The wonders we so often notice

“The earth has music for those who listen.” 

~ George Santayana

Another Day

The greatest act of faith some days is to simply get up and face another day.” 

~ Amy Gatliff

Tonight's sky

Sometimes I go about pitying myself, and all the while I am being carried across the sky by beautiful clouds. ~Ojibwe Proverb

Inspiration to sleep on

I have often said that I am afflicted with BOMTYCC disease (Bite Off More Than You Can Chew).  I tend to take on more than I can handle, and sometimes I frustrate and overwhelm myself.  I am often guilty of doing too much...more than necessary maybe, a little over the top sometimes.  "Why drive yourself crazy?", I am asked.  I don't really always have an answer other than to say that I just need to do it...there is a voice inside me that insists.

So, tonight after a night of one Murphy's Law Moment after another and feeling like I am not going to get it all done. Feeling like I am not going to meet those deadlines... I ask myself why I insist on driving myself crazy.  And the answer, I guess, lies in the quote below.  I know that this too, will pass and I will once again feel as serene as this photo...but in the meantime....I will just cling to what I truly believe....that giving to others, doing for others, is the highest calling....and in the end, I will forget this night of frustration.  It will be long gone...but hopefully, the things I am able to do for others will live on.

The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy." 

~ Kalu Kalu

Thankful

Tonight was Alex's last band concert of the 8th grade.  It is hard to believe.  I wish I could say that I am getting teary eyed about saying good-bye to the middle school years.  Quite the opposite, I can't wait for them to be behind us....although I am still in shock that Alex will be in high school next year.  Still, there were some good things about the middle school years. I am thankful that Alex found his love of theatre and found his niche of people in the drama club.  I am also thankful that Alex had a phenomenal band teacher for the past 3 years.  She has been the constant for him over these tumultuous middle school years.  She has been great for him and whipped him in to shape to the extent that is actually humanly possible.  She is a good mix of high expectations and expertise and an awesome sense of humor.    I am so proud to be part of the Arlington School District for many reasons.  One of the most important reasons is the phenomenal music program. This teacher is one of the people that make the program what it is.

 As Alex prepares to leave his middle school, I am tempted to thumb my nose at the place.  But if there was one silver lining amidst the dark clouds of middle school, it was absolutely Ms. Chong.  I am so very thankful for her and all she has given, not only Alex.....but all she has come in contact with.  She is the only thing we will miss about middle school!  And we will miss her a lot!!

 "To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable." 

~ Ludwig van Beethoven

Cure for a Monday

Today was a Monday...in every possible way.  I am glad to be bidding it farewell and moving on.  I was just in no mood for today and many of the things it flung my way.  But when the going was getting tough, I thought about the wonderful weekend I had with my kids and I was thankful and it gave me the energy to plod on through the muck and mire of  Monday.

"The family is a haven in a heartless world." 

~ Christopher Lasch

Good Friends

We went to a beautiful wedding on Saturday.  Part of what made it beautiful was that we have known this family for close to forever.  The kids have been in school, scouts, church, choir, variety shows, marching band.... together.  To say we love them all is a huge understatement.  Now that kids are moving up and out...and adding new people to the family....and thus the photo, we try to get together around the holidays, gathering anyone who is home.  On an occasion as momentous as this one, a photo was definitely in order.  I could have chosen the photo where they were all standing and smiling sweetly.  But, I chose this one...that shows them being themselves.  I also chose it for one of the most ingenious photo bombs I have seen yet!! Kudo's to the friend on the right that we just met.  He is our kind of people!!

Days like this one, make you go home at night, get down on your knees and thank God for the wonderful blessings he has given you!! I am so thankful for all these people and all the joy they have brought into our life.

“We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet.

Even longer,' Pooh answered.” 

~ A.A. Milne