Why Bears Repeating?

Among all the interesting conversations I have enjoyed with people from all over the world, there are a handful of topics which generate a very definite set of responses and inquiries. Whether eager or quizzical or doubtful, the sameness of the questions is uncanny. I definitely prefer to ask small questions and give unlimited space for the other person to tell, as listening is by far my favorite part of a conversation. But there are a few subjects that when touched upon, prompt a reversal of positions and I the have the joy of describing them from my point of view. I am constantly humbled and quietly delighted to be sought out in areas of experience in things which I love. Things which had their beginning as nothings: a means to an end, or a stopgap, or a way to love on my family, have managed to pique the interest of others. This is a wonder! It is definitely a numbers game, probably owing to my loving so many things. To my surprise, my ponderous list of interests and pursuits eventually distilled down to some things of substance. My litmus test for their value was determined by what people asked me and how many times I got to repeat the process of talking about it or writing it down. Thank goodness I wasn’t as confident in my writing or speaking in the early years of my marriage and motherhood! There have been some abject failures and ludicrous near-misses. I would be mortified to lead anyone astray. I can be downright silly bordering on impertinence, and I am an expert in nothing. I would much rather talk about the comic catastrophes than the actual victories, but it turns out that folks are seeking a mix of both. Thankfully, for every dozen of my pursuits that have gone by the wayside, there are perhaps one or two that made it through the weeds and put down roots. Everything I have to offer here is in some way a hand-me-down, by-products of the patience and generosity of those around me, past and present, an amalgamation of knowledge and experience of greater minds and souls than mine, plus the luxury of time for me to work them out and experience their value.

I am so glad you are here.