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Karen DeBonis's avatar

You go, Gail. "Willing a perspective of courage and curiosity..." It does take courage to speak up, no matter how gently, to a person blasting their opinions. I'm curious, did said person listen?

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3musesmerge's avatar

My question was definitely heard. As the person went on to enunciate points and position, I actively listened, said little, learned much.

I did notice some pauses and reconsiderations as the person spoke. Can’t ask for more than that.

I just read a tidbit about repotting plants and I’m aware it works well for me… enough space to grow, but not so much that it overwhelms.

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Margaret Honeysette's avatar

As much as we loved living in Germany and seeing so much evidence of things that happened in the past we still love the USA. We try very hard not to talk bad about anybody or any place. Banning books and removing statues etc. does change the fact that things happened. Hiding things doesn't mean they won't happen again. I believe there is a saying about history repeating itself.

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3musesmerge's avatar

Well said Margaret! Thank you for adding your voice to our conversation.

Not sure who said, “Rather than curse the dark, light a candle.” So much wisdom there.

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Bobby Kountz's avatar

I just checked my “cookie duster” and no crumbs or pollen… Whew 😅!

I brought a couple of bliss blossoms home from Scottsdale. My nickname for the white flower that smells like a cross between a gardenia and star jasmine. Their scent is almost intoxicating…

Typist regularly displays both patience and wisdom… And, now that she is regularly working out, I am sure her discernment muscles will continue to grow and develop as well.

Today, I am contemplating the beginner’s mindset and thinking about what I might learn about myself that I’ve never given myself permission to discover…

Hmmm? 🤔

Your writing ✍🏼 is Soul expansive and I am #Grateful to read and participate…

🎆 🎇 🎆

🙏🏼🕊🙏🏼

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3musesmerge's avatar

Thank you Bobby!

“Cookie duster”

Comes from a song I remember from childhood. This is the closest I can find to any reference on the web.

https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=7769

It’s in German?

Being here, writing 3mm, is my soul’s desire. There’s nothing else for it! 😊

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Monty's avatar

I'm glad you love the U.S.A.! After 22 years and 11 days of serving in the army, you can bet money that I'll stand and salute the flag and with pride.

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3musesmerge's avatar

Me too! And always Godbumps rise on my arms during the national anthem. Perhaps it was the bi-centennial celebrations when I was 8 that left such a strong impression? Or, all of the films and documentaries I’ve watched of those who fought and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy. What a gift to be able to live in a country where we can balance personal freedom with personal responsibility, aiming to become the best versions of our-selves.

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Gary Spangler's avatar

Ha-ha! Today’s blog title suggested I was going to read about a “pollen-ater.” Sorry. Far short of clever...

Instead I had the pleasure to read writist/typist’s discussion of patience, caring, and active listening. Willingness to hear another’s beliefs, even if they markedly departed from her own. And not disagree disagreeably.

I’m not surprised to read this account, but am nonetheless inspired by her living out loud.

Somehow the potential for disagreement that had been anticipated reminded me of Socrates and ultimately his death. He possessed the ability to take disagreement to extremes, even as he knew it would ensure his death. Imagine being tried for his basis disdain for the leaders of Athens, then deciding to demean the jurors by questioning their intelligence! He “succeeded” by dying?!

Why might I even think such an extreme example fits today’s blog post? In making a point, presenting polar opposites helps to illustrate key differences.

No hemlock was used in the course of yesterday’s conversation. Today, some sneezing resulted from pollen proximity. And much thanks for writist’s gentle use of the socratic method in reasoned portions.

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3musesmerge's avatar

The wonderful thing about my conversant is that he’s well read and incredibly self-aware — thoughtful.

What I am aware of is how much our world view is shaped by the information we take in. Some among us are on alert for threats. Others seek Big Joy. 😊

Fear and Love

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Jack Herlocker's avatar

T-shirt: “SILENCE IS GOLDEN. Unless you have kids. Then, Silence is Suspicious.” 😁

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3musesmerge's avatar

No doubt!

Reminds me of the time my son had friends spending the night and squabbles were breaking out. I pulled out the nerf guns and placed a trash can in the open living room below the balcony. I told them for every foam dart in the bin, they could stay up one minute beyond the original bedtime.

Once on the same mission, the squabbles stopped. I surprised myself! And the game worked for a couple of years. 😂

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Sharon Marie Buckler's avatar

Wow that article was powerful!

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Karen DeBonis's avatar

Repotting is a great metaphor - I will remember it!

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