Define "Friend"

My good friend often wonders why some people are more likeable than others. So last night, sleepless in my bed, waiting for the 16 year old to come home, I think I came up with an answer. I think we like people for two major reasons: they are similar to us in the major ways...lifestyle, intelligence, temperament. Those are the things that initially draw us together; they help us form our early bonds of friendship. When we meet people who are our polar opposite, we back away or even avoid those individuals.

But I believe it is the second thing that is the more important of the two. I believe that our real friends have some character trait that we envy. It is a small thing. It creates an envy so small that we equate it with admiration. And that is why we wish to be with them. If we spend enough time in their company, we reap the benefits of this "thing" we envy/admire. We are allowed to bask in the aura this "thing" creates. If we meet a person who has no "thing" to give us, we do not seek out their company. They could be wonderful people, but without that little quality that we ourselves lack, what do they bring to the table?

And the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. My closest friends at work may not be the most outgoing, but they are outstanding teachers. They are intelligent, organized, and highly motivated. When I am with them, I feel the same way. I find myself trying to measure up to them. And that is a good thing. When I am with them, I feel confident and assured.

I have another friend who I adore. Why? Because everywhere we go she knows someone. I do not care where it is. I envy/admire her for that. Who does not want to be greeted with a smile and hug when they meet someone unexpectedly? The qualities my friend benefit me. She is popular, she is my friend, that makes me feel special. By watching her I am learning how to be a better person, a friendlier person. Through her I have met lots of people who I now call friends. And that is one of the reasons why I like her.

January?

Do you see this? Nice isn't it? Check the date: January 19! The sun is shining and it is 43 degrees out there. If this keeps up, the golf course behind our house may actually boast about being open year round. Here is the country girl fear: if this warm weather holds much longer, will the fruit trees start to bud?

I have not touched my knitting since Christmas. I think I burned out in the marathon knitting of my brother's afghan. Hey dear SIL, could you send me a photo of dear bro wrapped up in the green cocoon? Pity I never snapped a pix before letting him take it home. I plan on finishing the alpaca cream and brown scarf I started while in San Diego. Now that was in...September?!...oy! But I have been disciplined; no new yarn has wormed its way in my house. And I truly believe that is why I am feeling so unmotivated.

Do you think a pair of socks would help?

The Literate Knitter

The past two months have included a bit more than movies. Let us now check out the Green's bookshelf!

December's book club read was The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Apparently this was a best seller in both Spain and the States. Could it be that I lost something in the translation? The plot had great potential. A young boy is taken to a mysterious "Catacomb of books" where he is instructed by his father to make a selection. His choice leads him down a fateful path full of lust, a crooked cop, a questionable political criminal/innocent, and a mysterious author. As I said...great potential.


The next selection was a fast read. Jodi Picoult gives us another courtroom drama that could easily been ripped from today's headlines. Kate is diagnosed with cancer at age 3, her parents conceive, with a lot of help, a sibling that will serve as a future donor. Anna eventually seeks legal help when she feels that her parents have gone far enough. The question is truly how far is too far when parents are fighting to keep a child alive. I absolutely loved this novel up until the last two chapters. Sorry Miss P., but remember deus ex machina? I truly felt that was a cheat of an ending. But great twists and turns! Wonderful characterization.


And if you have not done so, check out the digs for Liz at Pocketfarm! Very impressive!

Lost in Blog Land

Has it really been over one month since my last post? Truth to tell, I have not had much interest in reading blogs, let alone making entries on my own. To ease myself back in the swing of things, I will start with the movie reviews.

Movies? The Green Eyed Knitter does not go to the movies, does she? Yes, and for some odd reason now feels compelled to see them twice within the same week.



The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was absolutely magical! Perfectly cast, these children were able to move from WWII England to the fantasy of Narnia in a very convincing manner! However, I must admit something about Aslan's eyes were not quite right. The first viewing was with 110 students; I had to go a second time to enjoy it without interruptions.



Memoirs of a Geisha was next on the list. Now, admittedly it has been a few years since I have read the book. And, my memory is not what it used to be. But did the Americans really come? Was she really asked to entertain the American military in order to gain contracts for her old friends? And are they sure that she and the Chairman formed an "alliance". But wow! the costuming and set designs were wild! Well worth the price of the ticket.



Now, my favorite. If you have not seen Brokeback Mountain, go. Go now. It is a love story that breaks your heart. The scenery begs a large screen viewing. The mountains, the vastness and isolation of the ranches. And my favorite line: "I wish I knew how to quit you." My SIL, my friend's 17 year old gay son, and I could not get it out of our heads.

Obligatory Knitting Content

Too much time or too much leftover sock yarn? You decide. But it sure is cute. I just need to figure out how to keep the big clip on it at the same time. Yeah, definitely too much time on my hands.

For the first time in 10 years, I have addressed Christmas cards. It is not yet December and the house is decorated with everything except the tree. I, gasp, have wrapped presents in my living room. I have no explanation for this. Is there a chance that we (ain't nobody happy unless momma's happy) get to enjoy the holiday this year? Keep your fingers crossed for me, will you?

Yes, They Are Adorable Aren't They?

Thanksgiving was truly something to celebrate this year. All the kids, save one niece , were home this year to gather around the big bird. I fell asleep to the sound of them all gathered in the family room laughing at some stupid movie. Joy!

Nephew N has enlisted in the Army; he will leave for basic training less than one month after graduation. I ask all of you to pray for his safety as he begins this journey. He is so proud; I am so nervous.

We have one more photo of my oldest; isn't she a talented thing? My mother looks impressed doesn't she?

And did any of you venture out to consumer wonderland for "Black Friday"? A black day indeed when shopping for Christmas means we trample our fellow man in a 5 a.m. stampede to get the 2005 must have item. Did any of you see those video clips on the news? I paid homage to the mall last weekend, from this point on it is all virtual shopping.

Enough computer time. Off to enjoy the southern branch of the family before they leave for Tennessee.

P.S. My macho brother is in 7th heaven - he just found a "Good Times" marathon on the tube!

Rebecca Needs...

Another far from original, but tres cute blog entry. Google "Your Name" and the word "needs" and see what you get!

Rebecca needs...

1. ...enlightenment.
2. ...a family that is structured and consistent.
3. ...to find out.
4. ...to get out and find a boyfriend.
5. ...just one good, meaty, dramatic role, and the chances of her skyrocketing into fame will increase tenfold.
6. ...a home where she can get a lot of love and attention.
7. ...direction.
8. ...to have that ankle operated on.

Now let us see which ones apply :)

Well yes, I am searching for enlightenment. If only it was like one of Willy Wonka's Golden tickets and I could find it in a bar of chocolate! But what have I been able to find out? That although my home is far from structured and consistent, the people in it are getting a lot of love and attention. (I told you I spend a lot of quality time locked in a car with them on a daily basis yesterday, didn't I?) I also mentioned yesterday that I had wanted to be an actress. I think I found the "good, meaty, dramatic role" : middle-aged, slightly over weight, suburban mom. I think I am doing fairly well with that one. Oh yeah, and if I do manage to find a boyfriend, my ankle probably will need some medical attention after I get kicked out of the house. So who knew Google had all the answers.

Tomorrow I am taking a, gulp, crochet class...they tricked me and said it was for knitters. I'll hopefully have some pix to post tomorrow.