Saturday, November 19, 2005

Attracting Electrons

Today I, Betty, the Dutiful Mother, took my child to the science museum under the assumption that it would be much less crowded than usual right before Thanksgiving vacation. For once (on an issue having to do with child rearing) I guessed correctly. The place was mercifully quiet.

While my budding scientist threw balls at the ceiling, I wandered over to an exhibit which invited me to stick my hand inside. Feeling a bit adventurous, I inserted my hand and watched the blue colored electrons inside a transparent ball rush to my fingertips.

I was oddly flattered by this attention from a cluster of electrons who hardly knew me. They didn't get tired of me, either; each time, they rushed back for more. They didn't care that I was wearing a faded, worn out T-shirt from my kid's preschool or that my hair was windblown. They didn't stop to assess my parenting skills, marital status or income level. They didn't critique my choice of conversational topic or demeanor. Each time I offered my hand, they totally accepted me, as is; no hesitation, no judgment, no question.

Perhaps my new best friends, the electrons, can teach us their ways, of total acceptance, as is.

12 comments:

Gary Cruse said...

I get that kind of love from my dog, and I don't even have to go to a science museum. Plus, I can pet my dog. Try petting an electron.

Dana said...

What a great post. Very well said.

B.S. said...

gcruse,
You're lucky. My dog is not as reliable as electrons. He'd ditch me at once upon spying another dog, even though he was neutered recently.

And at the museum display, I seemed to be "petting" the electrons, now that you mention it. I was petting the glass ball containing them, at least.

B.S. said...

Dana,
Thank you! With a post like this one, you never know how it will be received. Your validation is truly appreciated.

DTclarinet said...

Betty- I loved the image of little blue friends dashing to you, crowding around you like little munchkins, soothing your soul. And I know you know that was your own heart speaking to you, telling you that you are loved, even if the messed up world doesn't have a big enough heart to show it.

I love you Betty, and I found out last night, there are quite a few like me.

glittering,
G

"ME" Liz Strauss said...

Hey there, Betty of the magnetic personality,

What an uplifting read that was!
So light and airy and I felt like I was right there with you. Next time can I go with you? Please?
smiles,
Liz

B.S. said...

Garnet,
Thank you, and I'll be trying to figure out what you're talking about. (Last night?)

Liz,
Now that I know you, I surely do take you with me wherever I go.

Sideways Chica said...

Betty...

Love your site. Congratulations on getting "blog of the day." If the electrons accept you, so do I!!

Come visit my round table some time...you and I have similar humor buttons.

Ciao for now, and remember...Happy women unite!

Teri
www.herestohappywomen.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

::sigh:: there's really nothing quite like the unconditional love of an electron, now is there?

ps. Your museum sounds a lot like the platentarium in San Francisco. I used to love that place as a kid!

Anonymous said...

Hey Betty... great post, as usual. The devoted electrons made me think of a quote I heard once... a distrubing sort of quote, I'm not even sure I want to pass along, but here it is:
"Unconditional love is the only kind of love not worth having."
Not sure I agree... though maybe the point is moot given even only electrons only love you as long as there is a net difference between their charge and yours.

B.S. said...

Teri- Thanks, and I will visit!

Ms Bees Knees- You're right- I've found nothing like it.....

Taikochan- I wish we had the ability to consider the source of your disturbing quote! Since we don't, let's ignore it.

DTclarinet said...

I like Taikochans little note about electrons only loving you as long as there is a net difference between their charge and yours. Sparks for thought in a thunderstorm.