It's Not Easy

Tonight I am very sad. My sister posted this message on her Facebook page today:

If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it, to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and prospectively, to equally profound sadness. I'm sitting here enjoying what is most likely the last beautiful afternoon I will share with my most loyal friend and companion.


I'm glad that my sister and her family was able to enjoy one last beautiful day with Wilson. Cancer has taken him from his loving family long before they ever should have had to say goodbye. He really was one of the sweetest dogs I have ever known. My neice posted this beautiful photograph of Wilson and a quote that made me cry.


Goodbye Wilson.

Thanks for the sweet kisses and always letting me know you were happy to see me.  

Hugs Sandi. Sweet thoughts and prayers for you and your family. 

I am so sorry. 

You're The Best

I bought this pillow today with a gift card that my daughter gave me for Christmas. I love it on so many levels.

When I first saw it I immediately thought of my husband because he helps me be my best self. I will always believe that meeting him was one of the very best days of my life.

I love that looking at this pillow will always remind me that it was a gift from my daughter who, along with my son, are truly the best of me.

I also love this pillow because I hope that when people see it in my home they might realize they are an important part of my life.  

The old saying goes that we are known by the company we keep and this pillow says to me that the people in my life are all special and are an integral part of who I am.

Unexpected Joy

There is something that really intrigues me about the idea of Project 365. For those who aren't familiar with the project, it basically consists of documenting every day with a photograph. You can learn all about it here: http://content.photojojo.com/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/

I am not sure I can really commit to taking a photograph every day but it does make me realize that I should do a better job of taking and sharing more photos here. It is all about the view through my shutter after all! So, while I am not ready to commit to taking a photo every day, I am ready to do a better job of capturing the ordinary and extraordinary everyday events that equal what I consider to be a pretty charmed life.

For example, today I had to go back to work after enjoying ten days off (don't worry - I do realize how fortunate I am). Anyway, it was hard to get up while it was still dark outside and get ready and out the door by 7am. As the day progressed there was all kinds of snowing and blowing going on outside and it was freezing cold. Things seemed kind of bleak and the day was feeling long when I found out that I would get to spend some unexpected time with my oldest grandson this evening.

We had a great visit that included Chick-fil-a for dinner, homemade chocolate milkshake topped with three cherries and some quality time playing trains. Here's a photo of the great train track that we built. Dylan said it is "huge" and "amazing" and "enormous" - and it is!