Thinking Out Loud
Chapter 1

July 20, 2014
By: Diane Szczepanski

So many books, so little time.
Frank Zappa

I met some old friends recently and became acquainted with some new ones.

We hadn't visited in a while, what with life being so busy and all. Work schedules, other hobbies, summer sun and outdoor activities and a myriad of other excuses had let our friendship drift, even though our intentions were noble.

Our relationship, however, is a strong one.

One that endures long absences, neglect and the sting of occasional abandonment.

It is a forgiving bond, cultivated in early childhood and has weathered life's circumstances and personal agendas that excluded them.

It is great to have such steadfast and unwavering friends to go to, in times of need for personal growth, knowledge or just plain entertainment.

We always pick up right where we left off, without so much as skipping a beat and when we do, we always pledge to not let our friendship suffer such a expanse of time before we meet again.

Our intentions are solid, but will forgive sporadic sojourns that tend to happen as life races on.

Such is the beauty of books.