Day: February 11, 2020

Opening doors and closing them. Both physically and metaphorically it is all we do in life.

Before there was this medium in which to wax nostalgic, I was simply concerned only with what was going on with myself, my immediate family, and those I worked closely with. For many years, that’s all it was. That’s all it had to be. Oh, I knew there was a world full of other human beings out there, but I wasn’t mindful of what was going on with them. Their joys, their sorrows, their inner thoughts, their rantings, their wisdom… was just whispering in the wind. I cared not because I knew not.

Upon entering into this new means of communication, I first sought out family, then old school friends, with whom I had lost contact. It was fun catching up with them, finding out what had happened in the last forty years. Drawing close to them again through common experiences and causes…sometimes agreeing on things, sometimes not. Thus is the way of human beings. We all have things in common, we all have differences.

Strangely, I began to become friends with people who I never knew before, but who were friends with one of my friends. My relationship with people began to branch out beyond my little circle. I have become friends with people who have and hold some of the same beliefs and philosophies which I hold, and some who do not. I have met some people because of this medium and hold them in high regard and really, genuinely care about them, and through them, their loved ones.

My artist friend with his affinity for dogs and reclusiveness, my Alabama flea market buddy with his beautiful talented family, my new friend the lady lawyer from Alabama, the professor of my lawyer judge buddy, a Locklear cousin who thinks like me. A handful more.

Old friends who have reintroduced themselves back into my life…who I knew closely in my teenage years. People I loved.

Growing closer in friendship again with many old friends through empathy and sympathy with their familial situations.

Common likes…My old Buddy the wonderful biking, caving photographer and his sweet wife. My UGA fan buddies, my Vegan and vegetarian friends. I could go on.

I guess the most important thing is that for the most part, I have found I genuinely love people. I’ve found I don’t like everyone….or at least I don’t like some of the things they say. But, as human beings with souls and feelings I must love them all. I must, no matter how hard at times. I do not know everyone’s story anymore than they know mine, and there’s a story behind the way many people feel.

I love good discussions where if everyone doesn’t agree, we at least can have our opinions and be civil with each other (though I have NO tolerance for those who cannot be civil, and resort to name calling or vulgarity) These types of discussions are, of course, becoming as rare as hen’s teeth.

I love seeing the love that others have for their family and friends, and the photos of them they post showing that love. Their expressions of love for their family, and their thoughtful and loving posts many times touching me deeply. This is the best of this “social” media.

I live vicariously through posts and photos that friends make of places I’ve never been, and may never go.

There are many who would use this medium to spread their lies and their hate. Let’s not allow them to take over what could be, and had been up until recently a positive thing. Don’t share one sided hate “memes” just to have something to post. Think before you do it “will this cause harmony or discord?” If you want to post a page at least put a little preamble of your own words on it to let others know your purpose in sharing.

If you have an opinion on something, use your own words. Don’t let others who are extremists use you as a tool. I’ve been guilty in the past, but I’m honestly trying to do better!

Love not hate. Empathy and sympathy not empty feelings. We can use all things for the good of others if we only pause to think, to consider, to put ourselves in the shoes of others for a few miles before we judge.

Peace to you all.

I got to thinking last night that I need to start tidying things up a bit. By that, I mean start getting rid of more of this stuff I don’t need or use anymore. A lot of this junk I have accumulated over the years that doesn’t mean anything to anyone else besides me.

I fully feel that I can start to whittle my junk down to a smaller pile , because I just don’t want anyone else to have to deal with it once I’m gone. I know it can be done because I’m surely not bringing in much stuff now. Not nearly what I used to bring home. I’ve actually went to Trade day four times in a row, and haven’t bought a dang thing. I believe that to be a record.

I’m going to start selling a lot more stuff in the near future. Keep an eye out cause it might be something you need. I’m also in the process of organizing all my photos, and archiving a lot of things I’ve written.

I mean, I’m not planning on checking out anytime soon, but it doesn’t hurt to get ahead of the game….and one never knows.

I once had a very vivid dream in which I was walking up one of those old dirt mountain roads, like the ones that I used to walk with my Grandma Stewart. For some reason, I was alone, using a cane, and I knew somehow that I was 92 years old. I also knew that once I topped the hill that I was walking towards, I would never, ever return. I was sad, but satisfied.

Hopefully, my old body will stay together a decade or so longer, and I can finish up on some of the aforementioned projects. It’s my intent to do so, and to also continue to love and help my kids and grandchildren as much as they’ll let me, and to enjoy the bright sunshine as it shines, the tomatoes as they ripen, the music as it plays, the books I need to read more of, and my wife’s company.

To each and every one of you, no matter what…I wish you peace and health on this Sunday night.