Head in the Clouds

After the Garage Sale

See yesterday's post for the before video!

Before the Garage Sale

See my next post to find out what happened!

In the News

Quite without planning to, I haven’t posted for a while. Thought I’d start up again with three items from the news:

1 The headline reads “Man Calls 911 about Son's Messy Room.” Here’s the story: A 28-year-old Ohio man, a member of the local school board, lives in his parents’ basement. One night, at the dinner table, he and his father argue about the son’s messy room. The son throws a plate of food across the table. The father calls 911.

In the past, I might have read the article with contemptuous glee. But now I see the possibility of ADD. A guy who does caring work for his community, housekeeping challenges, difficulty regulating emotions, impulsive behavior. I feel compassion for the guys and am sorry for the ridicule people are heaping on them in comments sections.

2 A young woman wrote to Dear Abby back in February. The advice seeker was a creative and talented designer, she said, but she just couldn’t seem to finish the projects she started. “Could I have a disorder?” she asked.

“Not unless being disorganized and not a self-starter is a disorder,” answered Abby, adding a little lecture on the consequences. “Stop the self-indulgence and get moving!”

Luckily, a couple people wrote in to educate Abby about ADD.

3 I was sorry to hear about Susan Boyle’s breakdown after she took second place on Britain’s Got Talent, and I wish her well. But I want to comment about her first performance. Did you see the eye-rolling and condescending looks audience members and judges gave Boyle got when she first got up on stage? Well, she showed them!

But she shouldn’t have had to. No one deserves to be treated in that disparaging way, no matter how awkward socially … and no matter whether his or her singing is off-key or brings you to tears. Those of us who are different shouldn’t have to demonstrate extreme talent to earn basic respect as human beings.

I chose to link to this version of Boyle’s performance because I like what the person who posted it has to say (loosely translated): “I’m a fan of Susan’s, not just because all those people who made fun of her ended up dropping their jaws in amazement, but also because she taught us that talent comes in many forms. Let’s stop judging people on appearances … and let’s not forget the lesson she’s taught us!”