The story of Clumsy Hans, to be read right before bedtime. If it's not that time, you may come back when it is, or rebelling against petty rules is also appreciated:Once upon a time, there was a princess who decided to marry the man who had the most to say for himself. Two brothers who were a little too sure of their abilities set out to woo her, so that one of them might be the chosen one. A third brother, who was sure of himself in a whole other way, set out to win the princess as well. This third brother started without advantages (he had a goat rather than the fine horses of his brothers), and collected seemingly useless objects on his journey to the castle - a dead crow, a broken wooden shoe, and pockets full of mud. There's no way he could have won the princess.
Except in a fairy tale. He had perfect luck and timing, and his resources were just what was needed, or could be presented that way. The other brothers were forgotten, our anti-hero got the girl, erm, princess, they eventually became king and queen and lived presumably happily ever after.
That Princess. If only modern princesses were married in this way...what work for the tabloids! Would you agree to choose your future King or Queen by public interview? If so, what one quality would you be looking for in all your suitors?
That Hans. Working with what he has, and without inhibition. And it works. How do you do this in your life? What treasures do you carry around with you, to use for winning that princess or prince (or job, or house, or whatever else is in your line of desire)?
Those other brothers: Were they given a bum rap, weeded out unfairly by the selection process? And for that matter, what about all the impressive people in line after Hans?
Answers on a post-it note or blog comment, please.
And, for those who took my suggestion seriously, goodnight and sweet dreams.
