it's funny the things that you discover when you're not expecting to. tonight in class, we learned about therapeutic touch and presence. this seems like pretty basic stuff..common sense stuff. things that shouldn't really have to be "taught" or even "learned." it grieves me to know that our society has so little time, compassion or sympathy for those who are convalescing, elderly, or terminally ill. or even just the lonely people of the world. the fact that you must teach people that one of the most meaningful, helpful things you can do for one of these people (or even just regular, healthy, "normal" people), is to simply be willing to listen to them, to spend time with them, to connect, to really be there, to give them your attention, make them feel that they matter..sigh. it makes me sad. and kind of angry.
BUT for only about the 3rd time since i started on this school journey, i felt like i miiiight have an idea what i am supposed to do with all of this. so that was a really nice surprise.

this is what makes me happy:
finding stuff in the yard & turning it into something else.