BEYOND TOPIC

Famous: 1. Well or widely known 2. First rate; excellent. Syns- noted.

Fame: Great reputation and recognition; renown.


The more I thought about this subject the less clear I became. I needed to define famous for myself. I expected it to be something really grand, but it wasn't. In fact I found it to be quite simple; Well known, great reputation. That could be just about anyone. Right here at Butte College you could be famous. In fact in our classroom we have someone who fits that description. Have you ever walked the walkways with Erlinda between classes? It's like being in a parade. People wave and talk to her left and right. Teachers and students alike. So she fits the definition of famous.
Then there is Famous Amos. He calls himself famous. Do we really know Amos? Most of us know his cookies. I guess that would fall under the definition of; First rate, excellent. One of my favorite singers Van Morrison was well known for his wonderful music. He himself was pretty much a mystery. Staying very Private and out of the spot light. His fans nor the media knew much about him. So was he famous or just his music? Would I know him if I saw him? No, But I'd know him if I heard him. I would enjoy very much if he came by for dinner and sang a song.He wouldn't have to talk at all.
The definition of famous to me is so vast. How could I possibly narrow it down to just three people. If I knew my history better I'm sure I could find hundreds of characters I'd love to meet. There are people like Shakespeare or Sigmund Freud. I'd like to meet because I'm in such ah of them or at least the work they have done. Of course I would probably embarrass myself trying to converse with them. On the other hand I would probably have a few questions for Hillary Clinton. You can't get much more famous then being the First Lady. I'm amazed that a woman could have such strength as to survive such a public humiliation as she did. She just proved famous or not she's only human and this to shall pass. Look at her now!
As far as famous people like actors and actresses or big time musicians. I don't have much interest. I think they are why famous became too big for its britches. They have taken ( because the public has let them ) well known and made it excessive. Some of these people have allowed fame to let them live like royalty. So truthfully I don't want to know how big their mansions are or how much they spent on there car(s). I would like to know what good there doing with their riches, if any. If you look up the word famous in the dictionary the two words above it are famish and famine. Thats almost ironic. I know I'm generalizing quite abit. There are exceptions among all groups. Many of these people do great things don't get me wrong. But it has become such a circus who can tell anymore?
So by chance you were lucky enough to have people come to dinner. That you so famously admired. Then it really wouldn't matter if the menu consisted of green eggs and ham now would it?!

READING REACTION #1 When words get in the way

Its unfortunate that by using everyday words we can insult someone of difference i.e. ethnicity, man, woman, young, old. The list gos on. We have become such a culture of who offended who. There are so many rules on what we can say or do in the presence of whom. I did not feel the old man in the story meant any disrespect by using the term "boy". But the again I'm not African American either.I'm afraid we do have deep historical wounds with our language. Maybe that's why our language is beginning to change with this generation.

HAPPY,HAPPY,HAPPY

Life makes me happy. The desire to learn and grow makes me happy. My sons make me happy. My three dogs make me happy. My obnoxious bird even makes me happy. The fact that I've turned my life and self will over to a higher power makes me very happy. Its nice to let go, to feel cared for.
I'm afraid for years I was not at all grateful for life and its gifts. I settled for false happiness. I had no goals or desires for my or my children's future. Maybe that's why when I arrived I felt as if I were standing all alone in the middle of a desert. I felt like I blew it. A wasted life,Its over. Its amazing how we cling to life. Some big guy three times your size can attack you and you will fight back. I don't care who you are. Its a natural reaction. Its the same emotionally. Even when we feel there is no hope. If you get to that point and you are able to make it back "wow" life is good. The littlest of things are great. anything is possible.
Walking out of the desert sure is nice. Now through the forest and up the mountain for me. Because its never to late to set goals and be happy!

DAN

I know a 21 year old young man named Daniel. He is a kind and gentle man with a big heart. In many ways he has beaten the odds. Growing up in a very unstable environment, moving from house to house and even being homeless on several occasions. It was one school after another. School became so difficult he dropped out.

Daniel eventually got a job at a fast food restaurant. After sticking it out for over a year, which was impressive by itself. He decided he wanted to fight fires.In order to do this he had to pass an endurance test. I'm sorry to say his family did not give him the support he so deeply needed. They were worried about protecting him. He had a bad back and would often have migraine head aches.Daniel was determined, he showed everyone. He passed. He fought fires and did a lot of camping out for the job with his fellow fire fighters. He did this for a full season. He was very proud of himself. Needless to say we were all very proud of him too.

Winter came and fire season went. He took a few months off. All the while thinking what goal was next. Knowing that a high school diploma or at least a G.E.D was very important. He did some research and found a program called Job corps. He applied and was excepted. After choosing welding as his major. They flew him to the first available opening which was in Oregon. This program pays for your room, board and education as long as you put in the effort and follow the rules. So far he has received his G.E.D and is half way through the welding course. I know he will complete his goal for he is hard working and determined. I very much so admire this young man. And I am proud to call him my son.

LOVE MOM