------ -------photo by Elaine A. Russell

As you know, I have been working hard at clearing out excess stuff in my life. I am a member of the Freecycle Network, and for the past 2 years, have been donating an item for each day of the year to a person who could use the item. It is very liberating. I also do bulk donations to Goodwill and such. I mention this only because sometimes it is easy to get jaded about humanity... sometimes people can be schmucks. And yet, having been concentrating on donating items, I have seen how very generous and grateful people can be.

Yesterday I met a woman at the gas station who really just wanted someone to talk to. She was lonely. She called me this am. It is kinda sad. I read an article once that said people need 4 hugs a day just to survive emotionally. She hadn't had a hug in a year. How do people end up in these situations ? She had tried several avenues to meet people, including clubs and churches, and just didn't find that people were honestly that friendly...not past the services or meeting times.

I think we need to be more open as a rule, and be more friendly to people. Not that we are to open ourselves up to dangerous situations, or allow people to take advantage of us.... but to offer that smile, that hello, that occasional hug to someone who could really use it.

The photo is my little Sabrina's cute behind. She is adorable ...very willing to give cheer to most everyone she meets :)