Something for Barrel Dwellers – by Request

Diogenes asked that I look at writing something perhaps for someone who lives in a barrel.So here goes..

You see, living in a barrel may sound romantic, but it has its draw backs. For one, it does get drafty and cold. If it rains, you cannot put your barrel over your head for fear of exposing other things; and you need your hands to hold up the barrel so you cannot cover your head with your hands.

You have to put your shoes and socks on (if you wear them) before you barrel up for the day. It is terribly difficult to bend over to tie your shoes once the barrel is in place. Even if you use shoes with Velcro fastenings, you simply cannot bend over.

Socially, living in a barrel slows you down a bit. You cannot let anyone get too close to your barrel, lest they look down and see your…feet.

It is difficult to go out to dinner with the current dress codes that at in place at restaurants, even at fast food places. Even there, unless you use the drive up, because you are not allowed inside to get to the counter to order your food without a shirt and shoes. (Strange, they never mention pants??) I suppose that you could wear a fanny pack, since the barrel will allow you no pockets in which to keep such things as credit cards, money or ID of any form.

(But the real Diogenes (of Sinope) actually lived in a tub (so says history), not a barrel and a tub has a bottom which renders it un-wearable. Besides how would he have carried his lamp looking for that one honest man with his hands filled holding up his barrel. Begging for food, does that make you an honest man, or just one who does not care for material things? Please, forgive me if I appear cynical.)

Now back to our modern day diogenes. Jeans and tee shirts are just fine with me. They are much more comfortable that the old traditional business clothes we used to wear. Now a days, I get excited with a new pair of hiking boots since they seem to last about ten years or so.

Trust me, I understand the beauty of being comfortable in your clothes. After getting up in the morning, I jump in the shower (figuratively speaking of course, since I move a little slow in the mornings these days!), dry my hair and pull on a well worn pair of Levis, a black T and a pair of walking shoes.

So, my dear diogenes, life is as sweet at this end as it was in the early years. The goal is still the same, find that honest person, enjoy life, love with all your passion and live true to oneself.