This week marks the one year anniversary of my blog and this is my 51^st post. When I look back on my weekly publications, I’m surprised by the inconsistency of my themes. It was my intention for this blog to reflect only the lighter side of life because more than anything I love the sound of laughter so I try to surround myself with those who instill it, and for the most part, I have succeeded. My closest friends and family love a good laugh! (like really does attract like)

I suppose though, the lighter side of life isn’t always funny. The lighter side clearly includes moments of reflection, acts of tenderness, the kindness of others, and a host of emotions that might not make us laugh, but they sure make us feel good….and sometimes not so good; both of which are healthy, because we need balance. (it’s the old ‘you need the lows to recognize the highs’ theory)

Much of my inspiration comes from those I observe; the everyday people who go through life oblivious to those around them that might be watching. It is at these times when they are their most ‘readable’, the emotion of their current situation is plainly visible in their face and their story is on display. They are vulnerable and pure in these moments because they are completely unaware that they are being watched, closely.

The frowning clerk in the store, the frustrated mother whose child is wailing, the businessman who is glued to his device, the bored cab driver, the sullen looking teen with head phones, the surprisingly happy homeless guy,,,,,they all have a story to tell. Granted I have to assume some aspects of their story because there’s only so much revealed in body language, but it’s pretty amazing how much is revealed. It is these moments and these situations that force me to dig deep, try to imagine where their head is at, and why, and this has helped me open my mind and heart to others. I try to see what life is like through their eyes; what would I be dealing with that would bring me (them) to this moment , this emotion. And it is this very realization that has humbled me.

We are all wonderful living examples of what humanity should be. Good, bad, cranky, or scared, we are what we were meant to be, and not one of us is better than the other.  I am very grateful to all who have unwittingly inspired me, not only to write, but to ‘see’ my fellow man with such clarity. It isn’t always easy, or even pretty, but it’s always a great experience, and it has made me a better person.

There’s a handful of very dear people who encouraged me to write a blog, Mary C, Joan L, and Margit C. Thank you for your faith and encouragement. And big thanks to Meredith B for her technology savvy. Without her I’d still be sobbing over the instructions.

I have no idea where this will take me, or if it will take me anywhere, but for the time being, I’m enjoying this path and the people who are walking it with me, unwittingly or not because whether or not you know it, you are fascinating and worth writing about.

Thank you for playing my ‘muse’.