We need to be talking more

  We don’t talk enough!
  That might be a strange comment to make in these days and times of social media and folks buried in their cell phones sharing every tidbit of their life with the world.
  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my cell phone and spend a good deal of time on Facebook as well as texting, just ask Debbie.
  Back in the day, folks had neighborhood clubs, social events and could often be found on the front porch visiting with a neighbor who stopped by to chat. I am sure there was also a fresh pitcher of iced tea and some tasty cookies on the porch.
   We need more of that in today’s society.
   Anyone who knows me, knows I enjoy visiting. My dad used to visit and had no problem striking up a conversation with a complete stranger. He loved taking a Sunday afternoon trip to the Verdigris River bottoms east of Tulsa to visit with the old-timers he grew up around. He loved family and school reunions he had connections with and he and Mom attended several each year.
   It could be a 100 outside and it didn’t bother my dad a bit. Give him a cup a coffee and let’s sit a spell and catch up. When I tagged along, I always seemed to find a comfy couch or chair to take a nap.
    I remember a fishing trip Dad and I took some years ago at a northeastern Oklahoma lake. Dad struck up a conversation with another fisherman and soon discovered they grew up near each other. 
    It used to bother me that my dad talked to every stranger he met. Now, I do the same thing. I love visiting and I think we need to do more of it. My dad was a smart man.
   I was at the Iowa State Fairgrounds the weekend before last to watch our nephews show goats. I met one fellow who serves on the Polk County Fair Board and we visited about animal care. I found out he was connected to someone from Montezuma. We talked about that, too.
    I spoke with a photographer from west Texas who travels the world taking and selling photos at livestock shows. I visited with the mother of two youngsters showing goats from Corning. I told her about Debbie’s books, even showing her the Amazon link. Her family has about 40 goats and they are all involved in the craft. It wasn’t long and her son started talking with me about his goats. He had a beautiful black and white doe and said the buck was from Oklahoma.
    After stopping at one of the fair eateries, I was making my way across the fairgrounds to the livestock barn. I saw four young boys perched on a bench outside the sheep barn. I stopped and asked, “You boys don’t have one of those spiders, do you?,” referring to the kids who drop those plastic spiders from the rafters in the animal barns during the fair.
     “No,” one of the boys said.
     “I was just checking,” I replied.
     “We will look out for you next year,” one of the lads said as I took one last look into the tree above me before moving on.
     I bet those boys won’t forget about me. I’m sure they will be at next year’s fair in one of the livestock barns trying to scare people with a plastic spider.
   Later in the day, I was over where the competitors stood before walking into the showring.
     I said hello to one young competitor, who was nervously awaiting her turn.
     “Do you enjoy showing goats?” I asked. 
     “Yes,” she said. “This is my first year.”
     “What do you like about showing goats?” I asked.
     “It’s easier than showing cattle,” she answered as I smiled.
    There is so much life and so many stories to be shared in the livestock barn and many other places along life’s way.
    With COVID-19 and social distancing, I think it is causing people to be more segregated. A lot people say we are getting through this together, just as long as we are 6-foot apart.
    I’m all about being safe and not taking unnecessary risks, but I’m also about living and enjoying life and following after your dreams.
    Turn off your cell phone and say hello to someone. You can do that and be 6 foot apart.    
    Tell someone to have a great day or do a good deed for someone. Don’t let COVID-19 keep you from living. Be a difference maker in the lives of those around you.
     Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day and always.