Do you know me?

Ray Charles sings one of the most beautiful songs "You don't know Me" and in the movie Groundhog Day there is a dance scene in a gazebo with Bill Murray and Andie McDowell that is classic and beautiful. Do you ever feel like people don't know you? I do...Maybe it's because I am a Scorpio and take secrets to the grave if you tell me or that I have secrets too. I am surprised sometimes by things that people say or suggest to me...like identifying me with a political party that I have no loyalty to? First age old rule :no politics please or at least keep your opinion to yourself...I do...Oh I might roll my eyes at stuff, but what am I really rolling my eyes about? I might be a few steps ahead of you and already thinking of something else. My political view is this: get ready! I feel strongly BOTH ways. I am one who has always thought that I should listen to all and take the best from all and maybe I am good at keeping secrets because you thought I thought this when I really think this! hmmm...

Or do you think I am a tree hugger or not? Hmmm...Always loved trees. Remember? "the girl in the tree is Me" I recycle and I cringe when a piece of paper is wasted but do I always recycle ? nope! but I do a lot of the time... Always loved the planet earth...I am a resident here and I am amazed at the wonders of nature that my creator has created...Oh yes, here we go...my religious views are on the table now, so here is my belief: If I was walking along the beach and having a wonderful day at the ocean (one of Mother Nature's most awesome gifts for sure!) and I saw something shining that washed up on the shore and picked it up and saw that it was a watch, then I would say to myself "wow, a watch, who made this?" Someone, somewhere made this-there is a watchmaker who created this...the watch may or may not be broken, just like anything or anyone that has been created, but it is a watch and it is here... So now comes creationism...did we evolve from tadpoles and monkeys or did we just start out human? Oh boy! I believe what I believe but in the grand scheme of things, I will not waste time arguing about how we started because in the end, who cares? Our beginning will be explained in our ending and we ALL have a beginning and an ending, RIGHT??? So I believe that my beginning and my ending will result in this: I will meet the watchmaker and if this gives me peace in my heart, then why would I want to argue about the deepest secrets and beliefs that I hold to be true to my soul? and why would I want to shove them down your throat either? If you are curious about what I really believe and want to really know me, then just ask! But then... just listen...don't judge, don't argue and just don't ask unless you want to really know me! Will it make a difference in how I feel about you? NO! because if you are my friend, I will love and care for you regardless of our differences in what we believe. My beliefs will not stop my love for my friends and family, but my beliefs will probably enhance that love. So leave me to my beliefs and know this: that just because "you don't know me" doesn't mean that I will love you any less. I believe in the "unique-ness" of us all and if you really knew me, you would know, that I am not so unique,after all....I don't have it all figured out for you and the rest of the world...I just have it figured out for me...

I'm just a friend,that's all I've ever been, cause you don't know me

Going home



You know the saying "I feel like a red-headed step-child" Funny? Maybe? But did you ever feel like one? Did you ever feel like you don't quite belong somewhere? That the puzzle pieces or the shoes are not fitting? Maybe it's school or work or your group of friends...Or maybe you were a foster child or literally-a red-headed step child! Note: I LOVE Red Heads! it is the purest of hair colors! Just try to alter it or "become one" It ain't easy...I know!

So here you are in this land, and it sure isn't "Kansas" and you feel restless and disjointed and you might not know why OR you DO know why...What do you do? Well, if you are a kid, that is when you start talking to God, cause there has got to be somebody somewhere who can help you out and you just might want to "make friends" with HIM! And if you are an adult, you might want to start talking to God, also! Prayer changes things...I know


Now the funny thing is...and I am in no way, discounting what real foster and step children go through! My heart aches for them...I want them ALL to feel the best gift of ALL-belonging with a group of family and friends that make you just say "Aaahh" when you are with them. THAT is what "Home" really is...It's not even a place, it's a group of real,live people. It's "that place where you belong"

So, you may be in a "place" where you don't feel at home or you don't "feel the love" It doesn't mean that you can't learn something while you are traveling this "yellow brick road" of sorts, does it? Heck, you might not even know you are on it, but you DO know you are going somewhere and if you are lucky enough, you will have a  scarecrow, a lion and a tin man to help you on your way! Oh and don't forget the dog, yes "Toto too"

Maybe one day, someone will look at you and want to "adopt" you! They will have you sign papers in the form of tuition papers or even a PAF (personnel action form) Or you will sign imaginary papers and be brought right into the family just because you are a new friend...Remember "Blood doesn't make you family, Love makes you family" My Quote! It feels so good and natural to bring that person "in" We have recently adopted a big brother for my girls and also a little sister! Sounds silly, but they have both taken a place in my heart where they will forever be at home there... The heart is an amazing piece of real estate, it just grows and grows and expands to gather in more people to love if you will just let it...and the only investment is loving and caring for one another. Yep! it's true, I know...I know

I have learned on this road to pray,pray,pray not just for yourself, but for others, maybe that is one of the keys. Many people have rougher roads to travel, but yours is rough for you, now, isn't it? No room in the suitcase for guilt. Have faith in Him and your family and friends. Did you gain any friends on that road? Don't leave the lion ,who might have been there all the time and has done a pretty good job of protecting you or the scarecrow, who has helped you find the way and really is quite smart! And maybe the tin man is a friend you have gained along the way who has the biggest heart of all and you would have never met, save for this journey.

And so...it is time to leave Cabbage Patch Land and you might even get to change your name from "Sneezy" to "Happy" Maybe you were allergic to the cabbage patch, just saying... And the best part of being adopted is this:You are chosen by those who really want YOU and so when you click your heels together and say three times, "There's no place like home" Just remember, that "home" is where you will find love and friendship and caring and you will truly call yourself Happy when you get there..

Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came