Upon browsing some of my Mindsay friends’ blogs, I considered what a unique opportunity such a place as this affords us. Though I’ve never met them (at least to my knowledge), I’ve developed a real sense of camaraderie with many individuals, the likes of whom I would’ve most likely never met otherwise.

My days consist of a full time job that takes up anywhere from 8 to 12 hrs per day, 5 days per week (including commuting time). Then I come home to take care of an aging mother and a small farm, interspersed with pitiful attempts at single-handedly parenting an increasingly difficult 10-yr old grandson of whom I presently have custody. Aside from daily maintenance of this household, to which no one contributes much effort except me (mom not able, grandson not willing), there remains the daunting task of restoring this ancient house to at least some semblance of its former glory. Needless to say, there is little time for enjoying the incredible array of friends I already have, much less opportunity to meet any more. Even if said opportunity existed, we humans seem disinclined to associate with those who, at first appearance, seem very different from ourselves. Hence our perspectives on ourselves, our fellow man, and life in general can become quite small.

In a place such as this Mindsay community, meetings with others are unencumbered by the shallowness of appearances, class, social status, etc., hence we make connections based more on the deeper things like intellect and emotion. As we interact with these new acquaintances, we find that in addition to whatever common ground may have initially brought us together, there are also very great differences between us -- but because of the bond that our common ground has established, we are more likely to LISTEN to one another. And so our souls become a little larger and enriched by such new, and unlikely associations.

And that is so cool...just SO cool. Thank you to all you ‘different’ folk who have deemed me and my little corner of the world worthy of your attention. I look forward to another year of enjoying many different and enriching perspectives and fascinating stories. Perhaps I too, will become a little more interesting through such associations.

On another note, for those who have wondered whether the horse in yesterday’s post is as dead as she appeared...take heart. She did eventually sober up and was willing to provide a good time for the grandkids before the day was over.