hearts and an incomplete thought

Interactions are complex. For most, a perpetual struggle exists due to an inherent and genetically driven desire to form close bonds with others. Striving to be a part of a community yet simultaneously aware of potential vulnerability and thus maintaining a sometimes reflective and sometimes heavily armored shield. Unique and strong sense of individual self - both building confidence that can to some be translated in terms of excessive ego and arrogance. Conversely your marked as shy, withdrawn, socially inept...

At this dilemma's heart lies a simple truth: intentionally or not, people hurt each other.
Some hurt breaks the bond between two people, others heal and scab over allowing bonds to grow thick.

The question becomes which relationships - be they friends, family or significant others - are worth the inevitable risk and if worth can be quantified, really who is really able to assess except in retrospect? So we cautiously move forward, letting new people into our lives, all the while holding on to those meaningful from the past. Some temporarily filling various voids - others more permanent on a varying scale.

Sometimes I sit back and reflect upon those who were once, continue to be and are new in my life. Throughout each stage of my life i've held on to a few close and dear friends - all unique and completely different in manner, interests and intellect. As friends around struggle with relationships and life's issues I wonder what really is "meant to be" and if meant to be exists, why does it sometimes involve such extreme pain? And blinded by the pain how can I help them (and myself) find and more importantly feel the good. It's inevitably always there... thoughts to be continued... but until then --

some good: some picts from the garden...

This one's for Justin :)

Left: Clematis; Right: Summer blooming bleeding hearts

Left: Wild geranium; Right: Columbine

Left: Bearded Iris; Right: Bush peony

Left: Crow with nesting material!; Right: Fresh blooming chives.