Or so it appears...
Are we as we perceive ourselves to be, or as others perceive us to be? I think this is an interesting question, and I have no answer other than to say that maybe we’re a bit of both. If others perceive us to be something other than who we think we are, then perhaps we have done something or said something to make them perceive us as who we want to be...or conversely, who we are afraid of becoming. I ponder these thoughts with a smile — a wry smile — of amusement and bemusement. I recently told my 9-year-old nephew that I was coming to visit him and his family. It happens that my trip coincides with his birthday, which will be celebrated with a party, of course. When he heard I was coming, he immediately told me that his party was going to be special . From the invitations I receive each year, I thought every birthday party he had was special. It seems this one is going to be a bit more grown up — maybe. He’s planning an “American Idol” party, complete with a contest and judges. He ...