SHE'S ALL TALK!

I recently saw a note lamenting how people didn't, "Talk" anymore. Instead we have a world that communicates via social media, and it got me to reminiscing.

    Ah the good ole days! Restraining orders were an excellent social lubricant. I don't miss it, and with the advent of, "Block Buttons," we are saving a lot paper and trees. Social media just may be saving the rainforests. I'll have to look that up for sure. :p
    I'm sensing a disturbance in the Funk and Wagnall's. As our language grows and changes, "Talk" may have different social applications. I'd like to cover a few that I'm aware of. 
Feel free to add more, if you think of them.

"Talk:"

1: To exchange verbal information. (I'm sending some of that here. If you respond, we have "conversed." Nice, how that works! It's all friendly and stuff! :) Hearts! <3 <3 <3

2: To breathe into a phone at someone

3: To meet (with the possibility of annoying stare downs, creepy sniffing, odd smells, awkward surprise hugs/fending off attempts at hair touching/accostings etc.)

4: To meet with the possibility of doing something naked at some point, probably with consent. It's iffy.

5: To meet for the purpose of making future plans to visit our respective attorneys (Marriage Warning, if you didn't hear it! This is often called, "Talking over coffee/drinks." I'm going to have to hurt you with the truth. Your coffee or whatever you're drinking does not give a damn what you have to say. I'm sorry to have to do that, but I care too much to lie to you. Oh..more hearts: <3 <3 <3 There you go. :)

6: To try out our new mace dispensers

7: To engage in a public flash mob dance for two at the library.

8: To get a better idea of just how big those are/that is.

9: To meet for the purpose of showing someone your new BBQ pit and talk about how that lotion really does soften the skin.

10: To physically exchange Tamale recipes.

11: To meet and talk/manipulate, so I have a better chance of ripping you off.

12: To meet in order to talk, because (Listen for the whining.) "Typing is so hard for me, so it would do me a big favor if we could just put your life on the line instead. O.k.? That'd be great! Thanks!"

  I hope that clears things up and improves your chances at getting to, "Talk" with someone.

Best wishes! ;)
tina jones

My Bed is Too Tired: "The Listener"

"The Listener"
24x36 Oil on Canvas

My bed is too tired    
and my pillow is dry
My blankets are cold
and my light is weak
My face is too wet
and I cannot sleep
my stomach is broken
that's where pain weeps
Bruises, too many                                  
inside out
and I scarcely speak
if I could I'd shout
no words to say
the puzzle's not mine
I can't fix this one
there is no time
I'm by myself
and I don't mind
It's warmer here
in cold sublime
The Listener talks
and I can see
she smiles now
here with me
In red cloak
and golden rings
hands folded
softly sing
Sleep, dear one
time will pass
and hurt will end
return again
to seasons new
here or there
Life or beyond
without despair
No Vincent!
I will not give up!
Damn you
for leaving.
Stood us all up,
Then used once gone
for a story
that never ends
and grows of your
despicable end.
Shall I go?
No, not today.
 My pillow is too dry
and my blankets need me.
Tomorrow is another try
willing even
 if I must cry.
and this is strength,
 I'm told.
to crumble to hold
to one more hope
in nothing but
breath, and
the desire to
see what's next.

   (Written earlier, this was composed mid-meltdown. I didn't completely lose my words this time. They came a few at a time, simplistic, and I hope not too confusing. I'm better now. I usually write when I'm at my best, but I think sometimes it may be good for others to see that I fall apart sometimes. My painting comforts me. It is like my, "spirit" to me, as if I'm reaching to that part of me that is always ok., and knows feelings pass, and peace returns. Thanks for reading.)

tina jones

Table for One: Ongoing Understanding of Neurotypicals

They were most hospitable, a group of friendly women I'd met after moving to the Deep South, where I lived a few years. I'd been invited to go to a weekly scheduled lunch at a local restaurant with them. I wanted to be friendly. They were very kind, so I went.
  I arrived timely and spotted several of the women near the back of the restaurant. Approaching, approximately seven of them were gathered enjoying around a tall table built for two. Scooting over, they invited me to sit. As would be my usual, I made no big deal of it, and sat, smiling at them reassurringly at the next table at the back of the restaurant. Though made for two, they are ample for one, and quite comfortable. Besides, I don't care if it's Buddah, Jesus or Colonel Sanders. If a person is within my arm's reach uninvited, I'm uncomfortable.
    As minutes passed, and I'd ordered a diet soda and a salad with chicken, a few more ladies came in, and my table for one, now had three. These two, like myself, had declined the togetherness of the more social table, but we could hear what was being said, and participate if we liked just fine.
   There was the rumble of restaurant noises and the chatter from all over the room, but upon hearing of a missing person, I focused hard. One of the ladies at the next table was very concerned mentioning his name, and saying that they couldn't find him anywhere. "Oh, NO!"  I thought. "Not another one."
   Recently a man had gone camping in the woods there. He'd gotten lost, as rumor had it. many had. He did not find his way out for three days in 100 degree farenheight plus temperatures, and was badly shaken and dehydrated when he did. I feared people could die out there. My mind contrived images of someone dragged into the black water and being eaten in chunks by alligators.
   I thought, "Who is this man?, Is he from here?, Does he have family here? and How can I help?!!!"
   Another lady looked just as distraught saying she hadn't heard anything either. They all appeared sad to me, when one said, "Well, I bought mine at (store name here)."
   I thought the poor lady had lost it. What did that have to do with the missing man?!
   Another lady added that they used to carry, "It" at another store. I was lost. It wasn't until one lady said that she got her "Purse" at some store that I realized it.
    The man's name that they "Could not find," was infact the brand name of.....yes, a purse.
    I do not mean to belittle the importance of purse procuring, but I was annoyed. I had spent good energy focusing over the crowd for several minutes for a purse. I liked them. I just didn't understand the ways of the purse. Perhaps I never will. Really nice people they were, if a bit focused on their "comfort objects." So I like kneaded erasers. I suppose it's not all that different. (shrugging my shoulders)
    At that point, all sounds including the upset purse talk from the table for two with seven faded into an indiscernable rumble as usual. My salad arrived, and it was most gratifying.
  I learned from this experience that purses are important to many people, that tables for one suit three in a pinch, and that I need to order extra salad dressing
tina jones