Bet You Didn't Think I'd Find It...

That's right folks...I found it. I bet none of you expected me to actually do it, but I did! I sought after and discovered it. I searched the highest hidden caverns of the Himilayas, braving fierce winds and chilling snow storms. I went far into the the most treacherous terrains; I battled the Sahara, desertous and haunting, and the Icelandic volcanos. The jungles of South America weren't so bad, if you were careful to watch out for the masses of deadly snakes and angry tribal men. Yes, I did face dangers that should have sent me packing for Central Texas, but it isn't in me to tuck tail and run. No. I had a job to do, and I have done it. I have wrangled the elusive question that every person faces in life. The only question that is more important (and only slightly more difficult to answer) than "What's for breakfast"...I think I have discovered the meaning of life. Okay...it really isn't the MEANING of life, but it is a pretty good start. My quote of the day comes from a very wise man that I encountered during my studies at Angelo State University. One of my recent English professors is one of those men you has seen it all, done it all, and has the very detailed recollective story to prove it. He mentioned one day in class (I believe it was over an analysis of James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues"...but who can really remember such menial details when they are in middle of being introduced to the meaning of life) that "In order to be loved by people, you have to truely love people". My first thought was :"Hot dog!" Because I really do think these cheezy things in my head, something that really isn't my fault--I'm a product of my raising. Where was I? Oh yes! I thought, "Hot dog! This means something." Everyone wants to be loved, of this I am positive. Who wakes up thinking, "Gee, if only I could make everyone I encounter today feel uncomfortable around me. Dream come true!" No. I'm certain this is NEVER the case. However, all to often I find myself in situations that are solely produced by my social awkwardness, which is produced by my desperate need to be likable!! Now, here is where the philosophical person would say something about how they are giving up their insatiable desire to be loved, abandoning the vanity of their past. I'm not going to do that. LONG LIVE THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES!! I hope to someday join you (please?) My solution to this often embarassing dilemma is LOVE. My theory is if you love people, they love you, and then it doesn't really matter if you are awkward or not. And just so we are clear, I don't think that being socially goofy is the worst thing a person can be...my impairment has made for many very interesting conversations! So for the last couple of months I have been living with this mantra, which is WAY longer than I usually carry around my mantras--so it is really quite impressive that I should still be holding on to it and I'm ashamed that I haven't shared it sooner. I tell it to myself in the supermarket, I recite it at social gatherings, and I now I am giving to you (all 9 of my wonderful followers!!) I hope you cherish it and nurture it into your own personal blessing. And please don't be stingy...you share it too! I'm usually very careful about encouraging "regifting" but I think this one will be okay; I don't think the recipient will mind.

Okay, now that I got all my philosophic brilliance out of my system (you are welcome), I have a question. Have any of you Texan ever seen wild standing cypress? It is a beautiful wildflower that I found while searching for wild blackberries in the backroads yesterday. Brilliant and red, these flowers perched in a mason jar are what every person should wake up to in the summer. One look will change your life. What a fantastic way to be reminded that God isn't just an engineer and scientist, but he is also an artist and poet. How blessed am I to be reminded? Too blessed.