2 things...

There are 2 things you must say to those who you hold dear.

The first: I love you. The second: I value you. 

  It's as simple as that.

Don't make life about stuff...

One fine day...

I have been searching for this book for years. My Dad used to read poems from it before I fell asleep. I received a text today from a man who had purchased an old bedside table from me yesterday. He said he was removing the drawers to sand and restrain the piece and found this little book wedged behind one of the drawers. He went on to say that he thought l would want it because on the inside cover was written "Happy Birthday, Julie. I love you, Sugarbear! Dad". I must say it has been one fine day.

Those individuals who shine through...

In a world that is often a shallow representation of things which are deemed important, there a a few individuals who shine through.  These few individuals are not cut from that cloth. They choose to shun those superficial and material things. Instead they opt to live a life of integrity and truth.  I am quite grateful for those who shine through.

Whenever I travel I make a point of seeing the sunrise and sunset wherever I go. I read this quote by Anthony Bourdain which sums it up perfectly. "It’s an irritating reality that many places and events defy description. Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu, for instance, seem to demand silence, like a love affair you can never talk about. For a while after, you fumble for words, trying vainly to assemble a private narrative, an explanation, a comfortable way to frame where you’ve been and what’s happened. In the end, you’re just happy you were there — with your eyes open — and lived to see it.”

"Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?"

I am not going to lie.  Today I thought about my son

entering the military as I concurrently checked off my to do list

for my move to Portugal.  I had a moment where I had to sit down

to center and take a few deep breaths to ground myself.  Change is

a part of life, and while an opportunity for growth, it can be, it is for me,

a bit of an anxiety provoking venture.  Despite this I am eagerly anticipating 

what my future will bring.  New sights, new sounds, new experiences. 

"What if I fall?  Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?"

Differing opinions...

I hold my cards quite close to my chest regarding my choices and opinions. There are those who feel that having differing opinions means that you do not like or respect them. This couldn't be further from the truth. Differing choices and opinions are good. It keeps the world balanced.