As Easy as 1,2,3 (sort of)

Maria tagged me for the 1-2-3 book meme.

Here are the supposedly simple meme instructions:

Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
Open the book to page 123.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post the next three sentences.
Tag five people.

The instructions were simple, or so it would seem. But the book I wanted to use was 54 pages. The book proper, however, began on page 9. So I subtracted 9 from 54, which led to its mirror of 45, which times 2 was only 90.

Being about 33 pages shy of 123 pages, I was compelled to then go 33 pages in, which plus 9 (remember the book proper began there) led me to page 42. Phew! Lynet!!! where are you when I need you? Off in someplace like New Zealand or something? ;-)

As it turned out, I didn't like the next three sentences on page 42, so I realized that all I needed to do was turn the book upside down. Then the fifth sentence was near the end of the three sentences I didn't want to post. Which put me exactly at the point of the sentences I DID want to post. Unfortunately, the sentences were now upside down.

I also wondered if turning the book upside down technically turned page 42 into page 43 and vice versa. However, I didn't like the sentences this took me to, so I decided to make an arbitrary decision. Page 42 would continue to be page 42. And I would post the sentences right side up so as not to completely confuse my dear readers. So...

Here are my sentences:

Alternatively, we may look closely enough to see that perseverance is also a matter of valuing what is happening now for its own sake. Moment by moment, we continue by engaging fully in the rich, dense, prolific dance of life. Taking the long view and looking closely... (p 42, Sharing Silence)

Since I haven't yet read page 41, I'm not completely sure what Norris is getting at, except that I must get dancing in the figurative sense, even as I eat my cheese-topped potato lunch and type this meme. I must put my nose down and smell the spices, see the pepper and paprika and smile, really smile that this is my life and I should keep on with it. After all, what blessing this is... me here typing and eating potatoes.

Now I pass this simple meme to five people:

Lilies Have Dreams
Loud Time
Goodword Editing
Craver
Flourishing Mother

Oh, and I thought it would be fun to share this surreal sculpture my daughter created for a silly skit at a party we attended on Saturday. For this post had its surreal aspects, in my opinion. (For another surreal moment that involves Barbie parts, I've always loved the poem Barbies at Communion by Marcus Goodyear. Go to page 21 when you get there.)

And speaking of inspiring poetry, you really must read Tidal, by Kirsten. No Barbie parts, but the ocean prevails, as does the depth of expression.

Surreal Sculpture by Sara, 10. Used with permission.