I've done many bad things in my life although the reality isn't quite as black and white as the statement. Maybe, I've done many things some people may perceive as bad things in my life, that others would see as something other, is more appropriate.
I've done some good things also, or so I believe. I guess you'd have to ask the recipients of those good things to find the truth of it however I feel I have done some good in my life nevertheless and that's what really matters, my actual character, not other people's perception of it.
It's somewhat of a balance I suppose, the relationship between good and bad, and generally perspective and objectivity need to come into play when determining what exactly makes up good or bad. At best, all we can do is our personal best whilst striving to improve; no one can ask more of themselves.
I'd like to divulge a true story in which I was not exactly the best version of myself and whilst it could be said I was bad let's defer to Oscar Wilde's reassignment of the words good and bad and say, I wasn't bad, just tedious. It's a fine line, I know.
The setting
Growing up in a very small town was an amazing experience; I had room to move, to explore my surroundings and myself as an individual. At the time I probably didn't realise how fortunate I was however looking back I see it now and yearn for the simplicity that was my youth.
I'd jump on my bike on Saturday mornings, or any day of the week during school holidays, and disappear; I'd be alone, with my eldest brother or other kids from around the place depending on circumstances. I'd ride around, skip rocks at the creek, swing off the rope into the water, make jumps and crash my bike over them, have races, ride over to the train yards and see what was around the place and just about anything one could imagine. There were few constraints.
The perfect crime
Naturally, all that stuff would bring on an appetite which would generally be sated at someone's house. We'd ride in like an outlaw bike gang, descend upon the kitchen and get fed. But sometimes I'd ride alone which meant a long ride home for lunch or sourcing my food elsewhere. It's the latter option I chose many times and which earned me the self-proclaimed label bad tedious.
I'd head over to the fruit and vegetable store in the town's main street and harvest some lunch from the small shop. Unfortunately I rarely had any money; I was around eight or nine and pocket money wasn't a thing in my household so...I was forced to overcome, adapt and get creative.
Basically what I mean there, is that I stole fruit from the store. But never fear, I didn't just steal the fruit; I'd never resort to such base actions...I stole it with great cunning, flair and ingenuity.
The greengrocer never knew what hit him. One moment he had a bunch of grapes and the next...no bunch of grapes. There was a pile of bananas and then...there were two missing. What a great pile of apples and then, minus two or three. It was sheer brilliance on my part and week after week I'd get away with it; the greengrocer was none the wiser. I'd trundle off on my bike and enjoy a healthy lunch of whatever that ~~dumbass~ greengrocer was stupid enough to put on the benches in front of his store.
But was it?
I'm not sure how many times I conducted fruit-heist-operations so I'm going to go with a lot. Like, more than ten times but less than a million. Let's put it this way, I never went hungry on those bike rides.
I never revelled in my thieving mastery, I just accepted that I had a brilliant criminal mind, my thieving-excellence was unparalleled and I was a much vaunted personality within the seedy underworld of organised fruit crime.
OK, none of that at all...I knew what I was doing was wrong, my wholesome upbringing told me so but, to my great criminal minded credit great shame I did it anyway. I guess I figured I'd gotten away with it once, the second time, and so...you know, I kept doing it.
But here's the thing...That stupid wily greengrocer knew what I was doing the entire time. He knew I was stealing his fruit and never once said a word, hit me with the broom, kicked me in the behind [like I deserved] or called the police. He let me take the fruit.
I didn't know this until I was in my late teens; until then my criminal mastermind thought I was simply the worlds best fruit thief. Oh how the mighty fall.
As it turned out, my mum was paying for the fruit I stole every time she went there to buy the week's fruit and vegetables. We had our own things growing, a pretty extensive vegetable garden and fruit tree orchard, but she supplemented what we didn't have at the greengrocer's store...and paid for the grapes, bananas, pears or whatever I'd stolen as well. I actually can't recall if I was more embarrassed at having been caught out or that my superb criminal mind had, indeed, let me down.
Jigsaw pieces
I'll be honest and say I regret not apologising to that greengrocer who would be long dead by now, but also that I sort of love this little story.
I guess it takes me back to a really nice time in my life when I had few cares and the whole world seemed open to me...or at least the small town in which I lived and the places I could reach on my bike. This, and other childhood memories, are very fondly remembered now and this one in particular as I recall having a really nice laugh with my mum about it many years later.
My mother lay on her deathbed, [cancer you see], and was unable to talk but the family was around chatting and retelling some of the funnier stories of our lives; she listened and, I like to think found some comfort. This story came up and she managed a smile, feebly reached over to my hand and placed hers over it briefly. I'll not say more, but it was...nice. She was gone the following morning.
Charming or tedious
I'm not sure if I'm good or bad, charming or tedious...I'm just me.
I have faults, so many faults, and have done so many things I could be judged poorly and ridiculed for; the opposite as well, those good things I mentioned earlier. I can only ever be me though and it's times like I describe in this post that make me that, the moments of me I guess.
It's those individual pieces that combine to make up the jigsaw puzzle of my life and my personal self and other people's pieces could never fall into place, only my own.
I'll end with a quote a superior gave me years ago in a time of crisis. He was a wise man and always had an appropriate quote...it seemed he had a million of them tucked away in his brain just waiting for the right moment. This is what he said:
It is a quote I never forgot; more importantly, the meaning and impact he intended it to have upon me enfolded me then [once it sank in], made a difference to my emotional self, and still does.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
The image is mine.
I'm going to offer that it's a charming story, and I hope you regularly have peddled it out over the years to delight - although, anything that opens with Oscar Wilde is enough for me to be charmed. In the spirit of Lord Darlington, perhaps you could continue, "I can resist anything except temptation".
(Although, I am far more partial to Earnest).
Hey mate, I hope you're well and Sunday is treating you well.
I was up on the roof of my garage today, replacing some polycarbonate sheeting damaged in the last hail storm. Also did some fencing...so it was a productive day. I wanted a snooze but it's getting on now so that might have to wait until bed time. I hope you've had a good one.
Thanks for commenting on this one, a nice little memory from my younger days. Also ,I like it when people comment on my chosen quotes; surprisingly few actually do it for some reason. I like E.H also, he lived a lot of life which contributed to his words which often resonate with me. I'm not biased though, if the words mean something to me it doesn't matter who says them.
Have a good rest of Sunday.
E.H? Ernest Hemingway?
My reference was to 'The Importance of Being Earnest' - rather than your Windamere's Fan reference.
A funny mix up, perhaps.
My day was rather uneventful, although the tides worked for us today and we got a long beach walk in. The amount of sand that had been removed from the beach was amazing - rock sheets we've never seen before were all exposed - it was beautiful, but concerning perhaps - not sure how much sand the storms have taken, but if our little stretch of coast lost so much, I'm sure that would be replicated in areas with far higher levels of erosion.
You read 'Boy Swallows Universe' yet? I feel like between that text, and Dalton's newer one, 'Under the Shimmering Skies' - his writing style and magical realism, along with the lyrical one liners he produces, I think, will make him one of our truly celebrated national writers for however long to come and allow his prose to transcend time - much like those of 120 years ago!
Maybe I got sun stroke up on that roof huh? I missed that reference completely and went with the E. Hemingway comment. I am truly a nutbag. I own it though.
I have not read Boy Swallows Universe however have the intention of doing so. I always have a book in my face and there's never enough time for them all. I currently have Caesar: Invasion of Britain on the go, by Gaius Julius Caesar, [William Welch, Sidney Gillespie Ashmore]. Fascinating stuff.
Your story went from funny to sad to just comforting. I think the grocer deserves an award for his mischief and patience. He just knew you weren't a bad kid and your mom knew too so there was no need to cause a fuss over it.
It took a turn or two, I'll grant you...But then, life's like that I guess. Thanks for taking a read. I enjoyed writing this one as it gave me a chance to reminisce about the last time I saw my mum alive.
Hahaha, that was a really funny experience.
It's funny how both your mum and the fruit seller kept it secret from you, it seems like your mum understood you after all. It's painful she left so soon, accept my condolences.
I believe the fruit seller and my mum knew I wasn't a bad person, just a person who did something bad. I learned many lessons as a chid and this was another in that long list. Thanks for your comment.
I'd say you're both.
Charming for cruising away your youthful year's, getting to know your environment and learning to be the individual that you turned out to be.
The other side. 😂😂🤣😂 The fruit and vegetable store without money in your pocket is not a good one.
My mum would have brought me home after paying for what I took in the store and spanked the hell out of me.
I was on the receiving end of many a spanking; Many. I don't regret any of them though as each taught me a lesson and allowed me to edge a little closer to my best self. These days, that ethos of continually improving is still with me, I don't get spanked anymore though. 😀
At first, when I started receiving spanking,I thought she was being wicked on me but later,I realised they were to make me a better person. And for that, I am appreciative.
I was expecting something similar when you said that you were going to confess your "crime". I don't think there are too many that have done nothing which doesn't put them in the category of "thieves". But maybe this is a small mental state of a child that prompts him to do such weird things. Nice one but, no, I don't consider it a proper theft case, well done. But yes, lack of money can do this to anyone so I don't blame you!
Hmm, not criminal enough for you? I've stolen a few hearts in my time, does that count? 😀
Nah, that deserve kudos from me because I am still doing that 😂
🤪🤣
My mom would spank me so bad for steeling.
So sorry about your mom's passing.
Yes, I have been attitude adjusted with a spanking now and then...It's part of growing up I guess. On this occasion I avoided it...on many others, I did not.
I love how so many things in our childhoods revolve around food! Lovely story and in my experience kids usually think they are awesome liars/thieves and they hardly ever are haha
Yes indeed, they revolve around food and getting into trouble. Here, I've combined both in a very pleasing way. 😜
I wasn't a bad kid you know, just a kid. I think that fruit was the last thing I stole, besides a few hearts from the ladies now and then I guess.
Thanks for your comment Plint and I hope your weekend is rolling out nicely.
To me, this is the kind of story you tell your grandkids or, in your and my case, our nephews and nieces one day.
Bless your mom and the greengrocer to let you grow up without the burden of 'having been caught' but make your own way. I dare say - it molded you, well.
This is a nice thing to say, thank you, and yes I think it's a nice memory to have.
I suppose my thieving ways don't speak very highly of me but, hey, I'm human and those who know me well know exactly what I am...as do I. I'm ok to retell this story of me as a nine year old and own it.
I recall the simplicity of those smalltown days, growing up in a place in which I had freedom and (almost) free reign. It was the sort of place fruit-borrowing (theft) by nine year olds was acceptable I guess. Or maybe tolerated.
Tedious. I'll own it.
It is amazing how many people use a "charming" persona to deceive.
The number of times I hear someone say, "Oh, isn't he a nice man." or "That girl is so sweet", when in reality, me being behind the scenes, actually saw their true nature - but their masquerade was applied to manipulate perceptions.
I guess we always feel humbled when we thought someone tedious, in err. Or feel foolish for calling, the Devil, charming.
(Great story btw)
We're all a bunch of nutbags; fallible, flawed and human. Some hide behind a mask a little more than others but in truth we're all pretty much the same to a greater or lesser degree.
Thanks for commenting. I liked this post a lot, made me smile writing it, for many reasons.
Stolen fruit tasted better, doing a little wrong while parent quietly made right later. Cycling in a gang we raided gardens, each taking a turn while the others were on lookout duty, after all you had to pick for your buddies as well!
Irony is we had plenty of fruits in our own gardens, perhaps swiping some just added to the adventure when young.
Happy Sunday!
Ok, I can tell you would have fitted in well in the outlaw bike gang I rode in...Or I in yours. 🤪
Good times hey Joan. Simple but so enjoyable.
Best times of our lives, who looked at kids out just having some fun?
Think about how fit we were back then, no one had to tell you to go out, you just did!
I know right? It's different these days though. I'm glad I grew up back then.
When I see how children have lost out today, I too am happy we had the opportunity to explore.
A very entertaining story. I think you received a great life lesson from your mother. Those experiences are treasures that you will have all your life. Greetings!
Indeed. It's memories like this that connect us to the past and help create us as we move forward.
Interesting publication, the truth with this title I thought it would be about another topic, but you have narrated it from your experience from your personal life, when you are a conscious adult and remember the experiences of childhood and adolescence many of them are valued and longed for.
I also had the opportunity to run and play and have fun, things that many children and young people today do not have, either by living in the city and not to mention the issue of the pandemic.
To read about your super criminal cunning mind, and then to discover that when you were leaving, the fruit vendor and your mother were coming, made me laugh, we mothers are very cunning and it is rare that something escapes us, it is good that that last moment with your mother is so beautiful and you remember her smile from that encounter, it was a very emotional moment, I felt it in your lines, a hug for you in the distance.
Mum's have a way of knowing everything which often lands the kids in trouble huh? 🤪
I had a good upbringing and it built a solid platform for me to construct the rest of my life. I don't steal things anymore, well, maybe just some hearts now and then, and feel a bit ashamed of my behaviour but...I was a kid and it was through experiences like this I learned how to be a better adult.
In the end that is what all mothers want, that our children are men and women of good, although in the end the decision is of the children, but one gives the best, so that this happens, if they are good people we do not go out much to shine, but if they are bad, the guilty ones are us, that is something that is usually mentioned.
Pfffffftttttt that's rather hilarious XD sounds like a small town shopkeeper (the other type would cause a fuss "for your own good to make sure you didn't turn out bad like that [other bad kid that there's no hope for]" XD).
One could fire a shotgun down the main street and not hit anyone (most times.) That's how small it was. I loved it though, and had an amazing amount of freedom (and lessons) throughout my youth. Some painful...Most painful. Lol.
Sounds like where I grew up xD
Your mother was actually quite smart. If she spanked the bejesus out of you, would you regret that you lightened the grocers' load or that you were caught?
I think finding out this way gave you respect for the grocer for not calling you out and for your mom, for letting you find out on your own.
So much more guilt this way, plus a funny story. Score for Mom. It actually was a pretty fun story, Galen. You just can't make this stuff up.
I was on the wrong end of bejesus-spanking on more than one occasion but missed out this time. I'm not unhappy about that of course, however my butt had, by the age of nine, developed into rock hard buns of steel and were virtually impervious to spanking. 😁
I remember well this serious of events, only three fruit-stealings if I'm honest, and the lessons learned. I stopped taking the fruit because I knew it was wrong and felt guilty about my theft. Had I persisted I would have been punished, no doubt, but I think my mum wanted to see what I did and, it seems, I did the right thing, came to the right conclusion and *that shows my upbringing and that mum and dad did a reasonable job.
I have never forgotten this episode and am thankful it happened, and that I reached my own (right) decision.
I'm glad you liked the retelling. It was nice remembering it and showing my humanness and fallibility.
You have great retelling skills, especially if given a little free reign. Just the right touch to make it funny, no matter what side you are on. :)
Thanks Swigs, I try to keep it real even, sometimes, at my own expense. 😉
I was expecting an adventurous tale of stealing apples and strawberries right from someones garden, riding away with a dog on your tails, or I don’t fucking know, a dingo maybe since you Australians are a different breed of humans, but this ended up being very wholesome. :’)
There's many stories I could regale you with Eve, most of which demonstrate my creativity, ingenuity, stupidity or bravery...And borrowing fruit from neighbouring properties may, or may not, be amongst those stories. I am reluctant to elaborate for fear of incriminating myself.
Different breed for sure. There's must be something in the water, or maybe it's all the sun we get down here.
What a charming story. Somehow, it actually hits like home. Let's just say I've had my own share if food theft.
Ha! Who says there's no creativity and wit in theft :)
Your mother though, that was quite a twist. What a good woman she was paying the fruit salesman.
I like to add a fun element to my writing sometimes, even if the message is serious. I had fun writing this as it brought back memories of a good time of my life. Thanks for commenting.
Hello dear @galenkp. I definitely think that we all have some moments in our lives -specially while growing up- in which we have been tedious. We never stop learning in life, thus we never stop making mistakes for they are one of the biggest sources of knowledge we get to have through life.
Your story was amazing, it somehow reminded me of my childhood, those bike rides and football matches with the friends in my hometown down there in Mexico. I can't imagine how you felt when you discovered that you were always caught in the act.
Big hug for you, my friend!
Life is a journey full of twists and turns I guess and we need to navigate them as best we can. I loved my youth back home in that little country town; so simple and yet so full of good times...Memories now, all valued.
It is true because is either you are good or bad.human being comprised both.
Yes, all humans have the capacity for both, and swing either way at any given point. Life's pendulum only stays still on one's death.
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You are very big soul @galenkp
I think it's because you've been through a lot and you've learned a lesson from every thing you've been through.
I believe that in every person there is potential for good and bad. The potential for goodness has been assessed from the moment you think about it or plan it. But, the bad will only be counted if you have done it.
One more thing that I believe, that as bad as people were in the past, tomorrow they still have the potential to do good. People will see you as a good person from the moment you start intending to do good things, no matter your past
Everyone has the potential to be good.
Absolutly true sir @galenkp
Lucky are those who want to use their potential to do good and if his life ends when he does good, then he will be in good and be remembered for all time because of his kindness.
I have a mission to spread kindness to everyone around us. At least don't say bad things to other people.
I wish you mission success.
Reminds me of my younger days. As the only girl, I'd always go on a mango hunting expedition with the boys. There were a mango tree overhanging high above the roof of a nearby Church. The boys would climb the trees and throw the mangoes at me which I gladly gather in our bag. Lol..... May the soul of Mom continue to rest in the bosom of the lord.
Mango hunting sounds like good fun!
Good story....
In the end, I can understand why the grocer never said anything, since your Mom was actually paying for what you took. I guess it made me curious why your Mom didn't address it with you so (maybe) you would stop, since it is considered a wrong thing to do.
It is funny what we think we get away with as a child. I wasn't prone to fibbing a lot, but it is only part of childhood to eventually "have" to do it. LOL !! Sooner or later, it seems like self preservation to tell one, depending on a situation.
I have thought about it now and then as an adult, how childhood was so free and mostly stress free in general. I know not everyone was raised in a good situation, so there are of course exceptions, but if you were lucky enough to have a decent situation (and I was), it certainly was a great time. Thing is, we were too young to realize it and not knowing what being an adult is really like, we couldn't wait to be one, wishing away the years till the next good age where we would be able to do more things and fretting over small stuff as we become teens and relationships start to matter to us. The nature of the ages I guess.
Some things are not for the blockchain and so have been left out of this post.
LOL !!!
ok.. ok....
A criminal mind, what a disappointment hahaha for you.
What a shame to be found out, your mother, may she rest in peace, knew you very well, she just wanted to help you and make you more daring and risky.
It's really embarrassing to realize that you are not as smart as you think you are, thanks for sharing your dark past. @galenkp 🤗
Embarrassing? Nah, more annoying I got caught. 😉
Thats really interesting, love to read it.
I wish I could be charming too
Me too, alas, I'm resigned to being tedious instead. I'll own it.
You already have a lot of follower in some way you are charming with your words. My post on the other hand are ok. I'm not a good writer lol. Just like helping people out understand technology. Do you have a d.tube account yet?
I don't have a Dtube account currently.
This brings me to one thing a friend told me that.. nobody is singly wicked or good, you could have just been fortunate or otherwise to meet his personality at just a moment in time.
I didn't know how to do strikethrough - I'd have placed that job in
Well, that grocery man must be so kind to just allow you to take it and your mum kinda knowing you were taking those and she kept on paying without questioning you.. And @galenkp at first, I was almost praising you for the (job) theft well done..but you did fall my hand!😂
People are just people and have the ability for good and bad within them.
Exactly my point...
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@galenkp Perhaps 100 percent of people are mischievous in childhood and youth, and by remembering these wrong deeds, we get many lessons in our life. But still, we also do not want our children to do all that we ourselves did in childhood. But I think that one who was very naughty in childhood, later on, becomes a very successful person. In fact, the same mischievous mind leads to creativity later.