Another spin on an old story...

Spring is in the air; time to enjoy the sun, have a little banana treat.

Reminds me of the fable about the hare and the tortoise; "slow and steady wins the race." Maybe part of "slow and steady" is focusing on a goal, being persistent, as the tortoise aptly demonstrates.

But, let’s take a look at the hare. In the fable, he seemed to have ADD, and was rather arrogant. Perhaps the hare was bored, needed a more challenging goal.

And maybe it was an unfair race because each was really after a different kind of goal.

So, what happened after the race? Tortoise buys a modest house and some other vacant parcels of land for a good price. Marries a good wife, has a fine family, and carefully develops the land. He constructs sturdy, efficient buildings that enrich the economy of the town. In time, he becomes a rich real estate mogul and a city leader.

Hare moves to Paris, rents a studio apartment and becomes an artist. He paints from bridges, writes in coffee shops, and hops through Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world. He gets by on just carrots at times, but always seems to make ends meet. He has several love affairs and a divorce, but finally finds a partner of similar mind. Eventually, his paintings are noticed because of their freshness and depth, their spontaneity. His work is exhibited and purchased by many. He and his love end up dividing their time between a cottage in the south of France and a tiny apartment in New York City.

So, in the end, who won the race?

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A turtle travels only when it sticks its neck out.
~Korean proverb

It is my contention that Aesop was writing for the tortoise market. Hares have no time to read.

~Anita Brookner

There are many paths to enlightenment. Be sure to take one with a heart.
~Lao Tzu