Friday, June 1, 2012

"Incredibly Gifted Faker"

The World Wide Web in an amazing source, a vast cyber collection of facts and information, like some virtual library. You can research certain subjects online. Google images. Plus glean from a computer's "knowledge", whether or not it stands as truth. Or fabrications. And, for me, the Internet can serve as one colossal distraction during Writer's Block!! Which is a positive thing. Trust me!! Because I have Attention Deficit Disorder. Sometimes, allowing my mind to wander amok, like an energetic little boy, actually helps produce thoughts!! It gets those "brain juices" flowing!! Last week, I was dealing with an extreme case of Writer's Block. The clock ticked away, time sped by like some 95-miles-per-hour fastball, and words stubbornly refused to enter my thoughts. Sigh.... So, I "fooled around" online!! There went my mind, wandering as though it literally developed legs like some tadpole!! After seeing "The Avengers" twice--yes, twice!!--in a local movie theater, I was, once again, enchanted by Robert Downey Jr. and Tony Stark. So, I rediscovered this neat, resourceful Web site. It was a train of motives on my behalf, linked together like some Elementary School paper chain. "The Avengers" lead to Iron Man, which, of course, ended with Robert Downey Jr.!! Sweet!! Meanwhile, the clock kept ticking, midnight lurking, and I was feeling exhausted by the minute. I experienced a fleeting surge of energy, however, when my drooping eyes stumbled across this quote: "I know very little about acting. I'm just an incredibly gifted faker."~Robert Downey Jr.  When I read that, I wanted so badly to laugh. Loudly. But, alas, the entire house was sound asleep!! Including Rose, who lay dutifully curled up on her comically-sized dog pillow!! Good girl.... So, I gently slapped my lips with one hand and held it all in!! "I know very little about acting. I'm just an incredibly gifted faker."~Robert Downey Jr.  Is there not a touch of irony in that quote? Seriously? Robert Downey Jr. is, according to this Web site, "one of the most respected actors in Hollywood"!! Wow.... Unfortunately, this quote is undated. I have no clue when Robert Downey Jr. said it!! Was he a young 20-something, wandering California, trying to make his living in critical Hollywood? I do not know. Was he under the influence of drugs and alcohol when those words were spoken? Probably not. Was this quote said sarcastically, and meant as some joke? Most likely!! Come to think of it, we are all "incredibly gifted fakers". Correct? I write. A lot. My favorite subject in Home School was anything that involved words!! I even took this private video writing class as a kid!! But today, I never follow our teacher's rules. No. I break them and make my own!! Why? Because I am a rebel!! The same "incredibly gifted faker" aspect also applies, to me, for being Rose's Mama!! Because honestly. I have been doing this "dog thing" for some time now, well over ten years. I am not a rookie anymore!! I ought to know what I'm doing by now.... Right? Yeah, you would think!! Yet, Rose is constantly reminding me, every second of the day, that I am still learning, continuously growing, and ever maturing!! I'm an expert. But I am not. I know what I'm doing, and can offer advice to fellow dog owners, like retired Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling could for other hurlers. Yet, following Curt Schilling's career's final three years, I found myself astounded by an observation that even he was still learning, continuously growing, and ever maturing with his talent!! Truly.... And so I am deeply humbled by the thought that, as both a writer, and Rose's Mama, "I'm just an incredibly gifted faker"!! Deeply humbled.

33 comments:

The Ladies of Beaglebratz Manor said...

From the mom - not sure how others think about this but I would be real leery of any dog trainer tell me that he/she has learned "everything" about training dogs - that there is nothing/no problem they cannot tackle. Life is one big learning tool - maybe one can learn everything about certain aspects in life - certain behaviors of ONE or MANY dogs but there is going to be that one part of life, one certain dog that has a behavior or personality trait that one has never encontered before. For example -years ago when I wass first diagnosed with a Herpes infection of the eye, even tho I worked in a hospital, I had no idea there was such a thing as a Herpes eye infection. Or making it dog related - before I got my first Beagle (Shiloh) I didn't really understand about personalies and behaviors of dogs; I learned real fast after I got him what a true Beagle personality is all about - Shasta not as much but more of the quieter type even tho she is his niece.

That is one thing I will never claim (at least not willingly and knowingly - that I know EVERYTHING - there is way to much in this world that I have never experienced in some way. I will inform others to the best of my ability yes, but to claim I know EVERYTHING about something closes off one's mind to learning something they may truly have never encountered before - that to me is a real faker (I know cuz I work with one).
Kim
PS - and that is Brooks' Philosophy 101 - lol

Sketching with Dogs said...

It's funny how we get our greatest inspiration when we are relaxing. Solutions always seem to come to me when I am thinking about something else entirely.
As a dog owner for more years than I care to remember I don't think I will ever really 'know' dogs, they are as individual as we are.
Lynne x

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Most of us can step up to the plate as gifted fakers at times.


XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

Mary Lou said...

Kim....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"Life is one big learning tool". I like that!! ;)
Wait. Shasta is Shiloh's niece?! No way!! That is so neat!! ;-D
I know what you mean!! Before adopting Rose, I knew some things about Beagles. How they will follow their noses "to China" if allowed was one. But I never knew about a Beagle's instinctive bay!! As with you and Shiloh, we learned that immediately!! ;-}
"To claim I know EVERYTHING about something closes off one's mind to learning something they may truly have never encountered before." Very good, Kim!! Plus, doing so also makes us full of ourselves!! I do not want that.... ;op
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;->

Mary Lou said...

Lynne....
Thank-you for the comment!!
I know, right? Relaxation totally defeats Writer's Block!! ;)
"As a dog owner for more years than I care to remember I don't think I will ever really 'know' dogs, they are as individual as we are." Very good!! ;op
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;->

Mary Lou said...

Daisy, Bella & Roxy....
Thank-you for the comment!!
True. We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;op

The Ladies of Beaglebratz Manor said...

Again from the mom - not sure how I got off on the tangent about dog trainers - but I know some of them are real fakers - then there are those who realize like I do is that they can still learn and are willing to learn - these are the ones I admire even if they admit they are fakers (does that make sense?) It's like being humble - I watch the Food Channel's Chopped - when I hear one of contestant chefs claim they are going to win and they do this and they do that and no one can beat them - then he/she is the first one I hope gets cut from the contest. Now if someone gets on there and says they are going to do their best and hope that is good enough to win - that is the one I root for.
For someone to tell me they are not perfect but almost (my co-worker) that turns me off and makes me sick. So if what Robert Downey Jr said was sincere, I truly admire him - I like it when people admit they are not the best at something even if I think different.
Kim

PS - Shiloh and Shasta's mom (Tess) were from the same litter. I saw Tess's first litter and told the owner if Tess had another litter, I would love to have one of her pups (Shiloh has turned into a really great therapy dog and I am hoping to do the same with Shasta - still working on it)

Ruby said...

We should never stop learning or growing. There is always more to learn about, more to grow in, and more to improve on.

Mary Lou said...

Kim....
That is okay. I was not offended!! It's all good!! ;)
Since the Robert Downey Jr. quote is undated, and he's never been known for humility, I am not positive if it was sincere!! Anyhow.... ;-}
This Blog post was sincere, though!! Every word!! ;op

Mary Lou said...

Ruby....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"We should never stop learning or growing. There is always more to learn about, more to grow in, and more to improve on." Beautiful!! ;)
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;->
Go ahead. Comment back. I dare you!! ;op

Maxmom said...

Dear Raelyn,

I just had to pop by your blog today and see what you are up to. :)

There are a number of thoughts in this blogpost of yours...and I would love to try and comment...(with the purpose of uplifting)

Firstly, anything that stops growing will eventually shrivel up... :) Life is a growing process, and we are part of life - continually growing. That is why 'writers block' is so uncomfortable for writers because it feels that we are not growing. What really happens during writers block (which we are often unaware of) is that we are simply waiting, stewing, ensuring that the next path we choose will allow us to 'grow'. This process, in itself, is growth. Just embrace the 'block'...and search for something creative.

Secondly, this 'faking' thing that you have highlighted is hard to understand, or define. I don't really buy it. In my mind, all it is is an attempt to shrug off unnecessary comparison. What he's really saying is that he, too, is 'beautifully unique'...like every one of us. If we compare ourselves to anyone else, of course it will be 'fake'. He has his own unique and incredibly talented style of acting. I am also a RDJ fan and there is no 'fake' there!

As for 'procrastinating' (within writer's block), simply look outwards, and observe, and write. I carry around a note book in my bag all the time. If I'm anywhere where I am forced to wait, I haul it out and write! I describe the scene, the setting, the people...and shape their characters out of my imagination. It usually does the trick. Before I know it, I am writing with a purpose. In 'writers block', that is what we seek...the sometimes elusive 'purpose'. Good luck...and write to me if you want: carylmoll(at)yahoo(dot)com. Us writers must stick together.

Give ((Hugs)) to your sweet furball too.

Lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

Mary Lou said...

MAXMOM....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"Anything that stops growing will eventually shrivel up..." Like roses, perhaps? ;)
"Life is a growing process, and we are part of life - continually growing.". Wow, that is deep.... Thank-you for writing it!! ;-]
"What really happens during writers block is that we are simply waiting, stewing, ensuring that the next path we choose will allow us to 'grow'. This process, in itself, is growth. Just embrace the 'block'...and search for something creative." Interesting. I am always aware of Writer's Block. Always. Perhaps that is because I push myself so hard.... Which I enjoy doing!! Why? Because I am crazy!! When Writer's Block does come my way, yes, I do embrace it!! ;->
"What he's really saying is that he, too, is 'beautifully unique'...like every one of us. He has his own unique and incredibly talented style of acting. I am also a RDJ fan and there is no 'fake' there!" I have never thought of Robert Downey Jr. as being Beautifully Unique!! But you're correct. He is!! Plus, an amazing actor, who can "bring to life" any character.... Which was the irony in that undated quote. Robert Downey Jr. is no "incredibly gifted faker"!! Uh, uh!! Gotta love Robert Downey Jr.!! ;-}
"As for 'procrastinating' (within writer's block), simply look outwards, and observe, and write. In 'writers block', that is what we seek...the sometimes elusive 'purpose'." Thank-you!! I will now allow all of this to "soak into" my brain!! I am so glad I found you, sweet Blogging Friend!! ;op

jessej said...

M and I think you are "incredibly GIFTED" period...! there is no faking it for you, you are the real mc coy.

Lorenza said...

Everyday we give our humans something new to learn!
Happy Saturday!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Mary Lou said...

Lorenza....
"Everyday we give our humans something new to learn!" Well said, Lorenza!! And Rose would agree with that, too!! ;op
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;-}
Happy Saturday, yourself!! ;)

Stacey said...

I can't believe I've missed this one, so sorry, Raelyn!!
Loved it as always! :-)

jessej said...

Raelyn, i had them too, didn't realize. i just figured out how to get rid of the verification block. go to Settings-comments & permissions- Turn "on" or "off" word verification. you can still moderate your comments, which is okay to do, just delete any you don't want posted, I.e= this one. hope this helps. (if it gets through) margeaux

Mary Lou said...

jessej....
Thank-you for the comment!! I truly appreciated it!!
Sorry for the delay in "publishing" this.... I decided to wait a short while before doing so!! ;-}
Awww, you are so sweet!! But I am, seriously, "just an incredibly gifted faker"!! I can thank Robert Downey Jr. for that self-revelation!! Hee, hee, hee.... ;op
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;->

Mary Lou said...

Stacey....
Thanks for the comment!!
Well, you have been occupied with a wedding!! That sounds like an excellent excuse to me!! ;op
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;-}

Mary Lou said...

margeaux....
I noticed that your Blog had those stupid word verifications!! But I did not want to mention it!! And you were complaining about mine!! Hee, hee, hee.... Well, I guess the joke is on you!! ;-}
I appreciate this!! I am such an idiot when electronics are concerned!! ;op

Dachshund Nola said...

It's fascinating that no matter how old we get or how long we do something for, it's ALWAYS a learning experience!
I've had dogs for 16+ years, and I STILL don't know everything! FAR from it. But everyday Nola teaches me something completely new.
It's the same way with photography for me; I've only been interested in it for about a year, and in that short span I've learned SO much!
Nola's Mom

Mary Lou said...

margeaux....
We have decided that, for now at least, I'll keep my Blog's verification code. :-(
Your comment yesterday, which was seemingly difficult to "publish", appeared on my moderation page eleven times!! So.... It did "send", after all!! Right? Just thought you would like to know.... ;-D
Do you have Microsoft Word? Something where your comments can be transferred to someplace a little more permanent? That is where I do all of mine.... And this way, there are zero spelling errors, or typos!! ;)
I am looking forward to future comments from you and jessej!! ;op

Mary Lou said...

Nola's Mom....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"It's fascinating that no matter how old we get or how long we do something for, it's ALWAYS a learning experience!" So true!! ;-D
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;op

Unknown said...

What a post with lots of thoughts and I enjoyed your blog.

I always think that the day we stop learning is the day we stop breathing. Learning is a life long process and we should always keep it in action all the time. My yoga teacher always says that we should live to learn, learn to live, and while we are doing them, we also learn to love and laugh too.

Suka said...

Hi,

Interesting post, and interesting quote from Robert Downey, Jr.

I have been doing the dog thing for years as well, having had dogs in my life since I was a wee little one. I will never know everything because each dog is different and unique, in their habits, personalities, needs, wants, etc. So just when you think you have it all down and know all there is to know, a new dog comes along and everything changes. I suppose it is like humans, you will never fully understand humans because each and every human is different. Same with dogs, same with all animals.

So I would never call you a "faker" - just a loving dog owner who is doing her best to care for, and love, her beautifully unique pet! And who is willing to grow and learn in the process of doing so. :->

K and Suka

Mary Lou said...

Priscilla....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"The day we stop learning is the day we stop breathing. Learning is a life long process and we should always keep it in action all the time." "We should live to learn, learn to live, and while we are doing them, we also learn to love and laugh too." Very good!! As a Home Schooled girl, my Mom taught me to possess a lifelong love for learning, like your yoga teacher has!! ;-D
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;op

Remington said...

I love to learn new things every day! There is SO much I do not know!

Mary Lou said...

K and Suka....
Thank-you for the comment!!
I know, right? Robert Downey Jr. is an interesting man, and not necessarily in a negative way!! ;)
"I will never know everything because each dog is different and unique, in their habits, personalities, needs, wants, etc. So just when you think you have it all down and know all there is to know, a new dog comes along and everything changes." Oh, I have experienced that firsthand!! Because Rose is nothing like Shadow, my first dog, ever was!! And I am cool with that!! ;-D
"I would never call you a 'faker' -just a loving dog owner who is doing her best to care for, and love, her beautifully unique pet! And who is willing to grow and learn in the process of doing so." Awww, you're so sweet!! Thank-you!! ;->
But I am, seriously, "just an incredibly gifted faker"!! I can thank Robert Downey Jr. for that self-revelation!! Hee, hee, hee.... ;-}
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;op

Mary Lou said...

Remington....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"I love to learn new things every day! There is SO much I do not know!" Agreed!! ;-D
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;op

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Him its me Tweedles0 the pug
thank you for coming by to say hi.
Gosh- you say lots of words, and it will take me awhile to obsorb all this,, but one thing I know... is that pugs (like me)say we are all gifted in our own way
love
tweedles

Mary Lou said...

tweedles....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Your welcome!! I loved "coming by to say hi"!! It was my pleasure!! ;-D
"We are all gifted in our own way.". That's right!! And, these words, lengthy as they may be, are my gift, my talent, my ability to share with everybody!! I hope you enjoy them!! I certainly like yours!! ;)
We are all "just incredibly gifted fakers"!! ;op

Ruby said...

Well, since you dared me....=)

It's a bigger conversation for another time. However, since I know you personally, I can say I KNOW you are more than and incredibly gifted faker!

Mary Lou said...

Ruby....
Thanks for the comment!!
You actually followed through with my dare!! Cool!! ;-D
"A bigger conversation for another time."? Hmmm.... That sounds like an excuse for getting together if I never heard of one!! Hee, hee, hee.... ;->
That is what the majority of Blogging Friends have been telling me.... Which I appreciate!! I really do!! ;)
But.... I am, seriously, "just an incredibly gifted faker"!! I can thank Robert Downey Jr. for that self-revelation!! Hee, hee, hee.... ;op
Iron Man sent me on some larger "quest" to "know" and understand Robert Downey Jr. Because, suddenly, I felt an insatiable curiosity about this actor!! That's right!! I wanted to learn about Robert Downey Jr.'s past, present and future. Yep. The good, the bad and the ugly!! It was actually a fun, all-too-brief ride!! I dug up an old magazine article that I'd read four years ago, found some quotes, looked at pictures. Robert Downey Jr. is not at all who we think he is, but, sadly, will be defined by his past forever. I now have a colossal sense of empathy and mercy for this actor that never existed before....