A very personal Dictionary of Quotations

Not everyone has their own personal Dictionary of Quotations, myself included. It is time,  however, to rectify that omission.

I love hunting down quotations, for sermons, articles, or blogs. So often, others can say things better than I can. So I will use their words, with attribution. I remember buying my first Oxford Dictionary of Quotations from a second-storey, second-hand bookshop on Victoria’s Fort Street at what was then “bookstore alley” in the 1980s. The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations is the Oxford University Press‘s dictionary of commonly known quotations and proverbs in the English language and culture. [Wiki] When coupled with Fowler’s Dictionary of English Usage, we writers have essential tools of the trade at our fingertips. (All online now of course.)

One quotation I especially love is “Everything will be alright in the end, so if it is not alright it is not the end.” This saying has been attributed to the well-known Irish wit Oscar Wilde, the famous English musician John Lennon, the prominent Brazilian writer Fernando Sabino, the best-selling Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, and other individuals. The statement has also been credited to the 1999-2005 U.S. television series “Judging Amy” and the 2011 U.K. film “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” If the text’s origin is not agreed, it’s effect is undeniable.

For the sake of posterity — and a little bit of fun — I have decided to publish some of my own stock phrases for the enjoyment of my loyal readers. Hopefully, my explanatory notes will explain what I really mean when uttering the phrases so as to avoid misunderstanding, frustration, and a sense of conversational futility. These are in no particular order:

I never wanted a labradoodle

Of course, I love our six and a half year-old Juno. Now in retirement Kathie and I have so much time to devote to our four-pawed pet. She rises slowly and plays lustily. She is the avowed centre of our lives. At times, however, her needs inconvenience my comfort — open the door; find the ball; take me for a walk — so I grumble, saying, well, you know . . .

In the grand scheme of things

A phrase typically uttered in relation to household financial management. When we lack funds for something we want, after a proportional estimate of the effect of a purchase on familial financial health, well, you know . . .

Once more, with feeling

I commit to causes, projects, and events with passion and enthusiasm. While I should certainly lighten up sometimes that’s not my emotional default setting. Not everyone has similar reactions to such stimuli. I understand reticence, even wariness from people, sometimes. That said, I often wish more people had greater ambition and expectation for life’s duties and delights. But sometimes, well, you know . . .

I hear and respect your opinion; even when you’re wrong

It’s a plea for tolerance, in myself and in others. That said, what’s right is right, and if I know what’s right I must find a way to assert the truth, even at the expense of collegial relations or friendships. So, well, you know . . .

It’s all great, when it works

In recent weeks I have had major struggles with technology. I preached recently on my machine madness. Speaking with others who live with similar frustrations, I try to provide reassurance — this with fingers crossed behind my back — It is indeed great “when it all works.” But some days, well, you know . . .

Doing what I can, with what I’ve got, in the time available – 1/3

If there is one phrase I use more than any other, this is the one. Place this on my tombstone please. Honour the wishes of the dead. Composed with a smirk and a smile, the axiom is descriptive and truthful for me. In many ways it accurately conveys my experience of life. Sure, one could — and likely should — include more faith, philosophy, and philanthropic practice in a life strategy, but at the end of the day — also at the beginning I should admit — practicalities override strategy, expectation, and outcomes. This phrase connects well with the following:

Some days are better than others – 2/3

At the end of some days I feel great about what I have accomplished, or witnessed, or created, or savoured, or survived. On other days, well, not so much. If the efforts and experiences of only one day determined my self-worth, that’s an awfully large risk to take. This phrase also connects with the following:

Beam me up Scotty – 3/3

Many phrases express the sentiment, that all is lost, and it’s “time to get out of Dodge.” The original Star Trek television show coined so many phrases (and predicted certain technologies) that now hold centre stage in our lives. I still love Spock’s line about some  planet they were approaching: “Captain, there’s no intelligent life there.” Sometimes I look around the room thinking the very same thing. “No intelligent life here” so, well, you know . . .

I want to arrive, ready to function, by xxxx

Time management remains the most longstanding irritant between Kathie and me. We differ on when to arrive at an appointment or event. I like us to be on time or even early (there is no shame here). She prefers either “fashionably late,” or simply a laid-back “don’t worry, be happy” approach to travel. I remember my father revving the car engine in the driveway of my childhood home a half hour before we needed to be somewhere. Kathie grew up in a different place, and a different space, timewise. I am told that both strategies are legitimate. I am yet to be convinced. So, if you invite us over, well, you know . . .

And for this, Jesus died

I have no grief with Jesus’ sacrificial lifestyle, one that included capital punishment and glorious resurrection three days later. I am less enthused with notions of substitutionary atonement, and am more drawn towards radical discipleship founded on, and built around inclusive love as a result of Jesus’ life and perpetual influence. So the minutiae of liturgical practice and the ridiculous mis-steps and disconnected priorities of church leadership at many levels annoy me. “And for this . . .”  well you know . . .

Do not pass GO; Do not collect $200.00

I loved playing Monopoly through childhood into my adult years. My winning strategy evolved over time. If I play now, I buy up all the cheap properties and put hotels on them as fast as possible. This is much more effective than struggling to purchase Boardwalk and Park Place hoping that someone will land there. It’s a simple strategy for what can be a complex game. In other situations I often suggest to groups — church committees, choirs, and Strata councils — that complexity is here to stay. Dealing with adversity takes time. It seems there is always a special card to play. You might get out of jail free, or, well, you know . . .

Sorry; I was wrong . . . once

Apologies are an important part of reconciliation and truth-telling. I do try to “speak the truth, the whole truth, the nothing but the truth” at all times. Okay, sometimes I falter, though the quip above hedges my bets, but diminishes my honesty. To delay the final word makes for a wonderful, comic caveat. As for “truth,” remember Jesus before Pilate. And if you don’t know the quote, well, you know . . .

And so it goes

Big shout out to Billy Joel, whose lovely song was written after his doomed relationship with the model Elle Macpherson. I performed a lovely choral arrangement with Musaic back in the day. I often use the phrase when something goes “on and on” seemingly without resolution. When there is nothing left to say, well, you know . . .

Once again, I am, indeed, the smartest person in the room

Sounds arrogant, I know, but since the election of our (not so) new Prime Minister, it pops up increasingly in media reports and public commentary. Many of us admire his intellect, his poise, his oratory, his statesmanship. Sure, he waffles on key issues, especially environment, to the point of total backtracks. He still tries to be friends with Danielle Smith and Stephen Guilbault simultaneously. Good luck with that. Regardless of his shifting political strategy no one doubts his intellect; he is indeed the smartest person in the room (except, possibly, when his wife, Diana Fox Carney is present). Sure, I am rarely the smartest person in the room; such is not my gift. But, sometimes, well, you know . . .

Things to do; places to go; people to see

Always seeking cautious adventure, if not physically then intellectually and communally, “things to do” is my morning mantra. We all need something to look forward to. For the most part, my days are filled with duties and delights. Maybe I should start a travel VLOG but, truthfully, I don’t travel far. Interest would be minimal. Still, playfully, I like to think I have, well, you know . . .

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