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200 words, apple orchard, courage, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, dreams, Franklin Centre, growing up, memories, mission, safe, Taking risks, vision
“Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?” Frank Scully
Thanks Kelly!
It reminds me of my childhood adventures on the Meyer Farm in Franklin Centre and my love for Macintosh apples!
Back in the day when apples were more organic, nothing beat the taste of an apple fresh from the orchard. The ones on the ground were often bruised but were yummy in cakes and apple sauce. The Meyer’s also made cider, something I would grow to appreciate as I got older.
We ate the ones we could reach on the branches. They were so juicy and sweet.
Apples gathered by workers on ladders were the best of all; that coveted fruit out on the limb that brought with it an element of risk, yet promised the greatest reward.
In real life we make decisions every day about the things we’ll go out on the limb for. It depends on what we need. It depends on our passions and ambitions. And when we do go out on a limb, it’s because we’ve decided the risk is worth it.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
What do you go out on a limb for?
talktodiana 
I love this, Diana, great reminder…I think going out on the limb for me right now is found in my pursuit of personal boundaries. It’s very uncomfortable for me to say no, take a stand for what I truly want and to speak my truth without worrying about what will be thought of me. That’s my current limb, uncomfortable yet tasty! 🙂
~Andrea<3
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*hugs* Practice makes perfect. I wish you much success Andrea!
Diana xo
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I agree with Elizabeth. It’s always difficult to know how to balance risk and opportunity.
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Yes it sure can be Sheryl.
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What a beautiful story and great metaphor! I would go out on a limb for… my kids, my writing, Jon Bon Jovi, and chocolate! 😀
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good list but what about wine?!
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Love the concept attached to the quote, but I can’t recommend the quote itself. As your picture (and a comment or two) suggests, the branches where fruit grows can’t support a person. It would actually be kind of foolish and dangerous to climb out onto those branches! (A ladder or pole with a hook — much better! Stay grounded while you reach for things!)
Quotes I do like along the same lines: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Or, “You can’t win if you don’t play.” And my personal favorite, “Well, the worst she can do is turn you down.” 😕
But stay off those skinny tree branches… it’ll only end in tears! 😀
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Hello my literal friend! I think the workers used ladders to reach the apples. In fact, my parents worked in that orchard before I was born! I was talking to my parents tonight and found out that my mom once fell off the ladder!
The point I was trying to make is we all decide for ourselves if a potential reward is worth ‘going on a limb for.’
but warning heard Smitty – I will stay off the skinny branches!
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And be careful on ladders!
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haha! Will do!
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I am cracking up reading Jo-Anne’s response! Every time I take Anthony out for the day I am terrified he will fall – and other things – that’s my limb at the moment.
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Jo-Anne is hilarious! Julie, I admire that about you. No matter where Anthony is at you are still trying to make sure he has some quality of life. If fear ruled, he would be stuck in his bed and have no outings. Love rules in your house, and love has great courage in your house. You are an outstanding human being.
Diana xo
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Brilliant quote and lovely post! I think if we want better we have to take risks as well and sometimes even to make hard decisions nothing great comes without these.
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Agreed! Not every time, perhaps, but when something is important to you. Thanks for weighing in!
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You are very welcome it’s pleasure to find you! You are very right it’s about importance and what we really need.
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Thanks surprisebjg.
Diana
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fab quote.
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It is, isn’t it?
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I am not to go out on a limb why because I am short and fat and it will break and I will fall and end up with my head split open and all my brains pouring out………………..lol
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LOL Jo-anne, you are funny! Thanks for always highlighting the humorous side.
Diana xo
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It all depends on so much, and this is a different direction than perhaps you intended, but out on a limb in its own way. Often if can say, ‘what have I got to lose?” and not come up with much, somehow going out on the limb seems less daunting. Today, I remembered a person I knew 24 years ago who was just a neat person in my life; someone I appreciated even tho our friendship was not long or super close. We just remember certain people. I looked up the person, reached out and sent a hello – and yes, I was nervous. Within an hour, I received a reply, and yes, that person remembered me as well. What happens from here is not even that important – it’s good to know the limb supported me!
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What a lovely example Bonnie! I hope you both get a chance to catch up!
Diana xo
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What if we fall as we are reaching for that delicious piece of fruit; and we not only miss the fruit but end up at the bottom of the tree unable to climb up again. Shouldn’t we have been satisfied with one of the less-delicious fruits on a safer branch?
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I hear you. Risk can be scary. It’s all about calculated risk, don’t you think? What if we regret for the rest of our lives that we did not go out on the limb in a given situation? I know from personal experience that I regret the things I didn’t do more than the things I did do.
Diana xo
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I was probably referring to missing the fruits that were readily available (and we didn’t appreciate fully) because we were too busy looking for greener pastures (or tastier fruit).
So there are two ways of looking at it. xo
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ahhh I see what you mean now! Thanks!
Diana xo
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My goodness, I can’t possibly put it any better than Russ did! He spoke my mind to a tee. 😉
You know, I have never had apple cider. Bet I would like it, though.
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oh I don’t think you would like it, I think you would love it!! 😉
Diana xo
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What do I go out on a limb for? Loved ones. Following my passions. Fellow human beings. My beliefs. Keeping my word. My standards. Those who are unable to defend or provide for themselves.
Russ
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A beautiful list Russ and not surprising, given who you are!
Diana xo
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It depends on our needs, passions and ambitions … and I would add what we trust in or have faith in. I go out on a limb when I trust my intuition as well as my own experience and knowledge.
Great question to ponder! Thank you Diana. Val x
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yes intuition is a biggy for me too Val! Thanks for weighing in!
Diana xo
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