Birds of a feather . . .

Have you noticed that it really is true- birds of a feather do flock together? I have never seen two geese, three ducks, a couple of woodpeckers, and a cardinal flying in formation. No, it is always a flock of geese that makes up the V-formation. Pigeons line up on top of a building and sparrows dot a power line.  

We all really are the same way in our own lives. The title of the blog came to mind as I read the blogs written by two of my friends. I am proud of the authors, both blogs are well done. I smile thinking about the ladies who wrote them; they both have been in my life for many years.  

One I have known since she was a baby and I was her nanny.  Just call me Bobbie Poppins- Bobbie being her nickname for me.  She now writes entertainingly about the adventures of her young family. The second I met when she was just out of high school and newly engaged. In fact, I caught the bouquet at her wedding! Her blog is more serious as she talks about her past struggle with an eating disorder and keeping balance in her life.  

Though the three of us have a myriad of differences, the things we have in common outweigh those differences. Especially writing- we all enjoy writing. In fact, I was recently having lunch with the second woman when she made the comment that she had not been able to write for a while and it felt like a part of her was missing. I have said that very same thing so I completely understood how much writing is a part of her.  

Thinking about others that I consider  friends, both men and women, they are all creative people in one way or another. Like my other two friends, they are also caring people of faith that have similar values. While each of us are unique and have different purposes in life, we are still birds of a feather.  

There are people I have met and I have known instantly they were the same kind of bird so to speak. You may have had that same experience where something just clicks, or it seems like you have known the person forever at the first meeting. I love when that happens.  

And I love my birds that flock together. 

Secrets One - The Series

Some potpourri for you . . .

The basic definitions of potpourri are- 1.) A miscellaneous anthology or collection: a potpourri of short stories and humorous verse. 2.) A mixture of dried flower petals and spices used to scent the air. 

Now I do like the fragrant potpourri. I love lilacs and roses, fresh or dried as potpourri, in the spring and summer. During the fall I love a hint of cinnamon and apple, or even pumpkin spice; and in winter there has to be pine cones for the visual and that Christmas tree smell. But- I can’t send those fragrances to you through our virtual connection. I wish I could. I am sure you would enjoy them, too. 

Instead, my offering is a potpourri of thoughts- random thoughts on my mind, not enough for an entire blog. So here we go on the second thought… (Well, the potpourri thought counts doesn’t it?)  

Drama- why do some people insist on drama in their lives? I am not talking about those difficult times we have no control over. No, I am talking about the drama people actually invent or dredge up over and over. It is not quite gossip because names are usually not mentioned.  

I used to see this more in middle-age or older people who are cranky and lonely, as if it made life worth living for them.  But I am now seeing this trend in younger people- who are seemingly more popular- particularly on social media. The energy spent on all this drama could be much better spent doing something worthwhile. 

And while we are talking about social media- I have found there are two kinds of users.  The self-promoters post things that promote whatever interests them or whatever makes them money- you get the idea. Or intense photos of themselves doing something they feel is important. These people never really interact with others- how can it be social for them? 

The second group is my favorite I have to admit. They are actual social people, those who connect with people. There are groups of people who care about each other, and if distance allows actually see each other in person.  They are happy for each other and sad for each other- yes, they really share emotions. Now that is SOCIAL media. 

There really is a third group- the avid game players.  They appear to be social in sending out friend/neighbor requests for the games. And when playing the games friends do chores for each other and give gifts. But it is all in the virtual world. I like real interactions! (pouty face)  I admit the games are kind of fun, and they can be stress relievers. However my computer does not work well so that becomes discouraging. The other thing is that one can only go so far in the games without paying- real money! No, I don’t think so.  So with those three negatives- not a fan of the games overall. 

And on another topic, have you heard the saying, “one can never go home”? Well, I have recently had the experience of visiting the place I called home for many years. Except for one thing- it is now an empty lot. Yep, the house my parents owned for many years is gone. Even if it is owned by someone else, it is kind of cool to drive by a place and think about the memories made there. Almost as sad is the current condition of the former home of my grandparents. Both situations tug on the heart I tell you. Admittedly it has been several years since I have been “home”.  But still…. 

Oh, that is not the end of it! The building where I went to high school- gone. Elementary school- gone.  Nicely manicured lawns where they once stood but the buildings are gone!  OK, so the school district had the opportunity to obtain funds to build a new state-of-the-art school building housing all of the grades. But did that really require tearing down the old buildings? I would have liked them to be used for another purpose such as a restaurant, assisted living, apartments, or community center maybe.  (Like area communities have done.) 

One last and really random thought- why is it that at night when I am driving, all the cars are going in the opposite direction?  It just seems to be so noticeable when I see a ribbon of lights coming at me and there are not nearly that many going in my direction. 

What is going on in the other direction that no one told me about? Are we being evacuated and I didn’t get the word? 

Laughs! 

Secrets One - The Series                             

This year's story- love, loss and joy

Well- if my share of 2011 was to be published as a novel it would be a mixture of love, loss, inspiration, joy and maybe a little mystery.  

I had eagerly awaited the blank pages of each month of 2011, wondering what chapters would be written. Now that the year is nearly over, I have to say it has been one of the most difficult in recent memory. But it can also be described as rewarding, thought-provoking, faith-building, educational and joyful. 

One thing the past year taught me is to not take people and their time on earth for granted.  Actually, I have become increasingly aware of that over the last few years as the number of people going to their heavenly reward seems to be increasing. I mean people close to my age and younger as well as older friends and relatives. As a person of faith I take comfort in believing they are in a place of peace and comfort with no pain and suffering, no illness and no problems.  But they are missed… 

There was also joy this year. Renewed family ties are priceless. 

Those who read my blogs know that I like to talk about the gifts we are all given. Another lesson hitting home is to really appreciate the gifts of others.  Everyone has gifts; some are more subtle than others.  It reminds me to cherish each person for who they are.  Some may not love us as we think they should but in reality they love us with all they have. 

I also found out that my faith is strong enough to carry me through really tough times. And I learned that my faith makes an impression on other people- at least they tell me so. I know that many people care enough to pray, and that prayers can truly be felt.  Sometimes prayers are answered as we want, some are answered but not as we hope. But always- prayers are a gift to be given and received.  

I was reminded of the joy of a smile- especially an unexpected silly grin. I was reminded of the joy of a kiss- especially an unexpected silly kiss.   A more profound reminder is that sometimes the most mundane and even undesirable “chores” can be a gift and an act of love on both sides- from the gifter and the giftee.  (Sometimes being able to accept something being done is more difficult for a person than doing it for someone else.) 

The mystery is why things happen as they do. But that is an answer that most likely remains unanswered in this life.  

The year of 2012 is just a few days away- what will it bring? Only time will tell… 

Secrets One - The Series