How Could I Not?
I heard a slight sound and decided to investigate ... even dreams are worth exploration. Oh! Hi there, come on in. Or back away from the doorway, if you choose. Display your voice or remain silent, it's really up to you. I'm here whether you are or not. If you decide to join me, know that you are welcome no matter the circumstances of your arrival nor the time of day. My living room is open to you whenever you need a place to land after a long and eventful day or night; the sofa awaits. When you need to breathe, to close your eyes and let the world pass for just a moment. We might be friends - we might be strangers who haven't crossed paths thus far. Nevertheless, I hope you find a piece of home here with me. Or a piece of whatever you need.
You. Why do you hesitate? Like a skiddish cat, you resist my offer of friendship even as you cling to the frame around the door.
I have known the sorrow and pain of life, I have hurt and I have cried. But what matter is that to you? Something or nothing ... it's all the same. Or not. What might be of consequence, if you give it a minor thought, is that I care. I do, you know. Hmm? Yes, really. Your thoughts jar my mind and question my sanity sometimes, but they always give me pause. Your importance lies not in what you say or do but in the very fact that you are. You are a miracle. As am I, although sometimes I am hard pressed to recognize it. It's often harder still to recognize it in others. When anger overwhelms us we balk at understanding. Such is life, and such is the world in which we live.
What's that? Oh, I know. I do tend to go on about things. Patronizing at times, unbelievably condescending at others. Don't forget my lack of decent grammar and horrible spelling. Dare I even mention punctuation? Terribly unkind of you to bring up the fact that I often have nothing of value to say and yet never let that stop me from verbalizing at will. I'm laughing with you, just because you're right. See there? The world is still revolving and I actually said you're right about something. Imagine that in the grand scheme of things.
Before you find your way home, let me offer one thought. Hush and listen for a change. Okay, fair enough. Anyway, just remember that I love you. No, I've not the slightest idea why except that you're you. And apparently that's enough.
As for the rest of you ... with your plates of food and fearless forays into my frig, helpless acceptance of cheap Zin and mind-numbing exposure to the ugly blue chair ... I love you, too. After all this time, how could I not?
It's 4 AM. I decided to start the day early. No particular reason. Maybe because it is already 57 degrees. This is the first thing I read. I didn't have any plans for the day but it has started out with this marvelous gift from a stranger. I think I must be sure to do something like this for some other stranger, today, from me. I wonder what it will be.
Stranger. I wonder if there is any such thing as a a stranger. Are they all just forgotten friends?
June 10, 2009 7:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Or friends yet to be. Either way, a welcome heart and an open mind speak volumes. Thank you, Larry, for understanding.
June 10, 2009 7:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
I recall sitting in the “I And Thou” coffee house circa 1963 having dreamy thoughts just like this little sonata of yours. Sometimes I feel a little sheepish about going back to those thoughts, kind of like I do when I listen to some old folk song sung by a real singer with real sentiment. But no, like the folk song, these were good thoughts then and they are good thoughts now. So like the last song in the little video clip says “Why don’t you take me home…I don’t want to roam no more.”
June 10, 2009 8:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Your feet are showing, but that's okay.
June 10, 2009 8:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
"...I hope you find a piece of home here with me."
Always.
What a pleasant morning surprise...seeing a dear friend while on the way to work...
Wish I could hang out. Oh, well, I'll be back 'round as I can.
June 10, 2009 8:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good morning...What a rare treat, dear friend, to wake up and see you 1st thing!
What a gift you are to us all. A soft spot to land in cold, hard world. There are those who think there is no place here for this mushiness. I disagree wholeheartedly. You made me feel welcome when I was shy and unsure that my voice had value.
I love you, too.
June 10, 2009 10:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
I so agree Stilli :)There is always a place for mushiness in my opinion. The world would be a cold place indeed without it.
Missy,you wonderful hostess. Every time I read your posts it makes me feel like we all live in the same neighborhood and everyone comes to your house to flop. Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we hurt, sometimes have passionate debates, or just kick back and listen to some tunes.
Thank you for the respite.
June 10, 2009 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh what beautiful thoughts and words. I do want to come in, perhaps partake in a nice cup of tea, just lemom please. Share a nice little chat and get to know the thoughts of one another. May I sit in that blue chair - it looks so comfy - a bit worn but lovingly used.
Thanks for sharing this with us - you make a wonderful friend.
June 10, 2009 10:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good morning, friends. I hope you don't mind that I slept in, nice to see that you found the coffee and made yourselves at home. Who made the bicuits? Really? I suppose it's true that wonders never cease ... watch it, my aim with a pillow is spot-on. Lots of practice, you know.
June 10, 2009 11:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
:o)
June 10, 2009 11:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hi, there, Missy. Oh, I'm so glad I stopped in. Here's some Zin, I'm just gonna put it in the fridge so it's nice and cold for later.
Oh, lovely: Coffee. I slept late, then dropped laundry off, then dropped the car off (my muffler decided to fall off yesterday, for some reason), and then I went to the dentist, and only now am I ready for coffee and some brunch. Ooh, muffins!
It's been a while since I've stopped by, and I've missed you, friend. Mum took the blue chair, so I'll just sit here on this pillow on the floor and sip my coffee and ask you how your day is going so far. I hope it's being a good one to you.
June 10, 2009 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
thank you for the wonderful post barefoot and believe me when I say me and rains livingroom is always open to friends not met yet also.
June 10, 2009 1:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Boy, I needed this yesterday. No energy. No ambition. Depressed.
Woke up early and the sun was out while the TV said it would rain all day.
Got my food stamps refilled, went to the store twice, cleaned the fridge. I should have done that yesterday.
Cleaned the floors. Wrote a new blog.
Feelin better today, thank you very much. I like being busy. HA!
June 10, 2009 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks friend, your name disarms me, your words do charm me,your pleasant home so warms me, and your gentle heart calms me. Hmmm, such a lovely smell is the coffee you make, so scrumptious are the biscuits you bake, what beautiful morning with you this fast we break.
June 10, 2009 2:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for your welcoming feelings.
I needed that today and it was unexpected
and is appreciated. The music is great.
Your kind words uplift.
June 10, 2009 2:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lovely of you to be so welcoming. :-)
June 10, 2009 3:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you all so much for stopping by. I've been gone much of the day, but it's so lovely to have a full house waiting for me.
I skipped lunch, I'm starving. Thanks to Still, the frig is a safe place (for now) so I'm going to do some scrounging ... May I get anything for you?
June 10, 2009 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just your company, M.. So wonderful to shed shoes, worries, whatever and simply be with those we trust.
It's been a hard year in Lake Woebegone -- my version, your version, anyone's version. Thank you for the bare floors, the bare feet, the bared heart, and -- thanks to Stilli -- the bare fridge.
Nothing fancy on offer in my basket tonight. Just organic tomato sandwiches with real mayo and pepper on multi-grain bread and real gratitude for this place, and you.
Would be good, maybe, if certain people stopped by who need this place to find themselves?
June 10, 2009 5:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your last sentence conveys what was running in the background of my mind when I wrote this. But I suppose the ones that need comfort the most are often the ones who shy away.
Still did a great job on the frig, but I haven't been to the grocery store lately. Your sandwiches are a wonderful and welcome surprise! Thank you, Wendy. For more than you know.
June 10, 2009 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, thank you ladies...I've been on a cleaning frenzy lately. I get like that from time to time, especially when I get a little overwhelmed. If I can't control my world, I need to control my immediate surroundings. But, truth be told, I was really in fear for Missy's health (or that a pile of that green gunk was going to grab me as I walked by...I don't know which scared me the most!)
Anyway, it should be okay for awhile. The one thing I've always resented about house cleaning is that you get it done and 6 months later you have to do it all over again! What's up with that?
June 10, 2009 10:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh! What a wonderful place to find at the end of the day. The Zin is cold and the coffee is hot. In the interests of public health, my offerings include French Roast coffee and muffins from the bakery, nothing homemade. Coming so late, I actually got a shot at the blue chair and am comfy!
Missy, I love you to pieces. It's peaceful to come here amongst friends after yet another disturbing shooting by somebody that couldn't accept an "other".
Stilli, I prefer to call "green gunk" scientific experiments that may one day save the planet. Or something.
June 11, 2009 1:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
ooops! I set science back by about a year...It's out in the trash can...should I go fetch it and put it back?
June 11, 2009 1:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I have noticed that science doesn't seem too interested in the potential lifesaving qualities of stuff that comes out of my refrigerator. Perhaps the hazmat team is more in order? :-)
June 11, 2009 3:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ha, Seashell -- I read that without my reading glasses and thought you said ""hazelnut team".....which seems halcyon, in comparison to hazemat, which then seems entirely right for Missy's place....
June 11, 2009 6:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're not late at all - in fact you're right on time. Muffins! Don't laugh at me, it's been a long time since Wendy's tomato sandwiches.
Yes, sadness and horror are a part of our world. But so is love and friendship ... and the ocassional ugly blue chair. It suits you.
See Still? All this time I've been saving the planet!
June 11, 2009 2:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Missy, I think the proper phrase is "Live long and eat muffins". Unless I make them, which is when they are officially deemed to be weapons of mass destruction. :-)
Still comfy in the ugly blue chair. Have you noticed that when you're sitting in the blue chair you don't notice that it's ugly?
You and I don't seem to have a lot of influence on scientific experts, do we?
June 11, 2009 3:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Apparently I've decided to prove my assertions regarding spelling and grammar were correct. Yet I still dare to write the word assertions. I'm such a bad-ass.
As for scientific (copying you carefully here) influence, the experts ain't seen nothing 'til they've looked inside a properly ignored frig. I'm on record as willing to donate mine for future exploration. Of course, if Still continues to insist upon cleaning it I may have to donate her, as well.
Don't tell anyone, but I consider the ugly blue chair to be the finest work of art in my living room. Okay, the only work of art but let's not split hairs ...
June 11, 2009 3:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dear Assertive Bad-Ass:
Where are these spelling and grammar mistakes that you so assertively claim to be making? Your orthography seems fine to me. In any case, when in doubt blame the keyboard.
If you must donate Stilli along with the frig, perhaps you could ensure that she still has access to a computer and the Cafe. She has sorta become a 'fixture' around here and I'd hate to lose her to scientific progress of a dubious nature. What do you think? :-)
June 11, 2009 5:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Here's the problem...I made an absolutely hysterical reference to cleaning house every 6 months (I thought everyone would be howling!) and no one even picked upon it...which must mean y'all clean about as often as I do...this is not a good thing.
June 11, 2009 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's OK, Stilli. Really. If you go a little overboard on your cleaning schedule, it's nothing that we can't overlook.
See? No problem. :-)
June 11, 2009 12:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm...try..ing....to stop...laughing...long...enough....to get up...off...the floor!!!
June 11, 2009 4:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh the floor's to dirty where I am to get on the floor. I always attempt to fall right on the sofa.
June 11, 2009 4:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
DD...
You must have been hungry last night.
I dreamt you were raiding my refrigerator
but you had your back to me so I still couldn't
see you. But I did see your party pajamas though.
June 11, 2009 4:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nope, slept three and a half hours and when I awaken like that the only thing I look for is coffee. Got any? Ha!
June 11, 2009 4:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
French roast from Costco. This blog dreamed me around last night. Then my computer crashed this morning on some "update" that stuck and I had to "restore." So hopefully we're all restored now. Have some coffee.
June 11, 2009 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I suggest we replace "truck nutz" with "hazelnutz" in a kinder, gentler cafe.
June 11, 2009 6:20 PM | Reply | Permalink