Happy human glue making day*

glue is such a fascinating substance

take a walk down the adhesives aisle at a hardware store

there are glues for joining almost anything to anything

wood glue, plastic glue, metal glue, glass glue..

but there is one glue that you just can’t buy

its never been manufactured

its human glue, the stuff that bonds people together

the stuff that keeps friendships going

the stuff that creates long lasting relationships

so if it can’t be bought then how do you find human glue

you have to make it yourself

unfortunately there is no human glue recipe book

yet there are some well researched ingredients

if you want to have more meaningful relationships

here are the ingredients you should assemble

Availability

being there for somebody

making time for them

showing up at the promised time

answering calls or texts promptly

………………

Vulnerability

taking that big step beyond small talk

sharing your feelings fears and phobias

opening up about traumas in your life

trusting somebody enough to open up your soul to them

………………………

Communication

learn the art of listening

repeat back what you think they said

take note of non-verbal signs like expressions and body language

……………………..

Physicality

touch

intimacy

either platonic or non platonic

everybody needs a hug

……………………..

Empathy

learn how to feel another persons emotions

understand what they are going through

let them know you understand their feelings

…………………………….

Love

learn how to value another person’s well being or happiness above your own

share your feelings and emotions of attachment, affection and need

…………………………

Once you assemble all the ingredients, go out into the world and find somebody to practice with

be aware that human glue can be messy

sometimes it comes unstuck

some folks are wary of it

but nobody is allergic to human glue

keep trying and eventually it will work

happy human glue making day

My DNA time capsule

Owning an old house brings many challenges

Trying to figure out how it was originally built

Looking for clues into modifications done by previous owners

Tracing the lines of hidden plumbing and wiring

Each home improvement project takes on the mystery of an archeological dig

Giving insight into the lives of those who touched these spaces before

Wondering why they laid out the basement plumbing so bizarrely

With some sections of drainpipes sloping upwards

You question if previous owners knew what they were doing

Left to their own devices in times when there was no Youtube guidance

They just fumbled in the dark with no respect to codes and ordinances

Sometimes you just have to start over again and redo entire systems

The demolition hammer makes quick work

Tearing down structures that have been around for decades

Canceling out the sweat and toil of years gone by

Did the original owner ever imagine his work being dismantled one day

A few years ago I was framing in an old basement

Part of a remodeling project to upgrade a bathroom

I carelessly cut my thumb while working

A minor cut but enough to bleed all over the framing

I looked at the red-stained wood

Soon to be covered by new drywall sheets

My spilled DNA would be hidden for decades

It could be part of a time capsule

I left a note inside the drywall

Beneath here lies the blood of Ian Hunter spilled on this day of 2020

This framing was done to upgrade the toilet waste pipes

Here is a diagram to help you figure out how it all works

When you demolish, please do so with the utmost care and respect