SALT AND SUGAR

By Vernalee

Sugar and Salt both look the same, but oh my are they different. Both add flavor. One is sweet, and the other is not. Both starts with a "S."

They are both white tiny granular nuggets that give food a discerning taste. Salt and sugar remind me of people. Some folks look the same; act the same, but once you get to know them, you get a taste of who they really are.

The bottom line is - Be careful who you trust. Looks are so deceiving. All that shines ain’t gold! Observe, take notes, analyze, and watch carefully ...so that you can really see and verify what your eyes told you that you saw. Was it salt or was it sugar? Did their actions bring happiness or pain? Time and action will tell when it comes to people, just as your tastebuds do with food. Sweet, bitter, or bittersweet...are differnt whether its food or people.

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REAL FRIENDS

During the course of our lives, we meet many people. Nothing beats the ones who enter our lives and never leave. There’s a reason why they stay. You probably are itching to know the answer. It is no mystery or miraculous finding. Is it that you and that person share the same values, goals, and objectives? - Yes. Is it that you love that person and they love you? - Yes. Is it that you and that person need each other to make your lives complete? - Yes. There are a number of variable reasons. Your spirits become intertwined.

I have been fortunate to meet a few true friends that only time and distance separate. Whenever we see each other regardless of the time that has slipped by since our last visit, we pick up as if we glazed each other in the eye just yesterday. It’s a stickiness that cannot be erased; a glue that connects; a love that will hold and keep us together. It is the thought and the reality of knowing that someone is there in your time of need; during those moments when you need to spill your guts. My Mother always said, “God places people in your life for a reason.” Absolutely!

We walk our trail not alone. Having a true friend on the journey makes the distance traveled worth the measured steps. When we are fortunate enough to find a “true” friend who share our inner spirit, it is a treasure; a glittering diamond of sorts. They are rare, but hopefully you have encountered one or two! I refer to mine’s as the ones that are spiritually connected to me by God. True friends … are the ones with whom you share your stories of successes, failures, ups, downs, and turnarounds. Lest not forget the relating of those horror stories (nightmares of sorts) and stupid stuff that even you cannot believe that you did until your wisdom kicked in and convinced you of the dangers. Often, we discuss subjects that are embarrassing, but we need the advice of someone who cares enough to listen and set us straight without judgment. Our innermost secrets are tucked inside their soul never to come out.

Collectively, we have stories that can never be told! Shhh! They laugh with us; they cry with us. They have a nudging bent on their knees from the constant prayers with us and for us. They too are the ones who encourage and motivate you to do your best, connect you to the right people, and share not an ounce of jealousy. It becomes a mutual alliance. They truly want the best for you as you desire for them. For you to reach the highest height and soar like an eagle is their wish. Yes, it is unequivocally true that true friends are a rare commodity! I can testify. So I feel bless to have these valuable treasures of true friends in my life. It is a privilege as they don’t come around often. I don’t take them or what we have for granted. I thank God for them … and their families for sharing them with me. I thank them! Photo credit: www.picturequotes.com

WATCHED LIKE A HAWK

By Vernalee

Watching someone like a hawk is to watch very carefully, especially because you expect them to do something wrong. Why are some folks so devious and always up to something? Oh my, how do they manage to negatively plot and get away scott free? Or do they? They have adjusted their pupils and are even viewing us out of the corner of their eye! Exerting too much energy toward others may minimize your effectiveness toward maximizing your outcome and potential. While their eyes are on us, whose eyes are on them? I wonder. The surveillance game does not belong to them exclusively. Watch this! Did anyone ever tell them about the eagle. Be careful! The eagle’s speed and wing span is greater. Their keen eyesight is crisp and sharp. They can pick up your recognizance out of a lineup a mile away. Being the eagle may be a better choice if they must! The real question becomes - Is the watch really necessary or a good use of your time? Probably not. Keeping a balanced view and perspective will assist you in not developing an over concentration on others while sidestepping your matters. It is too easy to slip, lose focus and regretfully fall. If you do, you may end up flying in the wrong direction. Take your mind off them. Keep your eyes on the prize – your prize! Then you can fly away with your decorated trophy for a job well done with all eyes on you. Photo credit: forums.daybreakgames.com