I wrote the title above having an idea of what I intended to write about and then started wondering if I had the word right?  Or, if there were varied meanings so did I need to make clear which I was thinking about…

From Merriam-Webster (online)

per·spec·tive  noun

Etymology: Middle English perspectyf, from Medieval Latin perspectivum, from neuter of perspectivus of sight, optical, from Latin perspectus, past participle of perspicere to look through, see clearly, from per- through + specere to look — more at

From Wikipedia – (which is not necessarily accurate as the entries can be submitted by anyone..) 

Perspective may mean:

Literally, in visual topics:

• Perspective (visual), is the way in which objects appear to the eye
• Perspective (graphical), means to represent the effects of visual perspective in drawings

Metaphorically, in relation to cognitive topics:

• Perspective (cognitive), one’s “point of view”, the choice of a context for opinions, beliefs and experiences
• Point of view (literature), the related experience of the narrator

Onward, then… “perspective” – “to look more at” and “the way in which objects appear to the eye” – that’s behind today’s thoughts.    Walking yesterday, I turned to check on Karl and saw this tree – backlit by the late afternoon sun.  I walk past this tree once or twice a day – I’m usually looking out at the mountains which are beautiful and majestic in the opposite direction.

But today, by accident of timing, I turned at a moment when this ordinary tree was cast in extraordinary beauty – at least to my eye.

Years ago, during a difficult time for me, I was seeing a counselor and had related some incident that was upsetting to me.  His comment when I finished my rant was simply: “You could look at it that way or you could look at it this way” and he told the incident from a “different” [new to me] perspective.  Either one could have been the “truth” or even some other scenario…

A valuable lesson – actually more than one:  Most of us are not mind readers and it is so easy to look at things, events or people from a point of view unique to our own experience but not necessairily accurate.

Sometimes, we need to turn around, take a step forward, backward, to the side, cock our head – look more at – the world and the people we care about. 

A slight change in perspective can change the ordinary into the extraordinary.

This “story” is not mine… last year about this time I kept hearing geese flying over – flight after flight of them, directly over my house. They were just above tree top and lots of honking and flapping of wings to be heard.  I got to wondering – why all of the honking, how did they decide who flew with who, how do they decide when to leave – some leave early, some late – I know why the V formation but the other ???  I googled “goose” and this is my favorite even though it doesn’t answer all of the questions.  Here is the exact link to the original:  The Goose Story

Next fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in ‘V formation, think about what science has learned about why they fly that way.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following it.  By flying in a ‘V formation, the whole flock can fly at least 71% farther than if each bird flew on its own.

Perhaps people who share a common direction can get where they are going quicker and easier if they cooperate.

When a goose falls out of formation, it feels the resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of flying with the flock.

If we have as much sense as a goose, we will work with others who are going the same way as we are.

When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies on the point.

It pays to take turns doing hard jobs for our group.

The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. The lead goose (on the point) never honks

The power of praise and recognition is critical to success.

Finally, (get this) when a goose weakens or is wounded and falls out of formation, two geese fall out and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and they then set out on their own or with another formation until they catch up with the group.

If we had the sense of a goose, we would stand by each other like that.