It’s sometimes easy to spot too much of a good thing!
An Overeaters’ Tanka
Fried chicken and pie
Burger with bun, cookies too
Huge slice choc’late cake
Oh, you sure must wish to die
Too much of a good thing—fie!
©MLB 2025
A Tanka is a Japanese lyrical poem often divided into 5 lines of 5/7/5/7/7 syllables.
Over-exposure: The Fluoroscope
I was glad Mother would get a chance to sit down. Sometimes I worried that she was on her feet too much: her legs sometimes started to swell, and her pudgy feet barely fit into gun-metal grey wedgies from Greenblatt’s, the only Jewish merchant in Elizabethtown. Mother Greenblatt, the built-in greeter and monitor near the door, had thick ankles too — “cankles” they are called these days. I remember her as pleasant, matronly, nearly Buddha-like, eyes on alert yet not wanting to interfere with the serious business of selling shoes. (Excerpt from Mennonite Daughter: The Story of a Pain Girl, Chapter 27)
In the 1950s, Mr. Greenblatt had installed a fluoroscope, invented by Thomas Edison. Aside from the neon-green sign luring customers into his shoe shop, Mr. Greenblatt’s fluoroscope was a draw. Touted as a way to ensure perfect fit, the machine X-rayed the bones of the foot inside the new shoe. Later, fears of over-radiation was one of the causes that such machines fell out of fashion.
Mae West, Over-the-Top Actress
Mae West was known for her quotable remarks about love, marriage, and life in general.
Love
- “Love conquers all things except poverty and toothache.” (She reportedly wore dentures.)
Marriage
- “Marriage is a fine institution, but I’m not ready for an institution.”
Doing things
- “Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly.”
- “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.”
Is too much of a good thing, a good or bad thing?
Doing Too Much
These days I have usually ample time to accomplish what I want to do in a day, but it wasn’t always so. During my teaching days, I often bit off more than I could chew: teaching, special projects, social obligations, home and family. Curious women, often competitive people as well, tend to do too much–to over-extend themselves. I used to be one of them.
- Cooperate with a history professor to create a linked course? Good idea!
- Advise the honor society? Of Course!
- Help design a new teaching initiative with a trio of others? Why not! (And so on)
Too much of a good thing!
On my way home from the college during my teaching days, I’d sometimes pop in a soothing audio cassette tape. One I remember was Mediations for Women Who Do Too Much by Anne Wilson Schaef, who advises women to “Step back from the overload–that overwhelming combination of work, chores, caring for children, and meeting everyone’s needs but your own–and let the sage advice, warmhearted humor, encouraging reminders, and inspiring thoughts from women around the world help you discover a much-deserved calm amidst the whirlwind of your life.”
The cassette tape gave way to new technology, and to other voices like Author Julia Cameron’s, who gives advice specifically to writers: Take an artist’s date every week of so. Devote time to your creative self so you feel refreshed. Go to a movie, visit an arboretum, find a charming place to enjoy a beverage with a decadent dessert.
Artist/Author Julia Cameron helps readers unlock their creative talents and overcome creative blocks.
What do you have too much of? Not enough of?
Can you relate to the words of Mae West? Anne Wilson Schaef? Julia Cameron?
An excellent, amusing, and instructive post. I enjoyed many years of far too much strenuous sport of which my knees are now reminding me
I’m glad this post checked a few boxes for you. Thanks, Derrick!
Sorry you have pain, but I guess you’ll have to remember the fun times you spent playing football–or whatever sport has made your knees hurt. 😀
Rugby, cricket, badminton, and most of all, 18 marathons
Wow–impressive!
As a child, the x-ray machine fascinated me, Marian, and my folks would shew me away from the device before fitting me with the latest Buster Brown shoes. Thanks for jogging my memory!
My mother always bought my brother and me Buster Browns with the toe caps. I hated those things!
Clunky but long-wearing as I remember.
That is correct. So uncool.
GRANT, I’m glad this post sparked a memory. Liz below said she didn’t like Bust Browns. I guess your parents wanted a good fit and long-lasting, not a bad idea. 😀
Good morning, Marian! Derrick wins first responder today. 😊
I suppose most people have periods when they try to do too much. Several years ago when I decided writing/editing two books at the same time was a good idea, I might have done a bit too much. Fortunately, I had a co-editor for one of them.
Merril, I do remember when you felt somewhat overwhelmed. If it’s the same project, I also recall that some contributors were tardy, or worse. These days, I admire you for blogging so often each week even as you write poems for other “challenges.” 😀
Thank you, Marian. 😊
Yes, that happened with a few projects unfortunately. For these projects I had to write several long entries I hadn’t planned to write myself, and for the book with the co-editor, we each ended-up writing an article.
:-/
I love Mae West’s quotes, using them from time to time in my life. I also recall having x-rays on my feet for the fitting of shoes. This leaves me wondering why they are now somewhat mis-shapen. This leads me to taking on to much to truly be able to cope. Perhaps the feet have issues because of all the running around the five hospitals in which I had duties to conduct. Also working until almost 70.
I too try to find reasons for some of my maladies (too much walking, ailing feet.) I believe my doctor would simply say, “It’s just age.”
Thanks for adding to the conversation, Joy. I’m glad you’re still writing! 😀
For most of my higher education career, I was a workaholic. Not a good way to live. I still tend to take on too much.
Yes, it’s hard to fight against curiosity–or personality type! Fortunately, my husband tends to strike a balance. I wonder about yours. 😀
Yes, my husband will take me for a ride from time to time to get me away from the computer and out of the house. It does help. 🙂
Hi,
I understand very well what it means having too much on your plate. I was one of those people. I soon found it necessary to start thinking about myself and began to include respecting the Sabbath day and not doing any work, especially not going on my computer and reading my emails. That changed my thinking and my way of life.
Nowadays, I even take time to go to a cafe or have dinner during what we call business hours with a dear friend of mine. It is the best time to do something like that because the lunch crowd have returned to work and the cafes and restaurants are empty and we can enjoy our conversation as well as the quietness around us.
I enjoyed this article because I could see how far I’ve come in not letting other people’s priorities dominate my life.
Have a lovely day, my friend.
Shalom shalom
Pat, I admire that you keep the Sabbath and resist the temptation to work. I aspire to that goal, but fall short. I do try to stay away from emails–a huge drain on my time and energy. When I sign on, my provider actually tells me “We are now LOADING your email.” That’s right: It’s a “load” and some of it worthless. ((( )))
I remember that machine well and being fitted for Clarke’s shoes probably the equivelant to the Buster Browns Liz mentioned we hated them too and tears didn’t work either…Every school term it was Clarkes shoes until one day I must have been the straw that broke the camels back as my mother took me home and told my father that he could take me shopping for school shoes…My father asked me which shoes I wanted and I came home with a lovely red patent pair of shoes..I guess that was my fathers way of getting out of ever taking me shoe shopping again…I loved those shoes however it didn’t get me out of having to wear Clarkes shoes for school…
What a lovely story, Carol.
As you know I’m particularly fond of shiny, red shoes. As a plain girl, my mother would never, ever considered such shoes. About Clarke’s shoes. Here in the States Clarkes shoes are very expensive. I wonder if they are imported from England. Hmmm 😀
Great post, Marian! Sometimes I think I have too much free time. I know that sounds weird to say, but I’d like more work projects. I could use more wisdom and discernment too.
Oh, my, L Marie. I’d love to suggest some writing projects for you, but I don’t know many.
Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Sometimes I get offers there for writing assignments that don’t exactly fit, but you may find some good projects.
As you know, wisdom comes from asking “If any of you lack wisdom. . . ! 😀
I like the theme today, Marian; very interesting. I’m going to have to try my hand at Tankas one of these days. And I had never heard of a flouroscope – fascinating. (As a teenager selling children’s shoes inside a department store, I definitely didn’t use one of those!) 🙂 I, too, have enough time now to do the things I need to do, except on the creative side where I could benefit from more ideas!
Melanie, I’m guessing you were too young to see the fluoroscope craze in shoe shops. Ha!
And, I can relate to feeling the need for more creative ideas. Usually, I have to generate my own, but this one came from Cliff, who also supplied the cartoon, the springboard for the theme this week. 😀
Well, that is helpful! It is so nice to be in sync with your spouse creatively. I’m glad Cliff offered up an idea and fun artwork. I don’t have that, but my guy’s a whiz with numbers, haha.
Melanee, your guy is probably a big help with finances, especially at tax time. 😀
Exactly! 😂
Years ago when The Artist’s Way was first published I did morning pages loyally every day. I did the artist dates, too. I was a devotee, but after maybe 4 years of doing it I had too many notebooks filled with notes that meant nothing to me so I stopped doing the exercise and shredded my notebooks. Thus I went from too much to [maybe] not enough. 😁
Julia Cameron would probably applaud you for your devotion to morning pages. She may even not mind shredding the “too many” though she may suggest picking up the habit again, but maybe in a different way.
Maybe your blog posts are already morning pages–even if you write them at night! 😀
Marian, this sentence stood out for me:
“Curious women, often competitive people as well, tend to do too much–to over-extend themselves. I used to be one of them.”
In fact, even as a child, I wanted to
know things, secrets adults wouldn’t share! They shared a German saying with me, and I translate: “Curiosity has ruined the world, and our Elly has inherited some of that.”
What I didn’t get from adults I learned from books and became an avid reader!
Eve would have been a reader if books had been around in Paradise!
I have heard that being inquisitive about things is a sign of intelligence, Elfrieda. Parents of such children often don’t know what to do with them–ha! So maybe that explains what they said about the young Ellie.
Your last statement is wonderful: “Eve would have been a reader if books had been around in Paradise!” I must remember that. 😀
I have too many “want to” ideas. Dealing with serious health concerns saps daily energy, but highlights just how much I need the outlet of creativity. In my work life it was a matter of doing too much, 50+ hours a week, and being retired now for several years, it is an adjustment. So, I plug along each day, and have several different projects at the ready.
It sounds like your work responsibilities forced you into overload, a habit hard to break.
I think you have the solution though: “plugging along each day” and doing what you can. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ginger!
Oh dear. This speaks to me. Not the eating. I haven’t overeaten in years. Not sure I ever did, because I always knew I felt so much better with a stomach that still asked for more, but didn’t need more. Our daughter bought me a very special cake for my birthday this past Saturday called a “princess cake.” We used to live near a Swedish bakery and on special occasions, we ordered the princess cake (it was our wedding cake too). Haven’t had one in YEARS, and lovely daughter found a Swedish baker an hour from here and ordered one for us. I think it weighs 50 pounds. The point? I almost overate it. Tasted like weddings and birthdays and sweet memories. But I’ve made myself just have one tiny slice a day. However, my very lean guy has no problem with overindulging. 🙂
Anyway, my problem is like yours – I heap on too many things ‘to do.’ My list is never all checked off because it’s too long. Besides household chores (which don’t even get listed, they’re a given) I never feel like I’ve written enough words/pages or read enough books or blog posts, or walked enough miles or spent enough time with a grandchild or …. you get the picture. :-0 Oh, and yes, I read The Artist’s Way years ago. Nice. But my ‘go to’ for relaxation now is meditation – twice a day. P.S. Love your guy’s top cartoon.
Don’t you just hate it: “Eats and eats and never gains a pound,” like your guy.
I have heard that if you eat responsibly 80% of the time, you can afford to over-indulge once in a while. Ha!
You are smart to meditate twice a day, Pam. I find when I switch gears and “listen,” I am more relaxed and thus more receptive to good thoughts/ideas the rest of the day.
I’ll pass the compliment on to Cliff. Thank you! 😀
Like you, I over extended myself when I was part of the work force. My husband joked that I would volunteer before they asked for volunteers. I like to be busy but it did take a toll on my health a few times.
I’m guessing your husband is the yin to your yang, which makes for a good team. Thanks for sharing your “secret” here, Darlene! 😀
This post brought back lots of memories. I had the book version of Anne Wilson Schaef’s Women Who Do Too Much. Brilliant title. Spoke to the millions of career women moms, like us, who tried to “have it all.” In many ways we did have it all. But it wasn’t easy. And we sacrificed. And made mistakes. Thank God for grace!
I say “Amen” to God’s grace along the way, Shirley. Yes, it wasn’t easy and we sacrificed. I know for sure I wouldn’t have the energy any more for all that!
At the time, our college library had an audio section with cassette tapes like Anne Wilson Schaef’s. I probably started listening to Rosamund Pilcher’s novels via audio sometime later.
I deifinitely took on too much while I was working. When we’re younger, you can get away with that for a time, but it eventually catches up with you. Since retirement, I still am busy, but I’ve finally learned to say no. My life has been in balance ever since, and I’m very mindful to never let that get out of whack again.
You may have heard, “No, is a complete sentence.” And you don’t have to justify your decision. Being resolute when it comes to time and energy keeps us balanced, a lesson you’ve already learned, Pete. 😀
Marian — I have an abundance of curiosity. As for what I don’t have enough of, metaphorically speaking, I have more time in the rearview mirror and less through the windshield, so I’m intentional about using my time to enjoy every aspect of life—the good and the not-so-pleasant.
You have a lively, curious spirit–and a resolute attitude toward life. Good for you, Laurie! 😀
There is a difference between doing too much and too much of a good thing, I believe. The latter, by definition, can only be a good thing, right?
And, yes, Mark and I are always doing too much, despite living this lifestyle that supposedly is an escape from the traditional daily life with all its stress and obligations. Yet, we suffer from stress, exhaustion, frustration, and the feeling of running out of time daily. This has to do with our A-type personalities, I’m sure.
I like how you tease out more meaning from the title this week.
Yes, you and Mark have A-type personalities, but you are well-matched. Otherwise, you couldn’t survive very well on the road. Cheers to you both! 😀
Hi Marian, a lovely post to which I can relate. I do not overindulge in the usual vices of food and alcohol, but I do overindulge in artworks and creativity. As a result, I can wear myself out sometimes with to much stress from work and overcommitments. Mae West’s quotes made me smile. I didn’t know what she looked like.
You are enormously creative, and it appears you do overindulge creatively, but deep down I believe you enjoy it. Your readers are the beneficiaries, that’s for sure.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post this week, Robbie! 😀
I do enjoy writing and art. It is more of an escape from reality than anything else. Thanks, Marian.
What a fun and nostalgic post Marian. I’d never heard of a fluoroscope! How fascinating, albeit maybe a bit early for the times with no consideration of the radiation emissions. <3
Debby, methinks you were too young to see a fluoroscope, or maybe it wasn’t a Canadian thing. Ha!
Lol Marian. 🙂