"Somewhere in this world there exists an exceptional philosopher named Florie Rotondo.
The other day I came across one of her ruminations printed in a magazine devoted to the writing of schoolchildren. It said:

If I could do anything, I would go to the middle of our planet, Earth, and seek uranium, rubies, and gold. I'd look for Unspoiled Monsters. Then I'd move to the country.

- Florie Rotondo, age 8

Florie, honey, I know just what you mean - even if you don't: how could you, age eight?
Because I have been to the middle of our planet; at any rate, have suffered the tribulations such a journey might inflict. I have searched for uranium, rubies, and gold and en route, have observed others in these pursuits. And listen, Florie - I have met Unspoiled Monsters! Spoiled ones, too. But the unspoiled variety is the rara avis: white truffles compared to black; bitter wild asparagus as opposed to garden-grown. The one thing I haven't done is move to the country."

....................

"So good night. Good night Mr. and Mrs America and all the ships at sea - in whatever sea you're sinking. And a very special goodnight to that wise philosopher Florie Rotondo, age eight. Florie - and I mean this, honey - I hope you never reached the interior of the planet Earth, never discovered uranium, rubies and Unspoiled Monsters. With all my heart, what there is of it, I hope you moved to the country and lived there happily ever after."

I love how Truman Capote teaches a lesson or two on the beauty of cashing out early. But not everyone can fight greed or the delicious wickedness of pausing for the "but wait.... there's more!!" catch cry. And who can really blame those weaker-willed beings who succumb to the taste of wanting more - whether it is found in the form of fame, fortune or some other private measure of success, because we're all familiar with the delirious emotional high in that moment where we think we can conquer the world.

Anyways, not really making any grand proclamations. Just trying to give myself a reminder of sorts, I suppose. In other news! the dust buster is my friend :) Nothing like vacuuming at 1.25am .....ahh, I do believe I'm starting to go a little crazy in this old age.