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Please take a good look at the image above and notice the tender expression of love on the monkey’s face.

It speaks volumes.

This precious photo was forwarded to me by my brother, Tom, from an email that was sent to him. The email included several photos like the one pictured here; most of which had to do with the unspoken love between animals and humans.

However, this one touched me the most.

I sat and stared at this image on and off for days because to me it exemplified how love, regardless of species, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, or whether it be through friendship or intimacy …..sees no difference.

Love is love.

We seem to want to place love into some kind of category; believing that it belongs here, but not there.

Yet, love can’t be categorized.

It just is.

I also think we idealize love sometimes, disappointed when it doesn’t live up to our expectations because we try to control it by attaching conditions.

“I’ll do this, but then you need to do that.”

Yet, the amazing thing about the essence of love is that it knows no condition, so it can’t be controlled or withheld.

Love is love.

I think back to the many times in my life, whether in friendship or intimacy, when I did this myself. And still do at times.

I withheld, manipulated, and placed conditions on the love I shared. And I thought that by doing this no one could take advantage of my love, as if I owned it; playing even stevens.

We often put too much pressure on love to fulfill our own sense of insecurity, and then when it doesn’t work out that way we blame it on love. But I truly think that’s because we haven’t learned have to love ourselves first – warts and all.

I have always believed that animals are the true teachers when it comes to love because they know how to love without condition. They don’t concern themselves with species, gender, race, culture, or sexual orientation.

They just love and don’t hold back; waiting for it to be matched.

I also believe that children are very much the same way.

Children don’t filter love through their minds because they don’t have an agenda.

They just love.

So maybe the key is to take a look at the example which animals and children give us. And then try doing a little of what they do.

Because I believe the ‘little child’ within us still knows…

…that love is love.


Wishing you a love-filled weekend everyone!
X

P.S. See you in Florida next week! Tropical Storm Debby is gone…yaaaaaaaaaay!

63 comments:

  1. What a wonderful thought-provoking post Ron!! You said it...Love IS love. We could all learn so very much from animals. Did you ever read that book about All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten?? How true!! Hope all's well with you and SOOO glad that Debby is gone!! Reminds me of a sign a neighbor put up when they were getting divorced...and it wasn't a particularly friendly divorce..."The Bitch is GONE!!"

    I will never forget that!!! bwahahahahaha! Happy Friday Ron!!
    xo
    Jeanne

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  2. Adored this post, Ron. People place so many conditions on love. Animals don't need strings attached or emotional upheavals, we could/should learn a lot from them. Both your pictures are great examples.

    Have a brilliant time in Florida, thank goodness Debby has disappeared.... Hmmm you didn't send it over to us, did you?

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  3. Great post Ron and so true. Children and animals can teach us so much about unconditional love.

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  4. That was a lovely, inspiring post, Ron. "Children don’t filter love through their minds because they don’t have an agenda. They just love." How true! People often say "stop acting like a child," but when it comes to love I think it's time we start acting like children. Have a great time in Florida, buddy--so glad you waited!--and take care!

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  5. I adore that photo and the sentiments, and naturally, I agree completely. Lovely post.

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  6. Beautiful and true. Anyone who would want to limit love, does not truly know it. There is a whole mess of politicians that have clearly never been loved.

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  7. Such a sweet pic. Thank you for sharing! And children are precious and accepting of life as it is...it is society that imposes their opinions on them and teaches them otherwise.

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  8. Helloooooooo Jeanne~

    "We could all learn so very much from animals."

    You said it! That's what I ADORE about animals, they're the perfect example of unconditional love. They don't hesitate...they just LOVE.

    "Did you ever read that book about All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten?? How true!!"

    No, I haven't read that book but will look for it the next time I'm in Barnes & Noble because just the title alone sounds GREAT!

    Yaaaaaaaaaaay Debby is gone and I am sooooooo happy!!!!!!!

    " Reminds me of a sign a neighbor put up when they were getting divorced...and it wasn't a particularly friendly divorce..."The Bitch is GONE!!"

    Bwhahahahhahhaha! HILARIOUS!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Happy Friday and have a faaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X to you and the girlz!

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  9. Good morning Valerie~

    " People place so many conditions on love. Animals don't need strings attached or emotional upheavals, we could/should learn a lot from them."

    Yes, I couldn't have said that ANY better! Animals are the prime example of unconditional love. Oh, if only we humans could love as openly and easily :)

    And yes, thank GOODNESS Debby has disappeared. YAHOOOOO! A friend of mine in Florida emailed me earlier this week to let me know that by today, Debby would be clear.

    "Hmmm you didn't send it over to us, did you?"

    HAHHAHAAHAHA! No, I promise. I sent her OUT TO SEA!

    Have a faaaabulous weekend, dear lady. And thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  10. Good morning Pearl~

    "Children and animals can teach us so much about unconditional love."

    They suuuuuuuuuuure do, don't they? That's why I love spending time around children because they'll just reach out and hug you with total abandonment.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, m'dear! Have a lovely weekend!

    X

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  11. Hey there Rob~

    "People often say "stop acting like a child," but when it comes to love I think it's time we start acting like children."

    AMEN and ALLELUIA!!!!!!!! And you are so right, Rob, people often say 'stop acting like a child', but perhaps if we started ACTING like children, we would remember what it's like to truly love without reservation.

    Yes, I'm so glad I waited to go to Florida too. Debby is GONE!!!!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a great weekend and I'll see in Florida next week!

    X

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  12. Greetings Abby!

    Welcome! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing a comment. I've seen your avatar over at Jen's blog, so it's nice to finally meet you!

    Have a great weekend!

    X

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  13. Hey there Bill~

    "Anyone who would want to limit love, does not truly know it. There is a whole mess of politicians that have clearly never been loved."

    A-MEN!

    Always FAB to see ya, buddy! Thanks for stopping by and have a super weekend!

    X to you and Paul!

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  14. Hiya Suzi~

    "And children are precious and accepting of life as it is...it is society that imposes their opinions on them and teaches them otherwise."

    THANK. YOU.

    *giving you a high five*

    Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. And much thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  15. Ron, what a wonderful photo and post. You can definitely see the love in that monkey's face, it's so sweet! And you're right about both animals and children being examples of true love because they don't hold it back. They simply love with freedom. I will sometimes watch two children in the mall spot each other in a store, and then notice how they openly smile and giggle together upon meeting for the first time. It's so refreshing!

    Have a great time in Florida, Ron. Glad to hear Debby is gone!

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  16. While I totally agree with what you say Ron, I'm looking at this topic from a different angle.

    I think we grow up protecting ourselves against hurts. Some we may have suffered and many that we see around us all too often.

    Both children and animals can suffer terrible abuse, mostly because they love and trust. It makes them vulnerable. They don't have any protection. I believe we learn to mistrust and guard ourselves as we grow up.

    If we work at it, we can love unconditionally, but it takes time and a very special person for us to let our guard down completely.

    In an ideal world, we would all be like the monkey in your photo. Sadly the world is far from ideal. It's full of users and abusers and we have to search hard for people that we can trust and love unconditionally.

    Wouldn't it be good though? :)

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  17. Hey there Babs~

    Thank you so much for sharing your angle on this post because I can TOTALLY see it!

    "I believe we learn to mistrust and guard ourselves as we grow up.

    If we work at it, we can love unconditionally, but it takes time and a very special person for us to let our guard down completely."

    AMEN! And just because I wrote this post, doesn't mean it's something that's easy for me to do, far from it. Like I shared, I still have reservations about trusting and loving because I too have been hurt, therefore protect myself.

    "Sadly the world is far from ideal. It's full of users and abusers and we have to search hard for people that we can trust and love unconditionally.

    Wouldn't it be good though? "

    I sure would!

    Again, thanks for sharing your feelings and thoughts on this post topic, Babs. Muchly appreciated and respected!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  18. Hola Denise~

    "I will sometimes watch two children in the mall spot each other in a store, and then notice how they openly smile and giggle together upon meeting for the first time. It's so refreshing!"

    *smiling*

    OMG....I've witness that same thing too and it just warms my heart! And I think to myself, "Why can we adults be a bit more like that?"

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Have a terrific weekend!

    X

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  19. Ron, that picture is so precious!

    "Love is love"

    THAT is 100% true! Love knows no boundaries and has no conditions. It just IS.

    It's when we put our preconceived notions and fears upon it that love becomes tainted and jaded thus ruining the pure essence of it.

    Animals and children are unadulterated; they love unconditionally, even after they’ve been harmed or hurt. That’s why I get so upset over animal and child abuse—they are so forgiving and need us to protect them at all costs.

    I don’t know when our perspective changes, but I sure wish it didn’t. Maybe if we tried to take the tainted glasses off every once in awhile and see life (and people) through the eyes of our little child within the world would be a better place because people would feel happier.

    Fantastic post! And I LOVE the photo!

    ((YOU))

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  20. Nice post, Ron! There is a Bible verse about having the faith of a child and I think it relates to what you are saying. Have a great weekend and a safe flight. XOXO

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  21. Pam, I can't thank you enough for adding all your words of insight to this post!

    "It's when we put our preconceived notions and fears upon it that love becomes tainted and jaded thus ruining the pure essence of it."

    YES! And I know that well because I have done the same thing; placing my preconceived notions and fears upon love.

    "Animals and children are unadulterated; they love unconditionally, even after they’ve been harmed or hurt. That’s why I get so upset over animal and child abuse—they are so forgiving and need us to protect them at all costs."

    Doesn't that just blow you away about animals and children? I often think that they are protecting us more so than us protecting them, especially when it comes to the lesson of love.

    "Maybe if we tried to take the tainted glasses off every once in awhile and see life (and people) through the eyes of our little child within the world would be a better place because people would feel happier."

    As I shared in my comment to Babs, it's challenging not to look at love or life through tainted glasses because we have a history. But if we can just try 'a little bit' to love like children, perhaps we will begin to see with fresh eyes!

    Again, thank you for your thoughts, feelings and insight, Pam. You've added much!

    ((((( You )))))

    Have a fantabulous weekend......X

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  22. Hey there Bijoux~

    "There is a Bible verse about having the faith of a child..."

    Yes, I think I know the verse you're referring to and thank you for reminding me of it again. I think that's one of the reasons WHY enjoy being around children so much. They TEACH me!

    Have a great weekend, my friend! I'll see ya in Florida next week!

    X

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  23. That picture is wonderful! I've seen it before but it always makes me smile.

    And yes, love should be unconditional.

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  24. Hey there lady Nitebyrd~

    Isn't the picture faaaaaaaaabulous!??? As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to post about it.

    "And yes, love should be unconditional."

    I know that's not always easy, but you're right...it should be :)

    Have a super weekend, Sis! And thanks for stopping by!

    X ya!

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  25. Love is ...love. Long time no see dear beloved friend. Where did you go? Hugs from up North!

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  26. Hi Ronnie,
    The first photo is so adorable!! I have already seen it somewhere along the line.
    Thank you again for another significant post. Nothing to say against all that. We all aspire to love and to be loved but of course, our means of doing it are not always as pure. Because, we each have our flaws and despite it all, want to love. Which brings about a certain amount of ups and downs but also lessons at the end to be learned if we are smart.

    The bottom line is, if you still love someone despite these flaws, they are truly a friend/companion/lover/husband/wife.

    xox

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  27. beautifully said
    the look on the monkey's face is so touching that I could feel the love
    love in its purest form has power

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  28. Good morning Lady Dianne~

    A few days ago when I read your post about the dog that saved that little boys' life who had falling in the pool, it reminded me once again how animals touch our lives with so much love.

    "love in its purest form has power"

    It SURE does!

    Thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Hope you're having a great weekend!

    X to you, Hope, Siren, and Isadora!

    P.S. Can it get any HOTTER? OY VEY!!!!!!

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  29. ey there Barb~

    "The first photo is so adorable!! I have already seen it somewhere along the line."

    Several other people shared the same thing, that they've seen this photo before! Isn't it ADORABLE???? After my brother sent it to me, I could not stop looking at it :)

    "Which brings about a certain amount of ups and downs but also lessons at the end to be learned if we are smart.

    The bottom line is, if you still love someone despite these flaws, they are truly a friend/companion/lover/husband/wife."

    Perfectly said, my friend!

    (((((( You ))))))))

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Barb! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. It's soooooooo hot here right now, I could POP like a cornel of corn - HA!

    xox

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  30. Bonjour Susu~

    Fab to see ya, girl!

    "Long time no see dear beloved friend. Where did you go?"

    I was thinking the same thing about you. Where did you go? Hope all is well and that you're enjoying this summer. And I hope it's cooler in Canada than it is here. OMG...it's soooo HOT.

    X

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  31. such sweet photos -- and your words definitely resonate. Someone once told me that you can't control what happens to your heart (or someone else's heart). I'd never heard anyone express it quite that way before and it really helped me start to understand that there was nothing I could do to receive love from someone else. And I'd never be able to pretend to love someone else if I really didn't love them at all. I like the way you say it - love is love. absolutely perfect :)

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  32. "Someone once told me that you can't control what happens to your heart (or someone else's heart). I'd never heard anyone express it quite that way before and it really helped me start to understand that there was nothing I could do to receive love from someone else."

    Diane, I love that because it's sooooooooooo true. We can't control either what happens to our heart, or someone else's.

    "And I'd never be able to pretend to love someone else if I really didn't love them at all."

    Me neither. And I've been in a few relationships where I had to be honest and say that to the other person because I knew they felt differently.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and adding your thoughts and feelings to this post. Muchly enjoyed and appreciated!

    X to you and Cristybella!

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  33. What's missing is the next frame in that photo, where our monkey friend takes a big bite out of the pigeon.

    "Tastes like chicken."

    I kid, I kid! Great take on unconditional love, my friend. And, bon voyage! No more Debby = no more bumpy flight.

    Hopefully.

    Take care and enjoy your visit!

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  34. Howdy Mark~

    "What's missing is the next frame in that photo, where our monkey friend takes a big bite out of the pigeon.

    "Tastes like chicken."

    Bwhahhahhahahahahahaha! Would that not be a RIOT?????

    Mark, you SLAY ME!!!!!

    Yes, no more Debby = no more bumpy flight.

    *biting fingernails*

    I hope :O

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy! And have a GREAT day at work tomorrow!!!!!

    X to you and Tara!

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  35. This is a beautifully expressed post, Ron. And you're right, both animals and children love with such abandonment; not ever concerning themselves with what they get return. They just love.

    "Because I believe the ‘little child’ within us still knows…

    …that love is love."

    What a great way to end this. Love the photo too.

    Have a great time in Florida!

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  36. Well said. And to add to this train of thought, it's easy to see how a future "significant other" might fare in a relationship by the way s/he treats animals.

    Have a great trip! Be sure to relax, and don't worry about updating the blog. It'll be here when you get back, and will give all of us something to look forward to when you've finally settled back into the 9-to-5 grind.

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  37. Hey there Matt~

    Thank you. As soon as I saw that first photo, I felt so drawn to share my feelings about it. It truly touched me because I couldn't stop looking at it!

    The last photo was also included in the email my brother sent to me. Isn't it a great image?

    Always great seeing ya, bud. Thanks a bunch for stopping by and I hope you had a super weekend!

    I'll see ya in Florida!

    X

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  38. Howdy Herman~

    "And to add to this train of thought, it's easy to see how a future "significant other" might fare in a relationship by the way s/he treats animals."

    AMEN! And what a GREAT addition to this post! Funny you mentioned that because my mother raised us to observe how other people treat animals because it's a way to KNOW them!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy! Hope you had a great weekend. I bet you're so looking forward to Thursday and seeing Karin and Tyler :)

    Have a super week!

    P.S. yes, I will only be updating when time allows - mostly photos.

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  39. Jay - Depp EffectMonday, July 02, 2012

    What a beautiful post, Ron! I love the picture of the monkey with the pigeon .. it reminds me of the relationship that I have with my dogs, or any person has with an animal they love. Love is one of the most powerful forces in the universe, and yet, as you say, we so often try to confine and define it.

    Just LOVE for heaven's sake!!

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  40. Hiya Jay~

    "I love the picture of the monkey with the pigeon .. it reminds me of the relationship that I have with my dogs, or any person has with an animal they love."

    Exactly. In fact, you were one of the several people I blog with who has animals as pets, I was thinking about when I wrote this post. I knew you would relate.

    "Love is one of the most powerful forces in the universe, and yet, as you say, we so often try to confine and define it.

    Just LOVE for heaven's sake!!

    Amen!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had a great weekend. I'll see ya in Florida this week!

    X

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  41. I know I love this photo...good post...like Lennon said, all you need is love, love is all you need...

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  42. Hey there Amy~

    Thank you, dear lady.

    "like Lennon said, all you need is love, love is all you need..."

    Yes! You're right!!!!!!

    Hope you had a marvi Monday! Thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  43. interesting post ron and definitely food for thought. i don't know if animals truly love, i believe mankind only has that ability, which makes us unique or different from the animals, HOWEVER, i do believe animals protect their young and show "something" toward other animals in a caring way even if not of their own species as in the photo above. not sure if it's instinct or not, but it really is heart-warming to see when the animals are peaceful among themselves (except when they're really hungry, then somebody is food.")

    i doubt my cat loves me, tho she prefers me :(

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  44. Hey Val~

    " i don't know if animals truly love, i believe mankind only has that ability, which makes us unique or different from the animals..."

    When you have some time, please watch this video.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiGKWoJi5qM

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Hope you're enjoying a wonderful week. I'm having a great time in Florida and will posting some photos this week :)

    X

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  45. Oh Ron! This is so beautiful, I actually just burst into tears!

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  46. that was a sweet video ron, thanks for sharing.


    ________________________________
    From: Disqus
    To: vdm17@yahoo.com
    Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 6:16 PM
    Subject: [triloquist] Re: Vent: Love Sees No Difference




    Ron wrote, in response to ladyV:
    Hey Val~

    " i don't know if animals truly love, i believe mankind only has that ability, which makes us unique or different from the animals..."
    When you have some time, please watch this video.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiGKWoJi5qM

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Hope you're enjoying a wonderful week. I'm having a great time in Florida and will posting some photos this week :)
    X





    Link to comment

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  47. hi ron, just stopped by to say hi ! I bet you are having a grand family reunion down there! I am thrilled you made it and bet mom is too. see you when you come back....hoping you aren't roasting like some...eek!!

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  48. Hey there Meleah~

    ((((( You ))))))

    Glad you enjoy, my Libra friend!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by. Hope you're having a faaaaabulous week! I'll be posting an update soon!

    X

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  49. Hellooooo Linda~

    *waving*

    " I bet you are having a grand family reunion down there! I am thrilled you made it and bet mom is too."

    Yes, I'm have a BLAST my family!!!! I'll be posting update soon!

    Hope you're having a great week!

    (((((( Linda )))))))

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

    P.S."hoping you aren't roasting like some...eek!!"

    OMG...it's hotter than HELL here!

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  50. Glad you enjoyed, girl!

    Isn't it the sweetest video?

    X

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  51. *sigh* I'm sad I missed the departure--but I'm gladder than glad that you're with the mom now!

    And I adore the photo--and the wisdom contained in this post.

    And I'm aggitated that once again I seem to have lost my profile with your comment thingy.....

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  52. Holy cow.......gone one minute, added myself and showed up the next.
    Of course, I had to do it all over again to post this one too.....
    I think I must be Disqus illiterate or something. LOLOL

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  53. Hiya Mel~

    Gosh, I am so sorry about Disqus. Are you sure you're clicking the publish button after you make your comment? The only reason I ask is because I've forgotten to do that sometimes myself.

    Anyway, THANK YOU SO MUCH for stopping back and republishing, dearest lady. I really appreciate that.

    ((((( You )))))

    "but I'm gladder than glad that you're with the mom now!"

    Meeeeeeee too! Seeing my mother and brother again was such a GREAT reunion! I'll be posting an update soon.

    Have a wonderful week! See ya soon :)

    X to you and the Bug!

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  54. Beautifully expressed. I don't trust people who dislike animals or children. Maybe this is why.

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  55. Beautifully expressed. I don't trust people who dislike animals or children. Maybe this is why.

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  56. Hi Bumbles!

    Thank you.

    "I don't trust people who dislike animals or children. Maybe this is why."

    Me neither!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great week!

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  57. aw that was beautiful Ron.

    True, true. Animals and children, that's where it's at.
    and how is it i have neither of those?? what the?

    I think that's why most people do have pets, and many people have children, they just want that honest trusting unconditional love.

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  58. Hey Brit~

    "True, true. Animals and children, that's where it's at.
    and how is it i have neither of those?? what the?"

    HA! Me neither! I really do need to get another cat because they're the perfect roommate! I adore cats!

    "I think that's why most people do have pets, and many people have children, they just want that honest trusting unconditional love."

    A-MEN!

    X ya, bestie!

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  59. First, both those photos made my heart turn over. Second, lovely, thoughtful post. I feel you are right about animals and babies giving unconditional love. Sad that humans do the things you mention we do. Perhaps it is because we hate to admit it but we love ourselves the most and all those conditions that we tie our love for others to are bound and limited by this first love. I also feel it is okay to recognise our frailties. Perhaps then we could rise above them?

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  60. Greetings KayEm~

    Welcome! Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing a comment. So nice to meet you!

    "Perhaps it is because we hate to admit it but we love ourselves the most and all those conditions that we tie our love for others to are bound and limited by this first love."

    You are SO spot on in saying that, and I totally agree! That's why I think it's so important to learn to love ourselves first. Not egotistically, but compassionately.

    "I also feel it is okay to recognise our frailties. Perhaps then we could rise above them?"

    Exactly! Because once we can accept our own frailties, we can learn to love unconditionally - ourselves and others.

    Thanks a lot for adding your insightful thoughts to this post. You've added MUCH!

    Please stop by whenever you wish. You're always welcomed here.

    Enjoy your weekend!
    X

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  61. I always say you can't help who you love because you don't choose WHO you love I think love just chooses YOU. And I also believe that once you truly love someone you never stop. That love may morph to a different level but you will always love them. I think that's also why they say there is a fine line between love and hate. They are both very PASSIONATE emotions that involve your whole being. That's why one day you can feel like you love someone and the next think you hate them. You've tapped into that emotional core.

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  62. Peg, I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your entire comment!!!!

    Especially this.....

    "I always say you can't help who you love because you don't choose WHO you love I think love just chooses YOU."

    You are so spot on!

    Thank you so much for adding your wonderful insight to this post, dear friend!

    ((((( You ))))))

    X ya!

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