Gary The Magnificent, our Christmas hamster (no. wait. Strike that. A hamster is for life, not just for Christmas), is an interesting character. He lives his life according to his own rules, the best way a hamster knows how, and I like his thinking. From what I have seen, it goes something like this:
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| Not actually Gary. Gary is FAST |
- He keeps one eye closed until he is completely awake. This is smart. It reminds him not to jump until he is ready. It reminds me that letting my brain limber up before reading, writing or commenting is a good thing. Jumping in with the first thing that comes into your head is not always a good thing.
- Once he is awake, his reactions are sharp and fast. He can be right back up that tube again in the time it takes me to say "What, Gary? Eating again?" I like this one too. It reminds me to pass on what I've discovered or what I've been doing before the next big thing comes along. Don't save up your good stuff - use it before somebody else does!
- He spends time every day cleaning out his house and doing a bit of housekeeping. Yes, I've been learning the value of maintenance in the blogging world too. I've set up a couple of new pages which you can see in the sidebar - my Archives and my Storytelling Sundays. Take The Tour will show you some of my favourite posts. Which brings me to:
- When he sees something he wants, he stretches for it. He balances and tests and reaches until he gets there. And when I get there, you'll know because I will have worked out how to put smart matching tabs beside the ones I already have. Blogging has shown me that you really can teach an old dog new tricks.
- But back to hamsters. Gary sleeps a lot. Oh, yes. A break can be good. Very good. Turn off the computer. Walk away - and when you come back, chances are you'll have a new idea or three all ready to go.
- And last, but not least: Gary eats a lot..but, no. Let's leave it there and say no more..
But remember the Hamster World View. It could work for you too.
25 comments:
I noticed your new archive page a day or two ago; and was wondering if there was much involved in setting that up. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, wouldn't Gary think so?
You are oh so clever, Sian. I suppose we can learn a great deal from our pets, and I love your hamster-ology list.
I've never really thought about using a hamster as my role model, but now you mention it, there are some good tips to pick up from them LOL.
Great idea for your side bar, I'll check it out.
LOL - welcome to Gary - you certainly find inspiration from interesting places. I look forward to more Hamsterisms :D
Words to live by!! I always figure that I learn how to live right by watching my three dogs but they have nothing on Gary. ;) Love this fun post!! :)
Glorious take on life! Let's hear it for Gary! (snd Sian, too, of course, who has observed him so skillfully and thoughtfully.) :)
Sian - only you can find inspiration from a hamster and make it so relevant. Loved this post.
And he is very handsome too! Gary you are a smart dude!!!
Your observations made me giggle. I'm with Gary on the eat lots front.
Clever post, very observant! I wonder if my cats can teach me anything about blogging...I suppose only if I can keep up with it and still sleep 18 hours a day.
I tend to agree with Karen....but, in general, I'm afraid I'm not a fan of small furry creatures that can move very fast.....however clever they may be!!
A clever post, indeed! And quite a bit to think about as well. I'm not quite sure why I'm so reluctant to mess around with the format of my blog, but it always seems intimidating.
Some really good points - especially strike while the iron is hot, as they used to say. Sometimes I"m really excited about things and will write a blog post but set it to post later in the week and, by the time it posts, I'm much less excited about it.
I'm also awful at the whole blog maintenance thing, but wish I weren't.
Rinda
Gary is one smart rodent. I like his thinking ;)
I dare not start blog maintenance, I'm then at it for days, I swear I'll stop waffling - that lasts about one post and then everything goes back to the way it was! ;)
A brilliant post ... just one question, though ... Gary??
i had a hamster as a classroom pet back in my early teaching days. they are interesting animals but can be ornery! mine liked to escape, much to the dismay of some of the teachers down the hall!
Terrific post - I really like the comparisons! Just scrolled around on your blog a bit and linked over to the two current book draws for Pass the Book!
Great post Sian! Loved it! x
Very cute and sweet post Sian!
I've been a bit hamster-ish at work today.
You know how they run around on their wheel, tiring themselves out but never actually getting anywhere? That's how I feel!
So who is Gary named after???
oh bless him - and I love his name!
What a fascinating post.Love it x
excellent lol!! and some of the comments made me giggle too.
The sleeping and eating are calling to me most, definitely! ;-)
Looking forward to meeting Gary xx
I'm with Mel... Eat & sleep... Love this post!
Love this post! Wish I'd get into that sleeping habit. :) Had such a great time this morning taking the tour of your blog - great idea those pages!
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