Are You Sharing
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By: Elizabeth Cowan
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Sharing is such a simple word. However, the meanings that prop it up are many.
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Words like imparting, revealing, disclosing, communicating, giving out, and spilling tea are just a few of the meanings behind the term sharing.
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But today, the compulsion to share usually means innumerable posts on any and every social media platform. Folks live for the Likes and Follows that drop like breadcrumbs on Hansel and Gretel’s path.
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Have you ever wondered what people really think when they see yet another post of what you decided to wear or eat at any given time? Do they care about you, or are they simply falling into the lemming mentality? If all those people responded, then I have to as well.
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What about sharing your hopes and dreams with a close friend or a significant other? That should have greater depth or be of more importance than random posts, right? Or are those in-depth moments a myth lost in the mists of the demands we think social media expects?
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As it happens, even in this crazy world, we treasure meaningful moments of communication.
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For example, one of this lady’s brother-in-laws loved to chat with everybody. It was easy for folks to be drawn to his gregarious personality despite his strong opinions on all the no-no topics.
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Consequently, it was no surprise that after retirement, he found his sharing niche at a nearby Whataburger every morning.
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There, he and others of similar disposition met and became friends over coffee. Undoubtedly, they shared their thoughts and opinions on any and every topic that happened to be the conversation du jour.
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He made such an impact with that daily morning coffee klatch group at Whataburger that when he died, Whataburger sent a spray of flowers to his funeral. That is almost as good as getting a bronze plaque in the booth he and his cronies occupied.
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Listen up, Whataburger! That is a valid suggestion.
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However, there are other types of sharing, as well.
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The sharing of a knowing look between lovers. Giving a subtle nod to an inside joke among close friends.
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In other words, true sharing involves giving a piece of ourselves to those we trust. And in return, they will offer a piece of themselves. This lady believes that is the perfect kind of sharing between lovers. After all, lovers have our trust.
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However, we live in a time of drip-dry wedding gowns and tuxedos. Recycled, as are the broken relationships they once held.
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It is no wonder that with the changing times, we do not trust as easily as we once did. This is an unfortunate result of the times we live in.
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However, against all odds, various versions of sharing continue.
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A cheese roll recipe circulated among Hubby’s family members when our children were in middle school. Eventually, that recipe became one this lady liked to make and give as gifts for the holidays.
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Recipes are hoarded and treasured. At least, that was the old school of thought.
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Then, one day, our daughter confessed to sharing the cheese roll recipe with her best friend’s mother.
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“You gave away a secret family recipe?” her mother gasped.
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After allowing a few agonizing moments of shock to settle in our daughter’s mind, this lady laughed and confessed that she was joking.
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I wonder how long it took the poor kid to recover.
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However, there is a recipe for Beer Bread that this lady loves to make and willingly shares. It is easy to make, and everyone loves it.
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“Beer Bread Day!” texts from one of the Grands frequently pop up.
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Similar messages warm her heart because no matter how old-fashioned the concept may be, the kitchen is often the heart of a home. It is where we gather at the end of the day with loved ones. Share a good meal. Share a tale of frustration or success. And hot-from-the-oven homemade bread is comforting and delicious. The perfect form of sharing.
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There is one problem. She feels compelled to explain why she buys the beer to the checkout clerk.
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#1025
A great gift for any occasion:
Fractured Proverbs and Twisted Thoughts ????????????????????????????
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