What's Weird?

I was describing my experience of walking among the redwood trees while visiting Santa Cruz.  While on the trail, I was so in love with their beauty and size, the smell of the air, the hair-frizzing moisture that I know is so crucial to these loving giants.  I was trying to express how I felt in my heart and I said, "Walking in the redwoods is like being with great, old Golden Retrievers."

You know those old family dogs, big, gentle, comforting?

My friend responded, "Gina, I mean this with love, because you know I love you,  but you're the weirdest friend I have."

That struck me funny, becauses in my mind, I'm way more "grounded" and "real" than most of her friends.  Then I thought, THAT is what must make me weird!

So, weird it is!  And weird I am!

Then, in the process of happily embracing my weirdness, I got fixated on weirdness.  Aren't we all weird?  Isn't that what relationships are truly about?  Allowing another person in on the secret world of your weirdness?

Compatible weirdness is how we find our best friends!
Complimenting weirdness is how we get along with another person.
Individual weirdness is what makes us entertaining.
It is our weird behaviors, quirks, and interests that separate us from the mundane.

My weird interests, beliefs, and amusements are what make me most happy about myself.  This entire topic has brought to the surface that I have a long history of basking in weird!  My favorite memories involve weird thought processes, activities, and off the path experiences.

The thought of crawling into the mundane society is terrifying.  I hope to continue to grow in my weirdness, but maintain a balance, so that the weirdness doesn't completely take over, and cross over into freakishness.

Now, being called a freak?!  That would be TOO weird.