About
I'm not sure exactly when I came up with the phrase that this site is named after, but it is probably close to a decade ago now. I'm not sure if putting phrases on the wall of your home is still a thing or not, but if not, think "Live Laugh Love" in vinyl cursive lettering on an upscale suburban living room wall. One day, I was considering the most awkward thing to put in vinyl lettering on your wall.
I don't know if I had recently seen the 30 Rock episode featuring "The Rural Juror", but that is the kind of thing that was in my head. I loved "Our Hours Are Our Oars" immediately. I liked how round it looked (it would look great on a wall!), while at the same time made you sound like a barking seal when trying to say it aloud. Best of all, the phrase actually worked! It wasn't just something awkward and confusing, it actually had a deeper meaning. We really do move through life by using our time, hour by hour... or oar by oar.
So this phrase became a running joke in our household, and it has wormed its way into my brain permanently. For a long time, I've wanted to put out random thoughts and writings out in the world. The first time I saw ourhoursareouroars.org written out, it was irresistible. It is a reflection of myself - initially unnecessarily confusing, but with with a deeper meaning for those willing to dig.
So this site was born. I don't want to enforce strict rules on what I may or may not post, it will likely be just things that I like or find interesting. But, I focus on words. My intent is to combat the current distraction focused media landscape. But intent is only a small factor in what a thing actually becomes, so row along with me, and we will sea.