Sometimes we stick things in pigeonholes, labelling them forever without a thought given to their true potential or vocation. This is no more evident than in the way we regard the desk clock.
Think about it. Every day desk clocks throughout the world greet their owners with the reliability and steadfastness one would usually only expect from a grandmother. And not just any grandmother. This grandmother (let's call her "Lilly") grew up in impoverished circumstances, rose above her station and became the Postmistress at her local Post Office which she never failed to open each morning at precisely 8.58 am for 57 years. All this while raising eight children and running the farm while her husband was away droving cattle.
Desk clocks are much more than mere timekeeping devices. They are, among other things, effective motivational resources. If we need a little jolt as a deadline looms, they remind us to get moving. They also let us know when we've done a good job by telling us it's time to leave early.
There are many different kinds of desk clock, each one revealing something about its owner's personality.
For example: miniature clocks abound in countless designs. There are miniature motorbike desk clocks, business card holder miniature desk clocks; even planes, helicopters and rocking chairs can be fashioned as miniature desk clocks. Now, the designs may be very different from each other but the people who use them will have similar characteristics.
Movado desk clocks are impressive. Glistening, innovative and curvy. These are for people who don't want other people to know they're trying look sophisticated. The "nervously looking upwards"type of folk.
Then there are the atomic desk clocks. These say "Power!" Regardless of the style, it's what's inside that counts here. Anyone owning an atomic desk clock will make sure that all who see it know it's an atomic clock and what that means.
Double sided desk clock people just want all visitors to their office to know how much time they're taking up. It's diplomatic, at least.
Desk calendar clocks are clever clocks for clever people. Always on time and always organised, these people send Christmas cards out on time and never forget a birthday.
Moving away now from modern desk clocks, many people prefer vintage desk clocks. Many vintage desk clocks are decorated with floral patterns and delicate designs and so are popular with the "shabby chic" set.
For the eccentric genius, an unusual desk clock, spherical in shape and transparent so that its mechanism is revealed. The enquiring mind will study this timekeeping globe, hold it in his or her hand and be inspired to greatness.
Oh yes, the humble desk clock must never be stifled in its endeavours to stimulate the creativity and resolve within us.
Desk clock, coach and mentor. What a bargain!
