December 3, 1998
Imagination
Children have amazing imaginations. A cardboard box contains infinite possibilities in the hands of two year-olds. At some point, even the solution to the Mideast Peace Crisis has popped in their playtime.
Over the years, I've done my best to keep my imagination going. When applied, an imagination cuts through harsh reality better than butter through a hot knife. Sure, it might not make sense, but light is cast that makes things clearer.
One common use of my imagination is the pursuit of the Swedish woman. They always say there is one person in the world meant for you, but the cynical comment is "Yeah, but with my luck, she lives in Sweden." There are times in which I stumble across someone who might be the Swedish Woman, and I imagine various ways of approaching her, to try to tell her that I just like her. I've collected in my head many such "pick-up" situations, even though the word has such a derogatory connotation. Some are humorous, others strange, but all memorable. I never really expect to use them, but some day I might tell a few on this e-mail.
I also imagine what it would be like to spend time with her. The strange thing is, these events are always silent. No matter how much I strain the brain, I can't put words into her mouth. Imaginations have limits after all. There are just some things you want to hear for yourself. Reality does have value.