An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy has become synonymous with strong leadership and progressive policies. The origins of the title of this blog, Beyond the Oyster Shell, stems from a quote that is credited to the 26th President but the true origins have been lost to history.
Get action. Seize the moment. Man was never intended to become an oyster.
Roosevelt frequently expostulated the importance of taking initiative and living life to the fullest. Oysters are often seen as inactive creatures, staying in one place until they’re plucked by an external force. Interestingly, oysters are quite active and adventurous when young – they don’t settle into their passive existence until adulthood. I’ve never been one to dream of staying in one place, which is probably why I chose to attend college far from home and find myself content with moving around the world at the whims of the military.
There is a lot going on in the world today that has me wanting to get action. I do not want to be an oyster – simply observing events and concerning myself with only my immediate surroundings. I turned 42 last weekend. By statistics alone, I have lived over half my life and I consider it to be a life well-lived thus far. I have a husband whom I adore, children who challenge me to be the best version of myself, and friends who enrich my life. I’ve traveled to many places far and wide. I’ve drank the drink. I’ve tasted the fruit. But I’m not done yet.
“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walden
We attended our first Fasching parade with friends this past weekend. Rooted in medieval customs (similar to other European pre-Lenten celebrations, such as Mardi Gras and Carnival), Fasching is full of revelry, schnapps, and silly antics. The parade included lots of mischievous Hexen (witches) who steal hats and shoes, ‘kidnap’ spectators, and paint faces with grease crayons while dumping confetti. Along with ‘fests and weihnachtsmarkts, Fasching parades feel uniquely German and experiencing one last weekend was exactly what we needed.
I don’t know where this year will lead us. But I’ll continue to drink the drink, taste the fruit, and live in each season as it passes.
Beyond the Oyster Shell 