When I saw Cats for the first time in San Francisco, as much as I loved Grizabella who sings Memory, I related most to Rum Tum Tugger.*** He's a curious cat who never seems to want what's offered right now down to "he's always on the wrong side of every door." Let me introduce myself, Rum Tum's little sis, Deb.
When I was single, I wanted to get married.
When I got married, I longed to be single.
When I was married, I want to be a mom.
When I was a mom, I longed to be childless.
When I had toddlers, I couldn't wait for them to grow up.
When I had teenagers, I longed for them to be toddlers again and return to simple problems (like where's your other shoe and how did you favorite Hot Wheels end up flushed down the toilet?)
When they all lived at home, I wanted them all to launch.
When they all left, I cried for the crazy busy again.
When I lived in Utah, I couldn't breathe right until I lived in Hawaii.
I live in Hawaii and I systematically strategize Flier Miles for airfare to Utah (being 3000 miles away from every milestone event of a family of 30 plus family members is just plain sad and lonely)
I've moved 24 times in my 64 years. The excitement is always on the other end of the moving van. I love new. And when the newness wears off, I'm ready for a new adventure.
And I'm trying to be content to stay put for now. After 1 1/2 years in Hawaii I was ready for a change - another island or a different location, something. About that time our church asked Brett to take a 5 year position here in Hawaii. So here we are. Until 2021. Presents me with an opportunity to be here, fully here without an exit plan. Although, I will admit I do make plans for "When we move back" now and then (it's a grand entertainment for the "toddler" in my brain.)
AND I'm committed to digging in, making improvements on our home, learning new Hawaiian skills (weaving lauhala bracelets and hats after planting a tree in our yard, hula, Hawaiian), and doing most of my writing on the beach. And of course, actually
***The Rum Tum Tugger by T. S. Eliot
The Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat:
If you offer him pheasant he would rather have grouse.
If you put him in a house he would much prefer a flat,
If you put him in a flat then he'd rather have a house.
If you set him on a mouse then he only wants a rat,
If you set him on a rat then he'd rather chase a mouse.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any call for me to shout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!
The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore:
When you let him in, then he wants to be out;
He's always on the wrong side of every door,
And as soon as he's at home, then he'd like to get about.
He likes to lie in the bureau drawer,
But he makes such a fuss if he can't get out.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any use for you to doubt it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast:
His disobliging ways are a matter of habit.
If you offer him fish then he always wants a feast;
When there isn't any fish then he won't eat rabbit.
If you offer him cream then he sniffs and sneers,
For he only likes what he finds for himself;
So you'll catch him in it right up to the ears,
If you put it away on the larder shelf.
The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing,
The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle;
But he'll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing,
For there's nothing he enjoys like a horrible muddle.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any need for me to spout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!
If you offer him pheasant he would rather have grouse.
If you put him in a house he would much prefer a flat,
If you put him in a flat then he'd rather have a house.
If you set him on a mouse then he only wants a rat,
If you set him on a rat then he'd rather chase a mouse.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any call for me to shout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!
The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore:
When you let him in, then he wants to be out;
He's always on the wrong side of every door,
And as soon as he's at home, then he'd like to get about.
He likes to lie in the bureau drawer,
But he makes such a fuss if he can't get out.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any use for you to doubt it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast:
His disobliging ways are a matter of habit.
If you offer him fish then he always wants a feast;
When there isn't any fish then he won't eat rabbit.
If you offer him cream then he sniffs and sneers,
For he only likes what he finds for himself;
So you'll catch him in it right up to the ears,
If you put it away on the larder shelf.
The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing,
The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle;
But he'll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing,
For there's nothing he enjoys like a horrible muddle.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any need for me to spout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!
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