Hymn: I approve

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I am flattered that LondonGirl has tagged me for a meme. I’m not sure I’ve been examined in this way before so I’m relishing the new experience in the same way one rolls in fresh sheets after extended incarceration in an Uzbekistan ‘Youth’ Hostel.

I’m asked to list seven things I approve. Naturally, my first attempt was riddled with inconsistencies and odd varieties of cheese. But this isn’t a list of what I like, no, it’s a list of things of which I approve which, of course, is entirely different. To approve of something implies that someone else might disapprove. I spent so much time tossing the semantics that the list nearly escaped me. Still, here it is:

1. Gentle eccentricity
2. Passion
3. Handkerchiefs
4. Play
5. Risk-taking
6. Children
7. Red Ink

I believe the convention is to leave it at that; grant the reader the wherewithal to unpick, unravel and understand the deep subconscious meaning behind each item. However, as you may know, I suffer the literary equivalent of Tourette’s and enough insecurity to render Fort Knox defenceless so I am quite incapable of leaving it at that. I must explain. Even briefly. Pitiful, I know.

Not necessarily in the same order:

Pocketfuls of jelly babies never hurt anyone, now did they?
For God’s sake, care about something other than your own skin.
They’re not disposable, they’re multi-purpose and they don’t disintegrate in use or the wash.
Having a bit of voluntary fun at no-one’s expense, come on you remember.
Knowing an acceptable risk, taking it and living with the consequences.
They’re not alien monsters, or little adults, or toys; at worst they’re mirrors and at best Alice’s Looking Glass.
Unintentionally getting things wrong is okay almost all of the time, besides the world doesn’t have to just black and blue.

Having read it back, I’m embarrassed by my own pomposity. I apologise. And respectfully request the ongoing participation of: James, Ian, Mrs RW, Tom, Jamie, Jon and Poppy. Thank you.