Beautiful People

It's such a gorgeous Maritime morning here in our little corner of the world, and there's so much to do still before we embark on our trip next week, I almost feel guilty being in this chair and doing what I love to do.

The air is rather crisp outside (I know because I've been out having a game of chase with Miss Pook), only hitting the plus 4 mark (40 Farhenheit) but the sun's rays will edge that temp upwards of plus 15 this afternoon.

As were ejoying a breakfast of yogurt, fresh fruit and coffee, I caught snippets of a news item on the radio (Hubby likes to have the backgound *noise*) I immediately knew what I would write about today. People Magazine's top 100 list of beautiful people is out and bingo, there was my topic: my *own* list of poeple "extraordinaire".

Several names and faces popped in front of me and the *file* grew by leaps and bounds. I will begin however with my top 10, and go from there.

As you might guess, my two sons, Arend's son and daughter, and their children and spouses have to be in that top 10 category. That number adds up to 12 actually. These are not only the most beautiful, they are the most cherished--of course, right?

I have the best friends a girl could ever ask for and they are beautiful inside and out. Our parents, our extended family members, our church family, our pastor and his wife, our "musical" family, and I'm going to run out of steam before my list is complete.

In fact, I don't think it will ever be--complete that is. We meet beautiful people every day when we shop, walk down the street, greet our neighbours, smile at a stranger and see the volunteers working tirelessly to make the world a better place. How can a person narrow those numbers down to a list of 100? Impossible!

I think I'll go and hug the other beautiful person who lives in this house right now--just walk up to him and wrap my arms around him, because I can and he "is".
Till next time,
Barb

Writer? Maybe...

I noticed a blooper I made in the previous post and it's been bugging me so I'm going to post a *sub* post today. There was a paragraph missing and to me it's important that I get this in so you can read it.

Maybe the title of this post will also make more sense too--or not. The paragraph I'm speaking of is a sample *first* of my very first novel, so here goes:

The snow swirled in gigantic, dark, sinister-looking clouds, making the rocky shoreline appear treacherous in the fading light. Closing the screen of her laptop, Jan Rosewood stood and stretched her aching limbs, cramped from too many hours of re-writes. The "nor-easter" called to her free inner spirit to just forget deadlines and editors, run out into the storm and let the wind's sting drain her of her fatigue. But her logical side knew that was not an option.

That, my friends is an attempt to begin the story I long to tell to the world--what do you think, without having been given any clues as to what the plot is about? Is there a possibilty that I *might* be a new voice in Maritime fiction? And perhaps it's totally unfair of you, or me to ask such a question with so little to go on. After all, it is only one paragraph. But wouldn't it be cool if this was THE one to alter my life's course--something to think about.

I do now have to get back to packing lists, laundry and organizing my wardrobe for our western adventure.
I hope to meet you back here tomorrow,
Barb

As you can see from the pics I've included in today's post, our yard should be, and is an excellent source of inspiration for any writer, singer or dreamer. These pics were pulled from my Hubby's archives of last year's "show" of colour on our acre and 1/3. Arend is the *in-resident* photog in the family and I'm so blessed to have his expertise for my own personal use--I love you Arend (smile).

But the delights of our yard and gardens are not exactly the focus of this post, on another bright (but chilly) Maritime morning.

Hubby keeps telling people that I'm writing a novel and that's halfway true, meaning the ideas and scenes are sitting in my head still, rather than appearing on my computer screen. You could say that I've got a case of "I'm not sure I can", resulting in a *stall* of actually jumping beyond my comfort zone and attacking this thing with vengeance!

I've been invited a couple of times to join a local writer's critique group, by one of the members (Linda Hall, who's been to our home and I've read all of her mystery novels) and at first I was thrilled to be part of such a creative bunch. As I read their e-mails and tried to take part in the business end of the publishing world, I soon became overwhelmed with all of the *author speak*. I had to ask myself, "Am I ready for this?"

On that note, I will confess that I wanted to retreat back to my comfort zone and leave the real writing to those who could, instead of wondering, "Am I one who can?"

I guess that sounds like a cop-out and maybe it is. I still want to write the story that's waiting in my head. I still want to go to the south shore of Nova Scotia and do my "setting" research. I still want to, and that has to count for something, right?

I think I will let you be the *critique* person today and allow you to read a sample first paragraph:

You can leave comments at the end of each post--just click on the *comment* in the lower right-hand corner. I would love to hear your thoughts today. Till the next *paragraph*, blessings to you and "yours",
Barb

Reflections

First off, I have to tell you that we ate our lunch "poolside" yesterday, basking in the 75 degree temps, the balmy breezes that tickled our bare arms, while snow melted in our black-tarp covered inground swimming hole--quite the picture, eh?

After all, the first day of summer-like weather, we had to get out and enjoy. And it was gorgeous! I checked every single flower bed, looking for new growth and buds, and we walked last evening in our shorts and bare arms. People were out in droves, walking, biking, smiling--it was a little bit of Heaven.

However, before I opened my eyes this morning, I was thinking about several "seasons" ago, when during springtime, we were trying to prepare to let a loved one go, after his or her battle with disease or the tiredness of a long life.

I'm thinking this morning about my Grandma, who left us last May, just one week shy of her 91st birthday. I'm thinking about my Aunt Sharon, who died May 1st, after a courageous fight with cancer. I'm thinking about my Grandpa, who passed away a few springs ago, after Alzheimer's took him from us first.

Amidst the new life that's appearing every day, the lives that we remember with fondness and sadness, are never far away. I see my Gram every time I water my geraniums. She could grow those things in her sleep. She used to give me plants and I would warn her, "Gram, that Resurrection Plant probably won't last a week with me".

I see my aunt every time I drive by her house, on my way out to see my parents. I hear her infectious laugh and see her loving smile. I also see and hear my maternal Grandma who lived close by my aunt, alone in her last days after Grammpy died.

So with the arrival of "new things", comes also the spark of memories of past days and the loved ones we cherished and still do.

I think I will take a few moments today to pause and be still, and hug those memories close to my heart. I want those dear "folks" of mine to know I will never forget them and the huge influence they all had on my life.

The lily pictures (from our last year's gardens) are placed here today in memory of those I've mentioned in this special post.

God Bless you and "Yours" today, Barb

Ode to Spring

Oh Spring
We've been waiting for you
For the robin's song to welcome the dawn
For the sweet smell of uncovered earth
The warm sun on our limbs
Leaving colour and freckles
Creatures great and small
Are lifting their faces skyward
Oh Spring, we've been waiting for you

I absolutely love it when we can go out at 8 in the morning in our pajama pants and smell the newness of the day. The robins serenaded us as Arend snapped a few photos of my favourite spring "peekings" through the ground. Of course I'm talking about my lillies and anything else that's cautiously testing the spring air.

Over the last couple of days we've experienced sounds and sights that herald the true arrival of nature's awakening, and one of my personal favourites has to be Miss Robin's melody as she leads the bird chorus in our trees. Even before our eyelids twitch in the early hours, robins are busy getting "in tune" with all the other feathered friends, saying, "Get up sleepy-heads, morning is here".

There are other sounds of spring that aren't maybe quite so pleasant, but welcome nonetheless. Yesterday a convoy of "hogs" drove by, on their way out to the lake region no doubt, coaxing the cobwebs from their engines. I imagine the drivers of those powerful machines are belting out their own anthem as they feel the strength of the wind and sun.

We went for a walk last night, wearing only a light wind-breaker for covering, swinging our arms and talking the whole way, stepping a little higher than usual. Isn't Spring stupendous! It's the time of renewal and new dreams and goals. It's the time for planning and planting, rediscovering and getting reaquainted with life and nature.

If you have even a few moments today to spare, take a little walk in the spring air. Let the sun or raindrops or wind kiss your face. And, have a very blessed day. Till the next time,
Barb

Good News

No, I haven't been buried under all of the new snow that we've been blessed with this lovely month of April (just in case you were wondering why I haven't posted for a week). In fact, the last couple of days the thermometer has hit the plus 19 mark (that's 66 Fahrenheit--yeah!) and the sun has made mush of most of that white stuff, thank goodness. My day lily patch in front of our kitchen windows is showing its first signs of new life and the tulips are lovin' that kiss of warmth that eluded us for so long.

Okay, that's not really the good news I'm so excited about this fine Sunday morning. This past Tuesday morning we got a phone call at 10:15 from my youngest son: "Mom, you're a Grandma". Silence (for just a couple of seconds).

"When, how much does he weigh, How are Mom and Baby doing?" And many more questions (in between squeals of joy) before my son got a word in. "Mom, he's only 5 minutes old and the nurses are cleaning him". I tried to picture Ryan cradling this new little babe in his arms and wanted to be able to feel what he would be feeling.

"Mom, you have to get up here", (that's up to Woodstock, about a 45 minute drive from here). "Yes, we're leaving soon, I have to get dressed and feed the cat and...". At this point Arend was also asking questions and my mind was racing ahead, at the speed of light.

Let's fast forward now to 1:30 that same day. We finally arrived at the hospital, gifts in hand, and I'm shaking like a leaf. I've been waiting for so long for this day--thank-you God for this tiny and precious miracle!

As we walked through that door and to the side of the bed where I could get the best look at my new grandson, my heart started to fill with a brand new kind of love. I couldn't get enough of the sight of this new life laying in his Momma's arms, tucked in a blue receiving blanket, with his Daddy gazing down at him with that "I love you" look that I remembered so well after 27 years.

When Ryan asked if I wanted to hold the baby, well, you could have heard my heart sing if you'd been there. I reached out for him, smiling through my tears, as I felt that first touch of his sweet skin on my fingertips. Mere words cannot (of course) do justice to those delicious curls of emotion that wrapped tightly around my entire body. I wanted to laugh, I wanted to cry, I wanted to shout and I did all three!

Arend had his camera in hand to capture hundreds (okay, not that many!) of shots as the baby went from arm to arm and then back to his Momma. It was a day filled with good news and joy enough to last forever. And as expected, you will find 3 of those precious moments displayed amongst my words here today.

I'm wishing you a day filled with hope for this new season that's now officially upon us. Blessings to you and "yours".
Barb

Spring Storms--Baa-Hum-Bug!!

Would you believe my husband is outside right at this very moment (it's 7:21 AM) taking pictures in yet another spring "white" event?

He tromped though 6 or so inches of new snow to put feed in the feeders for the bewildered finches and one lone red-wing blackbird, while "Miss Pook" watched from her perch inside by the heaters--smart cat.

And, as he often does, when the yard is as beautiful (yes, I said "beautiful) as it is this snowy April 13--Friday no less, he's out there snapping shots (still dressed in his PJ's) to be included in this Blog. What a good man he is, eh? To think that we were out yesterday in our short sleeves (almost) and then to wake up to "Merry Christmas"--well, what is a Maritimer to do?

Well, we just grin (slightly) and grab our shovels and snow brushes and get to work. We all know this isn't going to last long (fingers and toes crossed that it's gone before sundown) and as my Mom always says, "It's never going to warm up until that snow is out of the air". Okay, I've got that--now, how do we get it "out of the air"?

As you've guessed by now, this storm has both ruffled my feathers and at the same time delighted my senses. We were waiting for this stuff on Christmas Eve, when the kids were all wondering if Santa would have to rent a bus to get here. So, it's a little bit late but, we (really) don't mind the striking view outside our windows. And besides, my mother used to tell me, "This new snow helps to take the old". Where do they get these sayings anyway, I want to know??

There is a silver lining to all this ranting this morning. Number 1: it got us out of bed earlier than usual and that's always a "good thing". Secondly, we have our "trip packs" from CAA to pour over today and that's definitely another bonus. While winter is pelting us outside, inside by the fire, Arend and I will be dreaming of beach-combing, rock climbing, movie-star sightings (in LA) and desert heat. Sound good? You bet.

Remember, you can follow us on our adventure, which begins exactly 18 days and 8 hours from now--YES!!

Have a great day in your neck of the woods--we sure will.
Barb

The Thief

The dictionary explains the word "thief" as: a person who steals, especially one who steals secretly and without using force; robber: applies to one who steals in a secret or stealthy way.

There could have been so many scenarios regarding this topic today. I could be telling you about an actual theft at our home, one with a devasting outcome, or, preferably one with a humourous twist (maybe a trickster squirrel or mouse).

But the thief I'm going to talk about today does have devasting effects on literally millions of lives each year. That thief's name is Alzheimer's Disease.

When I googled the term, 7,820,000 results appeared. As overwhelming as that was, the personal struggles of this cruel and heartbreaking epidemic (if you will) are sometimes too, too much, for family and friends of loved ones afflicted, to bear.

I know firsthand, from having cared for my mother-in-law for a few years before we got in-home care workers to relieve us. My husband and I watched (along with his other siblings and his Mom's close friends) as his Mom began, ever so slowly, to show signs of simple forgetfullness. She forgot where she left something in the house and spent a lot of time searching for things. And so began the agonizing journey of seeing someone who loved to cook, knit, sew, garden and so much more, slowly become someone who could do none of these things. She used to love to have her family in and serve them one of her Dutch treats on Sunday afternoons. Her garden delighted not only her but her visitors, as they admired her handiwork with a turn of her green thumb.

Her home-made Dutch soups were scrumptious and her desserts even more so. She always used her best china when she entertained and loved to do so every chance she could. I still remember the first time I joined in with the family on Christmas Eve for their tradional "feast" and exchange of gifts. I marveled at the spread that she single-handedly put out for everyone.

She's made many hand-knitted items for gifts at Christmas and birthdays and her hands never stopped being busy. How can such an active and loving soul become as helpless and dependant as a new-born babe?

In spite of this theivery that's been going on now for several years, her loving and gentle spirit is still there in her eyes, when she sees and recognizes you. She loved to laugh and used to tell me, "Laughter is good for the soul". We had good times together, her and I. During her morning bathing and dressing routine, we would sing old hymns when she'd get upset about something. That would always make her smile, and she could remember all the words to the familiar songs.

And though we have our rough days, as we continue to watch her decline, we are reminded every time we visit her (and that's every day) what a strong and courageous woman she was and still is. As we showed her a slide show on the laptop last night of "Poppy" her eyes sparkled like the snow in the early morning sunshine. She kept saying, "What a Poppy, such a darling". She has not forgotten everything or everyone. That spark is still there and we pray it will be for as long as she's here with us.

It's a good day today for my MIL--the sunshine seems to have a calming effect on her moods and we're so very thankful for that. I think I will go and visit her now and quite likely she will say, "Would you like a cup of tea?" Kindness has been one of her dearest traits that the "thief" has not stolen and I hope "he" never does.

Bless you and "yours" today and I hope you enjoy this spring day wherever you are.
Barb
I've included a pic of my MIL and her faithful "companion" (Molly)

Getting ready

I am so excited about our upcoming holiday I can hardly get to sleep at night. We are flying to Calgary, then touring through the Rockies (YES), driving to Vancouver, and then (yeah) heading down the US coastline all the way to Los Angeles. From there we motor on through the desert (another YEAH!), stopping by the Grand Canyon--well, you sort of get the picture by now. In 3 and 1/2 weeks we plan to cover a lot of territory, before we end up back in Calgary to fly home.

I'm the infamous list maker in the family, or so Arend says anyway. I've been working on several since we began planning this trip-of-a-lifetime journey. There's the "to-do" list, the "to-buy" list (very important that I check this one off without Hubby present--long story), packing list(s)--one for clothing and one for personal items. There's also the "tourist gear" list which may include such things as maps (high priority), sunscreen, travel books with restaurant and "must-see" listings. Oh yes, there's also the cell phone and personal phone book so we can keep in touch with folks back home. Have I fogotten anything? I do try not to as you can tell.

Arend, on the other hand, never makes lists. He just grabs his favourite shirts, jeans, a few pairs of socks and underwear, his shaver and he's set to go. By the way, he packs for himself too I must add. That way I'm not in trouble if he forgets anything (because he didn't make any lists).

Of course I've made lists of things to do around the house too. Like spring clean, clean out closets, put away my winter sweaters (I'm still wearing these and if it doesn't warm up soon I may continue to do so!!), rake up the lawn (that will certainly have to wait until this NEW snow dissapears). Of course from these comments in parethesis you would never guess that I'm more than a little perturbed at the turn our weather has taken. But that's not the subject matter today. I'll save that for another time and perhaps by then I'll be able to talk about the hot temps we're experiencing here in the Maritimes. It really does warm up here you know.

And as my feline friend keeps reminding me, I do have to stock up on her favourite treats, so our neighbour can keep her dish topped up while we're gone. When the daytime temperatures do get warmer, Miss Pook loves to get outside and explore. Right now she's indignant that I'm not throwing that beat-up old yellow sponge ball she loves. "You'll have to wait your turn, cat! It's down a few items on my "to-list" for today."

While I'm thinking about it, you can follow along with us on our trip you know. I'm taking the laptop and will "show" you special memories that Arend captures on the digital. We want to maybe take a tour of Universal Studios in LA and you never know, we may get a chance to be "extras" in a movie--that would be a blast. Of course, we have to go out on the glass platform at the Grand Canyon. And, we will certainly be dipping our Maritime toes in the Pacific. If fact, we intend to be beach bums for a few days while touring the California coastline.
So, stay tuned. It promises to be an adventure you can enjoy too, even if it's via internet.

I must scoot now and get back to my lists. There're only 3 weeks left to pull everything together and I don't want to forget a thing!
Have a wonderful day, Barb

Back Home

We had visitors this morning before we even had our breakfast. Of course, because of the trip to Montreal this week, and the stressful drive home yesterday, Hubby and I decided to take it easy today. One of our favourite weekend meals is homemade porridge, made with milk, and flavoured with raisins, apples, cinnamon and honey. It is to die for and Arend (Hubby) makes the absolute best in the Maritimes!

While he was busy in the kitchen, I collected laundry, unpacked my suitcase, and checked e-mail, all the while trying to keep from stepping or sitting on Miss Pook. She was starved for attention after being alone for a couple of days, and is sitting here right now in fact, sulkily wondering why I can't just forget about this crazy Blog and play ball with her. She's missed a few mornings of me tossing her favourite yellow piece of sponge so she can entertain me with her twisting and jumping. She doesn't quite have the "fetch" concept mastered yet, so it's up to me to keep bringing back the ball. But then, who's the smart one in this picture anyway??

Just as we were about to fill up our cereal bowls, we heard this little voice saying, "Hi Nanny and Bampie", and breakfast was soon forgotten. That sweet little grand-daughter ran to us with her arms wide open asking for the "kitty-kat". Of course the bird feeder hanging in front of the kitchen window is another favourite place she wants to spend time, so we plunked in a chair and watched the chickadees, sparrows and finches enjoy their morning meal.

While we were in Montreal we bought these monstrous oatmeal cookies and of course I wanted to see "Poppy's" (the Dutch word for little doll) reaction when she laid eyes on themm. Arend ran for the camera and we all laughed as she held up this huge creation with one hand no less. She turned it over, licked it and proceded to take a bite but quickly realized she didn't like the taste. It was priceless to watch and I'm going to share one or two of those moments with you (of course).

Before they were ready to leave, "Poppy" climbed into my arms and said "Bye Momma" as she waved her tiny hand to her mother. She was ready to stay for a while and I love that! But, they had plans for the day--another time Nanny!

Yes, it's more than wonderful to be back home and see familiar faces. It's always good to get away too, but I love coming home more, don't you?

As we lingered over coffee I pondered the gifts in my life. Home and family are right at the top of my list. Next comes home-made oatmeal, topped with brown sugar. Ah-h-h-h, it's so good to be home.
Until the next time, Blessings, Barb

Inspiration

I must confess, I seriously did consider spouting off about this un-spring-like weather, AGAIN today. I know, I know, enough already you're thinking. But I am a weather network junkie after all.

However, you'll be quite happy to read here that I veered off an entirely differnt path after watching Oprah today.

Hubby had grabbed his camera, bundled up against that strong north wind out there and waved as he told me he was going "on Safari", searching for the elusive black squirrel, cousin to our familiar "grey". (I should mention here that we are still in Montreal)

I was leaning (literally) towards taking a nap, my eyelids were slowly tilting to the closed position, when for some reason I reached for the remote and turned on the tube.

Being somewhat of an artistic person, I do try to be "in tune" with my immediate srroundings, always open to any vibes of inspiration that may trigger the beginnings of a new song or another short story.

And you're probably thinking the TV may be the last medium to draw that creative energy from.

But the subject matter of Oprah's show today did indeed, not only enlighten me about a developmental disorder that's on the rise, it stirred a deep feeling of wanting to understand and have compassion for the parents who deal with Autism 24 hours of every day.

Oprah's guests were real-life Moms and Dads who shared with millions of viewers what family life is like when you live with and raise an autistic child.

My heart ached for them as they told how their child did NOT speak, did NOT fit in and did NOT seem to be in his or her body anymore. And I say that because, in some cases the child was normal at birth and maybe didn't present symptoms until after the age of two or later.

We watched a home video of a darling little 2-year-old boy, cuddling with his baby brother, laughing and talking, remarkably articulate for his age. At least 2 other parents shared how their child presented signs of development delay before the age of 12 months.

And I asked myself, "How do these parents do this day after day? How do they deal with the emotional pain of watching their child seemingly drift father and farther away from them?"

This is where the inspiration comes in. One of those fathers, with a strength that came from his deep faith, said that if his boy could even say one word in this lifetime he would be happy. That word was "Daddy".

There's the answer to my question, "How do they do it?" They do it because they love unconditionly the life that they brought into this world and no matter what, they will love forever. I was overwhelmed at the power of that love as I watched bits of their daily experiences of heartbreak and triumph.

As I close this post today, I know I'll hold on a little bit tighter to the ones I love. I'll make sure I let them know how much they mean to me. In fact, I think I'll call one of my sons right now.
Blessings to you and "yours".
Barb

Rainy day Wednesday

You guessed it, I HAVE to mention the weather this dismal morning--where is that sunshine that's going to warm the earth so my poor tulips can rise up and bloom? Where's the heat that we've been waiting for since last October when we had a beautiful Indian summer? When is Old Man Winter going to release his grip and give us frazzled Matitimers a break, huh? That feels better you know, just to realease that pent-up energy so I can focus on perhaps more important matters.

The first thing on my mind this morning was, "I wonder if that grandson is ready to make an appearence today?" I really hope he waits until I get home but you know how that story goes. He'll arrive when he's good and ready, no matter where his Grandma happens to be at the time. Why is it that when I get a chance to get away for a couple of days (we're in Montreal as we speak) I right away start to miss the "kids" and the cat and home and my tupip beds. Well, okay, the tulips are barely sticking their poor little heads out of the ground, but I miss them just the same. I can taste and feel spring in my mind; I can smell the grass and even hear the lawn mower, and I can feel the dew on my fingertips as I touch the new petals of my lillies. Am I obsessed with summer or what?

I guess when you've lived in the Maritimes as long as I have, one should grin and bear the slow spring process. It takes all of the three months of March, April and May to allow Mother Nature to do her job and I know that. But as I sit here and watch that wet snow (yes, I typed "snow") falling outside, I'm ready to scream!!

Okay, there's another gripe out of the way, now back to the point of this post. And I've tried to edit this thing so many times I've forgotten the point, would you believe. Let's just say that I'm glad we don't have to drive home tonight. We get to rest, watch the results show of American Idol (I think it's time for Sanjaya to go BTW), pack up and leave early tomorrow. Hubby will be driving one of his purchases home while I motor back in "Old Faithful". Something to ponder: why is it that car salesmen buy top-of-the-line automobiles for others while his wife drives an old Caravan with over 400,000 on it??

Tomorrow is another day though. I'll do my level best not to be upset with the weather in the morning. Please, Lord, just get us home safe and sound.
Blessings to you, Barb

PS: The pic on the left at the top is "moi" driving the old beater and the other one is of course of Hubby and I browsing the pics that he took today of the cars he bought--FYI>

Sharing

As we sat at the breakfast table this morning, I reflected back on the last 24 hours or so, trying to remember all of the memories I could share with you today.

April 1st was anything but just another ho-hum April Fool's Day for me. The dawn brought with it a glorious spring sunrise, spreading streaks of pinks and golds of the early morning sun. Our breakfast nook looks north, east and west, allowing us a panoramic view unfold right before our eyes. When you think about it, who needs to travel anywhere else to see the splendor of God's handiwork?

American Goldfinches, chicadees and sparrows, along with bluejays and redwing blackbirds treated us to the most delightful chorus, as they welcomed in another new day. No matter who visits our home and eats at our table, they always remark about the peaceful setting spread before us. Of course a tasty meal helps too!

Then as we listened to our pastor deliver the message at our morning worship service, I was again reminded of all the blessings that God has bestowed upon me and my family. He's kept us safe in His arms, He's protected and loved us through so many struggles, without ever giving up on us. Even when we fail Him, He's stil there, guiding and gently tugginhg us back to Him.

Later in the day my husband and I drove to Woodstock to sing at a Salvation Army church there. I had debated the day before whether or not I would be able to keep my commitment, what with laryngitis still persisting. But as I opened my mouth to speak at breakfast a funny thing happened. My voice was back, not all the way, but back nonetheless. I made more lemon tea to drink (with honey of course) and even packed a carafe to take with us. Sunshine still ruled the day as we traveled along the highway, noticing deer grazing in the new growth and waterfalls cascading down the rock walls. How can anyone say that God is not real, when the evidence surrounds us?

At the concert last evening I met with old friends and talked with family, before and after a beautiful evening of music. We went to Tim Horton's for a cup of Java with my parents and caught up on the family news.

I am so thankful that we did not have to miss that. Sharing that time with those folks was the highlight of our week. As we drove home, with the full moon lighting our way I replayed the whole day, just like I'm doing now. I remember a time when I thought I had nothing to look forward to but more despair.

Miracles come in all forms, and I'm glad I could share with you a few of my own on this second day of April. Consider every day you have a miracle because that's what it is. And for even more blessings, share it with someone you love.
Drop by again, Barb
PS: The pic I've added is of "moi" and Captain Mae Wales, btw.