There is a large green dumpster in my driveway. After months of complaining that I couldn't make my way to the washer and dryer located in the basement without tripping over possessions long stored and forgotten about, I've informed the family that they are to clear the clutter or risk having Mama do it for them in a most undsicriminating fashion. Oh, make no mistake, I have some pitching of my own to do: Books and files and stuff that I must part with. Though I may hate letting go of a certain item, there is an undeniable sense of relief and even pleasure that seems to accompany every thunk I hear when some hurled object connects with the bottom of the dumpster.
This may sound cliche', but it can feel very liberating.

And as I grow older..er...mature... beliefs I've long held are reaffirmed. I enjoy the tangible joys of this world as much as anyone else, but it is not "things" that I treasure. My treasures are the people in my life, both family and friends. There is nothing I find more satisfying than sitting across the table with ones I hold dear and listening while someone tells a story punctuated with laughter, or hearing another tell some heartfelt account of an experience that has touched them. Our ability to connect with each other in this way, is, for me, one of the great miracles of this life. Our acquaintences and friendships here in the chatrooms and forums have taken on a good measure of that.

Last night, in my opinion was a a sweet night in the chatroom. There were a great number of us present, and one was Banffgirl, who's been through quite a tough time lately. At one point the conversation turned to music, and I smiled as I "listened" to her speak of her love of opera and classical music. I never realized she enjoyed these and I got this wonderful image in my mind of her whirling as a child, in a carefree fashion to the music that touched her so. I got to see her "smile" which was great.

The conversation was light and fun. There were jokes, kind words, a few guffaws, and in general, it was a pleasant evening "sitting" across the table with some friends. Junk we can do without. Friends we cannot.

The photo link I've posted below is especially for Banffgirl who loves opera. I hope it gives her, and everyone else, a chuckle. As I said, I enjoy a good laugh with friends.
As you view it, remember..."It ain't over til...." ....aw..you know the rest. ;)

Ciao per addesso,
Anna