science class. Some have gone on to something that you inspired, I'm sure of it. I call that a notable achievement.


And about those Cards...BRILLIANT!

Thanks, SC. The library as it is today wouldn't be here at all if it wasn't for my cussed stubborness. Well, that and the fact that I was too dumb to realize that what I proposed to do was impossible. I know it makes a difference in the community. It was in such horrible shape it needed closed. Now we have a great facility. I certainly didn't do it alone, although it wouldn't have happened without me. As for the programming and exhibits, those are the only things that keep me going. I am so burned out.

Ti, is the other place still accessible? I just typed it directly there. That was the first and only draft, so I don't have it in a word document anyplace.

Hyp, have you thought forward to who's going to maintain the standards when you retire? Like a possible understudy, for the exhibits (and someone who might be willing to do some gruntwork, to take the load off ?