Is being a Rascal a good thing? Do I know any? Am I one?
I saw a blog post today that quoted Chris Brady — a businessman, best-selling author, speaker, and a self-proclaimed Rascal — in listing several qualities of a Rascal. According to @RascalTweets:
A Rascal is a guy or gal who makes a difference by being different, who doesn’t follow the herd but protects it. An original character; one who can’t be classified, minimized, silenced, or enslaved. One who holds others valuable without sacrificing his/her own value.
Okay. That’s a good start. I wonder what they were like as children?
When I taught third-graders, I loved my rascals. Those well-intentioned little squirts who loved learning and who saw possibilities adults often lose sight of somewhere in the process and circumstance of living.
The ones with dancing eyes who jumped and hollered at recess and had a hard time reigning it all in once back in the class room.
The ones who burned up energy and ran with curiosity.
Who had stuff to do and were eager to get to it.
Got Shoes, Got My Travelin’ Clothes On…
Collage of Kali being Kali, in Coffee Shop with Gramma Barbe. Original photo of shoes was taken by Kali — her shoes, on her feet. She is a bright, fun-loving, knows-who-she-is gal, home schooled, 12 years old. I adore her.
Adult Rascals?
Rascals must be those child-like adults who have learned to think and work and play on a moral and ethical field, who still explore possibilities, and are not easily intimidated by life’s happenstances.
They do make a difference — because they care to.
Now that I know what a Rascal is, yes, being a Rascal is a good thing. I do know some, and I certainly hope I am one!
Here’s my main Rascal… Wes Hartsook
We were in Hawaii, and my then-mid-fifties hubby wanted to learn to surf. The young instructor raised her eyeborows, gave him the once-over, and said with a half-laugh, You?
Yep, he answered, with the big smile he reserves for everyone. Me.
I went shopping on the beach, but got back in time to see him riding that board in on a wave. That’s a triumphant grin you see — tired, but happy.
What a guy!
He’s unafraid to live, to try, to fail, to begin again. He does not quit.
He believes in the ability and worth of people, including himself, unless they prove otherwise.
You’d like him, because he’d like you. And he is loved by his kids, his grandkids, and his wife.
Do you know any Rascals by this definition? Are you one? Freshen up your coffee mug and sit a spell…
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
What an original and interesting idea. A “Rascal” as a good thing. The original meaning is now so concocted, that it has seriously sinister tones now. But you are right, the children with those shining eyes, who are always discovering new and hidden meanings in everyday life are the ones who define change tomorrow as adults. They are the ones who are unafraid to live, try, fail and try again.
I have always been something like that. But, I sure could take a few lessons in pleasantries and smiling when someone is trying to put me down from your husband. Sounds like a great guy.
Hi Sanjay.
Your comments are well-spoken. I thought the same when I came across the TeamRascals. Why that name? But then thinking about its definition from my perspective, not the convoluted one that suggests something sinister, I rather liked it.
Especially as it pertains to kids. I called them ornery, and the ornery ones were my favorites. They had something up their sleeves, and back then, it wasn’t anything-bad-related. My middle daughter was born with her huge dark brown eyes wide open, and she had the look of “what have I missed so far?” As a little one, she awoke with that same look. Today, with three kids of her own, she has the same approach to life. She is so much fun to be with — she’s never still. Always something happening and it’s all good.
I think with that attitude, one of exploring to discover, there isn’t time to worry over the put-downs that happen. Because they will. Wes still tells the story and laughs.
Thanks for coming by…
Barb
Perfectly charming post, and one your rascals must surely hold to their hearts.
Hi Karol Grace.
Thank you! They haven’t seen it yet, but they will.
My Kali has asked for a print of the collage. Framed.
I’m currently working on painting her as a portrait — the collage is really only of photos and special papers and color gradients assembled in Painter 11.
I love personality portraits, and this shot of her shows hers so well.
Bless you for stopping by. Enjoy your coffee.
Barb
Here in Yorkshire a ‘rascal’ is (also) a kind of cake! Here’s a link to the fantastic tearooms which make the best ones: http://bit.ly/21JsT8
Thanks, Jan. What fun… Betty’s Fat Rascals are a cross between a bun and a scone. Ideal with coffee!
Barb,
Perfect description of so many for whom God has great plans…Rascals!
I literally poured my coffee and sat down “with you.” Wow! What an artist! You are an incredible communicator with the brush, the words, the collages. Thank you so much for sharing your God-given talents!
I love the post, and your way of describing Wes. God has great plans for you two! I especially enjoyed your description of the 3rd grader who jumped and yelled outside and then couldn’t contain it inside
with love,
Terri
Thanks so much, Terri. You mention God has great plans for us. I believe that. The thing that runs through my mind as I look at people everywhere, from toddlers to oldsters — and ALL in between — is the verse in Jeremiah. Yes indeed, God has plans for everyone of us, and being part of those unfolding plans makes for exciting living. At every age we could jump for joy and ask: What now??? My passion is to make people aware of how special they are, how valuable.
Barb
Yes, God has great plans for all of us, and I’ve found mine….rascal….I should have known! At 58 years I still haven’t settled down, nor grown up. Too much to see and do and find. Great to visit you again, Barb, it’s always a joy and the smile works so well with my coffee.
Hi Suzie. Thank you. I once asked Wes, when we were first married and after a silly incident, when he would grow up. His immedieate reply was, Never, probably.
And that’s been okay with me. He’s really very mature and responsible — just adventuresome.
I love your writing and your art Barb. I’ve known a few rascals in my life. I think they are wonderful. I adore the picture of Kali and the one of Wes too
Anita
Thank you so much, Anita. Bless you for saying so.
I know quite a few rascals.
I tend to be one myself… we seem to feed off each other. And giving ourselves permission to “play” invites others who might be a little more reserved. Your husband has a rascalish grin.
Hahaha — my husband IS a rascal, Davina. A wonderful rascal.
We never had trouble playing when we were kids. Sometimes I think we lose too much of that ability when we’re told to settle down and grow up. Can’t we do that and still enjoy life’s adventures?
Thank you for commenting on my Blog about my Whistler paintings! Your comment brought me to your Blog and I really enjoyed this post on rascals.
Cheers, Kendra.