We all know that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, but I’m here to tell you that what’s taken from a few typed words on a computer or a casual comment thrice removed can be slowly cooked into poison, under pressure, when left in the wrong (too much time on their) hands.  That, my friends — is just a recipe for disaster and makes for a malevolent and toxic relationship.

While we’re discussing wickedness, I want to weigh in and say that I’m in total agreement about the whole “Idle hands are the Devil’s Workshop” business.  But, I also believe that those idle hands make for an equally, if not more, evil playground, when combined with too much time and very few facts when relating and forming opinions about people, places and things.

Snippets and snapshots of a life are all fine and dandy and the internet makes it super easy to connect that way — but it isn’t the same as having a real relationship, Pinocchio

Social media is nice and Facebook is actually fun, because it kind of serves as a cyber café, where you get to say, “Hi!” as you quickly pass someone in a constantly moving line of other patrons waiting for their coffee or tea and all chatting at the same time.  Instagram, Twitter and the like, with their ricocheted information flying in at bursts of 140 characters or a simple animated image or photo of a moment frozen in time during an impetuous status posting are a bit like… a commercial for a fast food joint.  Sure, you can get an indication of what a place might be like based on their ad, but until you sit down, take the time and pay the dime – it is nothing more than an idea.  [Try basing a Zagat* rating or placing a Michelin Star** on just the “theory” of a dining establishment.]

When forming close bonds, communication is key and a truly decent exchange of information takes an investment of time and effort.  Otherwise, you’re left with filling in the gaps of what you’re seeing or hearing, or what you think you’re not seeing or hearing.  Heaven help me if I didn’t recently get a message of “Your pictures LOOK like you’re happy – but I’m thinking you’re not telling the whole story.”  O_o

No.  No I am not, and never will be, even close to telling the “whole story” on social media.  And yes, for the public record – I am ridiculously and borderline deliriously happy, despite the wild & wooly ride that 2013 has been.  I’m certainly not going to post all of the dusty and soiled bits of my life on the internet clothesline.  Why?  Because, I’m a big girl and pretty proficient at dealing with my dirty laundry because I know it will continue to roll in and back out again and when all is said and done?  It all comes out in the wash.  I make a choice deal with it and find a way to be happy and grateful for all of it.  The good, the bad and (unfortunately) the ugly.  Some blessings are ickier and stickier than others.

And that above-mentioned cauldron?  Well, I’ll be darned if it doesn’t double as a wash tub, in a pinch.

</:^)

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

“Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true.” ~ Charles Dickens

“Beware the mind that bubbles like a cauldron – making what it wants out of your ingredients.” – T. Katz

*Zagat finds the very best restaurants in the world, with curated ratings, reviews and lists based on feedback from everyday consumers based on a signature 30-point scale.

**Michelin publishes is a series of annual guide books for more than a dozen countries. The term normally refers to the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant reference guide, which awards Michelin stars (three stars, two stars, or one star—or no stars) for excellence to a select few establishments. The acquisition or loss of a star can have dramatic effects on the success of a restaurant.