Hi there!  Come on in.  It's been an interesting day, don't you think?  Especially for a Saturday.  No, that's alright.  It's wet outside, you can't help the footprints.   Cristobal, something like that?  I don't pay that much attention to these storms, it's just a blow. 

Sox is over there, gave her a bath tonight so she's feeling all girly and pretty.  New collar and everything.  Oh, yea, as long as they're paying attention to her she'll be there for life.  Something to drink?  I think I might have that, I'll check.  Wine OK if I don't?  Grab a seat, be right back.

Hello!  Guarding the frig?  Oh my God, did you make those?  I may have to kiss you.  Give me one, quick, so I don't follow up on my urge .... oh good grief, yuumm!  And you?  I'll be damned, I never really thought you'd stop by.  Why tonight?  Never mind, it doesn't matter.  It's just so good to see you, come here. 

Sometimes friends are hard to comprehend, as are we all.  Some are there wherever you look, they have your back, they never leave your side.  Some are there so seldom that you almost think they're lost.  But you find they're not, because when you say their name there they are.  Solid, but fleeting.  Some are confrontational, challenging, aggravating and obtuse.  And still love, and are loved, deeply.  Sometimes so deeply it demands compromise.  Some are new and refreshing, leading to lots of conversation on the way to finding surprising things in common.  What fun that can be.

Sox, what are you doing?  Yes, you're beautiful.  Everybody says so, even if you are old and fat.  Kidding, sweetheart!  What?  Aren't they delicious?  I swear I think that's what brought Sox over here, she doesn't leave a free hand easily.  Save that last one for me!  

Obama hit two three pointers with ease while visiting troops in a gym in Kawait.  They loved it. 

May seem trivial, but the symbolism...

Hi there, come on in.  So good to see you!  Sox, please get out of the way.  I'm so sorry....Sox!  Go lay down.  Now.

Good girl.

How was your day?  Can I get you a drink?  Wanna play 20 questions?  Yea, I know.  Grab a seat and I'll get you that beer.  Actually, that sounds good for tonight, think I'll get two.  Save me a pillow, looks like the sofa's full.

I really love seeing so many friends get together like this.  The dynamics are facinating.  Two people in a deep conversation by the door ... there's three others laughing at what only needs to be funny to them ... Look!  Has to be about five or six people outside, loudly and with great animation discussing recipies.  What else?  See her over there in the chair?  Her eyes are closed, but she's awake.  She's softly swaying to the music.  Nice spot, next to where Sox snores.  My favorite in the living room.

Then, of course, there's the kitchen.  Funny how it's like the real living room.  Certain people are drawn to the kitchen and to the others within.  Leaning against the counter, sitting at the table.  It's all too casual, and all too real.  Everybody has a kitchen.  For some, the very sight of a refrigerator and a stove causes a sigh of relaxation.

Excuse me?  Oh!  Sorry about that.  Here's your beer.  Thanks for saving the pillow, of course the floor's fine.  My little spot in a space full of friends.  Now.  I've run my mouth enough, what's up with you?

Hi!  Thanks so much for having me over, what a treat.  Sure, no problem, just a bottle of my favorite Zinfandel.  Wow!  The place looks great!  I can't believe it's been so long, what did you do?  Paint and refinishing ... really?  No, now that's a new sofa, right?  If you tell me you just recovered it I may have to kill you.  I can barely put flowers in a vase and you're going all Martha Stewart on me.  Ouch!  That hurt.

Who's here?  Sounds like everybody's having a great time, so glad I came.  Thanks, I'd love a glass.  Oh, gosh, I'd forgotten what a beautiful view you have here.  The full moon rising while the sun finishes the day.  Reminds me of a photograph just before it developes completely.  Truly lovely.

Go ahead!  I'm fine right here.  You've got a house full of folks to worry about ... I understand.  We'll catch up more later.

Hey there!  How are you?  I know, it's been awhile.  Funny how the days have a habit of running into each other.  Staying busy with work and life in general, you know how it is.  No, nothing too bad, knock on wood.  Is that?  It is!  Let's head that way and say hello. 

Give me a hug!  How long has it been?

Hi there, come on in.  I know it's late and some of you have an early morning coming up, so thanks.  Grab something to drink, whatever you see that looks good and have a seat.  Man, it's really been a long day.

Save me a seat on the sofa, OK?  The dog's outside so I'm waiting for her ... no, if I sit down I'll forget about her and that really hurts her feelings.  Here she is now.  Get down, Sox!  They see you!  Looks like she's glad to see everybody, too.

Now I'm getting settled in, it feels so good let the day go.  Love that CD, who picked it?  Great choice for tonight.  I've been getting a bit wordy lately, too "thoughtful" for my own taste.  It's time again for friends and easy conversation.  Rule for the evening - nothing too heavy, don't think my brain is up for it.  Really?  Well then, go for it.  I'll just sit tucked up right here with my pillow and listen.

I know you can't stay but really, thanks for stopping by for a few minutes.  I'm tired, too.  I always sleep better when the last thing I hear is the laughter of friends.  And Sox snoring in her bed.

Oh wait?  Is that the door?

Understanding.  Empathy.  Taking a moment to look into another person's eyes and tell them you care.  With a look, a tilt of your head, maybe a slight nod now and then.  Listening.  I wonder if we listen to each other enough in this brave new world of ours.  We're so quick to offer heartfelt opinions, but what are we hoping to achieve?  Having someone listen.  To understand.  Maybe feel empathetic to our plight.  Or just shut up long enough to hear us out.  To listen.

It's really very hard to listen.  It is an art in and of itself and a powerful form of communication.  It isn't the same as hearing the words, it isn't a part of a conversation.  Conversing is you hear, you speak, you hear, you speak... and if it's an argument you end up speaking loudly and hearing nothing.  That's not what listening is.  Truly listening is the highest compliment you can pay to another person.  It has nothing to do with you, it is giving them the gift of your full attention.  Chances are, that matters alot to them.

So when your elderly aunt goes on and on and on ... remember that one day you will miss her voice.  When your friend on the phone doesn't seem to care that you're busy while they bemoan their life ... remember there's a reason that they are your friend.  And you, theirs.  When your child is tugging on your sleeve demanding that you listen in a way adults can't get away with ... remember how fleeting are those pleas.

You have the time.  If you're really, really lucky and invest it wisely, maybe someone you care about will listen to you.  

'The long and winding road, that leads to your door.'

A sweet thought, that.  Our lives essentially are the roads that we choose along the way.  Seems like monumental decisions change our worlds.  Fork in the road kinda thing.  No disagreement, there. 

What we sometimes fail to understand is that those choices are not few and far between.  They are many, they are often and they all matter.  Every day we make choices that determine the next step on our individual roadmap.  And each of those roads we select, and sometimes create, intersect with others.  Other folks on their own journey on their own map.  That is indeed the very beauty of being an individual in this crowded world of neighbors.  It's the intersections.

The long and winding road.  Sometimes, it will lead to your door...will you answer the gentle knock?


Thanks, Cowboy, for my thought tonight.

Hi there! Come on in, let me get that.  Deviled eggs, too cool!  What kind of relish did you use?  Your daughter made these, Coralsea?  Oh, man, doesn't that just make it perfect.  Grab a seat, I'll just put these over there with everything else.  I know!  Who knew you could get so much fabulous food by throwing an after hours "pig-out" party?  Not to be confused with a pig pick'in, two totally seperate entities.  What would you like to drink?  Fresh out of Cognac.  Wine?  Got a keg, want some?  Plastic cups, there's a magic marker somewhere over there...be sure to write your name on your cup.  Bound to be a seat, somewhere. 

Good to see you, come on in!  Bounty galore over here, come check it out.  Take a look at this - lavender flavored pudding.  Have you ever?  It looks devine.  And check this out,  fettucine with zucchini, onions, garlic, and something called "cottage bacon".  No idea, but it sounds and smells like a dream, doesn't it?  Guess what, (it's a big secret),  alex39 and The Old Grouch made them.  No kidding.  The macaroni and cheese is mine, the famous recipe!  It's still really hot, be careful.

Go vote.  Seems to be a mounting argument between "Caddyshack", "Big" and "Princess Bride".  Man, are we lame or what?

Maybe a movie isn't right, noone will pay attention, anyway.  Aubie!  Cowboy!  There you are.  Give me a hug.  Now, put on some munching tunes, you're the expert. 
Alright, dog, you're in the way.  No, this isn't for you, the vet says you're fat.  Don't look at me like that.  wwstaebler, do you mind?  She always seems to follow you without question....  Aunt Sam, will you hand me the paper plates in the upper left cabinet?  Thanks!  I can always count on you.

A few more folks are showing up with heaven only knows what to add to the feast.  And the conversation.  And the friendship.  The more, the merrier!

Are you hungry?


Thnak you, Coralsea, for my thought tonight.