Couldn't You Use A Hug ?

"I think of you constantly."
-Montgomery Clift
in the 1949 film,
The Heiress

Photo: Strangers-This photo was taken in Paris, France in July 2008. The three flirtatious fellows asked me to photograph them with the two blond tourists. I obliged. When the three mischievous fellows asked to use my camera to take my photo I did not oblige. I could easily envision them running off with my camera. All I have left is the memory of their faces and the random 'hugging'.

I rediscovered these words on a sheet of paper in an old photo album yesterday:

We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.

Hugs make us feel happy. They are so good for us that some psychologists say when we don't get enough hugs, we feel stressed and alone. But if you aren't receiving and giving 12 hugs a day, you don't have to go without. Just Ask! Now I bet you're saying, "Ya, right". But you would be surprised how easy it is because everyone loves to get a hug.

Why does hugging make us feel so good? It helps the body's immune system. It cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.

Huggins is all natural. It is organic, naturally sweet, it has no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and is 100 percent wholesome.

Hugging is practically perfect. There are no movable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic check-ups, no monthly payments, it's inflation proof, non-fattening, theft proof, non-taxable, non-polluting and, of course, fully returnable.

So, consider this letter worth one hug in the mail. Now, I want you to make sure you get enough hugs each day for growth! I'm going to check on you.

Share A Hug Today.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Monday, February 13, 1984

My day started out "crappy" because I was caught in the middle of a traffic jam on Highway 17 (because of some accident). The tardy didn't count against me because so many of my co-workers were late as well.

I read my Bicycling Magazine during my break. I spoke to Steve Gaster a bit. At lunchtime I skidaddled over to the Art Supply store for some order filler. Robert, the clerk, was overly accommodating. It was a kind gesture though.

I received a Valentine from Barbara Reynolds. Helen reminded me to bring goodies to work tomorrow. I think I'll bring fortune cookies for Valentine's Day.

Jerry Chalmers telephoned, asking me to give him a call tomorrow.
"Let's do something over the weekend," Jerry suggested.
I don't know about that idea. I only know I wanted to go on a bicycling galore excursion over this three-day weekend. I am loving my Bicycling Magazine. It inspires.