OPINION
I always want to write about subjects that are requested but I want to respond to any comments on my failure to include information about a subject, also.
Constructive criticism should be a standard for any writer.
Sometimes, I cannot include information because the column just gets too long.
Here's my response to two different people who have pointed out things that I failed to include.
Periodically, when I hear from people, I will include these corrections.
My first failure was for the column published on Nov. 21 titled 'Potatoes, people worth being thankful for.'
I failed to mention that when preparing a potato, you should never eat the sprouts that grow out of the eyes.
Those sprouts contain the most toxin in the plant.
That makes sense as they are what helps develop a new potato.
Please, root them out, down into the eye and discard them.
Do not put them into your composting.
My second failure was for the column dated Dec. 19 called 'Wearing safety clothing could make a huge difference.'
In that column, I failed to mention that if you're a walker who is walking in the street, that you should walk against the traffic and not with the traffic.
This enables you to see what's coming at you, allowing you to move out of the way and to avoid being struck.
Many of our older neighborhoods do not have sidewalks for walking.
This can be a serious safety issue.
Thank you to the two respondents who informed me of those failures to communicate.
I would like to add one of my own on the column about wearing safety clothing.
It occurred to me after my respondent spoke to me that I also did not mention that if you're wearing ear buds or headphones while walking or biking, you should not have them in or on both ears. Please remove the one that will be closest to the street so that you can hear what is going on around you. Frequently, people drive much too fast on our narrow streets. Using all of your senses when participating in exercise will help to keep you safe.
Recently, when leaving home and driving two blocks to the Square in Pilot Point, I could tell there was someone walking in the street ahead of me.
He was walking against traffic, but he was dressed all in black.
I rolled down my window, stopped and spoke to him about my concern for his safety.
He was walking to the post office, which was another four to six blocks.
I explained to him that he should have something that was reflective to drivers as I only knew he was ahead of me because I was driving slowly and was on the lookout for all the feral cats that lay down in the middle of the street.
I asked him if he knew about the person who had been killed recently and he said he did.
He promised me he would use his flashlight in the future when walking.
I thanked him. I've decided when I see this behavior, that I will always stop and, hopefully, people will be thankful that I'm concerned about their safety.
It's sad when a death makes us all aware of our behaviors, good and bad.
To all of our drivers, be on the lookout at all times when driving down our neighborhood streets.
Stay alert! Stay safe! Give a friendly wave to those who pass you or whom you pass.
Those are great New Year's resolutions for a safer and friendlier experience.
Cindy “Mama C” Faris is a Pilot Point resident, and she is offering life advice for any who want it. She can be reached at cynthiafaris47@ gmail.com.
