It Takes A Friend

CONTENTS:
It Takes A Friend
Weekend Contest
Summer Question
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A friend is one before whom I can think out loud.

Emerson
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"Trust a few" said Shakespeare.

I live alone. It's okay. I keep excellent company with myself. I agree with most of what I say. I don't complain about dirty dishes in the sink. And when I come home everyone here is glad to see me.

For almost everyday of the week I am left alone with my own thoughts and sometimes I'm astonished at the range and depth of my thinking. Sometimes. Not all the time.

Do I get lonely? Yes. Now and then In the past that loneliness has tempted me to share my thoughts with people who, for one reason or another, were not worth it. People who took my words and tuned them to a different key.

It's a matter of estimation. Hiring an employee, trusting your well being to a professional healer or deciding on a soul mate are all acts in which it's a good idea to judge someone's character and qualities. But when it comes to friendship why can't we take people as they are and not as we want them to be?

Beware of the gossipers and the controllers.

The gossipers is one who listens to you in a seemingly friendly manner but edits and reinterprets what you said then spreads it around to his own world of "friends" as an estimation and description of who you are and what you are about.

The controller is one who listens to you and misinterprets your observations about life as a complaint or plea for help and tries to take over your life with advice and a reorganization of your affairs and activities.

To the gossiper I say "Stop it. I am not advertising myself." And to the controller I say "Stop it. I'm not asking to be made over."

Today I have a few friends with whom I can share my thoughts without threat. And they are those who can share their thoughts with me without threat. I know that because they do.

My life and my private thoughts are my own business, and if I want to share them with someone, outside of Vagabond Journeys, I will choose a friend I can trust. Your life and your private thoughts are your own business and if you want to share them with me you will find an ear that hears without judgement, underestimation, misinterpretation or control.

P.S.: I also have a sense of humor.
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Never give up.
DB - The Vagabond
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WEEKEND CONTEST

There's a saying "Love is good. Love with noodles is better."

Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to supply a different word or words in the place of "noodles." Enter as often as you wish. As usual the decision of the ornery, highly critical judge is final. The winner will receive an autographed copy of the recipe for Armadillo Fettuccine.

Love with ______________ is better.

4 entries so far.

Good luck
DB
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SUMMER QUESTION

It's a long, hot, sticky summer, so here's a hot, sticky question for you. Don't let the recent New York State decision rob you of your thunder.

Same sex marriage. Should it be legal or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

dbdacoba@aol.com

8 answers so far.

You have until the last day of summer, but don't dally.
I eagerly await your answer.

DB
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