An old man was one day out walking. As he walked along the track a small elf jumped out from the bushes. “Hello,” said the elf, “I am here to grant you a wish. It will be just one wish and it will not be able to be changed back. You must therefore think wisely.”
The old man thought for some time. He was married; he had been for almost 40 years. His wife was the same age as he. “I would like to wake up in bed with a younger woman,” said the old man. “Granted,” said the elf, and disappeared.
The next day the old man woke to find himself 20years older.
Today I went back 26 years. I awoke and decided I would try a nice run. There is a lovely hilly run where I am staying, a run I have done often. I set off and a reasonable pace. Bang it hit me, I could not keep it up. I struggled and panted my way up to the top. Normally I would have kept going onwards and downwards. I would have returned and done the circuit again making a lovely eight mile run. At the top there was a bench, I sat and rested. In the end I did one circuit. I felt as unfit as I did before I began running some 26 years ago.
Thinking of the tale of the old man and his elf, I knew what my wish would have been. To be as fit as I was a year ago, that would be just fine. Now that in fact would be a wasted wish, because in a few weeks time, all going well, I will be just that.
Today I have used two artworks and will say why on other blog:- Two Paintings
