THE ART OF HUGS

Real hugging is an art form.

I had planned to go into a whole "nother" direction today but the more I thought about yesterday, the more I felt this post was bubbling to the top.

The Master Gardeners Seminar yesterday was wonderful. Janet Carson, the main speaker, was her usual brilliant self and she completely infused the audience with an intense desire to go out and get our hands dirty. We want to plant right now but are trying to be patient. Got a lot of new ideas of what and where to plant, we just need a series of consistent days above frost.

What impressed me almost as much as Janet's lecture was the reception by my friends. I had dropped out of the Master Gardeners and the Garden Club when my back told me that it only had enough pain free days to keep my small yard neat. Both clubs are big on volunteering and projects. I have never been a side line type of person, so I chose to drop out of both clubs a year ago. I really missed the members but felt I had to reduce my work load.

I felt a little like the prodigal daughter by the reception I received at the seminar. That was when I really noticed the vast difference in the quality of "Hugs" do to the fairly large sampling I got.

We all know good huggers that just fold you in and keep you in a warm, soothing embrace, almost not wanting to let you go. They convey a caring to the recipient, that no words can. These people have as great a talent as any artist. The absolute majority of the gardening folks are really good huggers.

Then there are the perfunctory huggers. They are usually very brief, cool, and awkward. They know it is expected, really don't want to go there but with an internal sigh, they do. So stiff arms surround you, there is a pat on the shoulder and you are given all the warmth of a fist bump. All I can say to the perfunctory huggers is that I used to be one, Keep practicing, you will get it and the practicing can be fun.

I was born into a non hugging family. We were loving, just not demonstrative. When my mother died in my teens, my father remarried into a dyed in the wool hugging family. Going to the store for milk was grounds for a hug and a "Love ya." It took a while for my father and I to adjust but we did and learned to love it. Thanks to my step family. I became a connoisseur of hugs.

There's something in a simple hug That always warms the heart; It
welcomes us back home And makes it easier to part.
A hug's a way
to share the joy And sad times we go through, Or just a way for
friends to say They like you 'cause you're you.
Hugs are meant for
anyone For whom we really care, From your grandma to your neighbour,
Or a cuddly teddy bear.
A hug is an amazing thing - It's just
the perfect way To show the love we're feeling But can't find the words to
say.
It's funny how a little hug Makes everyone feel good;
In every place and language, It's always understood.
And hugs don't
need new equipment, Special batteries or parts - Just open up your arms
And open up your hearts.
Jill
Wolf

Hugs can be compassionate or passionate. Both have their place but truthfully, the compassionate ones last longer for me.

Hug someone you care about today.