The prose of everyday life

[Alatar]

I don't know where else to put this, but occasionally normal people speak in a way that I find either profound, or particularly prosaic, even if I don't agree with them. This is not intended to be a repository of Winston Churchill quotes or quips. In fairness, it may turn out that quotes from here end up being attributed elsewhere, but my intention is to echo the voice of normal people in their everyday life.

I'll start with two of my favourites:

A few years ago (around the time of the Chippendales fame) there was a tour of "Page 3 Girls" and naturally this attracted some media attention in "Catholic Ireland". A reporter who was getting public opinion on the subject interviewed people on the streets of Dublin about the event. One that they interviewed was a Moore Street fishwife, a real "salt of the earth" Dubliner.

Interviewer: What would you think of your husband going to see these topless models

Moore St. Lady: Sure isn't he going tonight?

Interviewer: Are you not afraid he'll get excited by these scantily clad young ladies?

Moore St. Lady: Sure how do I care who pumps up his wheels as long as I ride the bike?


The second was a comment passed to my brother in law by his mother on a night he was heading out for one of his first dates:

"Have a good time, but just remember. Married or Single, once you've honeymooned, you come into this house as a guest."

There's such a brilliant message in that economy of words. I love it .

[truehobbit]

You mean your b-i-l's mother didn't want to see him again as a son as soon as he'd had sex?
Yikes.
It may be brilliantly put, but the message still sucks. I hope he replied with something suitable. (Like: "Thanks, mom, I look forward to not doing the dishes anymore around here." )


The first is funny, but I don't understand why she begins each sentence with "sure".

[JewelSong]

Hobby, the "sure" is likely indicative of an Irish dialect.

[vison]

Great quotes, Alatar!

[axordil]

Alatar-

The second quote really is a lovely line, succinctly summing up the tension associated with having a child-adult under one's roof.

[Lidless]

Sorry, this one isn't cute or full of levity. Just apt.


G1: Why, of course, the people don't want war. Why would some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best that he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece. Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship.

G2: There is one difference. In a democracy, the people have some say in the matter through their elected representatives, and in the United States only Congress can declare wars.

G1: Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country.










Part of an interview with Gilbert (G2) in Göring's (G1) jail cell during the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials (18 April 1946)

[Parmamaite]

That Göring quote is unfortunately not outdated yet

[Alatar]

Not really the mood I was going for here

[kams]

my intention is to echo the voice of normal people in their everyday life.

I hope this lives up to your intention.


From my Mom: She and her grandson Alan (my nephew) were enjoying a cold ice pop while sitting on the front steps of her house. Alan scooted his butt over closer to her, gazed up appreciatively and said, "I yike it, Nana!"


I think he was 3 years old at the time. 15 years later, I'm still smiling at the memory. I wonder if he said "I yove you" to his first girlfriend?

[Primula Baggins]

My boys both said "I yike it!" too.

We were headed somewhere about 11 years ago, the two boys walking along and my 2-year-old daughter in her stroller. It was daytime. The boys spotted the faint moon floating in the blue sky, and pointed it out to Kate. When she saw it she laughed indulgently and said, "Silly moon!"

[Frelga]

Kids!

DS was about 5, I think, when one morning I walked into his room and found him hopping on one foot trying to put his pants on. "You know," I said, "it's usually easier if you sit down."

"I know, mom," he told me very earnestly. "I'm trying to challenge myself."

[Primula Baggins]

My daughter about three years old, flinging herself through the kitchen with her red hair streaming behind her and a huge grin on her face: "I'm as free as a girl!"

[Impenitent]

I know I'm perpetuating this as a "cute offspring" osgiliation, but I can't help myself.

Our son was maybe three, and following his dad around the apartment, wanting to 'help' with stuff but really, just getting in the way. His dad finally lost his cool and said, "Jazz, I'm losing my patience." His response:

"I'll help you find it, dad!"

Patience found.

I like your mother-in-law's succinctness of expression.

[superwizard]

these stories are soo funny! Keep em up!