how use doth breed a habit in a man

William Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona

In another part of the forest the view is not quite as idyllic, the “complaining notes” sung not by nightingales but rather those in search of a clean pair of socks, favourite t-shirt or escaped undergarment.  Some tasks are unforgiving, sometimes quite painful yet oddly necessary in the greater scheme of things that we do only to please ourselves – ironing sheets would fall into that category and when asked Why? by incredulous acquaintances, their mouths agape and eyes wide as saucers, the answer would have to be because it makes a difference – it feels better. There is, of course, a whole raft of responses to that particular question (because my mother did, neatness, tradition, we’re used to it, it’s cheaper than therapy, etc.) but having tried out a few it was the reply that most quickly got the conversation off to more interesting topics.

Some skills we learn in the line of duty, some as a form of rudimentary self-preservation or just to improve our lot in life. A basic nugget of wisdom summed up, handed down through the generations and still getting some use in our household as anachronistic as it may seem is:

Know how to do all things domestic well so that if one marries money you will know whether the servants are doing their chores properly and if one marries for love then you will know how to do it yourself.

Such words are usually uttered with the ulterior motive of getting someone to do something they don’t already know how or to practice it so that we won’t have to do it – again. Sadly, we are still waiting for the day when afternoon tea will be served whilst we “tune (our) distresses and record (our) woes” and so have learnt much in the course of a lifetime. In being human we have certain obsessions, penchants and routines and so the Two Cents Tuesday Challenge asserts that we all have our own, unique – Habit.

“What does your habit look like?” –  The velvet hat and crop you don to ride a horse, the path you take when walking the dog, a dirty ashtray or morning smoothie, a Friday night activity or the subject you can’t seem to stop photographing …

We would love to see your vision.

For all those who are new readers to Across the Bored, here are some guidelines for the challenge: HOW DOES THIS WORK?

1.  I will post some commentary on a random topic that pops into my head (such as the above) and then ask you to respond on the same.
2. Your point of view on the current week’s challenge can take any form: a quote, a motto or saying, an essay, poem or opinion of yours or attributed to someone else, a piece of music, a song, a video, a work of art, photograph, graffiti, drawing or scribble – but it has to be about the topic!
3. Please, don’t just link to an old post… challenge yourself.
4. The Challenge will be open for 14 days (there will be a reminder post at the 7 day mark) after which I will post another.
5. ENJOY, have FUN and TELL your friends and fellow bloggers.

 SO – Create your Two Cents Tuesday Challenge post

1. Then add a link to your blog in my comment box.
2. To make it easy for others to check out your post, title your blog post “Two Cents Tuesday Challenge” and add the same as a tag.
3. If you would like your reader to see what others are presenting for the same challenge, add a link to the “Two Cents Tuesday” challenge on your own blog.
4. Feel free to pick up your badge on the Two Cents Tuesday Challenge page
5. Remember to Follow My Blog to get your weekly (hopefully) reminders.