Category Archives: Communicating

Secrets and Truth

Posted on April 22, 2014 by russtowne

A kind reader recently said–likely with tongue firmly in cheek–that my secrets are safe with her. Joke or not, I appreciated her comment and am grateful for such friends. In actuality, I don’t fear my “secrets” being exposed because I … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Communicating, Gossipping, My Beliefs, Observations, Relationship Lessons Learned, Truth | Tagged friends, gossip, loved ones, secrets, truth | 15 Comments

When Words Fail Hugs Often Help

Posted on January 30, 2014 by russtowne

It can be frustrating to want to help someone and not know what to do or say. Sometimes when words fail, My Beloved and I just hug each other tightly for as long as it takes, letting the hug do … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Challenges, Communicating, Compassion, Connection/Connecting, Healing, Love, Marriage, Observations, Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged healing, hug, hugs, Love, overhealm, pain, patience, Relationship | 18 Comments

Humor, Trust, and Relationships

Posted on January 27, 2014 by russtowne

I tend to avoid sarcasm, tricks, practical jokes, or humor at the expense of another. I’ve seen the damage they can inflict on relationships, eroding trust, damaging self-esteem, and sometimes even destroying a relationship. Because I’m so trusting of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Communicating, Humor, LIfe Lessons, Relationship Lessons Learned, Uncategorized | Tagged battle, colonel, humor, Marines, misunderstanding, misunderstood, practical jokes, Relationships, sarcasm, tricks, Trust, U.S. Marine Corps, USMC | 17 Comments

Caring Communications

Posted on March 25, 2013 by russtowne

I saw this on Misifusa’s Blog http://misifusa.wordpress.com/2013/03/25/how-to-speak/ and love it. Caring and showing that I care when communicating are important to me, whether I am speaking, writing, or listening. Thank you for the great reminder, Misifusa!

Posted in Communicating, Quotes I Love | Tagged care, Caring, communicate, communicating, listen, Love, Misfusa's Blog, Misifusa, speak | 4 Comments

Healing Words

Posted on February 13, 2013 by russtowne

“Words. They can arouse. They can make you laugh, and make you cry. But if you find the one who can heal you with their words, never let them go.” –Unknown (Source: Forever Awezome) I love this quote. To me, … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundance, Communicating, Healing, Making the World a Better Place, Quotes I Love | Tagged arouse, cry, friends, heal, healed, healing, laugh, Love, true, words | 7 Comments

Gossip Machines

Posted on February 10, 2013 by russtowne

I try not to feed Gossip Machines As they are often Untrue and mean I can’t say I never fed them Because that would be untrue In my weaker moments I gossiped Though I now work hard not to Gossip … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Communicating, Kindness, LIfe Lessons, My Beliefs, Poetry I Wrote, Truth | Tagged cruel, gossip, helpful, kind, machine, mean, poem, poetry, true | 11 Comments

This Buddy Really Came Through

Posted on February 9, 2013 by russtowne

My Old Friend-Final Mix There are so many sad stories about homeless people in my country, that when I find an especially happy one I like to share it. This is the story of a homeless man in a remote … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenges, Communicating, Connection/Connecting, Dogs & Other Wonderful Creatures, Songs For Sale That I Wrote or Co-Wrote, Songs I've Written or Co-Written | Tagged buddy, collar, homeless man, medical emergency, note, remote, rescued, saved, treated, Washington state | 16 Comments

Getting To Know Each Other Better

Posted on January 27, 2013 by russtowne

Our DIL Kristi (the one carrying our twin grandchildren) mentioned during their holiday visit to us that she and our son Brian bought a book with questions for couples and they use it to get to know each other better. … Continue reading →

Posted in Communicating, Love, Marriage, Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged couple, couples, date night, dinner, growth, learned, Love, marriage, questions, Relationship | 12 Comments

Every Gift Has People Who Would Appreciate It

Posted on September 2, 2012 by russtowne

One rarely accomplishes anything worthwhile by hiding in a crowd. If we aren’t sticking out then we are hiding the gifts that we could be giving to the world. We all have something to share and sometime ago I decided … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Communicating, Following Your Passion, LIfe Lessons, Making the World a Better Place | Tagged gifts, giving, proud, sharing, talents, uniqueness | 20 Comments

Obsessive Compulsive Last Word Disorder. (OCLWD)

Posted on August 29, 2012 by russtowne

I just read a fun post at Talk To Diana that has a serious element to it. Here are snippets: “The last word on the last word… Obsessive Compulsive Last Word Disorder. (OCLWD) Maybe I should re-name my blog The … Continue reading →