An Assignment Of Sorts From John Henry
Or Foiled Again, Professor Henry
About a week ago, I wrote a post Abundant Eye Candy and John Henry, Florida Architect left a thoughtful comment but this time included a follow-up "assignment".
Years ago, it wasn't unusual for me to wonder if I understood a classroom project so I might ask follow-up questions for clarification. I am sure this made instructors a bit crazy but hell, isn't that part of the fun of school? You know, Crazy-Making 101. I digress.
This time since pondering was involved in the assignment and at-home schooling remains a bit unstructured, I decided to "just go for it" and not inquire further. John's assignment posed as a question within his comment asked if I preferred a city full of either the traditional or the modern. He put some twists in his assignment with his mention of "foils" which sent me down yet another rabbit hole.
Did I fully understand the reference? Does it really matter since in my mind pondering was the essence of the project? At least I thought so.
Anyone who knows me understands I like to look at both sides of an issue whenever possible. No one right way and no one wrong way. People, life and cities combine good and bad elements. So much is conjecture at best. And, come on, why decide?
Communities of all sorts may have a general plan but there are things that can go amiss. And "amiss" can lead to consequences that are not only unintended but surprisingly good on occasion.
I have lived in many places in my life yet I still have much to experience. No planned changes but I have been fooled more than once whenever "never" is even a thought for me.
As for the assignment, the best I could hope is for an Incomplete grade. That's kinda true for life too. Well, at least, so far. This is yet another indication that life is a work-in-progress. For me, likely others and probably even communities with a Pierre L'Enfant-like plan.
Care to learn more? I highly recommend following John Henry if you don't already. His views on architecture, cities and life are a fascinating read.
The image in this post is from canstockphoto.com.
Maybe he would prefer Toddler Henry. . . 
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