Maybe She's Mental

You really just never know.... you think that your 'tribe' - the people with whom you can share your secret core - will be people that are your age, probably similar jobs, similar family situations.. Yeah they'll know what it's like to be you and will be able to empathize and help you conquer the challenges that you all face TOGETHER!  For me that is not the case at all! I have lovely friends who are in similar situations, but they don't live near me and I find it difficult to keep a truly deep friendship over the phone or email and with only seeing each other a couple times a year.  We try our darndest and have a BLAST when we do get together, but then there's that distance.... My new-found resident TRIBE on the other hand....  They're as random as you can get!  And the connection and support and compassion and authentic GOOD WILL toward each other is one of the biggest boosts for me every time I see them!  Even when a new person is brought into the tri

Wake up!  SURPRISE! We have no running water at this cabin! :)   I have come to discover in my short life that although I do like to have some things planned (like buying airline tickets early enough to get a decent price), I really like a full tank of gas, some water bottles, some easy to carry snacks, and a general idea of a destination with lots of options for stopping when the feeling strikes.  That's a travel metaphor, but it's good for all aspects of life:  set a general intention.. and that can be VERY general, like 'Have Fun!' or 'Serve' or 'Love'  or 'Hug' or 'Be Present'  and then go from there... where does the conversation take you, where does service lead?  Who knows!  But it always ends up sparkling and refreshing when you have no expectations - good or bad... FEEL your way! :) Ok.. and it's articulated another way here... a great tidbit on SURPRISE! The Element of Surprise Posted: March 22, 2013 @ 1:56 PM

This story reminded me of my neighbor.... and how I am the excitement of her day.  Do we ever really let it sink in how much we can affect another human being just by listening with kindness... giving a few minutes of our time? Here's the story: The first day I met my neighbor:  Janet A Father's Listening Lesson Here's my neighbor.... today she asked me what size I wore (as I was in my robe putting out the trash  :) ).  She has a robe she's never used and would like to give it to me.... AWE!  She also gave me a tulip on Easter Sunday in honor of her mother Anna.  She told me that she only gives such gifts to very special people... it warms my heart! When the land line rings at my house, we all know that it's Janet because most people don't even know the number, but Janet does and she uses it!  :)  Sometimes she calls to ask if I will put film in her camera.  Sometimes it's to ask if she can put a couple bags of garbage in my bin.  Other times it&#