The question of what to write about in my first post of the new year has found an answer quickly: something I had announced I would do not long ago. In my comment to this post by @ecoinstant concerning weekly contests, I claimed how I would participate in one of the contests listed. That was almost two weeks ago ... or let's just say last year! And as a result, none of the same contests are open any longer. So let me address the second best option, and participate in a currently ongoing contest. The one I choose was organized by @snook, and can be seen here. It is a pretty straight forward prompt: Create your New Year Cherub. Okay, let's do it!
What IS a Cherub, Really?
Before jumping into it, I wanted to get a clear idea of what we're talking about here. I knew that a cherub is a type of angel, though that was about it. Reading the Wikipedia article on it didn't help a lot. In fact, it only reaffirmed my previous supposition, and that beyond the "some sort of angel" definition the descriptions and definitions diverged so much that it requires the adherence to a religious tradition in order to say anything more definite. But this is just perfect! Now I can really run with the idea and make up my own cherub. Whooo-hooo!!! Before I do though, let me preemptively apologize to anyone whose religion gives them a different notion of a cherub: I do not mean to offend anyone by inventing my own cherub.
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Angelic Devil, or Devilish Angel
One commonly familiar concept of your little angel is the voice of your conscience, often represented as a cartoonish version of yourself with wings and a white robe, sitting on your shoulder, whispering good and responsible advice into your ear. The opposite force of this voice of reason is often a horned and tailed version of yourself, wearing red and sitting on your other shoulder. They also like to whisper into your ear, but prefer to address your passionate desires. Of course, it is said that while the angel's advice is usually less interesting and fun sounding as the devil's, it tends to be better for the long term effect. Well, if you ask me, this is all a bunch of baloney! I'd rather listen to my sweet-and-spicy cherub.
Ideally, such a being would have both characteristics of the angel and the devil. They would not be opposed to passion or the fulfillment of short-term desires, however not at the expense of your own well being, and especially not at that of others. Reason and responsibility are still common-sense items, not to be discarded, but also offered with a grain of salt. Humor is certainly very high among their priorities, even the biting kind of irony and sarcasm. Even Schadenfreude is well appreciated, especially when it comes to teaching a lesson. After all, comfort and harmony are nice and all, but sometimes clearly overrated.
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For the new year I want my cherub to give me reassurance to break and bend the rules, where applicable. Crossing the street in the middle of the block if there is no traffic coming, cancelling all of my classes one day just to go on a romantic escape with my wife, or (gasp!) taking off my mask in a mall, just to see how long it takes me to get kicked out. My cherub would be the greatest buddy in naughty shenanigans, and I would count on them to tell me Naw, that's so boring! on one extreme, or No dude, just think about the consequences! on the other.
Checking Contest Requirements
For @snook's challenge I need to publish my post before January 8 (check), have 300 words at least (double check), include the tag #snookschallenge4 (check), and link my post in a comment (once posted). For @ecoinstant's contests I feel a bit like in a gray zone: Supposedly the contest lasts 7-10 days, or until he publishes his next post. It's been 13 days since he posted his contest, but there hasn't been anything new posted by him, other than re-posts. (Phew!) He also wanted us to tag three new bloggers on the Hive blockchain, so here are mine: @zialuna, @dcardinal1985, and @cosmic.paradise At least these are the three newest members I have interacted with recently. Guys, I tagged you for a reason: please take a look at the two contests here and here, feel free to participate, and please let me know if you do. I would love to see what you've come up with.
