Growing up my all time favorite word had to be: Don't. Don't go past here. Don't swim here. Don't jump. Don't walk on grass. Don't read this. Don't miss Mass. Don't be late. Don't touch.
I can pretty much guarantee you, that if our gang ever came across a sign like this, (and we did, often), we'd try with all our physical powers to open said door. Mind you, I never used the words: smash, destroy, annihilate. All I said was open. Sometimes all that was needed was an extra nudge or a well placed, gentle kick. Beyond gates, locks, knobs, handles like this one, padlocks were another issue. We weren't too successful, but we didn't lack for trying. And when a door, to our surprise, suddenly flung open, what did we do? We went in, looked around, wondered why the sign Keep Out was posted on the entryway, closed it behind us and went upon our merry way. We weren't a destructive lot, you see, but wicked inquisitive.
I still have a dislike for that word. Don't get me wrong.
ps. Let me wager you this. Today, someone who has never read my blog will set eyes on this thumbnail and words Keep OUT and will be driven by some 'force inside them' to open and read. Yup, pretty powerful stuff those words: Don't and Keep Out!
Inquisitive minds must be satisfied!
ReplyDeleteSaccarrappa!!
ReplyDeleteGreat one! And the signs seems to have worked - the door look very disused and the signs in need of renewal.
ReplyDeleteYou better know that if it says Don't Read, I will.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Dina. Saccarrappa. Is that a phone number, or map co-ordinates. There is a 'saccarrappa' out in Scarborough, somewheres.
ReplyDeleteWhat is that inland plank of wood for, on the LHS?
I am glad the paint is peeling, but in my experience, opening doors is one of life's great disappointments!
That's would be the 'Vietato' (Fornidden) of the same signs when I was young. The attitude was and is the same, with a few reasonable exceptions.
ReplyDeleteha ha!
ReplyDeleteyou are wielding mind control power now...
Excellent post with certain wisdom. The best way to get something done is to say "don't" do it.
ReplyDeleteDarryl and Ruth :)
Hee! You know how to get a laugh. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the rustic look of the door, even if I'm probably not supposed to be looking at it. :)
You are so right!
ReplyDeleteDina-
ReplyDeleteThe twenty-two mile long Presumpscot River runs through the center of Westbrook. For many years,
before Westbrook became incorporated as a town, there were two villages about a mile apart, along its shores,both situated beside river falls. The falls were recognized by the early settlers as places where dams could bebuilt and the power used to run mills. The village at the westerly falls was given the Indian name Saccarabigg,later changed to Saccarappa. [Saccrappa means “falling toward the rising sun” and Presumpscot means
“many rough places river”. See “Ammocongin/Cumberland Mills” for information on the easterly village. ]
Ahh, now I get it. Thanks, Birdman. I love the meanings of Indian names.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I'd want to see what the big deal is.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that the word, "don't," often gives great impetus to the word, "do"? I dunno, but it sure has worked that way with me.
ReplyDeleteCan a logo be a lego? Only if the lego made up the logo! Can a Floridian be a wee bit loco? Si, senor!
Oh I was too much of a rule follower growing up Bird. I never even rolled a yard! Now, I'm a little more adventurous.
ReplyDeleteV
Reverse psychology in action!
ReplyDeleteEXCEPT if I say to my class, Don't do your homework.....they won't.
ReplyDeleteI was and still am adventurous... As a child it was curiosity. As an adult, I am armed with my camera ready to click!
ReplyDeleteBises,
Genie
I agree. You're the kind of guy who should have one of those "question authority" bumper stickers.
ReplyDelete:) what was there behind this door?
ReplyDeleteI'm with magiceye....what is behind this door?
ReplyDeleteNot me. I obeyed all signs.
ReplyDeleteI heard that Portsmouth had record-setting rain yesterday and that you have flooding. Good luck!
Great post Birdman!
ReplyDeletewise post!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week!
Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
> < } } ( ° >
I haven't read your post today so DON'T know what its about.
ReplyDeletei would LOVE to explore the many abandoned buildings in the USA that i encountered. but when the door is closed (and ofcourse it is), i dont dare to get it open!! too much of a chicken, combined with the fact that im not an american and quite a bit afraid of the police!!
ReplyDeletebut i am tired of all the do nots.... no swimming after 8pm, no swimming before 10 am, for example. beehhh!
:)