Looking Glass

           As much as we may cringe at social media or computer program's interaction, I must say, today, my 51st birthday, I Have been grateful for my cyber connections. I had 80+ people wish me well for my birthday via Face book, and I know for a fact, that many people would not have called me to send those same cheers. It is a simple interaction that brought a smile to my face, all day long. I try to do the same, when notified through the page, that some one's birthday is here. I send Happy Birthdays all the time. Almost, daily. If I can add to their number of well wishes, that is a good thing. If I can add a smile to their face, that is a good thing.  Among the postings on Face book, I had a few friends and family call me from far away. My dear, friend KP, treated me to lunch and had a lovely bouquet of roses awaiting my arrival at the restaurant. A small wait staff sang Happy Birthday to me when bringing me a cup...

 I am unsure as to how much time my blogging counterparts spend on their computers, beyond their blogging. I know a few of us have face book, twitter and other social media sites. I see your cyber interaction, occasionally. Not to add more to our lists, but, for the creative souls, there is a visual site called, Pinterest. I find it relaxing because you don't have to worry about "what to say." It is a site that revolves around sharing pictures on virtual bulletin boards. You can develop as few or as many bulletin boards as you choose. It is a great way of sharing craft ideas, recipes, pictures, clever or inspirational sayings and quotes, etc...Many businesses are using this tool to "pin" business ideas or business pictures, as a form of advertising or to drive folks to their websites.  I started my Pinterest boards, months ago. Some people have hundreds of thousands of followers. I rarely make a comment on someones "pin", but...

 I just finished rereading some posts from my favorite blog authors; bill, kden, grumpy and hub. I enjoy them very much. I was glad to read that bill attended a speaking gig with his son, and I was enchanted by his post of speaking to medical students with Ann. I can see him sitting there, in front of those 14, wanna be doctors, talking with wise words in a gentle, yet direct fashion. I can see him being honest and descriptive, when sharing the challenges and fears of catching that next breath. Yet, he doesn't allow himself the credit he deserves for painting those pictures with words. He is a better author than he realizes. He does far more than, "ramble."  I reread some of kden's posts, too. As I have the pleasure of knowing her in person, I can see her sparkle shine through her words. I smile all the time as I read her posts. Though, even before I met her in person last summer, her words had that affect on me, and, likely, you too. That i...

                                                                                     kden & Claire at their lunch date in Ellensburg, WA  On Saturday, September 22, kden and I had arranged to meet 1/2 way between our Eastern and Western Washington locations. The town this year, Ellensburg. We met at a somewhat, famous fruit stand...Thorpe Fruit Stand. It was started in the mid forties and has grown to not only accommodate local, fresh produce, but houses two floors of antiques as well, which are sold "on consignment". We meandered through the antiques...

 Oh yes, I had to get that shovel back out of the shed. I have had to deal with pigeon poop smacking my pathway. I have skipped through some, jumped over some and landed right in the middle of some. I am doing my best to work my way through all of it.  My other friend, Lloyd, Jean's husband, passed away two Sundays ago. I woke up on Sunday morning and checked a message she had left on my cell phone. Through choked tears, she said he passed away after midnight. I called her immediately, at 8:36 am, when I listened to the message. I was to her house later. Her son has been staying with them for a couple of weeks and had intended on doing so, in order to help care for Lloyd, so Jean could work, without worry. The son had decided not to contract fishing in Alaska this winter. lloyd is not the one in need of care right now, it is Jean. (sigh here).  When I drove my hour to that ole' small town of where I had worked for so long, I called her cell. She was at a local Safe...

 The month of August has been rather interesting, in a quiet, observing way. I feel like I am sitting on a window seat in front of a large pane of glass...watching...with others not seeing my form. I have been seeing life scamper in front of my friends and family. I have read of good and bad happenings for people, on their social pages. I have had many conversations with folks who share mishaps and happy endings. Surprises catch us off guard. They aren't always a happy birthday party or a spontaneous get a way. Sometimes surprises create duress and emergencies. Quite often, there is no cushion of comfort. That is life, isn't it? Always good and bad for everyone.  The cushions you surround yourself with depend on the planning you've had the foresight to estimate. Saving money in a bank account is a common cushion...a desired cushion. The people who cushion your life and add comfort, are usually your family and friends. Some we can choose, some we canno...

 I have been in Vancouver, Washington caring for my sister so my niece and her family could take a well deserved vacation for ten days. Since my arrival, I have been locked out of my email and this blog, until now. Stupid passwords and accounts wouldn't recognize me. I even changed passwords a few times in hope of breaking in...no luck. Now I will be going home tomorrow at some point and have to catch up. At least I have had my cell phone to read emails. Luckily for Unplug Your Hub, reading emails doesn't require talking loudly. It is a quiet task.