saving graces ...

... abound.

Each year, we ...

... begin again to marvel at the new canvas that seems to overcome our horizons with a peace and hope that perhaps we thought would not come again... But, ... it does.

Spring close, summer next ...

... round and round the seasons go. Within a few days it will be spring. And, I'm still here to enjoy yet another. Each season we're in prompts thoughts of another, and yet another ... and I'm still here. How kind - this life. How fortunate - I am.

Family ...

We love our children, our "family" - because they are forever a part of us, an extension of "us". We and God made them, as our parents and God made us. At our core, it is the strongest bond on earth, and I'm sure - in heaven too ...

I believe that as we get older, we begin to realize many things ... The absolution of our own (and other's) perceived "mistakes" becomes paramount, enabling our own peace of mind and our own true sense of happiness. We must remove the "torturing mind", and simply put - just embrace the love in our hearts - for that is our only true salvation. It is the peace we have unknowingly sought all of our lives ... When we were younger, we understandably could not realize or comprehend. I guess it's just a "gift" only bestowed upon the aged -- like a good cheese or a fine wine ...

winter's end ...

is signaled by the birds' preparations for spring. They, perhaps more than anything else, seem to know when it's time to begin all the chores instinctive to continuing their species' survival. It is nice to know instinctively that all these things are not up to us. Rather, what is up to us is to "come and go" leaving no toxic footprints on the earth from our activities. It is way past time now for us to get off our thrones ... and, begin.