Saturday, April 24, 2010

In Praise of Eccentricity

While out driving around with a friend, I passed this sign. I thought it was charmingly eccentric, my friend didn't care for it. (Not the sign itself. She just doesn't like any sort of yard decoration).

I've always been drawn to eccentric people. I find them, usually, more interesting than people who are strictly conventional. But that is not to say that I don't know or like any interesting, conventional people, I do.

Most of the women in my family, and extended family, could be called 'eccentric' and they would take it as a compliment. I think it takes a certain amount of courage to be eccentric, especially if you're a woman, even in current times. Of course, in times not too far past, it was risky, even life-threatening, for either gender to be anything other than exactly like their neighbors. I'm so glad I don't live in times like those; I'm not sure I would have survived!

3 comments:

  1. The South treasures its eccentrics -- it's something of a cottage industry here.

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  2. You probably did, Victoria, and you probably didn't.

    Eccentricity used to be celebrated in Britain, until Mrs T and The EU turned us into a nation of go-getters. Another reason why I don't fit in.

    Love the bird pics. I'm becoming a bit of a St Francis as I get older. Your Grosbeak lokks similar to our bullfinch.

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  3. Vicki, that's one of the reasons why I love the South!

    (Laughing) JJ, you're probably right. I'm sorry to hear that Britain no longer approves of eccentricity. Good for you for refusing to fit in, and good for you for becoming a bit of a St. Francis! Animals need all the help and concern we can give them.

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