A Place of Memories

I spent the evening reading old post, looking up old friends here. Most of the ones I used to read and converse with seem to be as myself, only visiting once in a while. I have witnessed a whole generation grow up here and move on. I remember 15 years ago lots of USMers were teenagers with lots of teenage problems many seeking advice or just someone to listen them. I remember with excitement coming home from work to see who had posted what. What was the next paranormal story I would write, or what experience should I share. Yes, and whole generation has grown up here, I hope their experiences here was positive. For me USM is also a place of memories and for the most part positive. I have laughed here and cried here, gotten really angry for stupid reasons. As with everything else, nothing remains the same. Time marches forward waiting for no one.

I remember some really nice people who have passed away here. My life is for the better having met them and them befriending me. If I have learned one thing at USM, Every word one speaks or writes will impact and effect another persons life. I believe this is the very reason we should measure every word we communicate towards another human being. Believe or not words have power. Power to hurt, power to start fires, power to stir hatred and even start wars. So, if you would only take my advice this one time... Please measure every word you communicate, because would it not be a shame to know your words caused someone harm? I believe so, for me at least. Words of hurt and hate scare a person heart for life.

Not only is USM a Place of Memories, it is a place mystery and the unknown. This is why I was first drawn to this place. USM stirred my imagination. It was a place where fantasy met reality and one's wildest dreams and hopes could find the edge of reality. A place where seemingly ordinary people's creative talents could take root and grow. And that is because, here you could find people who were actually interested in what you had to say. Yes, I look back and see lots of people's goodness being shared here. I like to believe many of those teenagers of 15 years ago went away knowing people cared about them, when it seemed no one else wanted to listen in their "real time" lives.

As I spent the evening here, I found so many interesting stories, more mysteries than I ever imagined. I don't know how many stories are here, but I don't think you could read them all in a couple of years. What else is great about USM is you can put your 2 cents worth in... good or bad.

As Technology is ever advancing, it seems people's attention spans are becoming shorter and shorter. If a post is longer than a twitter or facebook post then forget it. I really believe that use of Smartphones, social media and online gaming is stealing young people's imagination. I have seen this over and over again. Hold a book in your hand around a small child... then a smartphone. Which do you think it will be drawn to.. It's absolutely nuts, how people have become addicted to these devices. Games and even Cartoons are being designed today to dumb down children. Most children today cannot even make up games, because their imaginations have been stolen.

So, I guess I ranted enough, I didn't mean to take this post in that direction.

I still love USM.. it's apart of my life, I learned many things here and lessons I'll not forget anytime soon. USM is like a Grand Social Experiment of sorts. Could so many people from so many diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds get along together... YES because we are all brothers and sisters whether you like it or not. I think George and Ginger would agree with me on that point.

I met my first Muslim here on USM and I failed miserably understanding this young women. I am ashamed of being so ignorant and stereotypical of a hurting person in need. A young women who was trapped in tradition with no way out... no where to go.. She was reaching out for maybe if nothing more than a shoulder to lean on. Of course , I said something stupid. Watch what you say, measure your words. Now I have lots of Muslim friends, I understand their traditions and their culture. And with that said;

I bid all of you a good night from the Heart of Europe.

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