So I've been thinking about blogging and whether it's something I want to do or not.
It all pivoted around one question: How much of my life is safe to share with the public?

BUT, I love writing. Those of you who know me well know that. Therefore, I have decided that I will blog, but mostly in narrative or poetry or some other art form. So, don't take all my posts literally (assuming I do more than just this one post). Those of you who know me well will probably know who/what I'm talking about and those who don't....might not. That's not to say you can't chat with me to find out more. Friendship, afterall, takes time and effort. =)

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The girl collapses onto her bed, her groan muffled by the pillow her face had fallen into. Rolling onto her side, a hand instinctively reaches out for a particular item. Her fingers search for that coarse fur, that scrawny body...that soft muzzle. Slender digits wrap around the teddy's body before drawing him closer.

He is a beautiful bear, at least in her eyes. Almost as old as the twenty-one year old herself, the polar bear's fur has the texture of an old carpet...with bald spots. His nose, having once fallen off, had been re-sewn with black thread. Even his arm, which had once almost ripped off, had to be re-sewn to his shoulder. All in all, the bear is a rag-tag piece, but that doesn't take away from what he really is in the girl's eyes: A precious jewel and a gift from God.

You're almost twenty-two now...

"It doesn't matter how old I am. I'll always be with you."

It was as if the reassurance needed to be made every year. His dark eyes glisten with partial doubt, but full love. How could something so real be not?

What happens when you're...not here anymore?

Now this is something the girl had been thinking about for a long time and now she's forced to contemplate it again while holding the teddy tight. The thought of taking the bear to the grave had always been tempting, though she knew it would mean nothing. She had come to the world with nothing and she would leave one day...taking nothing with her. The bear was and is only entrusted to her for a short time.

"Hopefully we'll find someone to take care of you...someone who will love you as I do. Maybe my son or daughter...if I have one."

I'm not the most pretty of animals. They'll want newer toys. Better toys.

"You're the best. You are a gift from God and your beauty comes from the real value you have inside. I wouldn't trade you for any other stuffed animal...no matter how new and how flashy. I would never leave you or throw you away and someone who deserves to keep you would have to understand this too."

And suddenly it hit her...the fear of losing this precious bear. What if he was lost? Or stolen? Or destroyed? Her heart skips a beat as she looks deep into the bear's eyes. There is a prolonged silence as she bites her lower lip. The bear knows what she is thinking. He always does.

I won't leave you either.