Down for the Holidays...

I don't know about you but the holidays seem to get me down. I know it sounds weird when everyone is shopping for gifts for those they care about. But when I hear the Christmas music which have started playing before Thanksgiving was even here I switch the radio station. It's not that I don't like them but "too much of a good thing" and I think when I want them I want to play from my playlist. Plus if I hear that "do you want fries with that" lyric again in that Christmas song I don't know what I'll do.

This year has more added to it (getting me down) with the economy being bad and people in our area still trying to get help from the BP disaster. And everywhere I go I hear complaints and talking about people considering moving out of the area. I love it here - it doesn't have the "big city" look or feel but you can visit those places on weekend trips. Destin, it's a small town with a beautiful beach and it has been called a "sleepy fishing village" because that was how it was founded. Tell your friends to visit us and they will see for themselves.

But back to the holidays… Our family decided to not buy tons of gifts and instead to just get together for a great meal and good fellowship. I like this. It takes the pressure off of those who don't have much money (including me) and makes it a "family" thing. And if you are like me you don't see your family as much as you want to or should because we are only here on earth for a while (life is short). You have the time to tell those close to you that you love them and you are thankful to have them in your lives. Do it… And if you have a family member (or you) that screwed up and got mad, so mad they they (you) decided not to talk to another person in the family it's time to fix this. Call them, message them, write them or better yet go see them and make things right. Family can be good and bad but it's still family.. get over it.

Some of you have heard me say "I'm broke and happy" when you have asked me how I was doing. I say this because things may be rough right now (I'm broke) but I am keeping a positive outlook to the future. I was blessed with having a friend come into my life this past year, even though it was only for a few months before she passed away. I am healthy, other than the little mental thing (people say I am crazy), I look forward to getting up every morning (even if morning is at 11:59), and I know things always change. I know I'll always dance in the shower to make my self smile, that a hug is better than a handshake (I'm happy) and that if you look into someones eyes when they are talking and listen you will get more out of what they are saying.

I wish you and your family the very best this Christmas Holiday Season and if I can do anything for you let me know. I ain't gots no money but I can make time for you if you want me to. Much love and happiness… always and forever! . . .

Am I Losing it?

Okay, here's one for you…

  Today I was working on working as always lately and I couldn't get a friend out of my head. The strange thing is that this is a friend who passed away August 5th from her battle with cancer. And if you know me you already know who I am talking about. I went to the beach to take a few photos or did I? I think I was there to hang out with her. I know it is kinda weird, I don't think I am losing it, but who knows these days.

  She told me (in her journal) to know that she was alright and not to be in a hurry to catch up with her. To enjoy my time on this earth making people smile like I did for her. I didn't think I did that much be I am glad it helped her. 

  Oh well I better get back to writing the story about us because that's another thing I had promised myself when she left this earth way too soon.

  I'll be thinking of her every time I am at the beach until I see her for the first time.

Have a great week everyone.

…

Take a chance…

I am a shy guy… I know what you are thinking "yeah right" this guy who gives more hugs than handshakes is full of crap. Ok, I'll rephrase it. I was a shy guy until I had to stand up in front of 100 people to give a report on a conference I had attended. The person in charge of the meeting told me that I had looked nervous. I told him I was scared and even shaking. He told me to look out at the people, I did, it didn't help. Ha Ha nervous laugh. Then he said this. Out of the 100 people maybe 20 of them will be paying attention. Out of those 20 maybe 10 will even care about what I am saying and out of those 10 people most likely none of them will remember what you had said. Then he said this " do it for yourself" and from then on I have still been nervous but not as much and I don't worry about what they think of me. I am ok with that. Do somethings for yourself and as long as they don't hurt any else you will be ok. Take a chance at making yourself happy 'cause you might find out that you like it and others will like the new you too! I am happy even though most will agree I am still full of crap, well sometimes. 

Friends…

I guess there are all/many types of them? Friends who listen to you when you are feeling down, those who smile with you when you are happy, those who cry with you when you lose someone, and those who celebrate the little things just to dance and have a good time. 

But even though most will say that it takes two people to have a friendship, I don't think that's totally right. I think that you can be your own best friend. I know that sounds weird but I believe that you have to treat yourself as you would want to be treated by others. You have to support yourself, encourage, like, and help yourself grow and get better everyday. 

That little voice in your head is yours and you can choose to listen or ignore it. And it seems to me when I ignore it I don't get anything accomplished and kinda give up. I get myself down and I have to look outside of me for help. That's when I look to my friends for help. And that is where you come in. My friends know who they are and tend to touch base just when I need it most. 

It may sound strange but I have had good friends who I have never met in person. Though technology I have made friends online and I have talked to them more than others in person. I say this to those who are afraid to step out there and meet total strangers. Sure you still have to be cautious but once you start talking to people (really talking) you can tell if they are for real or just playing around. And when you do meet people you will find out we are all alike with similar problems and things that make you smile. You can receive help with issues you are facing as well as help people with their problems in life, both you and them will benefits from these friendships. Ask me about "Making Friends with Candy" sometime when you have time to listen to a true story too long for me to write here. It is a story I will cherish forever the rest of my days here on earth. 

Oh well back to friends. How many do you have? What would you do for them? Anything you wouldn't do? What is a "real" friend? You need to answer these questions for you. And when you are done with answers go make more friends. You can be a friend just by smiling and saying hello to that person you pass in the hallway at work or a total stranger at the mall. Push my "Add Me" button or anyone that looks interesting to you and start a friendship.

Writing

Sharing what's in/on your mind, recording memories on paper or in your computer. Connecting you thoughts with those who read your stuff. Why I do it? I guess it it therapy for me, an escape from everyday realities. Also since I like to take pictures and draw I can use writing to compliment the image or explain why I took photo or just as a visual aid to my story. And sometimes if I am lucky people enjoy what I said and tell me they did. It may help them get-a-way from their "real" worlds for a moment. Some have told me that I see things from a different angle than they do. Well maybe when taking photos I do 'cause I don't mind getting into the dirt, water or on the ground to capture a image. You can, so I am discovering in writing see and communicate from different angles also. So please be patient with me until I get it right/write. . .