Post (c) Doris McCraw
According to Merriam-Webster the definition of mishmash is a confused mixture of things. It perfectly defines life right now. (No, I’m not talking politics. I leave that to those who are passionate about it.)
So what do I mean by life right now? Life is and always has been confusing. We learn as we go along, making mistakes and enjoying triumphs. We plan our journey, and do everything the way we think it should be, then…bam…some challenge gets thrown your way. The key to getting somewhere, go with the flow.
I always thought I would be a performer, and I have been. I decided at fifteen I would work with criminals. Been there, done that. I’ve always written, but didn’t think non-fiction would be in the picture. *OOPS* Teach me to think life didn’t have another idea.
The thing is, life really is a mishmash, but it isn’t such a bad thing. Instead, I prefer to think of all the wonderful experiences I’ve had in my lifetime as gifts. If I hadn’t started spending weekends in the research section of the library, I’d have missed out on some great friendships. I also probably would never have found the women doctors, and written scholarly papers on such diverse subjects as ancient volcanos, film commissioners and of course women doctors.
If my parents hadn’t encouraged me to take chances, to follow dreams and not worry about how others viewed me, I wouldn’t have been an acting teacher, played music professionally and been an actor. Because no one told me I couldn’t, I live a blessed life. So bring on the mishmash.
I’d like to share some of the thoughts of Mark Twain about life. Hope you enjoy the mishmash.
- You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
- Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.
- The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.
- Don’t part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.
- It is curious–curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare.
- There are not enough morally brave men in stock. We are out of moral-courage material.
And my favorite:
Let us endeavor so to live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.
Angela Raines is the pen name for Doris McCraw
Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women’s History
For a list of Angela Raines Books: Here
Photo and Poem: Click Here A
Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here
Writing Wranglers and Warriors 
I’ve never heard any of these quotes before, so thanks for sharing the insight.
LikeLike
Abbie, I confess that growing up near Hannibal did lead to a passion for Mark Twain’s work. Glad you enjoyed them. Doris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved your blog. Isn’t it amazing that Mark Twain’s words still echo truth over a century later? I do love Mark Twain’s sayings and writings. I think I could call my life a mish-mash also.
LikeLike
Thank you Neva, it means a lot to me. I think one of the reasons people like Mark Twain and Edgar Lee Masters, still resonate, they talk about the human condition. That seems to be a constant, along with the mishmash of life. *smile* Doris
LikeLike
It’s so true that going with the flow is the key to moving forward. I often plan and plan but life rarely goes as planned. I find I have to remind myself of this and try to relax. Great quotes.
LikeLike
Thank you Sarah. I guess the view from an ‘older’ age does help. Like you, I have planned, but…well you know what happens next.
Like I told Neva, I think the quotes still hold up because they are comments on human nature, and that never ages. Doris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now you have me remembering that I wrote a poem in high school as a class assignment. A title something like this: ‘Life is a River.” Carried by the swift current, avoiding the flotsam as best we can. My symbol of life… and I was only 17 or so at the time. We didn’t know what life held in store for me. Yet that poem had a grain of truth in it.
LikeLike
Mike, I think people have a sense of what life might be like. I also like the poem. Life can be challenging, but oh so much fun. Glad to trigger the memories. Doris
LikeLike
Wonderful post, Doris! Great insight and advice!! Thank you for sharing Mark Twain’s sayings and your thoughts — you truly have an inspiring outlook on life, despite the challenges you’ve face, and Twain’s quotes are worth a re-read. Thank you for sharing such encouraging, thought-provoking material in this post!
LikeLike
Gayle, I’ve always considered myself a realistic optimist. I do thank you for the kind words. Twain seemed to have a finger on the pulse of human nature. I grew up with him and never let go. *Smile* Doris
LikeLike
Plan, yes, but keep that flexible mish-mash mentality because I also think that there are many very valuable twists and turns to get from A to B!
LikeLike
Amen to that Nancy. It is the journey that is the fun part, at least to me. Here’s to the journey to our planned end. Doris
LikeLike
You’re right–Bam! But a couple of my best things have resulted from those sudden crooks in the road. It just took a while to realize it. Thanks for your post.
LikeLike
Kathy, I feel like the age thing has finally taken hold. Now it is easier to look back and realize what a great think those crooks can be. Life has been a wonderful teacher and she ain’t done with me yet I think. *Grin* Doris
LikeLike
Its the things that life throws at you that make life more interesting. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
You are welcome S. J. Sometimes my mind just seems to want to revisit and make sense of life, and of course, Twain helps. *Smile* Doris
LikeLike
I love your favorite too. My life is also a mishmash, and I’m glad. All the time I discover new things, that I fancy trying. I enjoy a wide variety of things, and biggest problem is not enough hours in a day. Thanks Doris, I loved this. Cher’ley
LikeLike
Thank you Cher’ley. I think when we become comfortable with the ‘unexpected’, we can have so much fun. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and wishing you the best and maybe more hours in a day. *Smile*. Doris
LikeLike