Waving

On my morning ride I noticed a strange phenomena. Everyone is waving.

A gentle gesture, a simple raise of the arm and twist of the elbow. A friendly sign of recognition without saying a word.

As I pass these wavers, I peer into the darken windshields through my sunglasses without knowing who they are.

A nod or smile reply to someone who may know me or maybe familiar with my appearance in their neighborhood or maybe a pleasant statement to a stranger.

Perhaps a sign of a warm spring day or happiness in the air, but a wave (even to a stranger) will bring out smiles.

Waiting is the hardest part

Recently I heard someone say that he has been waiting for a contractor to finish his laundry room project. I could relate to the comment since I had waited six months for hot water.

Life is all about waiting.

Waiting to be old enough to make your own decisions.

Waiting for the test score, even though you know you failed.

Waiting for the answer to the question never asked.

Waiting for the night to end the day.

Waiting for her to say "Yes".

Waiting for him to say "What?"

Waiting for the light.

Waiting for the check to pay some of the bills.

Waiting for the invitation that never comes.

Waiting for the movie to end.

Waiting for the promotion, then realizing you already have it.

Waiting for the reply mail.

Waiting for the paint to dry.

Waiting for the morning to burn away the darkness.

Waiting for the children to play.

Waiting for the drugs to ease the pain.

Waiting for the clock to stop.

Life is but a holding pattern.

What are you waiting for?

Groups

It seems we, as human beings, revolve around being with others. We are sociable animals enjoying, even reveling in the company of like-minded creatures.

We form packs of similar beings, who fit a mode we are comfortable with.

The association may be religious, political, educational, professional, or recreational. We gather to discuss families, schools, beliefs, sports, similar attainments or experiences.

These groups may be called organizations, clubs, associations, fraternities, teams or even tribes. There may be symbols or colors or banners associated with these gatherings.

There may be occasions where these groups meet to watch a sporting or political event.

Many are common bonds between people who share an interest or similar experience, but the political gatherings are somewhat different.

These occasions are for groups to select from the masses a person from their group, above all the rest, best suited and meeting the qualifications of the group to be an example of the group's position on issues affecting all.

This one selected individual has worked to present his or her self as the perfect candidate for public office, with the backing of the political gathering's endorsement.

But why are these political gatherings called "party's"?

This is serious stuff.

These candidates will be influenced or influence others to create or change laws that affect how much money we make, where we can travel, how we raise our families, and ultimately how we die.

So join the party. It's a fun group with balloons and big hats and horns and speeches and lots of noise.

And when the party is over..... ?

Time

There is usually not enough time to do what is needed, even though there are only twenty fours hours given to everyday.

And the measure of waking, eating, and working are all in accordance of what time it is.

Though time is fleeting, a rush to catch up is a constant struggle.

So why do we make each minute so important to handling our lives?

Life consist of timeless thoughts, time outs for relaxation, time honored reflections, time worned past, and timely decisions.

If time is running out, there are time shares, but they are hard to cash in.

So looked at your calendar, schedule, day planner and time piece and see if you can do without measuring your life by time.

When your time is up, the clock stops.

Mad

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When the lights are low and it is quiet, the brain is filled with thoughts, imagination, ideas, and remembrances.

Is it just to be mad?

No not insane, or even frantic, though the thoughts can be disturbing or create a flood of ideas. Words can have new meanings; creations flood the senses translating to the body a nervous feeling.

This is not like “Mad” magazine, which I grew up with. Back then it was mad to think that our madcap leaders had created and were ready to use weapons of self-annihilation.

Some of the greatest artist, writers, poets, and musicians have been certifiably mad, but we view their work with awe and wonder. What did they see and feel that we cannot?

Have we lost our since of madness?

So everyday, set some time aside to be mad. Not angry, just mad.

Release the mind to wander places only a few express without reluctance to the society norm.

Like

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The word “Like” as a verb means to like or enjoy, relish, savor, find pleasure or as a preposition to mean similar characteristics, comparable, similar. There is like-minded, likeness, like wise, and likelihood, but I find in conversation the word “Like” fills a void.

To hear someone “Like” speak on a subject and continue “Like” they didn’t know where the sentence was going, and “Like” it never ended, can make the listener wonder. “Like” what are they saying?

People don’t write this way. Only in conversation does the word “Like” appear so regularly. There are other words that can break the thought of a sentence, but “Like” seems very popular now.

In public speaking, “Ah” is used frequently to give pause until the thoughts can be organized in the brain and delivered to the mouth. In the 60’s, “Man” was used as a signal to another that they were part of the tribe and understood all meanings to the word. Some pepper their vocal presentation with “cuss” words, like a junior high school student trying to get a reaction.

I realize I talk with my hands more now, trying to express a point or illustrate a thought, yet my words, in a casual conversation are fewer.

Speaking to one another is an individual trait. Learned by experience and fueled by others.

So “Like” when you are “Like” in a conversation with another, “Like” think about how you “Like” use the word “Like” and “Like” don’t try too hard.

You know what I mean? (Oh, don’t get me started. This statement assumes the listener is too stupid to comprehend what you have just vocalized to them)

Small Talk

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Recently I attended a birthday dinner party and as I sat a table surrounded by strangers I realized we were making small talk.

When I was growing up, I was taught the proper etiquette procedures and manners, including making “polite conversation” with people unknown. Having these skills meant I could mingle with society with an air of decorum.

I haven’t used these skills for many years, but here was an opportunity to dust them off.

Of course there were the introductions, brief descriptions of the person and their relationship for being at the table.

Side note: A good tip for these types of parties. Separate couples. This takes them out of a safe zone and intermingles with new people.

After deciding on drinks and food, we all settled into on “polite conversation”.

Topics of ease are always weather, dogs, books, movies…. all safe subjects.

I watched as people around the table discussed their lives to some who were familiar and others who did not know. I watched his or her eyes darting back and forth keeping contact with everyone to keep everyone involved.

Listening to the stories and the jokes, with polite smiles and laughter like everyone at the table had become close friends, I could hear my own voice speak short sentences. Usually answers to questions, but with a sharp response. No wasted words.

The small talk around my house is to the television or animals in the yard. I have a thought and say it out loud, only to hear myself say the words and wonder why.

During the dinner I did sway some of the conversations to thought provoking mini-discussions, but mostly behaved properly.

I didn’t even interrupt the descriptions of canning fruits, though I had done those years ago, but offered the recommendation of saving for Christmas presents.

At another occasion I heard a friend say that is was nice to sit with others and talk without being reserved to telling the truth.

To be politically correct in today's society, one must pause before speaking, rethinking the words about to leave the mouth.

Yet, friends can say the first thing that comes to their minds without fear of reprisal. Speaking openly and honestly seems to be a forgotten skill.

The small talk continued in a blissful light hearten manner. Since these people may never be visited again, I could have told lies and tall tales, but my etiquette training did not allow for such providence

The evening ended with cordial good byes. No one had been angered, or offended and the pleasantries of the dinner could be savored for future gossip.

Small talk brings strangers together, but what do they bring to the table?