Wow what simplicity and clarity. I loved this

This is a very truthful post. It would be wonderful to walk to work and connect with neighbors and sundries.
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I like your insight here, regarding connection. I hadn't thought about it in those terms, but there's a lot to that, especially here on OS. Hmmm . . . much to think about . . .

I think we have something very special here on OS and you've put your finger on it's pulse. It's that connecting. I think of it as finding members of our lost tribes.

This post is a perfect (albeit, short) example of your brilliance.

RB, I find that is one of the positives about public transit. In the very early morning hours, it is always the same people and there is a connection. Friendships form. It is a nice rhythm with which to begin the day.

Thanks for posting this!

".... having your eyes contacted, having your mind opened are some of life's great pleasures." I couldn't agree with you more! I don't mind talking to people on the phone, but I love talking to people in person much more because of the eye contact, facial expressions and smiles.

"I've always been a connector."

Me too. A connector. I think connectors may be like magnets (or repellents depending on the connectors personality).

I think that is an interesting reason to write. I didn't really understand I would get that here when I started and am still easing into it. The 'community' aspect. But, I like the give and take...it's all kind of interesting.

I think you nailed it! It is definitely connection and I loved your analogies. I'm glad Duane pointed me your direction!

Many thanks to each of you; I appreciate the supportive, thoughtful comments -- and I didn't even have to mention butt plugs ONCE?! Win-Win.

DHA, thank you. I am very grateful for your recent support; I look forward to connecting with you again soon!

VS, It is, walking anywhere is so worth the extra time it takes... I'd advise it to anyone who feels too 'hurried,' to see what they miss in the rushing and fretting. I caught a squirrel collecting newspaper for his nest the other day, stuffing the pages in his cheeks; he looked hilarious, he made my day, I wish I had my camera -- I would never have seen that driving.

Owl, even less-than-friendly connections (as are seen relatively often in bloggy communities like these) are worth writing for... sometimes I feel like writing just to shock someone or start an argument; of course, I end up not doing that, because I'm a big chicken -- but connection is still fuel. I'm fortunate to run more efficiently on the low-octane stuff, if ya know what I mean. And, thanks -- I can't get a higher compliment than hearing I sparked a thought. :o)

Sharon, that's a great insight, and a huge part of it... for all we humans seem to do to separate and label; then there are people like us OS'ers mixing things back up and peeling those labels off.

D, brevity is the soul of wit. :o)

Catherine, I couldn't agree more. I sold my car about 3 years ago and rely on foot or public transit for most transportation (friends and rentals for the rest); I felt like the people on my old morning commute bus were like that first cup of coffee, and I would feel off kilter if someone wasn't there -- we even used to tell substitute drivers to wait a minute, so-and-so must be running a little late, haha. I'm sure the transit authority would frown on that, but, darnit -- we were keeping the herd together!

PK, that's what's tough about blogging and reading comments to your own thoughts -- body language and tone are hard to discern. I'm an incurable talk-to-strangers person nowadays, the difference in palpable tension between the charged up 'stranger' situation versus the lightened up 'just another person not unlike me' situation is remarkable. My biggest pet peeve is going to the grocery and having the checkout girl ring up my entire order and take my payment without saying a word. Grr...

Sparking, it is an odd odd world here, and it works better for some than others -- I'm pretty new, but, I feel at home in this environment, and I hope you do, too.

PTS, thank you so kindly for stopping by. Hope to see you around again soon.

I feel really blessed to read this right now, thanks for your support.

"Think on it, the best part of fishing isn't the casting or baiting, it's the exciting nibble on the end of your line."

I have always deeply felt this, even as a kid. You put it into words so beautifully. Love this post. Will print it out and save it forever. I'm not kidding. Feeling less alone in the universe right now.

Wow, very nice, Bits! This is what we all long for.

You guys are awesome. I really feel like you do when you're sort of lost in the middle of nowhere on a road trip where you decided to get cute and go the scenic route, and you FINALLY find a state route number that you recognize, and you're on your way back to familiarity and civilization, hoping nobody in the car is any the wiser.

Maureen... that's the nicest thing I've read in a long time. Thank you.

Whiskey... you might already know you're made of awesome, but I'm going to tell you again... I adore you, lady.

The best part of fishing is being out in nature. Enjoying the sunshine and the fresh air, sitting by the water, preferably with someone you like, and just shooting the breeze. The best thing about fishing is if you do it right, you don't even need a pole.

:-)

Mr. E -- nice to see you around. You've got a great point. Enjoying the experience, no matter the outcome, is definitely worthwhile. In fact, that too is not unlike why I write.

"The best part of finding your religion or discussing your values isn't the reading or arguing, but the solidification of beliefs in your soul... Connection."
I wish you could sit on my sunny front porch so I could tell you how much this sentence means to me. Very nice essay.

Awww....Lucy, that made my day. Thank you!

You had me at the very first word (Torman, lol. I just love that man), but I especially enjoyed this sentence: "The best part of a puzzle isn't spreading all the pieces out, it's the satisfying snap of finding the right place for one." What a vivid analogy! Well done.

Amazing and coincidental post. I have been thinking about and using the word "connection" all day, but in a different context. It is going to blow your mind when I tell you. We'll talk offline. About the writing - sums up OS/OC well. Keep connecting by all means.

Just wanted to say thanks for stopping by, and I appreciate you looking at some of my older stuff (saw your comment). Thus, stopped by here and am excited to have made a new connection! PS: here's a connection for you: we have the same birthday.

Well done! The best part of writing, in my view, is when someone relates to what you say, and actually likes it. I guess I have connected without thinking about it. Thank you for the post.