I don't know where, confused about how as well. Just know that these things will never change for us at all

A few days ago I received an envelope in the post from a very awesome friend of mine. Inside were two beautiful things and a small note, no longer than 6 words long that made me smile for ages (yeah one of the ones which makes people raise their eyebrows and give you that weird look).  The message contained a pun intentional or unintentional, which when coupled with the nature of the gift made quite a cheeky yet valuable point. Thank you, you you....indescribable person!

*****

While browsing the net looking for a particular quote I had once read and now needed for one of my summer projects (but could not find), I came across this:

'Instead of loving your enemies, treat your friends a little better.' - Howe, Edgar Watson.

It made me think. We're always told to treat our enemies with respect, to put aside our differences and care for those who may show enmity or hate towards us. It's easier said then done. Honestly speaking how many of us would actually go the extra few steps let alone mile for someone who has brought us nothing but ill-will? Many people find they don't necessarily have to reciprocate the actions of enemies but ignoring them works just as fine. 


There are many of us with friends who due to various reasons have drifted apart. Best friends from days of school or college who we lost touch with because our paths separated and they ended up in some other part of the country or others who due to our own negligence have stopped talking to us. Maybe it is those old friendships we should reignite. Maybe they're in need of the helping hand, or a voice they can trust and a small text, a phone call or a gift could make their day.


I remember it was a year or so after the end of primary school I met a friend who I'd not spoken to for a long time. Over the years she became the closest person in my life, the best friend I could ever have wished for. Though she is no longer among us, her memories, her hope, her love is the reason why I am here today.


True friendship isn't about giving gifts or keeping accounts but when you've not seen or spoken to a friend for  a lengthy period of time a little something can help break the ice that may have formed. Try it and in most cases you wont be disappointed because if you understand (/have true) friendship, there's nothing more in this life you could ever need!

Well open up your mind and see like me, open up your plans and damn your free

"Do you know what you just did"

"What?" I replied trying to keep my concentration on the oncoming traffic.

"Slow down a little, you're going above the speed limit." It was my first driving lesson and the instructor allowed me to take the car onto the main road. First or twenty-first lesson, 30mph is really slow especially when you're sitting   in the driver's seat. "When you passed that last car you instinctively moved yours to the left."

"Did I?"

"Yeah. You don't even notice it sometimes. It's a natural human response; when we see danger coming we move away from it. But as you move away from danger on one side, you may go crashing into something else on the other side."

"I guess so."

"Next time, don't be so afraid and you'll find people will give you way when it is your right. Trust them, but also be ready because there are some really rash drivers, especially in this area."

*****

Whenever we come across new things or new people in life we tend to roll up into a ball and become monosyllabic. No eye contact, no talking, just mind your own business. It then takes a long time after that for us to come out of our protective rolled up state and begin to open our eyes. 

If you set out to look for something in others you'll very rarely find it unless you practice and understand it too. If it is goodness you seek, then be good to others; if trust is what you're after be trusting yourself and if it is a bit of understanding you require then show others you can give them the same. Think of it this way. If a person comes up to you you'll start by giving them the respect they deserve. But when you discover they have nothing good to share and are generally a 'bad' person, your attitude to them will change pretty fast. You'll be reluctant to share any of your goodness with them because all they have to give in return is bad names and foul language. After all, what you give is what you get.

Keep your arms open, give people a chance without entering the *RED ALERT* errr I don't know you state and you may just find yourself a totally awesome new friend or lover or helper. But as always, don't open yourself up so much that others take advantage, because there are some really rash people out there!

Will it ever make sense, somebody's gotta know, there's gotta be more to life than this...

The Story of Pandora's Box
When Pandora opened the box, evil, suffering, disease, pain and all other negative ills emerged in the form of winged insects. The insects stung and bit Pandora and her husband unmercifully and subsequently flew out of the room and into the wide world. Mortals  had never before felt such sensation of pain and anguish, but as soon the little winged spirits stung them, their laughter and happiness turned into tears. In some narrations of this Greek legend, it is said that Pandora closed the box as quickly as she opened it, trapping hope inside. In others we are told she opened the box again to set hope free, whose mission it was to heal the wounds inflicted by her fellow prisoners inside the box on mortals. Hope fluttered here and there, touching the wounds on Pandora's skin healing them and set out to offer the same service to other victims.

*****

Writing has many different purposes. Some of us write to entertain others, some write to inform or persuade, and there are those who write to move nations and peoples in an attempt to bring about change. I don't do any of them. Any writing I have done before (apart from various English essays on books I never understood) has been personal reflection, only to be seen by myself. Rarely do I allow anyone to view that. So whatchya starting a blog for? Recently, I have been writing about an incident that happened earlier this year, which has had a large impact on my life. The few people who have seen what my fingers have so far typed recommended that I should get it published (a suggestion that I hastily ignored). One of my friends requested I start a blog and share my thoughts and reflections with other people who may be going through the same thing as sharing your happiness increases it, and sharing your experiences and sorrows helps you deal with them better. And also so that he wouldn't have to go onto my MySpace to read! So here I am failing in an attempt to justify my presence. 

Every one needs a bit of hope now and then and if I find that hope which healed Pandora's wounds, I promise to share it with you ;).

(This one's for you Supz!)