Expect the Unexpected – nope

“How thoughtful of him!  To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect.”

That is a quote from the Third Act of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. The quote, in horrible fashion, always seems to be shortened to “Expect the Unexpected.” That always sets my teeth on edge: it feels like an exhortation to paranoia, some cheerful version of Joseph Heller‘s “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after you.” in Catch-22. There are “always be ready” versions, “nothing is new under the sun” versions.

NOPE. I’m going for “Embrace the Unexpected.” For which I can’t quite find a quote, but this one from Heraclitus – ancient Greek philosopher – comes awfully close: “If you do not expect the unexpected you will not find it, for it is not to be reached by search or trail.”

My son goes to school about 45 minutes from where we live. An unproductive, unappealing commute. When I need to get him to an event and just turn around to reclaim him a couple of hours later, I revert to digital refugee status. Computer in backpack, myself and backpack to any stormy port with internet. October 12 was particularly gruesome: I’d already had to stay up waaaay past my bedtime to get my son from a Friday night football game, and the 12th was an even later Homecoming Dance. Library closes at 6, Starbucks at 8, what’s a nomad to do?

The Black Dog Arts Cafe in Snoqualmie was open. Cozy. Warm. Art art everywhere and not a critic in sight. Great selection of teas. Food. Internet. And then Midnight Mystery Theater struck mayhem. I didn’t know the Cafe hosts performances.

The unexpected had me crying with laughter. Mindfulness – taking the moment – and resilience – taking what life throws at ya (although I grant this was a dandelion puffball) at their finest.