Ambitions

[poliphilo]

I've been looking for a line (I think it's from the Ingoldsby Legends- but deuced if I can find it) which declares that a man has fulfilled his duty to the ages if he has

1. Produced a child
2. Written a book
3. Planted a tree.

I've done all three- the first in triplicate. So, please sir, can I be excused, now?

When I was a very small child I wanted to be a farmer. Well, having just spent an hour mucking out the rabbit and the guinea pigs, I reckon I've fulfilled that ambition too. P.S. There's a reason why guinea pigs are called "pigs" and it's not just because they squeak.

Do I have any ambitions left? More pertinently, is it proper for a person in their mid 50s to still have ambitions?

Except to grow old with dignity and grace- and not to hang about too long.

Comments

[dakegra.livejournal.com]

I think that when we stop having ambitions, it's time to call it a day.

You could always write *another* book. The first was jolly good.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

I have thought about writing another book- but if I did, it would have to be something substantially different. I wouldn't want to repeat myself.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

Or plant another tree. The world can always use more trees.

(And how about that? I've done all three, as well.)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I don't have any space on my property to plant more trees.

But Ailz and I belong to something called the Woodland Trust and give money so that trees may be planted, day in and day out, all over the place.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

That counts! Here in Philly, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has developed a Tree Tender program whereby volunteers acquire, plant, and maintain street trees in their neighborhoods. I occasionally hook up with a group of them to help plant trees.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

That's a great idea.

I love trees.

[dakegra.livejournal.com]

indeed. Trees are rather wonderful things. Can't have enough trees.