gurdymonkey: (Default)
gurdymonkey ([personal profile] gurdymonkey) wrote2007-04-19 03:40 pm

Profoundly humbled

I dithered about posting this.
From[info]mamapduck , about me: "My world is improved by your frequent reminders that it's just not all about what most people think it's all about. That it's about being good, not being popular. That books are better than movies. That my brain is more important to my inherent beauty than my face. That knowing stuff is important not only for what you can do with it, but just for the knowing itself."

My intial reaction was "Huh? What did I do? These are things she already knew."

Then I didn't want to post it because it felt vain and self serving. Who doesn't want to be liked? Who doesn't wish she was better looking? (Especially at my age?)

However, the whole point of the exercise was to remind people of how they affect one positively. So if you're reading this, ask me how you have affected my life in a positive way. Then post my answer in your journal.

[identity profile] kass-rants.livejournal.com 2007-04-19 11:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure, I'll bite.

By the way, I don't know [livejournal.com profile] mamapduck, but I sure as hell agree with her! You have always been a reminder to me that my greatest aspiration is not to be neautiful or talented or a peachy dancer, but to be witty and thought well-read.

As for you, the whole Japanese thing is all your fault.

[identity profile] gurdymonkey.livejournal.com 2007-04-20 05:24 am (UTC)(link)
She's from this coast, darlin', that's why.

You're the one who lit that fire under my ass. You made me realize that attempting to re-create medieval performance included my appearance, which made me grit my teeth and learn to build a better mousetrap, er, I mean tunic.

Which made me think, "No, I DON'T know how long it would take to sew an entire garment by hand," so I tried it. (Which made me marvel at the lack of annoying white noise.)

And the whole Japanese thing: I pointed Fujimaki at you and figured that was that and you both insisted I join you at the Teahouse Of The Damned and I knew I'd better not do a halfassed job, so it's all your fault.

I don't usually do this

[identity profile] leohtulf.livejournal.com 2007-04-19 11:26 pm (UTC)(link)
And I doubt I have had much of an effect on your life, but I will tell you that you have a gift for reminding one not to be narrow in focus, or afraid to step to the plate. You remind me that it is a simple game: You hit the ball, you throw the ball, you catch the ball.

Re: I don't usually do this

[identity profile] gurdymonkey.livejournal.com 2007-04-20 05:28 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah you did. You said "How can I help?" when nobody else noticed.

There's only one problem: I throw like a girl.
mermaidlady: heraldic mermaid in her vanity (Default)

[personal profile] mermaidlady 2007-04-20 02:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Have I affected your life in a positive way?

[identity profile] gurdymonkey.livejournal.com 2007-04-20 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
The first time I ever saw you, you were reciting Catullus and I didn't need to know Latin to know what it was about. Good thing that event was in a firehouse, Lady. (Fans self!)

It was an excellent illustration of the effectiveness of leaving something in the language in which it was written, which is why I have tried not to balk at singing in languages or dialects not my own.
mermaidlady: heraldic mermaid in her vanity (Default)

[personal profile] mermaidlady 2007-04-21 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
And to return the favor... You constantly remind me that if you love something, you should keep doing it, even in the face of negativity. I admire your dedication to your Japanese research and I apply the lesson elsewhere.

[identity profile] gurdymonkey.livejournal.com 2007-04-21 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
I think I need to design a "Dare To Be Period" line of novelties for Cafepress.

[identity profile] danabren.livejournal.com 2007-04-20 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't think I should be asking how *I* affected YOU positively, when YOU have been much more amazing than I! You have the patience of a Goddess when it comes to repetitive queries (saints would have thrown in the towels LONG ago), are knowledgable and pleasant and just plain swell!

[identity profile] gurdymonkey.livejournal.com 2007-04-20 10:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, you were "that cool friend of Tanaka and Sofia's" for a long time. Thanks for reminding me that it's OK to leap off the diet bandwagon for the occasional slice of cheesecake. ;-D

[identity profile] danabren.livejournal.com 2007-04-20 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)
*blush*

And anyway, you need to remind your body every so often of what it's supposed to be doing by giving it something terribly terribly naughty ;)

Think if it as taking a break from handsewing - refreshes and rejuvenates!

Woo, verily hoo

[identity profile] gurdymonkey.livejournal.com 2007-04-21 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
I made The Mistress Of Evil blush! Life is good.