Tag: patina

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH

“That might’ve started an argument, as this gruff guy appeared to have a short fuse.”

The phrase “for what it’s worth” is an expression people use when offering an opinion, suggestion, or piece of information, often to indicate that the speaker is not sure how valuable or significant their contribution will be.

It’s a way of being modest or cautious about the importance or impact of what’s being shared. For example, someone might say, “For what it’s worth, I think you did a great job,” meaning they hope their opinion is helpful, even if it may not change the situation.

On the other hand, “for what it’s worth” can be used in an offensive manner without the speaker realizing it.  The other day, at a car show, a fellow walked up to me and said, “For what it’s worth, I’d spray some type of clear over your old truck to keep it from further rusting.”

After he finished his remark, I wanted to say, but politely didn’t, “For what it’s worth, I’m not open to suggestions!”  That might’ve started an argument, as this gruff guy appeared to have a short fuse.

He rambled on, telling me that clearcoat was the only way to fly if he owned the vehicle. I was very cordial, having been told this countless times over the past 8 years. I ended the conversation by saying that the next person to own the truck could pay for such, but not me.

I love rust, believing it’s the color of choice amongst the rat rod crowd. Young people like it as well. Several catchy slogans go along with the name, such as “In rust we trust!” Rust in peace!” “Rust my soul!” and “Babe, you can rust me!” On a side note regarding this subject, I like to inform the automotive gearheads that paint is overrated, just to catch them off guard.

For grins, I spent several days after the show looking for opportunities to use “for what it’s worth” offensively, saying it in my head and not verbally. A weight-challenged woman in a grocery store, looking as if she’d been poured into stretch pants, was my first victim.

“For what it’s worth, ma’am, that outfit reminds me of Spam in a can!”

A fellow was walking around Walmart in a sleeveless shirt with both arms not at his sides, something Arnold Schwarzenegger would have to do. Not knowing the guy’s real name, I automatically gave him one for my project.

“For what it’s worth, Russell, a muscle shirt’s designed for guys actually having muscles!”

A college student at Rotary Park was evidently trying to bring back a hairstyle that’s been gone for at least 45 years.

“For what it’s worth, dude, the mullet died in ‘82.”

One day later, a nice-looking girl, another college student, was attempting to walk with an inebriated fellow who appeared to be a boneless chicken when it came to balance.

“For what it’s worth, miss, this one you should ditch!”

My last subject was around the same age as me. He rolled up next to us at a stoplight in a newer Chevy truck with California plates. The guy had been driving like a maniac, jumping in and out of lanes on 95, almost causing a wreck.

Looking at him, the man mouthed some gibberish that I couldn’t understand. I can still see those stained, unsightly teeth. That Friday afternoon, I finally let go, verbally, of my thoughts.

“For what it’s worth, boss, did you forget to floss?”

Hearing my comment, he stopped mouthing off, quickly put his window back up, and sped away. My “for what it’s worth” must’ve stung him as much, as that fellow saying I needed to clearcoat my rust.

Elderly man smiling inside vintage blue truck wearing plaid shirt and cap

GOT A GRUDGE?

“You would’ve never known it because she was the most beautiful girl with brown hair.”

I’ve never held a grudge against someone that I know of, but have had a few crushes on people in my life, thankfully, always someone of the opposite sex. One of them involved a college-age girl who worked at a Pizza Hut in Spenard, Alaska. The year was 1970.

I don’t believe I was the only one taking a liking to her, as my friend Jeff saw the same merits in Tracy Turnbull as did I. We were just high schoolers back then, but this young lady talked to us with sincerity, knowing, yet not saying, that we were much too young for her.

Part of our intrigue was that Tracy told us her dad had taught her how to work on cars, and she didn’t mind getting grease under her fingernails. You would’ve never known it because she was the most beautiful girl with long brown hair. Jeff and I each saw her as a perfect girlfriend, yet there was no jealousy or competition between us.

We haunted Pizza Hit as often as our money held out, generally opting for the cheapest thing on their menu: splitting a ham or turkey sandwich. Water was our beverage of choice because it was free. There came a time when we both became terribly sick from food poisoning, a ham sandwich the culprit, no fault of Tracy’s.

I seriously thought about asking this gal out, that is, until we bumped into her in a Carr’s grocery store with her boyfriend. Jeff and I were riding bicycles that day. Knowing both of our names by then, Tracy introduced us to her fiancé as good friends. The guy was athletic and tall, and I believe on the University of Alaska – Anchorage basketball team. I saved myself some future embarrassment by seeing this.

A crush, unlike a grudge, is a strong but often short-lived feeling of romantic attraction or infatuation that someone experiences toward another person. Having a crush usually involves thinking about the person frequently, feeling excited or nervous around them, and admiring their qualities, even if the feelings are not reciprocated or openly expressed.

A grudge is a persistent feeling of resentment or anger toward someone, often due to a past incident or perceived wrongdoing. Holding a grudge means you continue to harbor negative emotions and refuse to forgive, which can affect relationships and personal well-being.

Letting go of grudges is important for emotional health and is often encouraged in teachings like Ephesians 4:26-27, which emphasize resolving conflicts promptly.

My wife once asked me why I held no grudge against a family member who had basically robbed me of a few thousand dollars. When I say robbed, I mean that I invested money with the person on the promise that I’d get it back. That never happened. I just took things in stride here, knowing better than to let it happen again. Afterwards, we still talked as if nothing had ever happened.

Going back to my teenage years, a crush could leave an almost exhilarating feeling, making me happy to be alive. Grudges, on the other hand, according to doctors and also the Bible, have negative connotations that can take years off a person’s life. Thankfully, I was wise enough to get the message early.

God tells those holding grudges to resolve their conflicts before the sun goes down. I’ve always done this, especially with my spouse and children, not wanting the stress from lingering conflict to prematurely age me and shorten my time with loved ones. It’s worked according to God’s plan thus far.

I’m not sure I’ll ever have another crush, at least not of the human variety. I did see a vintage unrestored truck at a local car show with a “for sale” sign in its front window—the brown patina immediately catching my attention. Crush, lust, call it what you want. All I know is that I loved that rust!