A day to give thanks.
Thanksgiving is just a week away.
But every day of our lives should be a day to give thanks. So much of this world and ourselves, is filled with benevolent goodness. It just is a matter of noticing and saying “thank you” to whomever, or whatever, might be listening.
We just never know for sure.
One reason to give thanks? Something that we may not consider umpteen times during any day? Toilet paper.
Oh. Where would we be without it?
Toilet paper was invented in 1857 by Joseph Gayetty of New York. He marketed a “Medicated Paper for the Water Closet.” That neato stuff was sold in packages of 500 sheets for 50 cents. Gayetty’s paper was made of hemp and was infused with aloe vera.
Before then? Before Mr. Gayetty and his invention? People used a variety of materials to clean themselves after using the toilet, including leaves, grass, moss, animal fur, corn cobs, and seashells. In the 16th century, paper became more widely available in Europe, and people began to use old newspapers and pages from books to wipe. “I hated that book by Edmund Spenser. I’m taking it to the loo.”
Anyway. Gayetty’s toilet paper was not a commercial success. But the whole notion of it helped to popularize the idea of using paper for toilet hygiene. In 1890, the Scott Paper Company began marketing toilet paper rolls. Once it was on the roll, people thought it was more convenient and affordable. And kittens now had something to play with.
So yes. Be glad for toilet paper. Also, be glad it no longer has splinters. Splinter-free toilet paper was invented in 1935. I know so because companies began advertising for “splinter-free” toilet paper around then. Charmin was probably right around the corner.
Speaking of toilet paper. We should also give thanks for our sense of smell. I say this because humans have it just about right. You see, oftentimes, my dogs follow me into the restroom. They follow me almost everywhere, actually. I try to disuade them about the bathroom thing, but there is no reasoning with a dog on a mission.
Anyway, I was thinking that sometimes, the world must be very unpleasant for a dog. You see, nearly half of their brains are devoted to smelling things. That’s right.
About 45% of the dog’s brain goes entirely to their sense of smell. They have a completely different organ that is designed purely to take in a smell, any smell. This is done separately from the oxygen they breathe. In our big heads, we process our smells and our oxygen together.
Because of this, the dog’s sense of smell is incredibly freaking keen. Dogs can smell things up to 40 feet underground. Dogs can even smell human fingerprints that are a week old.
And then there is the bathroom. So. Be thankful we don’t smell as acutely as dogs do. Doo.
I’m really just “prepping” you for Thanksgiving when everyone goes around the table and tells the things we are most thankful for. I’ve given you a few. You’re welcome.
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“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.”
— G.K. Chesterton
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“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.”
— Margaret Cousins
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“If the only prayer you said was ‘thank you,’ that would be enough.”
― Meister Eckhart
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The smelly splinter-free thank you.
