When it all falls down...

What is the difference between something that lasts forever, and something that only lasts for a few minutes?  Aside from the measure of time, I also believe that the strength of material its made of is a major factor in the success of it.  I had an opportunity to create a vitrine that had to be strong enough to stand on its on, protect its content, be portable and also presentable.  I think the principles of building is the same no matter what the subject matter is.  Whether you are building a home, presentation, or a relationship- you'll only get out of it what you put in.  Taking my experience with the vitrine for example, I started by looking at what I had to work with, recognizing my goal, and making a plan to get it done.  Since I knew the product needed security, I only picked out the materials that would successfully support it.  So many times in life we choose things that are insufficient to hold our potential, and even though we may be partial to that particular thing, it ends up hurting us more that actually helping.  And because we refuse to let go, we continue to allow those things to pollute our enviornment.  So I started with the foundation.  It needed something sturdy, and reliable in the event of it being moved so as not to disrupt its original placement.  Sometimes life changes direction and takes us somewhere we never thought we'd be nor planned to really go.  In that aspect a firm foundation is absolutly essential- you know where you came from, and in the event that your walls come tumbling down along with all the other things you depended on, your foundation will still remain in tact.  That gives you the advantage of not having to completely start over.  Never underestimate your foundation because it sets your standard which determines your success.  After finishing that, i used some nearby materials as a covering vor my product.  In comparison, the covering is to the product as boundaries relate to people.  Not everybody is meant for  everything. Some of us are like cacti in the sense that we can survive in times of drought, while some of us need friends as umbrellas to protect us from the constant rain in our lives.  Some friends are only good for sunshine, and some prepared for rain.  My best friend would fight my shadow if it got out of line, but then a time comes when we have to face the storm on our own.  A time when you're forced to rely on your foundation, and boundaries to carry you through.  When its time to stand on your own like a showcase, advertising either success or failure- sometimes a little of both.  Success isnt measured in the time beat, or the distance ran, or even the prize won, but rather the ability to just get up again.  A week later, my vitrine is still standing, still intact, and still serving its intended purpose.  Yes, im proud, because it represents so much more than just an exercise learning how to make a presentation.  it represent life itself and even the nature of the people in it sometimes.  I can never just accept something for what it is... the deeper meaning just seems to jump out at me.  i just embrace it now though!