CERAMIC DUCK

The excitement of expectation, the joy of anticipation, is such a deliciously wonderful way to live. There are certain things I expect from my life, my family, my work, my play. I learned a long time ago that each of us has our own expectations from life. What is good for one person is not necessarily good for the other. I am very grateful that we do not all have to be the same. That would make life to mundane and boring. I am grateful that our level of expectations are different—some are simple and others are complicated. It is all about what we want in of life.

One day a neighbor came to my home. She was on some sort of campaign against ceramic ducks. It seems that every home she went in to had a ceramic duck on its counter top. She insisted on knowing whether or not I had one. I was startled at her inquiry. I did not understand why this had become an issue with her but I was satisfied in my mind that my reputation was on the line with her. I was obviously on shaky ground so I refused to tell her whether or not I had a duck.

Well, the truth is, I loved my ceramic duck. It was white and had a blue poka dot ribbon around its neck. It was darling. I made it myself in a ceramic class. It made my kitchen look homey and welcoming.

As I have thought about that experience in my life, I have found it to be mildly amusing but have realized that our life styles are very personal. What works for one person does not work for the other. My ceramic duck made me feel good about myself and my home, but it obviously did the opposite for her. I was so sad the day the ceramic duck was knocked off the counter top and broke into pieces. Well, I'll just fill up that spot with something else that I have been anticipating!