I Just Noticed…
No… not the grey hair. That’s been there for a while. That’s why God made hair color!
No… not the fact that my last group of the day today didn’t quite finish cleaning up their kitchen. That’s Standard Operating Procedure. Not a noticeable event.
No…not the weeds in the lawn where there used to be grass.
No…not the dust bunnies growing into dust dinosaurs all over my house.
No…not that the ever-flickering light in the back yard has finally died.
No…not the fact that the basil in my aero-garden is now threatening to take over my entire kitchen. (Think I’ll take that to school and let the little darlings do battle with the basil-on-steroids).
No…not the 10 million and one other oddities that I just accept as part of my life.
What I JUST noticed is that I have been writing (albeit sporadically) here on OD for 9 years. 9 years. That’s a longer relationship than my first marriage or all of my various and sundry boyfriends combined!
In 9 years I have met (and re-met *smile*) both strictly on-line and in person, some of the most amazing people the world has to offer. The every day moms, dads, students, husbands, wives, friends and heros that truly make the world go ’round.
Sometimes I disappear for a while – but it’s me – not you! (lol – no, I mean it. This is not just a line for ending a bad relationship!) And I always…….ALWAYS find my way back home. Because that’s what its become, you know. Home.
During those 9 years I have moved 4 times, changed jobs 5 or 6 times, married off my son, watched him graduate from college, watched my daughter graduate from high school and I become a grandmother. Everything in my life has changed more times that I can wrap my feeble little mind around…but OD, although there have been modifications, is still an anchor, a port, a home.
At various times *you* have been a light at the end of a very dark tunnel, sunshine and laughter in my day, encouragement, friendship, the most prolific writers, most engaging artists, the place I look forward to visiting, empathy incarnate, generosity over and above, a spiritual kick in the pants, and human beyond compare.
Wow – I am almost sounding sappy. Mostly out of character for me! So I’ll stick with this – Have a drink of your choice, kiss the ones you love, pat yourselves on the back for jobs well done – and rock on ….. Cause you guys reall DO ROCK!
i’ve been here 9 years, too, ain’t it amazing?!? and i’m so with you on the wonderful people in this place, including YOU. its what keeps me here đŸ™‚
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Nuh-uh. YOU do.
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Wow, 9 years? So I had to stop & think how long I’ve been here…. I think it’s been 9 years too!
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*hugs you tightly* I like how all of the things you’d already noticed were somewhat negative/neglected things, but the one you JUST noticed was a good thing/surprising thing. It’s how it goes a lot– you notice the things getting out of control and the bad things a lot more easily than the good things that are happening.
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Sappy is good sometimes. This was great. You’ll always be one of my “Favorites.” Stick around another nine years, okay? *hug*
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We’re Open Diary charter members, Ms Wolf. I came here 7/3/1999, when daughter Joyce told me about it and said I would be the oldest of 8000 here. You have me beat a few months. I mean in time here, not age!
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Not to mention all the cavorting with “Torin!” LMAO Hugz
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I have only been here 3 1/3 years, but I feel the same as you. It is home. đŸ™‚
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i love this. i’ve been here seven years and i am firmly convinced that ODers are some of the best people on earth. *hugs*
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I’ve been here almost 9 years. One of the best places I’ve ever shown up to.
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I understand your feelings exactly! I grow fresh basil every year. I cook with it all the time. This year, I decided to plant in a container. It lived through December, with us bringing it in every time it was supposed to freeze. About a week ago, we forgot to bring it it. I looked at it today. Nothing but dead stalk left. I guess when we plant our herbs for this year, we will again plant basil in the container so I can make my world famous tomoto basil soup. You must have a green thumb.
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Congratulations on your nine years of ODship. I’m very glad you are here.
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Congratulations on your ninth birthday TOO! {{{{HUGS}}}} So great to see you here!
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you know i used to talk about you bad when you’d dissapear, but then i noticed you always came back, so i quit it and now i’m happy when i see you out here. specially since you got this awesome grandkid to share around. heheheh
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Congratulations on the 9 years! My ninth comes up in late December — I’ve also gone AWOL here and there. This truly is an amazing place, and you have contributed mightily to it being Home.
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yup, there’s a few of us 9 year writers đŸ™‚ Yours is one of the names that always makes me smile when it’s lit up, and what? You’re suddenly here a lot!! Don’t wake up Talaia, I have some wolfie catching up to do!
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