Friday. 17.

Cheered on today by someone I haven't seen in 25 years.

A rose among thorns. Came on a day when I needed it...more than I knew.

No judgment, no awkward questions. Just a simple offer to talk, be there, read the blog...or give anything else he could. He didn't want anything in return. No tit for tat. None of the "I'll read yours if you read mine." Just these beautiful, unsolicited, powerful words:

"if you WANT to write, then you must must must do it, there is no way you can fool your heart, your dreams, whatever. And one thing I've learned in all this living I've done in 25 years: it doesn't matter who reads your stuff, or who hears your music. It's all about the making of it, plain and simple. Other people enjoying it, commenting, participating, being affected, that is all so much whipped cream and sprinkles. I would read your words for the sole reason that they are yours and you have offered them."

I don't know what the rules are for using someones words without their permission? I will tell him I did so...I think he will be OK with it. I am sharing them because they inspired me, touched me deeply and reminded me to be me.
May his words have some lovely effect on you, too. Because they are so very true.

17 out.