The Ultimate Gift Exchange
December 2024 AR Challenge Entry. . .
While I may not always participate, each AR challenge presents the opportunity to ponder. And thanks to Carol Williams* and co-host Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 this month, I share this pondertunity. Coincidentally the term which combines ponder with opportunity was originally coined by Carol. *Sorry, Carol no royalties to share, as none have been received.
These days this former real estate practitioner reads more than I comment. And comments more than I post. Although the blog roll can be a mixed assortment, I believe it’s a gift as well as an opportunity to give. It can be a ponderworthy experience.
Initial involvement with this platform saw rare comments on posts I wrote. Commenting on other posts was also unfamiliar to me. ActiveRain participation was and remains a lesson in learning in countless ways.
So, yes, I think giving the gift of a thoughtful comment works in the present and as an offer in kind. Admittedly, I don't always succeed in that goal, but I attempt to share something worthy of reading. Over the years, I may have provided a White Elephant experience but there is often a reason behind every exchange.
While I understand how reciprocity plays into commenting for some, I see it differently. It may be additional evidence that each of us is unique in that way. Or it may be something else. Overall, I feel fortunate for the reception I have received throughout my membership.
Even the recent AR message calling me a phony baloney was a gift as it prompted thoughts. I transferred that criticism and put it into its proper place. Ironically, the utterance transported me to Bologna Italy where I had visited many years ago. That remark also brings this familiar-to-me-advertising tune to mind:
My bologna has a first name,
it's O-S-C-A-R.
My bologna has a second name,
it's M-A-Y-E-R.
Oh, I love to eat it everyday,
And if you ask me why I'll say,
'Cause Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A
Sure, this combination-of-challenge-options entry may be unconventional, but be advised no pigs of any kind have been slaughtered in the blending of its ingredients. As for the images, the feature graphic is from this site and the others in this post are from canstockphoto.com. And, yes, while it may be less, I will still comment when and where I wish unless I hear otherwise from you. Thank you for the gift of giving.
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