Monday, May 24, 2010

fifth and tenth

My friend Gigi invited me to play along with her. The game is simple, you just repost your fifth and tenth posts ever. Since I'm on my 431st post, I found that intriguing. What did I even write back then? Let's go see. You know what? I liked it and it's still true. So, here it is. The words are the same, but the image is mine this time.


You know how we all have things we are really good at? Well, I am good at fun. That's it. Just fun. That's my skill, my number one talent, the main thing I am really gifted in. I can have fun with anybody doing almost anything. If fun is on the menu, you can bet I'm gonna love it.

Strange how the act of writing brings self-knowledge. As I try to describe what I am good at for you, I realize that my talent is not just fun, but also enthusiasm. I have a great enthusiasm for life and for experiences, which makes me good at fun. Whatever it is, I jump in wholeheartedly.

However, I also have enthusiasm for you. You know, you - the people with whom my life intersects. I just love people, their stories, their experiences, their opinions, their animated faces... just people. This love gives me great joy and pleasure in daily life.

I have been trying to find words to explain how this "talent" works. (See, there I go - belittling a talent, hesitating to call it that.) This is what I could come up with:

  • I believe that everyone has a story - an interesting story.
  • I believe that when we pay attention, we will find that the world is full of remarkable, magical people.
  • I believe that when you learn how to really look, and really listen, you will find that so much of what fills your daily life is so interesting.
  • I believe that the retelling of a child's recent dream is as worthy of real attention and interest as a heated discussion between political candidates.
  • I believe fourth grade recess play is funnier than a Seinfeld episode.
  • I believe that talking to your passengers is more important that finding a better song on the radio.
  • I believe that experiences are worth more than things.
Don't get me wrong, I love music and movies, too. It's just that I know that people are more important and more interesting. In fact, if I love a movie or book you can bet the reason is that the characters are quirky, interesting, and feel like friends.


Speaking of people being important.... My daughter is waiting (not very patiently) for me to come play Go Fish. After that, I think I'll suggest we spend some time coloring while we sing along with the Grease soundtrack.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

it's interesting going back and reading posts from long back, isnt it? and funny how we surprise ourselves.

beth said...

you are fun and i adore that we can feel that from you when you write !

and best of all....YES,everyone really does have a story but not many people take the time to listen.....you do and that's what makes you so special.

Tess Kincaid said...

That photographer dream of yours is coming true, Relyn. Fabulous image!!

Meri said...

Delightful! We need more "fun" talent in the world. It's too serious. But I agree with Willow -- the image is fabulous, so you must add photography to your list of official talents. And I think I'll try posting some of my early posts per your suggestion. Since I went through and weeded a lot of the early ones out in the interest of conserving space, I'll have to improvise a bit. . . they might not be the original #5 and 10, but they'll be early ones. Great idea (and I might schedule them to run while I'm gone).

Hindsfeet said...

*Wonderful*, Relyn!! I love "sitting by your fire" : )

"Hindsfeet"

Jeanie said...

First, thanks for all your wonderful comments on my Chopsticks and Gypsy posts! I'm so behind, and may get more behinder for a couple of days, but wanted to stop in!

I love the idea of FUN and YOU -- really, does it get better than being all about that? I don't think so!

Marilyn Miller said...

Great post! I especially like the one about talking to your passengers is more important than finding a better song on the radio. So very true!

d smith kaich jones said...

So nice to know you are still the wonderful you who opened the doors to this little place. And I LOVE that photograph! LOVE!!!!

Love you too.
xoxo
Debi

Elyse said...

Ah...you + Sloane + Grease = a hilariously sweet trio.

Dutchbaby said...

This post is the essence of you, Relyn!

elsa said...

I LOVE this!!!!

Jaime said...

You have a special way of holding childhood close to your heart..a part of you hasn't (and hopefully never will) grown up...you know how to have fun, and you know how to love...and we all love you right back.
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Oldies, but Goodies