Life Unfortunately Imitates Art

Dave Freeman, co-author of best-selling travel guide 100 Things to Do Before You Die....has died.

Yes, the irony is hanging mighty heavy over this story, but I will try and refrain. Mr. Freeman was only 47, but did manage to tick off about 50 of the various adventures recommended in his book.

I must confess though, that I hate all those list of things to do before you die books. Is Mr. Freeman's life more fuller and richer than mine because I (more than likely) haven't done the things he has? No way. I don't have any desire to bungee jump or to do nude night surfing in Australia. My list of achievements, I'm afraid, is much, much tamer, though I would say, of no lesser value. Let's see...here are a few items ticked off my list:

1. Marry the love of your life.
2. Improve your relationship with your parents.
3. Get a good night's sleep.
4. Read the New Yorker while listening to classical music, sipping strong coffee and cuddling at least one cat on a very comfy couch.
5. Entertain friends and family in your own wonderful home.
6. Illustrate a children's book.
7. Dance with abandon in your library (though I have yet to dance nude).
8. Do a book signing.
9. Sing in front of an audience, and not be booed off stage.
10. Plant and grow a garden.

There's still plenty more to do, plenty of which I don't yet know what they are. I much prefer a list that has room for an addendum, don't you?

So... what's on your list?

Comments

[Kerry]

I have similar feelings towards such books, which is why five years ago I started compiling my own book: "Things I Did Before I Died". Much much more satisfying to leaf through, let me tell you. As is your list as well.

[Sara O'Leary]

Nice list, Patricia. A very full life.

[Steph]

Oh dear. Poor guy.

I've tossed around the idea of creating a list of things to be sure NOT to do before I die.

[Ellen]

That is a great list Patricia and I love both Kerry's and Steph's suggestion for a list.

[Melanie]

Yes, these kinds of lists are always a bit odd; I too have never had the urge to go nude night surfing, strangely enough. It's the same with the Books to Read before you die lists -- there are plenty of those that I have no intention of wasting my time reading! I like the idea of a personal list, and just thinking about it makes me realize I have accomplished some of the things I've wanted to do. Wonderful realization!

[Kat Johnston]

Mmm, there is much I wish to do before I die, but I think some of the main ones I have already covered...

I've told someone I love them, even when I wasn't sure it was returned, just because I needed them to know how much they meant to me.
I've married the love of my life.
I've danced nude in my personal library (and more than once), held in the arms of the love of my life...
I've confronted some fears, and not liked it, though felt better for doing it at least once.
I've tried the scary rides at the amusement park and lived to tell the tale.
I've tried food that I've been almost sure I wouldn't like, then once in a while have been pleasantly surprised to find out I was wrong.
I've slept with a contented cat a'purring upon my lap with her little tongue poking just out because she is that relaxed.
I've lied cuddled in a nest of warm blankets the whole day long as the rain pitter-pattered against my window pane.
So many more things I could add... but these are just some of the simple pleasures I am so incredibly lucky to have experienced and will never fail to bring a fond smile to my lips. Not sure I would ever write a book about it, mind you!