As a 13-year-old girl, I came across the word “misanthrope” in a book. I ran to look it up in the dictionary and knew in that instant that I had just found the name for the person that I was. I am still that person. I think people are terrible, on the whole. At the same time, I love people, the things that they do and the many wonderful things of which they are capable. Facebook is great for finding such evidence, if little else, and there are days – yea, years – where reminders of these kindnesses and generous acts are all that have kept  me from total despair. So many individual and collective acts in the world right now leave me perplexed, dismayed and disbelieving – how can human beings do such things? – so taking note of these small , good moments with people helps, perhaps, to keep me centered, delighted and faithful; to keep me moored to optimism and hope for a future.

Our lives are composed of small moments and achievements, peccadilloes and mishaps, seemingly insignificant to any but ourselves (and those directly affected), unless you alter your perspective and try to see the humour in the trivial, the mundane.  You could be writing your own notes about all of your moments, but at this moment you’re reading mine. I hope they amuse you and if not, why are you still reading? Life is short, so stay amused or at least aware, as the best moments require attention.  A few years ago, a friend of ours stopped at a monastery somewhere in Asia for a few days and was asked what he was going to do with the few days he had left in his travel plans. He said that he wasn’t sure, and the monk who was guiding him responded in wonderment:  “You don’t know what to do with your time??!?”

 I hope these posts are not a waste of yours.