The Loudest Voice

There’s beauty in not being the loudest voice in the room. - Elizabeth Warden

I knew that. Really, I did, but sometimes I forget it. Because I have firm convictions and firm views on politics and I might be a little too convinced that everyone wants to know my opinion on things. Reading this quote in a very wonderful essay about age just made me think about it and try to decide what to do about it.

What we should do about it.

Truthfully, I don't think I usually AM the loudest voice, but I've learned things over the years of being far too fond of Facebook.

I've learned it's none of my business what someone puts on their own page. If it's wrong or simply not true, it's hard to remember that, but it took several times of telling someone they were mistaken--even in a private message--to figure out that a lot of people don't want to hear it. This surprises me, because if I'm wrong, I want to know about it.

If you comment on what someone else says, even if it's someone you disagree with, calling them names or denigrating them in any way doesn't really make you look smart; it makes you look mean. Your voice may be louder, but chances are it's not one a lot of people want to hear.

Cruelty toward anyone doesn't wear well. Even it's a person you really like saying horrible things you actually agree with, what on earth is the purpose of hurting anyone? On Facebook, there's this cool X in the upper righthand corner of posts and you can make them disappear just like that.

A few other things...

Go, Warriors!

Congratulations to the Braves and the Tigers on seasons well-played.

Join Joe DeRozier and me at the vendor show at the fairgrounds today from 9 AM to 3 PM. Kathy Kline runs a fun show--and is a vendor herself; I love her denim ornaments!

Today's November 1, Day One of 30 Days of Gratitude. Today I'm grateful for the Window Over the Sink, which has been a column in several newspapers, including a few online, and a blog off and on--mostly on--since the late 1980s. I'm also grateful to those of you who read it.

Have a great week. Be nice to somebody.