Winter - Checking Out

where is the time going? How cliche ...
do I dare believe that yet another winter has passed
and that we are home-free ...
that spring has truly sprung and is not just a tease?

if so, then I'll ever-so-politely
see our guest to the door -
winter has overstayed his visit -
and I'll not be sad to see him go.

he's leaving some good times behind,
sweet and bittersweet remembrances
a thoughtful reminder of time passing
reasons for gratitude.

I'll say my fond farewell to winter
heaven knows we'll meet again
but now I turn to earth renewed
and let the springtime in ...

guess whose knocking at my door?
welcome April!
You make my spirit soar ...

Standing Ovation

This past weekend my middle daughter made her directorial debut - directing a theatrical reading as part of a playwright festival. Theatre has been a part of her life since high school and she has had many roles -- actor, stage manager, even costumes - and now director. Her fan club - members of the various branches of the family - turned up in support and admiration.

My diminutive, Converse sneaker-wearing daughter who looks like a teenager instead of the twenty four year old she is - came out to greet us when we arrived. Grinning from ear to ear, glasses handily perched on her perky little nose, her appearance disguises the staunch determination and authority she wears close to the skin. Watching the actors on stage reading their parts, recognizing daughter's creative signature on the production and finally, witnessing her in action during the post show talk back session, I could barely contain my pride and admiration for her. Standing ovation! Ok, it wasn't appropriate at the time, but if I could've - I would've!

I admit it ... moments such as these - milestones being reached - are a privilege to witness. It is a universal hope that parents hold - that their children will dare to dream - and then fulfill those dreams. This is a sweet place I'm in, and the view is spectacular. My heart is warmed by the sight of my daughters finding their way in the world, one by one. Life is good, and I am definitely a proud Mama Bear.

I Have My Cake!

Today is my birthday - marking yet another year well lived. Corny as it may sound, I have grown to regard each year as a gift. There are no guarantees. We humans don't come with a 100 year warranty, we just live as though we have a hundred years to squander. When my mother was gravely ill, living with the knowledge that she probably wouldn't live to grow old, she warned me that her and I weren't much different -- that she just had more information. There was nothing to say that I couldn't go before her ... but of course that didn't happen.

I feel fortunate to have lived the years I have - the joy, the pain - the whole damn thing. I have lived fully, in the moment, encased in a cocoon of love. Some of which I have spun myself, and some of which has been generously bestowed upon me.

I get reflective on my birthday (why should today be any different?) ... my heart sings praises for the love of a family I have grown up with and shared my life; my daughters who continue to astound me and teach me; my handful of trusted, dear friends (my chosen family) who love me just the way I am; and the laughs, teasing and caring of my work family (who I spend as much time with as anyone). I have been blessed to find someone to live in love with, who shares the dream of growing old together. That isn't exactly fair though, cause I have a big head start on him! My in-laws are icing on the cake - my loving and supportive extended family. Can't forget to include the unconditional love and wet kisses of my four legged, furry friend Fritz.

I believe that we choose the souls who will accompany us on our journey - some for a season, some for a reason and some for the duration. I have chosen well.

Of course, like any delectable treat, I crave many more years to live out my long list of dreams ... but I can say with all honesty that if this were my very last year, my life is beautiful and I am satisfied and grateful.

Happy Birthday to Me! It already is!


P.S. I have to thank my fun lovin, over-the-top MIH for the crazy number of bd cards she sent me. Every day I came home to LOTS of mail to open - all beautiful, thoughtful, funny (just like her) cards. She was trying to show me wow-love and she did! Thank you ...

Do it in the dark - for Earth Hour

Tonight is Earth Hour - an event to engage the world to take action on global warming. Everyone around the globe is invited to turn off their lights for one hour, at 8:30 pm local time. I remember we did this last year and it was kind of cosy and romantic by candlelight ... and the idea of the people of Earth acting as one for a cause is even more romantic.

The Earth Hour website is encouraging bloggers to write a live blog post during the event and tag it with earthhour or voteearth, and your location. The DailyGreen website has 8 Sexy Ways to Spend Earth Hour (then watch the birth rate sky rocket in nine months, which will raise another issue - overpopulation).
I don't have any big plans but whatever I do - I'll do it in the dark, if only for an hour.

Happy Me ... An Easy Choice

Last night I drove into the city to meet my middle daughter for yet another night of theatre ... an inspiring, one-woman production of Shirley Valentine. The solitary drive in and the walk from the parking garage provided some precious thinking time. The closer I got to the theatre and my beautiful daughter, the more my spirits brightened and my heart warmed. Unsolicited, random thoughts on what makes me happy popped into my head ... so, in no particular order ...

things that make me happy

• the smell of dinner as I come through the door after working all day


• knowing that someone (hubby) loves me enough to be so thoughtful to cook me dinner


• random hugs from Kidlet - as she gets older, they are more rare but more appreciated


• witnessing thoughtful acts and the caring ways of my daughters


• drinking piping hot tea from my over sized mug that Kidlet gave me for Christmas


• Fritz's frenetic "welcome" when I come through the door


• knowing I belong to something bigger - a loving clan


• wearing my plaid, flannel Eddie Bauer shirt that I picked up at Value Village ten years ago


• the smell of books, and spending hours flipping through my favourite reads


• cooking and the smell of tomato sauce as it simmers


• singing - especially as I cook and clean - especially a John Denver song


• walking, camera in hand, breathing deeply in the moment -and capturing the perfect shot


• laughing, talking and remembering with my family and my chosen family (friends)

I realize that my list could go on and on ... it is endless - as is my gratitude. I have always believed that happiness is a choice. For lucky, happy me ... it is an easy one.

Dinner, Movie, Friends and a Pie

The day has been a full one... flaky, crusty but somehow ... satisfying.

My gal pals and I left work a little early to take in a 4:30 movie. Perfect time of day to see a chick flick. We kicked back with our popcorn, perfect centered seating in a practically empty theatre, giggled over trailers and exchanged clever quips and commentary while we waited for the movie to start. Seeing a chick flick with chicks - it's like sneaking a guilty treat.

Catching up over linguine and wine - simply wonderful. Resurrecting a few choice memories from the double-decade chest - smiles and chuckles. Teasing and ribbing - expected!

My dear friends have a history of making me feel special every time but tonight - at our little birthday dinner - they outdid themselves. They gave me beautiful books, a subscription to my favourite spiritual magazine and a homemade pecan pie - all of my favourite things. And nothing is more touching to me than a gift that reflects that someone really knows me.

Blessed am I to have the loving souls that I do, for companions on this unpredictable, lush life journey. It's almost as sweet as the freshly baked pecan pie -- almost!

I Got Mail

I got mail today!

I love getting mail - discount the bills - the old fashioned, envelope-with-a -stamp-on-it kind of mail, especially the kind that comes in coloured envelopes. In a few days I will celebrate a birthday. And today I came home to not one - but two delicious looking pieces of mail. Cards from my Dad and step mom T, and my MIH. The sight of my name handwritten on an envelope causes my heart to skip a beat and I rip into the mail feverishly. MIH's card sported a retro photo of two ladies taking a self portrait - and was sent to the shutter bug in me. She's so thoughtful. Dad and T's birthday card was nicely divided into three separate notes where each took their turn to write heartwarming sentiments. I even scored a few I love you's. Did I say I love getting mail?

I love the immediacy of email and the closeness of phone chats - but I hope snail mail never goes away. There is something special about holding a tactile, handwritten note in your hand and having the words to keep for all time -- in between pages of books, stashed in memory boxes ...

I got mail. And I got more than that -- I got gifts -- of love!