Remember when...
reconnecting with old friends
“There are friendships imprinted in our hearts that will never be diminished by time and distance.” — Dodinsky
The phone rings and you answer it. On the other end of the line is a familiar voice, someone you recognize from the past, so you glance at the caller ID and continue talking, confirming that it isn't a spam call.
She tells you her name and instantly your mind travels back in time. Yes…we used to work together, many years ago and we have sent each other Christmas cards for several years now.
And then it happens,,,
We start talking where we left off…All of the time and space between our last discussion disappears in an instant and it feels like we are where we were the last time we talked…sitting in a teacher’s lounge, sharing stories about our lives, our families, our day-to-day experiences…and time has vanished or maybe just been temporarily moved, so that we can reconnect.
That phone call happened several months ago and last week my friend, Susan, called again to let me know that she and her husband, Tom, were traveling through the area from Virginia and she wondered if they could stop by and visit us.
The next morning they came over to our house and we had a wonderful couple of hours together. Our husbands had never met and yet they found much to talk about and we ended our visit with a treasured selfie to help capture the moment.
What amazes me about these kinds of experiences is the consistency in how they turn out. I can’t tell you how many times I have found joy in these types of encounters.
In an earlier newsletter, entitled The Gift of Friendships, I talked in detail about the special place my friends have in my heart. Since the pandemic, I have gotten the chance to focus more on the importance of having people in my life who are supportive and kind.
My amazement, though, comes from how, even when we are separated from each other, whether it is because of distance, time, or a world-wide pandemic, we still have a connection that never goes away.
I believe that connection has a spiritual element to it. It binds us together and never really disappears.
It is also a reminder that we all need to embrace and enjoy each precious moment we get to be together. The power of hugs, supportive words and compliments, and the occasional hearty laugh, are not just part of what we used to call good social etiquette…they are extensions of being good humans.
And the friends or relatives that we haven’t seen for awhile or spent any time with lately, are still connected to us, through time and space with a common thread that is called love.
And maybe, the best gift we give each other when we reconnect, is the reminder of all we have to offer the world because those conversations, no matter how brief they may be, bring us back to who we really are…and they remind us of all we still can be…
What do you think?
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Tranquil Moments…
I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. As Jennifer said from her post on Facebook: “Yes, I once again have lilacs blooming in September and they smell wonderful!”
This week’s Smile Video
Getting your first pair of glasses can be a scary time for some kinds. One Pennsylvania eye clinic uses a cat named Truffles to model the frames and help make kids feel more relaxed. Jan Crawford has the story.
#believe #smilevideos
What I am reading…
September 15th was International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, which began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot on September 15, 2009.
The Dot is the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark”. What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, which has gone on to inspire countless children and adults around the globe.
One of my favorite picture books, this was a good week to read it again. I miss surrounding myself with picture books but you are never too old to read and enjoy them and the message of The Dot is inspiring and timeless. If you haven’t read it, you should!
Sharing Family Favorites…
In July I shared a tribute to my mother entitled Love Made Visible. This week I am sharing another one of her recipes from her cookbook. This past Sunday I made Irish stew and my Mom’s Quick Irish Soda Bread - Both were absolutely delicious!
Mind/Body Connections
These yoga breathing techniques (also known as pranayama techniques, which refers to "breath control" in Sanskrit) will calm your nervous system, bring mental clarity and balance your energy. Use them to reduce anxiety and stress when it happens, or as prevention by practicing one or more of these yoga breathing exercises daily. These deep breathing techniques will help you relax and calm your mind.
Children’s Corner
Back in 1999, when I was an elementary school librarian, I started a project where I wrote letters (old fashioned, printed letters) to a variety of famous people. This was prior to the daily use of email and text messages. My questions were simple…
1) From your own life experiences, how has reading affected your life in a positive manner?
2) Was there any particular person or experience in your life that made you aware of the value of literature and the importance of reading?
I am going to share these letters and let you experience the joy many of my students (and myself) have gotten from their touching words - Here is this week’s:
September is Library Card Sign-up Month!
A Library Card is ELEMENTAL!
Get in Your Element this September—sign up for a library card! From borrowing books, ebooks, and museum passes to getting homework help, learning new skills, or attending story time, a library card helps you do more of what you enjoy. Get a library card and dive into a new hobby. Use your library card to tinker in a maker space and spark your creativity. A library card is your most important school supply—it's elemental, really—and everyone should have one!
Celebrate and Spread the Word
Visit your library to see what's new and take part in the celebration. Libraries across the country are participating. Do you have friends who don't have a library card? Invite them to sign up during September. For more info visit: https://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card
Music Moments
Music inspires me in many ways. Here’s a song from my youth that gets me moving…
Quote of the week
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….