As I sit back and contemplate my life, I wonder if there is something wrong with me. . Maybe it’s the fact I am older and things become more important.    
I want to believe that the simple things of courtesy and caring for one another still exist.   

There are a few things about me that my closest friends know.  I have a lot of creative projects going on.  Some would call them messes. I call them works of art in process. 

 I am an emotional  sentimental. I cry at sad movies.  I want to adopt all of the mistreated animals and kids.  I relish birthdays.  It’s the one day in the year that is really yours.  And my friends ARE on my mind!  

 I remember names and faces, though maybe not as quick as I used to.   Some say that remembering names does not come easy.  Some have the gift of being able to associate a face with a name, others do not.  One thing is clear, the most wonderful words someone can hear besides I love you, is the sound of their name! 

I think Listening is an art that should be practiced. Starting a conversation off with “let me show you what I have been doing, or look at our newest line of product” takes the human element out of the equation.  

I remember appointments.  I have to or I’ll lay in bed with nightmares.   It wasn’t always so though. Life is easier since I started keeping calendars within reach):  I’m still fearful enough that I need an old fashion desktop calendar along with google/outlook.   My time is precious and I make a diligent effort to respect other’s as well.

I believe in generosity though it is apparent that a fine line needs to be drawn. There are the givers and the takers. The takers however don’t feel they are taking.  They just feel a sense of entitlement and that their needs are more important.

 If an activity comes up that I think someone would enjoy, I extend the invitation. It’s really not so hard.   Maybe it’s something as simple as ‘let’s do dinner’.  I’d like to think they would do the same or think of me when they carpool or go on an excursion.

I am happy for the accomplishments of people that I know and I try to let them know that.  It is so easy nowadays to send a quick email or respond with a text, or better—an actual phone call.   And it means so much!

 I applaud the doers of the world while not disregarding the dreamers.  I run with the philosophy of getting out there and experiencing what you can.  It is more my style than sitting and making endless plans that never materialize.  The truth is to keep the juices flowing, everyone needs a goal or something to look forward to.  It’s their choice whether to experience it in their mind, or with their bodies.

Day after day I give thanks for the people in my life.   I cherish my tribe of fellow creators. I think a-lot of them suffer from the same maladies that I do.  And if you’re in another tribe, not to worry, I think you are pretty special too):