+ I saw a friend from my neighborhood the other day. She called out, “Hi, Doll!” She calls me and all of other her friends “Doll.” I still remember a college friend who always called me and her other friends, “Darlin’ “. (not darling, but Darlin’) Both of these ladies roll out these terms of endearment so easily and naturally. It’s just part of their vernacular. I love it. I wish that I felt more comfortable doing this. It makes me feel pretty special when I am part of the Doll/Darlin’ circle. I don’t particularly like it when anyone calls me “Honey”, though, especially people who are younger than me (which is becoming more and more the majority, sigh). I often wonder how these things come about. Did my friends decide one day, “I think that I am going to call the friends whom I really like, a special term, like “Doll” or “Darlin’ “? Did they try it out carefully on one or two people to see how these people reacted? Did they feel shy or unnatural at first when doing it? Did it roll off of their tongues as easily as it does now? Perhaps the bigger question is, do I think (overthink) too much about things like this? I’m pretty sure that I do, Darlin’. Is it possible that my friends just call everybody Doll/Darlin’ because it’s easy, and you don’t have to worry about screwing up names? It’s possible, Doll.
+ Two of our sons got married this year. Both couples wrote their own vows. I love this change in tradition. It feels so meaningful, personal, emotional and more true to themselves, as a couple. I heard the word “accountable” more than once in this last set of vows. I loved this. I soaked it in. Accountability doesn’t seem to be as prevalent or important these days, as a value people hold in esteem. Trying to find someone or something else to blame, or to sue (where I live, billboards for lawyers are as common as our palm trees), sometimes seems like more of the norm. It’s uncomfortable to hold someone else accountable. It’s hard to hold ourselves accountable. It’s really difficult to accept that sometimes, sh*t just happens and no one’s to blame. The truth is though, it’s only when we own our own parts/actions/reactions in any relationship or situation, that we have the power to do anything about it. Why are we so quick to give our power away? It’s probably because of shame. And that’s a damn shame, because shame doesn’t do good for anybody.
+ Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit (look it up)
Are you passing on love or are you passing on pain? Heal your pain and pass on love.