Tea Rings and Ink Spots

Okay, so here is what I am curious about today: Laughter. I have spent the better part of this week surrounded by the giggles and grins of those well under the age of 12 (as I often do in the summer). What I have noticed is how their laughs are all, essentially, alike...yet so incredibly different. One is a little ray of sunshine that lights the room with a rosy smile that accompanies a bubbly giggle that could only come from a blond-headed angel (and thankfully makes me a very popular girl, no matter where I am) while another has a squeal that bursts out of hysterical laughter that seems far larger than his tiny frame. I have also come to realize that it isn't always a laugh that expresses someone's joy; it is often something much more hidden and far more exciting to discover! I have found that it is often in the brightening of the brightest green eyes in the world, or a grin that expresses more than a laugh ever could. Given this new observation, I am convinced that everyone has a different expression of laughter and I am intent on finding out each person I know and love's special way of displaying joy. I'm not sure how I will get this secret knowledge out of EVERYONE I am curious about, as most people over the age of 16 do not necessarily like to be tickled or chased around by the "Jamee-monster" (okay, most kids UNDER the age of 16 aren't particularly fond of it either, but it is really all I got). However, I have a goal: dig down deep and find the laughter in everyone I encounter this summer. Don't worry friends and family, I will not be carrying around a notebook and making scientific observations of the pitch and volume of your giggles! I am simply looking to find the joy in everyone I love.
As a side note: I happen to miss one particular laugh more than any other at the moment. I haven't seen my twin sister in 4 days. While I am not sobbing into my pillow while clutching her picture, I do miss her terribly. I talked to her today on the phone for the first time in 3 days. That's right, three whole days! Yes, I realize that this a short period and I will see her at the end of the week, but I can't help but feel a little blue (insert "All By Myself" by Eric Carmen...not Celine Dion). What you have to realize is that twin years are not like normal-person years. 3 days=30 years in twin years (a fact I would bet the majority of you did not know, but a very important piece of information to have--tell all your friends). Bottom line: I miss you SEEZTER, please don't make a habit of developing your career or following your dreams...I need you here with me.