Well Muffins...

Today was a truly challenging day. I found myself with a considerable amount of time on my hands this afternoon and not really in the mood to read (usually one of my favorite pastimes). I flipped through the channels on the tele and, in spite of over 900 channels, found nothing that sparked my interest. I guess what was really going on was the preoccupation I have had recently with people (myself included) who report having plenty of friends in their life but suffer periodic bouts of loneliness.

I found myself questioning whether I am a good person, surely I must be - but why then am I alone on a Saturday. All I needed to do, however, is go down the road of aloneness a little further. Far enough to realize that my life has been so over-stuffed with events and activities lately that I have not had time to just relax. I guess it is that comparison that really made me appreciate how nice it was to have a respite.

You see, I am a people person. I love meeting new folks, am able to converse with almost anyone, and truly enjoy the company of others. I would like to think that I am able to make most people feel comfortable when they are around me. Especially when I am entertaining them in my home. I am quite used to having others around. I love cooking and entertaining for large groups and the sound of laughter (and occasionally tears) is welcome in my world. I often have so much activity in the course of the day that when I am faced with true quiet, it can be a bit unnerving.

That said, I did come to appreciate the moment. I remembered a task that I have been putting off. I had a stack of Napkins (cloth ones) that had been laundered after several recent dinner parties. They were clean, but wrinkled and waiting for an iron. So I set to the task. I actually made it through about 35 napkins during this marathon steam session and was amazed at how much clarity of thought can be procured whilst engaging in mundane rote task work. You see, it didn't really take a lot of skill or thought to do the task. All it required was dedication and perseverance. My mind was free to think through all of the thoughts that could have otherwise set my mind to racing. I was able to remember the people in my life who make it so rich.

I appreciate the quiet times as well as the times when my house is full. If ever, I begin to sing the old Bette Midler tune "I used to have friends" and start to think I have a reason to be lonely, I just need to remember I DO HAVE FRIENDS! Some of them are right around the corner waiting for me to meet them for the first time.

Peace and love.

Mrs. P