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Good Saturday morning everyone! The sun is out and hopefully will thaw out the Midwest in the next few days. We had ice and snow the last 3 days, not anywhere near what Boston had but more than enough to shut us inside the house.

I have told myself to go out, brave the cold, and take pictures of the snowy landscape all around me. Winter brings about a different kind of beauty for me, particularly how the sunrise gives different hues each winter morning or how the barren trees cast a stark foreground to a beautiful blue sky.

This is what I see each day as I work and look out my window at home.

I never got around to doing it this week because let us face it – it is cold outside. I like my cocoon. I like my warmth even if I have acclimated to the cold winters for the last twenty years. An island girl always long for the call of the ocean wherever she is.

I did get to enjoying the snow before the day ended yesterday. Well, to be honest, my boys (for no matter how old they get, they will always be my boys) guilted me into going out. I spent an hour playing with them and the dogs (my girls) in the backyard. I know their goal – tackle momma in the snow. Every year. Every time. I do not really mind but of course, I do not tell them that. We know it and they know it.

Our mini bernedoodle, Leia, also discovered her mountain dog side! It was fun to see her rolling around in the snow, but it was a chore to get her dry. Our pandemic puppy is afraid of missing out and has separation anxiety. Two traits I hear are common with pandemic puppies, because we have been by their side the last two years.

Leia enjoying the snow and bolting to our neighbor to say Hi while I’m screaming for the boys to get her.

Now that I have written down my thoughts about yesterday, I am not sure why I am sharing the mundane with you. Maybe because remarkable things come in small packages especially time with family. More than anything.

So, as we bookend the week, I hope you enjoy today and tomorrow with the ones you love near or far. Enjoy the gift of time given today. Smile and see the treasure in front of you.

Be like Leia and not miss out on today.

I have been trying to write a new post for the last four days. The words in my mind just would not flow freely via my keyboard. Probably because of the merging thoughts and to do lists cycling through my mind.

So, I sit and stare outside – watching the snowflakes swirl and flutter to the ground and listen, on repeat, to this song Shall Not Want. I am letting this song wash over me, remind me, let it stick to my soul, and for my spirit to listen.

Maybe we need more of this – a moment of stillness, to get centered. I am subconsciously making up for the last two years when everything slowed. I have lists (and a number of to dos) needing to get checked like Santa’s little helpers do on Christmas eve. I feel like the White Rabbit from Alice or am I Alice falling into the rabbit hole?

As I think and write about this, I feel guilty because mine are momentary troubles. There are others out there who cannot even make a list or look forward to tomorrow.

So, I welcome this hour, this time of silent reflection, even when my thoughts are all over the place. I recognize that I need to pause and appreciate what life is giving me. Trust that everything will work itself out.

I am welcoming the joy that rises within me as I write this. This hour is a reminder to be thankful for the small moments because they will fill up my bucket. Like the snow that continues to fall as they are kisses from heaven – each one special and distinct.

Friday night comes and I am sitting here at our local pub enjoying the buzz around me. I’m reminded that life has to be celebrated even in the most trying times.

In case you are wondering – we are careful, we are mindful, and social distancing. It is good to see a semblance of normalcy even for a little bit. It has been a long week for me – work, writing, and trying to launch a small business. I need a short time away from my four walls. I love being in the midst of the bustle and camaraderie of the people around me.

Makes me forget about my doubts. One came last night – the thought of over sharing my life and exposing my vulnerability. The words were pouring out and I hesitated.

So I promised myself to take each day as it comes. When there are days that I can’t write, I need to stop fretting. The words will come like they always do. I am letting go of things that I cannot control.

So now it comes while I wait for our food. Not a nugget of wisdom to share – just enjoying a moment that life has to offer in simplicity. A fitting way to end the week that I want to share with all of you.

Enjoy the weekend ahead and enjoy the beauty around you.

Someone asked me if I write poetry and made me think of the countless hours spent writing on my notebooks a long time ago. Another life and another person – an insecure budding writer that was so afraid, so unsure of her talent, and always thinking she could never measure up to her peers.

So, I want to share what I have written late last year for someone (not my immediate family) who is very dear to us. I hope one day I can tell her this in person and give her the love she so richly deserves.

The Hop and Skip Will Come Later – Vian Wheatley (Oct 2021)

I see your face with that charming smile of yours,

Yet there is a veiled shimmer in your eyes

Such a beautiful face does not deserve a tortured soul.

What lies underneath?

No one will ask – It is just another one of the many they scroll through each day.

The hurt lies underneath that You cloaked in your layers of filter.

You leave breadcrumbs here and there if they care to notice.

a hushed plea for someone to remove the burdens you carry.

I feel your pain and my eyes grow heavy

I want to stand in the gap for you and shed those burning tears that never fell

Because there can be a tomorrow that you richly deserve

– A smile. A gentle kiss.  A tight hug.

You are worth these and much more

no matter if you think differently.

Hope does spring eternal – you just need to hang on to that tiny sliver you have in your hand

Your story will change if you dare to believe

You need to just take that smallest step of courage.

I promise – The hop and the skip will come later.

Today looks so bright people! Were you able to see today’s sunrise? If not, here’s what mine looked like. Look at how the sun is peeking through the pink hues.. How beautiful!

If you woke up feeling discouraged or down, then I want to infect you with this unbridled enthusiasm I am feeling today. This year just feels different for me in a positive light despite what I read or see in the news. So today is a short post – just an encouragement to enjoy your day, try not to worry and feel the sun in your face. If not, remember that our joy always comes in the morning.