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DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN |
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TOY TOPS
Tops fascinate me. I was captivated by spinning tops and gyroscopes as far back into childhood as I can remember. As a result, I have become an admirer and collector of various toy tops. Some were purchased at cooperative galleries and created by artisans. Others were purchased at toy stores. When I start them spinning and watch the motion, time stands still while I am transported to another universe. What is even more fascinating is that when I spin my tops, or the demonstration models in the stores, everyone around me becomes mesmerized. Soon they want to try spinning the tops themselves. For some it brings back childhood memories. For others the experience is new. For all of us, it brings smiles, giggles, and even a few belly laughs. So when I brought out my newest top at a gathering of friends, I was not surprised that it was a big hit. The underside of this top is bright blue. The upper side is shiny silver. Embedded in the silver is a small red bulb. When the top spins just right, the light comes on and the optical illusion of a red band appears on the reflective silver surface. Sometimes, after the top has been spinning a while, the light mysteriously goes out. Other times, the light never comes on. My friends and I attempted to scientifically discern what techniques ensured the light lighting and what caused the light to turn off; but no conclusive results emerged, except that several folks planned to purchase their own tops. As I have continued to observe my new toy, I have finally reached one conclusion. Sometimes things happen for no discernible reason. If I like what happens, I can relax and enjoy it. If I don't like what happens, I can start over or do something else. Perfection, it seems, is just as difficult for toy tops as for humans.
How do you react when things aren't going your way? Is it possible to perform every task flawlessly? What will you learn from your imperfections?
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SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008 |
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