Lens of the Everyday

One might contend that it is the motivation behind the insatiable longing is embedded in the points system, which is intricately tied into the levels system. I remember the days when I eagerly check on my points and see if my levels are as previously recorded, or if I was bumped up a level or two because of the activities that I participated in (or when others participate in my lenses). I vividly remember the times when the point differences between levels were but 5,000 or less, and it grew to 10,000 points a level, and before I knew it, I was facing a jump so steep I thought I could never reach it. 1,000,000 points to the next level seemed like an impossible climb for even the hardiest mountaineer. Disheartened I was many a times, yet I have been blessed by many to have made it to where I am today. Does it mean that because I am the first at level 81, I am considered the best? Far be it that I am the best. I may be the fastest to have attained this level, but I am not the best. Perhaps I will never be the best, but from another perspective, that is not up to me to decide.

This points system is somewhat weaved into the trophy system. I shall not hide, but agree that the many trophies that Squidland has given me accords me much pride and joy. Yes indeed they are my joy. To see each of them is to remember a particular journey, of ups and downs, yet mostly ups, for the process of getting a trophy is exhilarating and refreshing at the same time. Down moments are usually reserved for the times when I am sick or fatigued from the trophy race, and yet these moments are few and far in between, for the sweetness of the journey far outweighs the blandness of the valley sand. Are the trophies all to the journey in Squidland? Could it be so that one could possible attain all the trophies that has ever been created and be satisfied for even one moment? Perhaps not, for a new trophy would be sculpted and offered up for grabs, and the pursuit continues. Nay, the journey for the trophies is potentially endless, and endless in and of itself as well, because if the trophies are the goals, what is to be of the person who attains it all? Where then is the meaning of the journey?

Would a particular trophy make one better than others? For the longest time I did aim to be a Giant Squid, earn a Lens of the Day, and try my hand at a couple of other trophies along the way. Yet the harder I tried, the further the trophies seemed to be, and the reach of my hands could never come close to the rims of the coveted trophies. What made some of these trophies move precious than others? I used to think that hard work could guarantee trophies, so I set myself goals to participate in quizzes and polls and commented on many different lenses. These brought me much happiness, but I realised that it always took two hands to clap. For as many trophies were anchored in one's activities, there will be other trophies that were linked with the activities of others on one's lenses. Who could force others to willingly participate in one's own lenses? I have met many individuals who sent me emails asking for my participation in all their lenses simply because they participated in mine. I would have willingly done so, to be a part of the activity on their lenses, but to request willingness appeared oxymoronic, and upon checking I realised that these individuals participated on a couple of lenses, exaggerating that to be "all". Perhaps it could be said, for the eternal discontented, that the best trophy is the one which is yet at hand.

What then makes a good lens? I've read many lenses, seen many different designs, participated in ingenious activities, joined countless debates, but I have yet to be able to put a finger on one. Take for example a simple lens that is short, succinct, simplistic and easy on the eyes. Imagine another that is full of CSS codes, hosting numerous activities, continually engaging readers and participation. Who is to say there isn't beauty in the simplicity, or that the activity is the heart of the lens? Perhaps there is no one true answer to either, or for that matter many other questions pertaining to the topic.

Can there ever be a structure through which one can assess the manner in which lenses can qualify for a particular trophy? Take for example the Lens of the Day trophy. It can be likened to being on the cover of a famous magazine for a day, for all to see, for others to judge, for one to be paraded, and to have a trophy to keep forever. A look at all the lens of the days in the archive seems to have a mix of long lenses, short lenses, simple lenses, deep lenses, aesthetically pleasing lenses, plain looking lenses, activity-less lenses, and activity-full lenses. I looked back and forth and found no common thread amongst the themes and styles, nor was there a pattern in the writing or topics. Yet one thing stood out amongst the plethora of factors: it was their time to shine.

I believe that no one can determine when any particular lens will be looked upon by others and be deemed as worthy of a lens of the day trophy. No one can control what others think and perceive of the lens, and none can stake their confidence on a lens that it will or will not become a lens of the day. It is equally possible that an old outdated lens suddenly becomes in season, and the same applies to a new lens that barely mushroomed out from the earth. Yet the same is to be said for both, that it was their time to be looked upon, to be submitted by someone who saw appreciate what their eyes told their minds, and subsequently be chosen by the Elders Board of Squidland to be the lens of the day.

Therefore, instead of investing in the lens of the day, I shifted my mental resources to thinking about what made a Lens of Everyday.

Such a lens would have to be like an evergreen artist, a forever-fashionable hairstyle, an ever-fit athlete, a leather bound classic, your favourite face in the entire universe. Such a lens would be able to withstand all seasons, brave all weathers, stand strong against all criticisms, endure all forms of change, and yet still draw others into a profound appreciation of its superficiality and a skin-deep love for its depth. This lens ought to be comprised of the essence of all great lenses, and leave the reader grasping for more. It has to have pictures to attract the reader's attention, yet not too much that it detracts from the words. It must have beautiful words, yet steer clear of profanities and junk. Space must be considered, for the reader's imagination to breathe, yet not so much that the reader drifts. There are many other factors to consider, but the intricate interactions between the factors may never be clearly understood.

As of late i have been sensing something that is unique and peculiar to me. it is not entirely foreign, for i am well acquainted with its lesser cousins. Yet this visit has left me gasping for air, for it has not left me entirely. This gasping that i am referring to is this deep sense of dissatisfaction. Why has this feeling come? Why this extended stay and company? Why does it resonate deeply within me?

Increasingly I am restless, wondering what the "next big thing" is. For one, I can only be certain that I am looking out for what is "next", as I am unable to quantify if it is a "thing" nor am I able to ascertain if it will indeed be "big". Looking constantly around, I fumble to grasp at what goes on around me.

It is possible that I might have exchanged some level of contentment within me for an opportunity to have a long hard look around at my surrounding and after taking in all that is around and all that I need to do, ask myself a hard question: is this what I am looking for?

I do not want to take any morsel of experience and slice of life for granted, and such an approach has led me to arrive at my current status of self-examination. Weighing my options, I find it difficult to slip out of this mental state of vigilance. Is there more to all that I am experiencing?
If that so be the case, I am still unable to move past that hurdle of acknowledgement and figure out what could be the "more" which eludes my senses. The grasping returns temporarily empty. I reach for the next rock to pull myself upwards, only to find the rock imaginary, yet feel my muscles strengthened.

Sincerely yearning for this transiency to be over, but each shuffle forward is greeted by the familiar calls of the unknown. Echoes are answered with echoes. The search for the next big thing continues.

The Lens of Everyday would appeal to both the author and the intended, both new and veteran. Squids of all levels would come to refresh their hearts, and leave with rejuvenated minds as well. Such a lens would be a joy to all who seek it, and perhaps a pain to those who can't find it. Some might try hard to understand it but miss the point all together, while others briefly brush past and understand it totally. The question is, would such a lens be possible?

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