Monday morning felt like Monday mornings used to feel when I went to work five days a week. I can’t explain that. Smudge had given me an extra hour of sleep, so maybe it was the residue of a dream interrupted, unremembered.
I rolled out of bed anyway, of course.
After breakfast and halfway through a pot of coffee, I got to thinking about, of all things, companionship. Again, I offer you no explanation. That hasn’t crossed my mind in a very long time, because I draw immeasurable joy from solitude. My peace suits me, both for what’s present and for what’s absent.
Besides, if what I invested in and sacrificed for a committed relationship for over 20 years wasn’t enough to prevent its demise, then I’m probably not cut out for that sort of thing anyway.
Then my thoughts took an abrupt turn.
A number of times over the last few months, I’ve become aware of folks who keep their distance because they don’t want it getting back to [the other side] that they were in touch with me. Several have set aside their concerns and opened a direct channel. Others communicate through intermediaries.
I understand completely.
I poured myself another cup of coffee.
And I wondered — who else, for the same or perhaps different reasons, is holding back? What kind of conversation might be possible now that wasn’t possible, say, six months ago? Five years ago? Or ever?
A couple of people have confessed to hesitating because they thought they’d be “bothering” me, intruding on my solituding. I get that, too — but I’m biased toward communication, so I welcome it.
Yesterday’s early morning thoughts, then, brought me to this.
Bother me. Intrude.
If you have something to say, say it. Ask your questions. Speak your piece. If there’s something you believe I should know, spill it.
Or don’t — it’s up to you. But life is too damned short to leave words unspoken.
What we speak of will stay with me.
That’s as plain as I can make it. Don’t look for hidden meanings.
The vibe that produced yesterday’s reluctant start stayed with me most of the day. I did nothing to try to shake it — I simply went about my business.
After sunup, I took an hour to explore close by and looked for things I might want to share with you.
I found a few.
In the photo below, what do you see?
Here, I’ll give you a little help.
I’m not sure I would’ve spotted it myself if it hadn’t jumped in front of me.
Best I can tell, it’s a Carolina grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina), aka Carolina locust.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable