rules of engagement

Among the many things I've learned in life is to back off from confrontation and personal attacks.  Some people will always have the last word, especially on social media and by text.  This old girl has been trolled by many an arguer who insist on being right. For my sanity, I try to avoid that especially in the passive aggressive form of bullying that is so popular these days.  I do not crawl up on other people's page and question their beliefs.  If I don't agree, I scroll on.  Following the shooting in Nashville I posted in support of the Tennessee Three and while most comments were respectful, some of them got downright ugly.  I prefer not to text unless it's something informational and short.  I would rather talk face to face or phone if there is a problem. It's much easier to work through challenges by voice rather than hiding behind a keyboard.  I can defend myself unless I am ambushed by people who are determined to be right.  It's hard to understand context when there is no face or voice time.  

Today has been a busy one with two interviews and a funeral visitation.  I had intended to stay for the service but by the time I got there all I could muster was a heartfelt greeting to my friend's family and then I headed home.  I'm still feeling kind of weak and pitiful but you have to get up and go.  Tend to business, so to speak.  Knowing who your true friends are is something that we are all on a learning curve with.  The ones I count as friends are many including lots of those who are just there but don't care.  They are the ones who come through when times are hard.  I try to be there for folks who need me but there is a subset of people who never take my feelings and thoughts into consideration.  I could name them, but I won't.  I'm not made that way.  

There is a grey and black tabby cat hanging around that I swear looks like the one me and Mamye named Al last year.  He or she crawled through the hole in the screen and got trapped on the back porch.  This cat went ballistic when I opened the back door after hearing him growling.  I opened the screen door but dude would have none of that and vaulted over to that hole and jumped out.  I've been hearing it off and on for weeks but couldn't tell where the sound was coming from.  Rosie is a very sweet in and out kitty who sleeps with me at night.  She is fixed so I'm not sure why dude is hanging around but I don't like it.

Mayberry Lawns did my first mow today and it looks downright beautiful with no perennials killed in the process by a weedeater.  The ones that Paige and my friend gave me last year are up again and will survive.  So will the stargazer lilies out back.  I love it when that happens.  Keep the faith ^j^