Why is it that I am learning so many life lessons so late in life? The answer may be that I’m a late emotional bloomer and I just wasn’t ready before now. Problem is, I don’t have another 50 years to put what I am now learning to practice. I just have a few short years left. In which case, what I must do is make sure that in the time left, that I focus on putting what I’m learning to use and not backslide.

So the reason for this first paragraph: today was an up and down day at in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel. I have to keep my eye on a certain Tuesday volunteer – she does things very quickly and at times can be careless. So rather than have her stamp books I instead have her assist in boxing up books.

Sophia's Cafe Bookcase

Problem is, I have to keep a close eye on her. Today when she was packing up books, she began unwrapping the books that I was sending to Old Harbor. It had taken me some time to get these books ready to go and I let her know this. She handled this well because I think that she’s glad to be boxing up books and not stamping books.
Then, right about then, I was unable to hear in either ear. I went to talk to Pam and could not hear her. I told myself not to panic and instead took my hearing aids apart and cleaned them and put them back in place. I was then okay.

Oh yeah, lots of people in and out and cleaning books. Lots to pay attention to.

Then, Kathyrn, the best bookcase guardian comes in and she tells me that Clyde has been in a bad car accident. My nickname for her is magpie. She’s always on the move and is very talkative. She also has a very black and white appearance.

I understood, when Kathryn said that Clyde texted her immediately after the accident and asked her to take care of the bookcase she was tending to/stocking. I realized immediately that I had misjudged Clyde.

And I got to thinking – I often don’t give people a whole lot of slack. This here is a good life lesson for an individual, who when people err, chew them to bits. I need to be more forgiving. I can be more forgiving. I will be more forgiving. Of everyone.

This is not going to be easy. My lifelong habit is engrained in me – it’s the downside of being older.

Magpie, this is now a term of endearment. I am of course seeing Clyde in a more positive light. It’s just too bad that this came about because she was injured in an accident.

Next: 337. 12/11/24: Late