Wednesday, February 2, 2011

One man's priority is another man's paltriness.

We all have our priorities. I've been guilty of neglecting Hubert lately. Daughter #2's wedding has taken precedence - most of my time over the last several weeks has been consumed with wedding plans. When did weddings become such complicated affairs? Steve Martin said it best in Father of the Bride "I used to think a wedding was a simple affair. Boy and girl meet, they fall in love, he buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say I do. I was wrong. That's getting married. A wedding is an entirely different proposition." Truer words were never spoken.

Weddings are complex, costly and time-consuming ventures that most girls spend a great deal of time fantasizing about. Most, that is, except for Daughter #2 who regarded her impending nuptials as a tremendous imposition and who would be completely contented with merely signing the wedding license and doing away with the ceremonial hoopla. If the definition of a bridezilla is a difficult, perfectionist bride, then Daughter # 2 would qualify as the blasé bride.

Nothing was a problem for this bride-to-be. Then again, nothing much excited her either. Nonchalant during the wedding dress selection, apathetic about the reception venue, indifferent towards the music, photography, flowers, you can imagine my surprise when this passive bride-to-be came out of emotional hibernation with an impassioned opinion about...garlic mashed potatoes! It was a simple spud that finally roused some emotion in this impervious bride when faced with making the menu selection for the reception dinner. She stood her ground through suggestions for wild rice, chive buttered new potatoes, twice-baked stuffed potatoes and requested - no, demanded - garlic mashed potatoes.

I guess we all have our own priorities. I suppose that's true of the galleries, libraries, hotels, organizations and people I've emailed over the last several months about Hubert. Hubert may be my passion but he's just not that important to most everyone else. I can't expect everyone to equal my enthusiasm in my search for Hubert. Yet, every once in a while, someone will come forth and renew my fervor to further the cause. Recently, someone contacted me via email with a "I think I have a Hubert" message. Bought at a bag sale with the intention to re-sell, she came across my blog and contacted me giving me the opportunity to purchase the etching and add to my collection for basically the cost of shipping. Hubert may be my priority but it's truly rewarding to discover another's understanding and appreciation for that priority. Thanks, Kate!