Thursday 30 October 2008

Sign of the Times

We have all been reminded to enjoy the journey, to embrace the trip, refer periodically to the signposts along the way and not be too concerned about the final destination.
Great in theory.
On my walk yesterday, I saw this signpost.
In my suburban neighbourhood.

True. As large as life.

Just staring at me. Encouraging me.

I have never noticed it before.
Wonder where it leads?
Is it a sign?
A sign of our times?
Somewhat freaky. In the middle of suburbia.
Personally, I am too scared to go in that direction. No matter how curious I may be.
For fear of the not only the journey but the possible destination.
Sometimes, for some journeys, you can reach the point of no return. Can't you?
What about you? Would you? Could you? Have you?

64 comments:

  1. No as tempting as it might be to follow the cosmetic surgery route once you take it there is no turning back. Plastic surgery and breast implants are fine for people who want that, if it makes them feel better about who they are. But, it makes these people, actors especially, fantasy figures for a fantasy world.

    What a freaky sign really to find in your neighbourhood. Is there a cosmetic surgeon nearby?

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  2. That is one crazy sign to have in the middle of suburbia! I definitely think it's a sign of the times. It's amazing how caught up we've all become with making our exteriors perfect. Strange.

    And, no, don't take it as a sign for yourself! :-)

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  3. That is a freaky sign to be in a neighborhood! I agree with sarah's other statement, too, that those things create fantasy figures. We are who we are and while I believe in taking care of myself and not to go around looking like a trashy, old broad, I've learned to like who I am -- even with age!

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  4. Oh, Darling, you're too beautiful to need any cosmetic help!! Just keep on walking by! Now me, on the other hand! Oh, my Lord! Just don't look at me! lol
    Thank you so much for your sweet words.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  5. That is strange isn't it. Can you advertise on street signs where you live because that is what they are doing? Cosmetic surgery is now ingrained into our lives. I believe far more people 'get work' done than they admit.

    Personally I would try anything which involves no 'cutting'. That would be taking a journey that could end in disaster I think. I am not prepared to take that risk.

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  6. Oh, my! That is too funny!! lol

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  7. Lilly - your natural beauty is plain to see and your inner beauty radiates to all who know you - blogworld and the ones who inhabit space in a 3D manner.

    Personally I have better things to spend my $$ on ...

    I think this is visual polution and local councils should ban it !

    Have a fabbo day le

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  8. LOL, how odd is that? I have never seen a street sign with that on. I would do cosmetic surgery if I could get a guarantee that I would end up looking like Brad Pitt.

    Given they could never guarantee that then I have ruled it out. Men age better than women anyway (just threw that in to stir you Lilly girl!).

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  9. I am trying very hard to grow old gracefully. Sometimes, when I look in the mirror I think I would get it all done if I had the money but then I think about seeing it done on t.v. one time and I can't stand much pain and it looks so painful!
    You are beautiful in your picture. If I looked that good I would never consider it.

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  10. Writing from another corner of the world... First, no, I would not have followed that sign. It looks strange and weird. Second, you know, there is really no point from which you cannot return ... speaking figuratively here ... but the points of no returns are mostly created in our minds.

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  11. Spooky signs! I'm not going in the direction of cosmetic surgery, and I hope you never consider it. You are beautiful!

    I can't believe the signs are in your neighborhood!

    Famous people like Joan Rivers, Meg Ryan, and Kenny Rogers have ruined themselves with plastic surgery.

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  12. i haven't. but i might. i will never say never on this one.

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  13. It is truly bizarre. The sign has probably been there forever but given it is just a couple of blocks away from my house I never notice nor do I have to rely on street signs.

    I just happened to be crossing the road at that intersection yesterday and saw it. It was kind of surreal! There is a doctors nearby apparently who does cosmetic surgery. I am yet to find out if people can pay for street signs as some form of advertising though.

    I have toyed with the idea of botox etc but being highly suspicious of anything, even vitamins, I dont think I would be game. I think plastic surgery can look good - I think say someone like Sharon Osbourne looks really good but then you get others that dont know when to stop like that Jocelyn Wilderstine. It is getting very big in Australia too and given the street sign appearing in a regular old city suburb then it makes me wonder how many people are out there getting pricked and poked and slice up.

    I guess anything that makes people have better self esteem its ok. Anything that required being knocked out I couldnt do in case I never woke up - yep a real chicken I am..

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  14. Thanks so much for the kind comment the other day! Life is short..huh..:) This was a great post

    xoxo
    Meaghan

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  15. That is indeed a strange sign to have on a street sign pole. I would imagine it is not approved by those in charge. I also think it a little devious.

    I hope your not thinking of cosm surgery. Totally unnecessary.

    I want to thank you so very much for your kind words and thoughts recently. It helped more than you'll know.

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  16. You know, everyone's final destination is the same, and I look upon such signs as little tests that we have to face in life. The doctor is just cashing in on everyone's insecurities and obession with, as I call it, not looking your age.

    The day that a persons decency and good behaviour is judged by artificially enhanced vital stats is yet to come.

    Maybe we need to introduce a new term, tell-tale stats....

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  17. @ ugich - they are wise words and I love the idea about tell-tale signs. I guess people lose sight of the final destination ..... I love your sie words always. Wish you lived closer and I would drop by and visit!!

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  18. I would be afraid to go in the direction of cosmetic surgery, too.
    ;)

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  19. I've had enough medicines and surgery without asking for more. You're so pretty, Lilly, you sure won't want that.

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  20. Hmmm... I just thought of something. Isn't there some saying about guilding a Lilly?

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  21. NOPE! I'll be right, mate. :)

    And thank you for your lovely comment - I added the youtube that goes with it. A friend (Vallie)asked me to make it to show her the books.

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  22. thank you for your comment on my marriage post,,i truly appreciate it.

    now on your post, well now that i'm 50, I do think oh man if just alittle pull at the cheeks and everything would lift back up--would I? or that my boobs no longer sit high and proud would I place them back on the part of my chest they belong???

    NO, for one, I'm to cheap to pay the price,,and mostly I'm not going to be put under for a vanity issue.

    I do believe--probably most of us can age very well, with good exercise, diet, and tricks of makeup and skin care. If I had something out of the ordinary happenning that truly was a mess then i would consider it and only then. But I feel our wrinkles and changes of life are our badges..and we need to show them off.

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  23. Would never go there. But isn't the sign itself interesting? I like signs. And I often take pictures of them. I sometimes think people must feel I'm crazy, taking pictures of things like that.

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  24. Oh, Lilly, I shall not tell...
    Perhaps someday I'll reveal...
    Now I've got you curious, haven't I?
    Let's face it (like that pun?): cosmetic surgery, in moderation, should have no more stigmatism attached to it than the gobs of make-up, purses, shoes, designer outfits, facials, you name it, that most women buy to improve their appearance.
    But, for some reason, women who think nothing about spending thousands of dollars a year on the above items, look down on women who choose to put their money on the one dramatic, age-defying change they can make to their appearance.
    I have never been able to understand this double standard.
    Love,
    Jlo

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  25. Well, you need to look good on your journy through life, right?

    I like to walk with a pretty girl next to me. I always look so much better when strangers think that SHE could be my girlfriend!

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  26. I look at the older celebs and think...UGH...just let it go and age gracefully...example...Susan Lucci's breasts...YIKES!...Kenny Rogers, Joan Rivers, and the most frightening example...Priscella Presley. I'm sure for the younger ones a little nip here and there extends their career...but there comes a time to just say NO. For me personally...what would be the point...I wasn't that cute before...and those doctors AIN'T miracle workers lol. Besides I'm pretty comfortable in knowing that the people in my life don't love me for my looks...they love me for all the money I give them hehehe. Have a great day and thanks for the Birthday wishes!

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  27. Hi Lilly,
    If you decide to follow the sign please would you make some enquiries ? I'd like a few discreet nip and tucks and a gentle face lift ( not the full Monty ) -oh and if they do hair transplants I'll have some of those while they're at it.
    Also if there are any special offers like, "buy one get one free ",as we have here, perhaps we could take Dad ( not that he looks in need of cosmetic improvement-I hastily add, but those horrible insidious things,wrinkles, oould be making an early and unwelcome appearance.)
    Love to both

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  28. I'm seriously confused as to why many feel the urge to alter their appearance. We are created in the image of the Father, so in knowing this I could never go that route. I think who we are is just perfect.

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  29. DeLillycious, it's a sign of our times. Follow it. May it bathe you in cosmetic gorgeousness and make you more appealing to your stuffed toy dates in the tunnel of love :)
    love and kisses :)

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  30. Unbelievable! Who has the money for that? Weird sign.

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  31. Noooo, I wouldn't want cosmetic surgery. I have a relative who did that, repeatedly. She looks plastic now. Ewwww...

    Natural beauty is true beauty and it doesn't matter the age, because it's the spirit that shines through.

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  32. I was just looking at some new wrinkles the other day and decided they add character to my face.

    Lilly I think self esteem comes from the inside.

    We do have to enjoy life's journey and not the destination, but it's hard.

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  33. It's always a shock when you come on something you know must have been there all along but you're seeing it for the first time. I remember the first time I noticed tulips with pointed petals. They had always been rounded, I thought, but NO ONE thought there was anything strange about the pointed ones.

    The sign actually says cosmetic medicine not surgery. Is that medicine that just looks good?

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  34. Hey Lily - Just found your blog, I like it! I do the same thing with street signs, I barely even notice them half the time. I must be walking around in a daze half the time!

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  35. Botox for sure if I could afford it, and yes a face lift, no i haven't but yes I would. My husband is after all 11 years younger than me! lol

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  36. To be perfectly shallow and honest I would get an eye lift. I would not get to the point of looking like a "cat lady" though.

    I can't imagine giving directions around there!

    Peace - Rene

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  37. Great post- wild sign!! Have a safe and happy Halloween!
    smiles,
    kari & kijsa

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  38. It seems like some people would and some wouldnt. If I could be assured that I would feel no pain, that it would work and then I may try but the risks are too great with non elective surgery I think and the outcome is questionable. I just see people who look like their former selves I guess. Ah well, I guess I would never say never but once you do it there is not turning back..thanks everyone for your comments.

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  39. I am almost 40 and have no desire to go that route. I have friends who have had lot's of work done. It's just not for me. It's all about being comfortable in your own skin...

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  40. I'm leery of anything that involves surgery--I see way too many bad face lifts in my town.

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  41. unreal photo Lilly!!!
    I'm afraid that would be the road less travelled for me...as I'm a coward when it comes to all things surgical :)

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  42. See it as a sign for a good blog post and nothing more. You don't need anything done, Sister. You look great. :)

    That's truly a bizarre sign though.

    I've thought about a boob job but nothing more than that. I doubt I'll ever follow through.

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  43. @ Caroline, Rebecca, Kim and Summer - well look at you all, you couldn't achieve your looks with surgery anyway. While as tempting as it might be I think I would have one of those personalities that would just keep tidying up around the edges trying to make it perfect and before I knew it I would look like Whacko Jacko. Its sad that people prey on others' insecurities. Although I can see that if someone has something that is truly disfiguring then it should be done. But its a free world I guess and as long as it make the person happier. Plastic surgeons do wonderful things in third world countries but they are running a business at the end of the day as are all doctors.

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  44. That is a very strange sign... indeed.. and that is a tough question to ask.. I am not totally against it but it seems that one thing always leads to another and then there is that def fake look and I don't like that!

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  45. @ la la lovely - yes I agree with you - its just having enough to enhance without destroying your looks. Thanks for dropping by.

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  46. Lilly - as long as the sign is still there the next time you pass by I think everything will work out fine. If it's not there, on the other hand.... But, then you took a photo of it so I guess we are all witnesses to the fact that it was actually there. I don't know if this helps at all, but at least you have a lot of company if you are losing your marbles and the sign mysteriously appeared to tease you, then disappears again.

    Of course I am just messing with you. I do the same thing a lot; i fail to see something for a long time and then one day it is just there, but i know it must have been there all along. A busy mind, I guess. Take car...

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  47. @ Matt - thanks but the sign has been there a long time apparently.I just dont even look at the signs in my neighborhood and never would I have expected them to advertise cosmetic medicine which is a plain way of saying cosmetic surgery. It's just a little freaky in the suburbs to see such a sign. Happy Halloween!

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  48. wow, thats seriously wild, I have never seen anything like that!!! You are beautiful, gorgeous in fact, and just the way the Lord made ya!!Hmm, wonder if theirs a Dr. down the lane?? leah

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  49. Hi Leah - yes apparently there is a doctor down the road who does cosmetic surgery, you know the Botox, laser, lipo etc. I dont know why I am even surprised but its just that it is a freaky sign. I am going to ring up the local government and ask them more about this sign and see what their rules are. It's advertising as far as I can tell. Thanks for dropping by!

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  50. LOL you gotta be kidding? You have that in suburbs? Oh well, in the Philippines - you also can do it in the mall. It's everywhere now.


    It is very tempting but for now I think I love my own. And you don't need it either!

    -about the hosting Lily - if you decide to do it just buzz me and I'll take you through step by step like my friend helped me.

    Now I need to get some sleep...

    Cheers!

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  51. @ Jade - thanks for that now you ahve gone through the process (and done really well) I may follow suit. I would hate to think that you could so easily lose your blog. Thts a lot of work down down the drain otherwise!

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  52. I'm not going down that road. My ego is still intact but I keep my youth at the gym, the wrinkles I can live with.

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  53. Morning Lilly! Like that little head you just whipped up!! Eat lots of the sweet stuff for me today!!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  54. Lilly:

    http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/9/16/128660569549617317.jpg

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  55. I'd have taken a cab there. LOL

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  56. Happy Halloween and Happy Weekend!!

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  57. @ Milesperhour - good on you, yes I think fitness is more important. I know it but just struggle living it..you ahve an inpirational blog by the way.

    @ Shelia - thanks, and hope you have a Happy Halloween too!

    @ Thanks Braja!

    @ Julie - he he you are hilarious and authentic - love your blog - thanks for dropping by.

    @ Mariafer - Happy Halloween to you too!

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  58. last month a beautiful co-worker died from complications with breast implant surgery. thankfully she was single and didn't leave behind any children. but it was such a tragedy because she was so lovely anyway. dying for bigger breasts?

    i will confess that its hard to resist buying into the nonstop barrage of messages about appearance that come at us every day. it takes almost superhuman effort to be satisfied with oneself in one's natural state...with nothing more than modest efforts to put one's best face forward. it's pretty much only the lack of money has kept me from doing things like getting facials and skin treatments (for sun spots etc), and it's a rare treat to get something like a pedicure and salon hair colour, but I've never been tempted to sliceNdice for beauty. for reconstructive medical reasons, i'm fine with it. but i love people just like they are, and just wish we all could focus more on the beauty of a soul than the outward appearance.

    i still can't believe that's an actual street sign! crazy!

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  59. @ blue - that is horrific! And that is the reason why I just would never do it - its one thing having compulsory surgery but non elective surgery is something else again. Loved your comment and you have given plenty of food for thought. Thank you!

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  60. Truly?
    That sign is so unusual.
    Don't take it as a true "sign" for you though! No worries there! :->

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  61. Just stopping by to wish you the happiest of Halloweens!

    blessings,

    kari & kijsa

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  62. I'm not sure...I am such a big chicken!

    M ^..^

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Thanks for your comments.