Jetstream: Slowly but Surely Does the Trick

http://www.gutenberg.org

One of Aesop's fables that I could not forget is that of the story of the thirsty raven. It has stuck to my consciousness through time because somehow, it was a story that inspired me.

This was how the story went:

Once upon a time, there was a thirsty raven. It went around, searching for water. Finally, the raven spotted some water inside a tall pitcher. Much as it tried to get it's beak in to drink the water, the raven could not reach it. The crafty raven looked around and spotted pebbles all over the place. One by one, the raven picked up the pebbles and dropped them into the pitcher. Slowly, but surely, as the pitcher filled with pebbles, so did the water level go up. Finally, there were enough pebbles in the pitcher and the water rose high enough for the raven to reach it and drink.

There are two "morals" to the story: one is "necessity is the mother of invention" and the other, my personal mantra, "slowly but surely does the trick."

In a fast-paced world where everything is done in a rush, sometimes we forget that the more we slow down, the more thorough we become. Instead of fast food, a slow-cooked, filling meal is always better --- more appreciated and more worth it. This is why more often than not, the best meals are the ones made by those you love --- your mother who slaved at the kitchen the whole day or the favorite aunt who can cook the best pies and desserts around. Go to a restaurant serving the same dishes and the feelings evoked are never the same.

Another example is --- surprise, surprise --- this blog. I have several posts already but only a handful (not even "full" --- more like half a handful) of readers. But this doesn't stop me from posting and sharing my thoughts. Someday, I hope to get to the point when I'd have to give away stuff to "loyal" readers and followers...to cater to requests for things to write about...to get paid for writing! I look forward to that...but right now...slowly but surely, I am putting my thoughts out for anyone interested to read.

...and I do hope, dear reader, you are one of them!