“Today we are not so much communicating as miscommunicating. Or failing to communicate. Or choosing to communicate only with those who think as we do. Or communicating in a manner that is wholly detached from reality. Too often we look only for affirmation of our own ideas rather than opening ourselves to the ideas of others.” —Marty Baron
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Kindness is so appreciated
Like an unabashed yawn or unique laugh, there’s something contagious about random acts of kindness.
When you have the good fortune to experience one, confusion is bound to be your first reaction. Yet right around the corner from bewilderment is the sincere desire to respond in kind, either to the person who was generous to you or to others who may be in need of some sweetness.
I’ve been fairly stressed lately, a wicked combination of summer’s arrival, technical difficulties, family issues and work. To raise my spirits, one of my dearest friends sent me a box of chocolate from my favorite candy shoppe in Seattle. Once I put a dark chocolate truffle into my mouth, my eyes closed and I moaned with joy. For just that moment, the tension in my chest eased.
Of course I thanked my friend for her empathetic offering, but I also sent several gifts to others who weren’t expecting them. In truth, I can’t decode which option was more satisfying, the giving or the receiving. What do you think?
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Mark my words
I’m drawn to certain words. The attraction is often a word’s meaning or spelling, but sometimes I just like the way a word rolls off my tongue.
Experts say you learn the majority of your vocabulary by the age of six, but I’m continuously trying to expand mine. Perhaps that’s why I enjoy reading so much; there are always new words to learn. Here are a few of my favorites:
Passion Cerulean
Jalalabad
Gobsmacked
Garage
Wanderlust
Serendipity
Yes
Chocolate
Supernatural
Smock
Clamenza
Magic
Cinnamon
Novelist
Dream
Fiery
Pie
Afterthought
Destiny
Kindred
Vespertine
Zamboni
Obsidian
Sassenach
What are some of yours?
(h/t The Bloggess)
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Sometimes, it pays to notice the little things
Sometimes, it pays to notice the little things. Once in a great while, when you do so, the Fates will throw fewer knots in your way.
Today, I:
* experienced a good dream (yes, vampires were involved).
* woke up without a migraine — or the promise of a migraine — for the first time in a week.
* went downstairs and rejoiced in the fact that my youngest cat, Sera, was still alive.
* didn’t start to sweat after leaving the shower because the temperatures had begun to drop.
* tried on a new summer-y blouse and it fit.
* ate dinner at a local restaurant and everything was cooked correctly.
* enjoyed ice cream for dessert and it was simply divine.
* stopped by the local movie house and learned that the film we wanted to see was just about to start.
* watched a movie where nothing blew up, a couple fell in love and nobody died.
* returned home and was immediately covered by all the animals who missed me while I was out.
* kissed my husband good night and did some productive writing.
All in all, it was a pretty good day, particularly for June. I am grateful.
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Paths crossed, and the rest is history
I recently spotted a spider on the ceiling of my office. Normally I would’ve let her live there and eat any bugs that crossed her path, but this quarter-sized creature was heading purposefully in my direction.
With conviction in my tone, I ordered her to turn and walk the other way — or else. She did not heed my warning.
I briefly left the room for some tea to calm my nerves. When I returned, the spider was standing on my desk, in the spot between my computer keyboard and mouse. Startled by her sudden appearance there, I grabbed some tissue and killed her.
Now I’m wondering… What if she was an emissary from the household arachnids and had an important message to impart? Did I just breach some heretofore unknown diplomatic rule and declared war in my home?
–Photo by Andrew Beierle.
