As we paused overlooking the water,
I felt a slight wistfulness come over me.

If you are someone who has gotten teary eyed over Folger's commercials
and find yourself suddenly understanding those "older" emotional adults from your childhood.. perhaps you understand how I felt.

It was a moment to freeze in time,
to treasure close to the heart on hard days.

Beside me stood a very nice man
who drove an hour
to meet me
so that together
we could go somewhere
he knew we'd both enjoy.

We share a love of the outdoors
and a sense of adventure.

I treasure our developing friendship.

In the busy world with it's ups and downs,
it is nice to be able to stand in the forest with a friend.

To feel the outside world slip away...
and...
even if only for a little while
to relax in the awe inspiring atmosphere
offered in one of the most beautiful parks
I have ever been blessed to explore.

Now and always,
I wish for you...

Beauty
Peace
Friendship

Good morning

I was chatting with a friend last night. Talking about what we like to cook, our love for our chosen professions and general happy topics. The conversation left me with a smile on my face and a little hum on my lips.
Isn't it so very nice to have friends? Sometimes our conversations are deep and not entirely upbeat. Honestly the topic of discussion is irrelevant, the most important part is the feeling that comes with knowing someone cares.

Perhaps you have a friend you haven't spoken with in a while, maybe today is the time to drop them a line or just pick up the phone and say hello. I know that you will most likely be blessed and I am almost positive your dear one will be too.

Today and always,
may you have good companions for your journey.
May you be blessed.

a surprise from a friend

When I arrived home today
and approached my door,
I saw a package.

I was puzzled,
I rarely order anything and it is not near anyone's birthday.

When I picked up the box,
I smiled.
It bore Canadian postage
and the address of a very dear friend.

A long time ago,
I was musing about the adorable bear
on a Canadian peanut butter label
when my dear friend told me
that peanut butter
actually used to come in BEAR SHAPED JARS!

I was intrigued.
Today,
when my very own bitty glass critter arrived,
my eyes teared up and I smiled.

I know I will treasure the sweet bear.

The thoughtfulness typifies my friend.
Kind and good,
he is a very nice man.

Isn't it wonderful
when we meet people in life
who just the remembrance of them,
will cause a happy smile play about our lips?

I pray that you and I will be that kind of friend...
that we will always know a few of these kind individuals as well.
Tonight and always,
may you be blessed.

Musings from a happy mind...

After about an hour on my swing,
staring at the sky
I am about as calm and mellow as I get.
The two cups of coffee and the conversation with a good friend didn't hurt either.
It is so very nice to know good people.
People who enjoy sharing the stories of their day and hearing our own.
I pray that you are blessed to know some individuals like the ones I know.
The aunt I'll go to the Ohio State Fair with,
the parents who enjoy the silly tales I tell,
the friends who laugh at all the right times
when they listen appreciatively to my stories.
Relationships can truly be a blessing.
Tonight and always,
I pray that you know that you are loved,
that you are a blessing...
that you are blessed.
Goodnight to you all.

Calm in the midst of storms

I think most people
can think of at least one time in their life
when,
in response to something frightening or hurtful,
they have responded
to a situation
in a less than helpful manner.

Emotions,
while useful
and a blessing,
can,
at times be a liability.


Recently I had a friend remind me,
that Jesus is with us
through the calm
and the storm.

I thought this was a beautiful sentiment
and one I will try to remember the next time someone says something hurtful.

Today,
I am thankful for good friends,
sunny days
and
peace in my heart.

May you,
Today and always,
have friends with wisdom,
faith in your heart
and peace for your journey.

May you be blessed.

Down the road...

Just like everyone in life,

I sometimes have situations that I am unsure of what to do.

Occasionally,

I have several such issues all at once.

I am almost positive that you know how it feels when you are up to your neck in questions and running a little short on answers.

I have noticed that in the end,

everything is solved,

one way or another.

I sometimes wish I could know how it works out...

Today!

Sigh...

In the end though,

the journey,

the search for answers...

Those who help us along the way,

these times,

our friends,

our families,

shape who we are...

who we become.

So,

I'll keep thinking,

keep working...

keep walking...

But,

if you see me coming your way...

Hide your cookies!

I might just eat them all.

May we, this evening, find the strength we need for our journeys.

May we be blessed.

Now, Always and Forever

Graham crackers and frosting

After Mass today, a dear friend came home with us.

Her name is Cathy and she is absolutely one of the kindest women you could ever meet.

This morning she taught Sunday School (known affectionately as PSR in Catholic circles) and this afternoon she was volunteering at our parish's "People of God" program for adults with special needs.

Cathy is one of those people who would help you, even if she shouldn't.

Because she is soft spoken, I have seen bossier "Christians" mistakenly believe that she needs them to tell her what to do.

Without a doubt, Cathy is the one to call if there is something to be done.

But, if that is the only time that someone calls, they are missing out on a true friend.

A giver of cards on birthdays,

a baker of the most delicious bread,

an understanding ear to talk to

and a very willing participant in happy adventures,

Cathy is a treasure.

I am glad to call her my friend.

I am sure you know someone like my Cathy.

They bless the world by their very being.

Like the chocolate frosting on graham crackers, they make life special.

I pray that we will always know at least one "Cathy"...

that we remember to call her...

with fun,

not just work.

Everyone needs to relax...

to have that chocolate...

the cup of coffee in the kitchen...

May you be blessed with beautiful friends to accompany you on your adventure!

Now!

Always!

Forever!

Visiting the Moon

Yay for my best co-worker and I!

We had so much fun tonight.

Tonight was our school's Science Fair Open House.

Together with the Preschool and Pre-K teachers at our daycare, we put on four rooms of experiments and general happy silliness.

Our theme was outer space.

My friend Laura and I chose the gym as our "classroom" and carried in tables.

We had an experiment with balloons (rockets),

coloring sheets of outer space,,

"moon" play dough (Can you say "moon critters"?)

a "moon" photo op created by the Kindergarten students

and

even six kinds of cheese to taste. (Did you know the moon isn't really made of cheese? shocking!)

Not only a chance to learn,

tonight was also a chance for prospective students to get a look and my friend and I.

Sigh....

It was a lot of work.

I am tired.

But,

it was completely worth it.

There is nothing quite like the joy of little ones playing with simple things.

Like crayons...

play dough...

balloons.

I pray that you may be as fortunate as my friend and I...

...That you may experience the joy of a job well done.

I hope you rest easy tonight and awake tomorrow ready for the adventures before you.

May you be blessed.

Today,

Tomorrow,

Always.

Tomorrow is moving day!

Tomorrow is the big day.

I'm sitting here for a moment or two pausing and trying remain calm. I have so much to do that I'm a little stressed... All right, a lot stressed but let's not tell anyone... it can be our little secret!

My favorite packing tools at the moment are white garbage bags. There is nothing like the last "rush" to make you rethink what you really want to keep.

Do I really need those old candy molds? What about that cute dust catcher that sits on the top of the t.v.? Nah... At almost nine at night I'm becoming almost Spartan in my outlook. It's a good thing all the important stuff is already packed because I just might rethink it as well.

I am so grateful for all my family and friends who are coming to help me tomorrow.

Good, loving people who have so many other things they could be doing with their weekend.

They are generous and kind; I am overwhelmed by their friendship. I pray that I will be the friend they need as well.

I hope for you tonight, that you are blessed with loving friends who reach out and help you even when it is not convenient, even when the task at hand is not easy.

I pray that your life may become a beautiful adventure.
That you are never without a map to guide you.
That you always have company for the road.

May you be blessed,
Today...
Tomorrow...
Forever...