I keep thinking about the Grumpy Cat phenomenon.
I sort of get it why and how this kitty became popular. I’m sure many people were charmed by her sweet yet disgruntled expression and found the snarky quotations of the memes entertaining as well. I couldn’t help laughing at them, myself!
And I think it’s great that the cat’s owner saw what was happening and seized the opportunity to create a fun and lucrative business out of her cat’s popularity.
But, I mean…! Even if you’re already in attendance at SXSW, why would you spend three hours in line waiting to have your picture taken with…a cat?!?
Now, it’s not like I think we should only do “meaningful” (i.e. “serious”) things. Heck, I like to laugh; I love musical comedies; and I probably spend more time than I should reading light and entertaining novels. But there’s no way I’m going to put out significant time, energy, and/or money to go somewhere in order to do something that’s essentially meaningless.
I find myself yet again giving fervent thanks for a life that’s filled to overflowing with beauty, with love, and with meaningful work and relationships…right where I am, every single day.