A Mish of a Mash

For someone who promised herself that her blog will always and only remain voluntary and not obligatory, keeping up with posts and comments after a week in Aruba and then a week of off-and-on being sick has been a challenge: not because of guilt, but because I MISS my friends and visitors.

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This morning I finally have time to write and linger. And I have time to hold in my hands memories and gifts that are the wind for my sails, even when I've lost my map and my compass.

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This morning, please join me:

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Mim, Marianne, Soulbrush. I have never offered an ATC and I give each of them so little--hopefully an honest or silly word here and there and certainly the sincere hand of friendship--but in return I am the recipient of the happiest mailbox in town. I don't say'thank you' enough. THANK YOU so much! I love every stroke!

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JB and I have gotten in habit of hanging our favorite cards and memories on our front door. Renee's Christmas card was there for the longest time, her silly happy goose, and maybe I will return it to the front door and keep it there all year. I miss Renee as much as I thought I would.

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. My friend Ms. Sonia Rodriquez decided to send me her handmade and heart filled presents without notice and for no good reason. Awww Sonia. What shall I keep in this box? Letters and cards? Jewelry? Jellybeans?

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Emily Plush arrived this week from Pam of Yoborobo and she has promptly gone to work with JB. She is made of the soft fleece personified and honest to God, what have you done, Pam, that it is impossible to look at her without smiling?

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I also spread my weary body on the couch one night this week and read one of Pam's childrens' book, called The Last Burp of Mac McGerp. Anyone who knows me knows I shrivel at hearing the details of bodily functions, burps included. But this wonderful little book was totally compelling. I read it until I finished it, and I loved it.

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My friend Caroline. I adore her watercolors. I think of Renee when I look at this painting she called Blur. How free and strong, her expert paint strokes, those angel wings....
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My Jessica caught the sunset in Aruba, which I utterly failed to do because I was too busy hightailing it to the Casino. I love those slot machines. I didn't win, but I really didn't lose either, and to slot machine aficionados, not losing is actually winning.
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Jess, Mike, and Mr. Ryan. I love seeing my family together and happy. If they're not I'm not. Any species of Parent totally understands that.
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I've been blessed with a special friend, one that I hope to have and hold for a lifetime. You may know her: her name is Laurel Gaylord and her moniker is Studio Lolo. She's a great listener, a prolific artist, an impish and clever and compassionate and fun-loving friend. But if you are reading this perhaps many many of you know this already?

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I can't resist posting my kj Angel again. It was a Christmas present from Angela Recada--this one and another. I was overtaken by her kindness then and even now I look at this with such joy. Look at her wings. Isn't she just beautiful?
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And finally:
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It's time for kj Babe's SECOND Annual Sex Survey.

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Should I?

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Should I?