Lots of time and reasons for pondering lately. Yesterday, 2 dear and wonderful people I know died. It reminds me how fragile our lives are! And yet, how resilient we are, too. When we are faced with such tragedies, it gives us the opportunity to provide incredible love and support to the people who need it most. And so many of us do just that. I know I’ve been on the receiving end of that intense love and compassion a lot during the past few years, and am so grateful for it. And…I know that the love and care I can offer to my friends now has a powerful effect, too.

It’s amazing to me to experience, in the space of a few weeks, how much a kind word or message or, well, a ride somewhere 😉 can mean. Small gestures can have so much impact. And, having felt that, it reminds me that although I can’t fix anything or do lots of practical things for my friends right now, my small gestures can help, too. I like that.

What else do I appreciate? More little things like hot coffee, crazy blowing snow whizzing past budding trees and grass, blankets, goofy jokes, candles, raspberry jelly, stuffed animals, sidewalk chalk, and really sharp pencils with good erasers.

I also super appreciate looking forward to fun plans with Sarah, Terri, and Ellis this weekend, and weekly dinners with Katie and Cina. 🙂 Oh, and the fact that needing to ask for rides to everything means I get to see a lot more of the charming people in my life!