We have all seen it! Sometimes I have seen people sitting at the same table talking to each other by “thumb”! We have seen people walking into poles on city streets and one clip even showed someone falling into a fountain. In many cities, it is now against the law to text and drive, yet how many, although we would never do it, have seen others swerving on the road due to texting?
I get it! I believe it is an attempt to increase conversation. We all know that most relations suffer from a lack of talking, so we use the modern technology to help us. I know those who spend much more time with their “long texts” than they would have spent had they simply talked on the phone. I know others who are losing the art of conversation (and spelling) because phones are used for more than talking – “Can you hear me now?”
Each conversation is an investment in the life of those with whom you are conversing. Have a lot of person-to-person talks and they will pay handsome dividends down the road. Like many investments, it takes a long time to see the account build and the return to be noticeable, but sooner or later, the payoff will come.
Here are some principles to help us create a warm, open environment where relations can flower and produce good fruit:
    Connections take an investment of time!
Much real communication is hindered because someone feels uncomfortable with certain topics, so we conclude that not talking is better than talking. A relationship is built by a free flow of ideas. Surely, there are some topics that should not be attacked with some people, but for those with whom we desire a close relationship, very few topics should be left “off the table”. We must learn to have good discussions, with open interaction and mutual respect, to set the stage for a lasting friendship. It may take more time to talk than to “idk.” but the investment will be worth the extra effort.

Learn to learn!

None of us are experts on any subject. We do not know more about any subject than many others. Often we miss an opportunity to sow into someone’s life because we believe we know so much more that their ideas have little merit. Who has lived long enough to see any situation from ever perspective? Who has thought of every possible angle to the subject? It is therefore important for everyone in any relationship to learn to listen as much as they talk – that will enhance meaningful dialogue.
    Learn to ask great questions!
One of the most important communication tools for any relationship is the ability to ask great questions. All questions are not equal, but there are no “dumb questions”, other than those not asked! Every question should be treated with the same weight of importance and value. Not some questions are rhetorical to the points that are actually statements: “What were you thinking?” These are conversation stoppers. But the best questions are meant to draw out a person who says, “Tell me more about that.”
    Apologies and forgiveness are imperative!
All of us mess up! Many long standing disputes could be easily defused by an “I was wrong! I am so sorry! Please forgive me!” An apology says, “I get it now and realize how hurtful that was for you, and I am deeply sorry. I want to open myself up to you, but I need your help. I will mess up again, but I am stepping onto the road today to improving us!”
As important as the apology is, forgiveness is even more important. “Those who refuse to forgive will not find forgiveness for themselves” is the message Jesus taught. The ability to put offenses behind us is a huge stop in the right direction to open or keep communication lines open.
    Watch the body language!
Research indicates that body language accounts for 50 to 70 percent of communication. We may not be aware of the impact of facial expressions, eye contact, and other nonverbal cues, but they powerfully shape the message we send and receive. The smile or frown, crossed or relaxed arms, etc. may reinforce what we ar saying or it may completely contradict our words.
Not only should we watch our body language, but also the body language of those with whom we are communicating. It will help insure there is a free flow of ideas.
    Study your friend!
We are static creatures. We are enormously complex and ever changing. Gender, personality, experiences, and age all play vital roles in how we process the ups and downs of life. Once we assume we know a friend, we will begin taking them for granted and begin losing them. It is vital that we understand we are all changing, because we are always growing. Ideas of yesteryear may be greatly different from our thoughts of today or tomorrow. Love and acceptance will help us grow long standing relationships.
True communications can not be gained by the use of “emojis” or symbols. I have said it often and believe it to be true. “Acquaintances text, friends talk!” Enter every relationship with the goal of learning how to be a better you by learning about them and our communication skills will grow. Remember the old telephone slogan, “Let your fingers do the walking.” Well, refuse to allow those same fingers to do your talking!

Three books by an extremely prolific and popular writer; prolific as he seems to write at least one book every year for the public; however, many are not written solely by Mr. Patterson but with another writer to help him out.
I’ve read many of his earlier writings; specifically the Cross series, and then branched out to the ones about the girls in San Francisco.  Somewhat tiring of those books, I found the following; I hope you have enjoyed reading them.
The first will be the series starting with Step on a Crack as co-written with Michael Ledwidge featuring an NYPD detective with 10 adoptive children.  The book begins with the fading and death of Michael Bennett’s wife of a sudden and invasive cancer that  leaves the detective in sole charge of the kids along with his uncle, the priest. Suddenly help arrives in the form of a distant relative from Ireland, named Mary Catherine, and she immediately takes charge of the family.
But Michael Bennett’s newly found freedom lessens as he suddenly becomes involved in the weird death of the former First Lady of the United States.  And the plot continues from there.  Good plot; it moves and moves holding the constant attention of the reader.
The second book I read is the The Games, a part of the series concerning the Private group of detectives that wander from place to place throughout the world solving problems and finding the “bad guys”. The co-writer in this series is Mark Sullivan who has co-authored many of the books in this series.  The plot is semi weak although the setting is incredible taking place in Brazil during the Olympic Games.  The description of the area is stunning although the reader does wish there was more description and less of a plot, which was somewhat weak.  But, that is just my opinion.
And the third is an incredibly scary book entitled Invisible also co-written.  David Ellis is the additional author along with James Patterson.  Starring Emily Dockery, a research analyst with the FBI, who is haunted by the cruel death by fire of her sister.  Researching her demise, Em soon discovers that over a very short amount of time and in many areas of our country, 53 single women have died in that matter.  And so, against orders from her superior, she sets out on a mission to find this killer.
My take on these books is questioning what Mr. Patterson does in relation to the writing; does he come up with an idea and let the co-writers expound on the plot or does he really write some of the wordage.  I’ve found that his normal style, when he writes,  is set with short sentences and very short chapters.  However,  this is just my personal opinion on the matter.  Hopefully, the reader will form his/hers own opinion.
DON’T FORGET: the 8th Annual Chili/Gumbo Cookoff is this weekend, Saturday, the 22nd, as hosted by our wonderful neighbor and friend, Jim Hooper who has maintained this as a benefit to the Building Fund of our Library these many years.  Hoop will once again be welcoming cooks of all talents to participate with their special recipes of chili and gumbo at his place, Hooper’s Bar & Grille located at 2441 W Maple.  I’m looking forward once again to seeing the many returning cooks and all the new ones and sampling some of their wares.  And there will be once again an incredible silent auction of many wonderful items for sale.  Plus we will be entertained with music from Jack Motley and Friends, and I understand this is an incredible musical group.  So do make your plans to visit Saturday.   And all monies derived from this event will go once again to the Building Fund for our new Library.  Hoop promised!
We, in the Library, and our wonderful helpers are anticipating the writing and assembling of our SECOND Christmas and Holiday Recipe book.  As you readers are the ones who make this possible with the sharing of a special traditional recipe and the explanation of why it is special, we look forward   to receiving those recipes.   We anticipate reading of those luscious foods that made your Christmas and New Year’s a special time of life.  And we thank you very much for help.
A very pleasant surprise was welcomed into our Library earlier when Jeremy Helms of the local Parks and Wildlife office entered with a large wooden model of a fishing boat in his hands.  The boat had traveled from Brazosport College to the Parks and Wildlife office in Dickinson and then to the office in Port O’Connor.  And now it resides proudly on the top shelf of one of our book shelves.  Painted with a red hull and topped with a large, furnished cabin, this boat is ready to go as it is perfect in every way, including the shrimp nets.  Do plan to come and see this latest addition to our Library.
Bless all who support our library in so many different ways; we welcome our visitors that enter here from time to time and also the many regular folks who are part of our every day joy.
“When an old person dies, a library burns down!”
Karen Gillespie

Model Boat on display at Port O’Connor Library.

Picture from left to right: Melissa Hoggett (Principal), Kristine Metcalfe (Seadrift Chamber of Commerce) and Kelly Wehmeyer (Assistant Principal).

The Seadrift Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the First United Methodist Church, St Patrick’s Catholic Church and Barbara Campbell in continuation of supporting the Community School Supply Drive.  We have presented our first package of supplies to Principal Melissa Hoggett and Assistant Principal Kelly Wehmeyer at the Seadrift Elementary School today.  We are still taking donations and they can be made payable to the Seadrift Chamber of Commerce.  Drop off locations are FNB-Seadrift, City Hall or contact Kristine Metcalfe at 361 237 0406 or email at seadriftchambertx@gmail.com.