But when my brain ponders this simple question, tons of puzzle pieces come flying at me, and so far i am still island stranded alone.
My mind works in the oddest way, never just giving a straight answer. Listed below are just a portion of the points of interest that occured to me as I pondered what should have been a no-brainer.
1-JUST HOW BIG IS THIS ISLAND?
I might take someone different to a small island, with only one plam tree, than I would to one the size of Hawaii. The answer might be different if I knew that no matter how far I moved away from them they would still be right up in my face.
2-WHAT KIND OF VERMIN INHABIT THE STRANDING SPACE?
Being stranded with someone as afraid of snakes as I am makes no sense at all. Are snakes there easily frightened by loud screams of terror? If not, taking a sharpshooter with a keen hatred of reptiles might be my best bet.
3-ARE THERE PLENTY OF THINGS TO EAT JUST LYING AROUND WITHIN EASY REACH?
Hunger is definitely not one of my favorite sensations. I can cook just about anything, but critter trapping and spear fishing are far beyond anything I am willing to attempt. Any thoughts of slaying furry creathers or gutting smelly fish send shivers down my spine. Someone well-trained in survival skills might be the right choice for a sidekick.
4-BATHROOM FACILITIES??????
Without a private place to squat, taking anyone I would not be comfortable squatting around, would add unnecessary torment to the adventure. There are also many fine people that I would not care to view in that light. Some things are much better left to the imagination. Some others are completely unimaginable.
5-HOW LONG WILL WE BE STRANDED THERE?
Certain people are easier to stomach in small bites. A weeks stranding with the wrong choice would feel similar to a years imprisonment.
6-CAN I TAKE ALL THE THINGS I NEED TO KEEP ME SATISFIED?
Enough coffee, enough cigarettes, full pens, blank paper, and all the books required to keep my mind fed? I might take someone who shares my interest in books and make sure they neither smoke nor drink coffee.
7-WHAT WILL BE OUR MODE OF RESCUE?
Will we be picked up by a passing cruise ship after its captain notices our signal fire? Will we be flown home by a hellicopter crew that reads then responds to our boulder SOS? Will we have to build a raft? The answer to that question might point out the need to take a ship builder.
8-CAN I STAY AS LONG AS I WANT?
What if my guest is ready to leave long before I feel the need? Can they go, while I linger behind? Solitude can be very soothing to a weary soul. Taking someone then listening to them whine to go home seems a waste of a grand adventure. Knowing I could stay even if temporarily stuck with a killjoy would greatly lessen the chance of my commiting murder to gain peace and quiet.
9-JUST HOW DO I GET STRANDED IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Will I face danger getting to the sandy shores of my island, or will I just appear there as if by magic? Will the journey be painful? Could I be injured? A nurse, or better yet a doctor might be mandatory for a pain-free vacation.
10-WILL NUDITY BE AN ISSUE?
If so, the list of potential guests will alter dramatically, since I would be uncomfortable being naked in front of a large number of people that I might ask along otherwise. Marking my children and my siblings off the list would be necessary if nudidy were required.
The longer I hold a question in my mind, the larger it grows. Since it would be foolheardy to go off half cocked on such a journey I am determined to stay home until more information becomes available.
Who would you choose? If my questions altered the way you make your choice, then my purpose will have been well served. For a while you will have been lost, on an island, your thoughts overflowing with images of people you love; or admire; or wish you knew.
The pictures you paint, in your own unique colors, will bring you comfort. The possible bizarre situations you weave will bend your mind and your lips upward.
Whatever your trip entails, wherever the journey ends, however big or small your island, I wish you joy. I ask you to consider just a few more of my ramblings as you depart.
DID YOU EVER THINK ABOUT WHO YOU WOULD PICK TO BE STRANDED WITH ON A DESERTED ISLAND?
DID YOU EVER LOOK AT YOUR MATE WITH WIDE EYES, WONDERING IF THEY WOULD CHOOSE YOU?
DID YOU EVER WONDER HOW MANY VOTES YOU WOULD RECIEVE IF THERE WAS A WORLD WIDE POLL ASKING FOR EVERYONE TO CHOOSE?
DID YOU EVER THINK ABOUT HOW WONDERFUL EVEN ONE VOTE WOULD BE?
DID YOU EVER FEEL REAL HEART-TUGGING PAIN THINKING ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WOULD SIT SAD AND ALONE YELLING FOR A RECOUNT?
DID YOU EVER MAKE A REAL EFFORT TO BE INTERESTING ENOUGH TO DESERVE MORE THAN ONE VOTE?
I HAVE!
THINK ABOUT IT!
LET IT GROW!
THEN DECIDE!
