Surprise!

Today was incredibly busy. I’m finishing several huge projects in preparation for vacation. You know how it is — when you have serious time limitations, everyone wants a piece of you. But that’s fine. I was on a roll. And then the phone rang. It was an old friend and colleague who has lived in Phoenix AZ for years now. Last time we saw each other was when Andrew & I went to The Biltmore for a special long weekend. Ahhh, that was a great weekend. But I digress.

So Stephanie is in town for a few days. “I’ll come by,” she said. “Of course, I can’t wait to see you,” said I. And I couldn’t. I really like Stephanie. And way too much time goes by in between contact – email or in person. But I must say that she sends me some of the most thought-provoking emails of anyone I know. That’s a huge statement. Because I have some really well-read, really charged people in my life. So Stephanie came over. She went with me to the bus stop to get the boys. She had Ring Dings and Yodels with us. (Evidently, she’s been craving Yodels for quite a few years now – how fortunate she showed up at our house!)

We talked. I realized how much I miss talking to her. She has interesting thoughts. But also, I realized something else. I have been collecting people for a long time now. Some people collect crystal, some collect stamps. I collect people. I seek out people with something I don’t have or something I admire and I hold on. I am still in touch with a tremendous number of people from all walks of life. It’s nice. I like to remember what I’ve gained from each relationship and treasure it.

I was talking to a good friend the other day and I mentioned that I am selfish with my time. That I don’t want to hang out with anyone I don’t like. But that’s not really it. Really, I want to be with people who add to my happiness and who feed my soul. People who challenge me and people who are kind. People who encourage me and people who have a sense of humor and a sense of belonging.

And so when I wonder sometimes why I don’t work for a large organization where I can collaborate all day, I have to remind myself that my choices are mine — that choosing with whom to do business and whether to take an unwise break to see an old friend who warms my heart is all my choice. And I like it that way.