Rough day? Vent here . . .

[MCFlow]

Just venting...people talk. They talk all the time. Interpretation and intended message are two very different things. Patience is needed to gain an understanding and bring the message intended closer with the interpretation. What's most unfair is when someone decides to play judge, jury, and executioner to something that's not intended to be ill-will. I know it's human nature to form judgments right away and assess in-the-moment, but for it to increase in significance and turn into an extreme reaction is wrong. Disagreement is fine, but to reaction in a negative/angry/extreme way is as wrong as someone who's ignorant. Maybe people are living lives that are lacking so they get their panties in a bunch when they get the opportunity to evoke strong emotions. I'm saddened that our fellow men and women can be so strong and unreasonable. And the ones you thought knew you suddenly turn their backs too. You feel like no one has your back. You lose trust and confidence in others. You become paranoid, cautious, and apathetic. At least I can still maintain poise and a good mood. Still it's so easy for some to point one finger at others and not seeing the 3 at themselves. Where has the compassion gone? Why is it every man for himself? I always wondered why was I different, and why didn't I mix into the general population. It's because I really do think and operate differently. I'm on another wavelength. I like where I'm at. It's happy land without drugs or other bad vices. It's truly enlightened thinking, and appreciation for life, and all in existence. It's too bad they can't see the sky or the rainbow, and they take it out on others, or drag others down. I was, OK. I've visited dark places before. One time I got way too deep into the darkness, and since then I've vowed never to return, not even a little bit. Since then, I see it in others. I've tried pulling them out, but only in their own time will they cross over. I guess you just have to be patient and let them be. In the meantime, just stay out of their path. Especially those with war paths. I'm naive, I want to be immune to darkness. And I blindly let others run into me. I need to learn to avoid these negative butthurt ninnies. They're everywhere! I guess the best way is to be: 1, vague-don't let others onto who you are what coolness you possess. Let your gut guide you to who you want to confide in. Listen to the almighty gut feeling!! Long live intuition and commonsense! Don't worry, be happy! There are kindred spirits out there. The mean people do not define who you are! You define who you are.

[MystyrMystyry]

People who read tend to be friendlier and more hospitable than those who don't. They also have the aspect of having interesting relevant things to talk about rather than being purely interested in their own selfinterestedness (that's my made up silly word for the day!). I've avoided nitwits, when I was an awkward youngster lacking in confidence, to putting them in their place when in the appropriate mood. The latter is far more fun and satisfying. I've developed methods of staring down the most hardened criminal when not feeling otherwise confrontational. I have an expression which says 'Sure, you can try it on but be warned: you will be playing with a type of fire you have no knowledge of..!'

Ah, the power of being prepared to play act in the adult real world.

Probably my advice for any of you who have ever felt at the mercy of a turdulous bully - join a local theatrical society. It's fun and you learn how to cope with situations and also gain stamina for a prolonged onslaught. One thing both semi-literate and illterate types respect is someone who's clever with words - you can talk your way out any situation just by quoting Jabberwocky very fast.

'Don't let the turkeys get you down' might be a modern variant of 'It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're surrounded by gobblers' but it's true - life is too short to be bothered with and flustered by epsilon minuses.

You're unique and valuable, with a far higher calling than stupid gutterface (I always call a spade a shovel), and though it's true that many have twofaces, I've met many that have twoarses only.

Anyway, life is for is for living, striving, not for the dreary, cowering.

Envoi: This ain't a dress rehearsal - start struttin' and frettin' today!

[papayahed]

OK, at least three people have explained how important these meetings are, why then decide to go to the unimportant meeting instead???