The Uncomfortable Silence...

Why do I so often choose to just sit on the sidelines and be non-communicative?  

I am tired of trying to "play the game"...because I can't keep up with the ever-changing "rules"...and because I find it difficult to make small talk about things that are of little consequence when the things that should be discussed and known and shared are "off-limits".  

Therefore, like the hushed silence of a new-fallen snow that blankets everything in sight, I remain silent...

(Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

On a cloudy morn, Moments before Sunrise (Saturday, September 21, 2013)...

"Even when we don't see it, just as the sky is bathed in glorious colors in the moments before Sunrise, so we are often gifted with undeserved blessings that we aren't even aware of..." ~C.J.

 (Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

Control...

"Let go.  Give it up.  You can not control another person...their thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, actions...and you may have little control over your own feelings and emotions...but what you can control is your own reaction and response to people and situations, your choice of words and comments, your level of interaction, and the kind of personal relationship you will have with others." ~C.J.

(Post and Photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

We are "West Virginians"!

We are "West Virginians"...from the State of WEST VIRGINIA, not Virginia or western Virginia.  If you don't know us and where we come from, don't judge us or stereotype us. Come for a visit and find out for yourself that, although there are exceptions (just as in any other place) for the most part, we MOUNTAINEERS are proud, hard-working, family-oriented, well-educated, self-sufficient, good, honest, God-fearing people who take care of our own, our neighbors, and strangers who may be just visiting or passing through. The majority of us whose families have lived in this beautiful area for generations come from the diverse cultures and backgrounds of Native Americans and ancient generations of folks from the areas of Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, Wales, Italy, Poland, etc., and each of those unique heritages remain evident in our speech, music, dance, artistic expressions, dress, food, opinions, and lifestyles. Individuals from many other ethnic groups and nationalities now call WV their home, primarily because they have found that we are not racist or prejudiced and they are also amazed by and appreciative of the acceptance, friendliness, helpfulness, pride, and protectiveness of our people. There is something very unique and special about our State and its People and no matter where I may roam, West Virginia will always be my home. May God bless the beautiful hills, valleys, mountains, streams, and rivers of the Mountain State, bless its people, and the country to which we belong.  ~ C.J., A native of "Almost Heaven, Wild and Wonderful WEST VIRGINIA"

~ ~ ~

Posted in response to the ongoing flawed perceptions and 

misconceptions about the State of WV and its People, 

especially perpetuated by the media...

  

Post and photo by C. J.- please do not copy. 

Walk a Mile...

You've probably heard the phrase "walk a mile in my shoes", usually used by a person in a conversation when he or she is wanting to convey the thought that no one should judge another's actions, comments, or feelings...because you don't know what all has happened in another person's life to make them say what they say or do what they do. 

You may say to another "I know how you feel" or "I know what you're going through", but this statement can really be true only up to a point.  No one can know exactly...

For a concrete example or object lesson on what I mean, you can literally take the shoes off another person's feet, place them on your own, and walk a mile in them.  Now...perhaps you think they fit pretty well, but there's no way they fit exactly the same way they did on the original owner's feet...on you, they might be too long, too short, too wide, too narrow; the arch might be too high or low, or not hit the right spot on you; your foot might be thicker or thinner, also making the shoes too tight or too loose, causing blisters or making your toes or feet numb; if the shoes have been worn for very long, they might not be level on the sole and/or heel because their owner's feet tend to turn in or out when they walk, and this makes you "off-balance" and also causes foot and leg pain after you walk in them....etc., etc....

...so, even though you think you know, and even though you may have gone through some similar circumstances or experiences, you can never know exactly what another person's life is like, how he/she has been affected, or the emotions and feelings they have.  

We all need to try to understand and not be quick to judge any person, or criticize or jump to conclusions regarding their life or lifestyle.  Take a good honest look at those who have "been there, done that" or who are currently going through a difficult situation, and learn from their experiences.  

Everyone needs the compassion, patience, understanding, mercy, strength, and support from those who are willing to try to "walk a mile in my shoes"...