put a little love in your heart

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"In A Heartbeat" heart quilt by Rita Pasquinucci, 2007

Happy Valentine's Day!

A day for love and for gratitude. A good day to recognize that there's always room for more love in the world -- so go out and smile at a stranger, reach for that can of soup the elderly person in the grocery store can't reach, hug a friend, do something nice for yourself!

I'm grateful for all the love in my life: old friends and new; family; even the people I don't know who, as we wait in line at the coffee shop, make a warm comment that brightens my day.

I'm grateful for the spring-song of birds, the lengthening days, the light snowfall and soft winter quiet it brings to the woods. Quiet conversations with old friends, laughter with new. The touch of a hand and an understanding look.

For the many talents I've been given and the opportunities to use them.

For being able to bring more compassion into the life of someone who needs it, and to thereby bring more compassion to myself.

Whether you're alone this Valentine's or celebrating with those you love most, enjoy the day, and spread a little extra love around, today and every day! As the Jackie DeShannon song says,

Think of your fellow man,
lend him a helping hand;
put a little love in your heart.

Another day goes by,
and still the children cry;
put a little love in your heart.

If you want the world to know
we won't let hatred grow,
put a little love in your heart.

And the world will be a better place.

And the world will be a better place.

fog

Friday: 8" of snow.

Sunday: rain.

Monday: deep, dense fog.

I love it.

Winter in Indiana!

Happy Birthday to me!

I don't have any new photos to post, but I had such a great day, I just wanted to share... really didn't expect much but maybe that's when you get the most.

First there were the phone calls and e-cards that really started the day off right (thank you, everyone!). Then, my niece took me to lunch. She's a college freshman so I appreciate her limited budget (when was the last time your niece/nephew/son/daughter/etc. took you out for your birthday? It was such a generous and thoughtful thing for her to do). We share February birthdays but have never celebrated together, so being together, just "girl time," was really special!

Next was hiking with a friend, and granted, the conditions weren't perfect (melting snow, slippery slidy stuff) but I had a blast (landed on my rear going down a steep slope, got soaking wet and covered with mud! I couldn't help laughing!). It was a gorgeous day, sunny and breezy, and I loved seeing bald eagles, hearing cardinal spring song, and feeling warm breezes off the river.

The day ended with dinner in a quiet corner, just a good friend and I (Super Bowl Sunday doesn't hit everywhere!), a homemade cake, great jazz, and some deep conversation and even deeper laughter!

It's the best birthday I've had in a few years.

Counting my blessings, and blessing the years!!