For Heaven’s Sake

Lawn chairs looking out on the Lake (of the Ozarks).

Have you ever heard someone say,

“Oh, for heaven’s sake!”

It is often said after something unbelievable has happened or is said.

I like it because it makes me smile when I hear it.

Maybe because it can’t be said in a hostile way,

whatever the case it popped into my mind as I was thinking about my thanks I want to post.

 

Thanks – for heaven’s sake.

Thanks that will glorify the goodness of our Father and remind me of heaven.

Thanks,

heaven,

glory.

There is not one thing to small to be thankful for.

I believe it’s the little details that remind me most of heaven.

191.  Thanks for the time with my two sisters-in-law at the Lake.

Brian’s sisters are in a way, my sisters and I feel lucky to have in-laws that I love to spend time with.

I couldn’t ask for better sisters!

192.  For the fantastic food at “On The Rise Bakery.”

 

This was a three cheese, herb and bacon omelette.

Much needed after we worked out with Jillian!

193.  For the relaxing sun bath on the dock.

 

It was supposed to rain, 

so we had planned pedicures

but thank you Lord for several glorious hours of sun and warmth!

The pedi’s had to wait.

194.  For the best pedicures ever!

 

We had so much fun!

We went with a refreshing cucumber spa.

It included a scrub, paraffin foot treatment and our legs wrapped in warm towels;

followed with a soothing cucumber lotion.

We loved the green tea they served in wine glasses with fresh lemon.

Nice touch, Luxury Nails!

195.  For Pet Parades

I mean really?!

Dogs walking around in costumes,

riding in wagons,

and coming up to socialize with other dogs.

Who doesn’t like that?!

Can you spot Coogee and Cooper?

They had a great time and were exhausted by the end.

 

196.  For the amazing growth of my licorice plant!

 

The growth had nothing to do with me.

It started out a small little guy and was not supposed to last the year,

but throughout the inches and inches of snow this winter it kept expanding!

I have 2 other of these plants as well,

each miraculously still alive.

Now, I know for the scientific minded there are some very good reasons why it is alive and well,

but I prefer to think of this as a sure sign of God’s love.

He knows I am not a green thumb and He knew I would appreciate the fact that this little beauty has become almost a bush.

197.  For brilliantly coloured* flowers.

How gorgeous!

*I used the “english” “colour” vs. the American “color” because quite frankly 

I like it! 

198.  For the fantastic gift Brian got from my parents, an October Glory Maple tree.

It is supposed to become a bright orange-leaved tree come fall.

(If I don’t kill it.)

199.  For Pandora which has kept me happily entertained today while cooking and moving about.

I had on the “Mumford and Sons” station all day and didn’t want to change the station once.

200.   For tick and flea preventative!

I am so happy that there is such a thing because I hate removing ticks!

I didn’t get it on early enough this year and had several to pluck from Cooper.

I must say, 

not my favorite thing to do.

But it was a great reminder to quickly pull out the “Frontline.”

 

“Enjoy the little things,

for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

-Robert Brault

Grazie Mille

172. A million thanks for bright and fragrant flowers!
I was eager to fill our flower beds this spring.
I could not wait, as they looked dry and devoid of life.
It wasn’t until last week that I heard that you should wait until after Mothers Day to plant.
Oops. Oh well, silly as it may seem I pray for our plants.

I just feel so inadequate as a gardener but I know in the end
I am just a caretaker of Gods beautiful gifts.

173. For my goofy dogs.

Coogee keeps bringing toys outside & then leaves them.
This morning I picked this one up to bring back inside & she tackled it out of my hands.
She didn’t play with it,
But was basically saying “leave it there!”

They keep me laughing and give me so much love.

174. For nice spring weather!
It’s been hit and miss but we have had a few days where we could enjoy our deck, and walk outside,
and mow the lawn,
And smile at the sun.

175. For great food !

Beware some of these you may gain weight just from looking at!

Brian’s vanilla bean cake
And a grape cream-tini

Dixie Cream Donuts

I swear that I could win a donut eating contest.
I have a huge weakness for donuts.

This was the best potato soup I have had.

A St Louis treat, gooey butter cake with caramel sauce and cinnamon ice cream.

176. For views and scenery, that if we look are all sound us.

177. For coffee with my friend, Paula.

A cinnamon roll with orange glaze.

Paula and I talk a lot about faith and seem to always pass hours in what seems like minutes.

178. For my walk this morning.
I was able to reach today’s goal of 4 miles in under an hour.
(58 minutes.)

179. For the encouragement from my friends.

Yolanda and Staci are two of my greatest friends.
Always there with a smile and laugh.
Some days that is just what you need!

180. For my playlists of motivating songs.
These provide the soundtrack to my life and get me moving.

Where would I be without music?
On the couch?

181. For lotion that smells like sweetness.

182. For that really great Gellato commercial.

I love it!
The couple is fighting (in Italian) but reunite over Gellato.

In my heart, I am Italian so I find myself wanting to only hear the Italian and not read the subtitles.
I have to actually use the Totale Brian got for me so that I may converse so poetically in the loveliest language of all.

183. For shoe choices.

Isn’t it great to pick out a different pair of shoes depending on how you feel?

184. For vehicles to take us from one place to another.
We aren’t stuck in one spot, but are free to move and explore.

185. For the US, where we are really blessed to feel freedom over fear.

186. For prayers and the faith that they are heard and answered.

187. For Starbucks always coming up with new coffee treats!
They have a Carmel crunch frap that I will have to try.
A yummy summer fave, the mocha cookie crunch frap is back too.

Some days, need I tell you how much one of these is appreciated?

188. For being able to discuss “The Voice” & “American Idol” with Brian.

What can I say?!
I love to see new talent!

189. For showers, today especially !
After my walk this morning,
came work on the lawn.
Yes. A nice blend of sweat and fresh cut grass.
I smelled great.
So…a shower was gratifying.

190. For a girls get together with my sisters-in-law.
We are going to probably laugh a lot and catch up on life.
Finally, it feels like a long time coming.

fino alla prossima volta…
(Until next time- see it is better in Italian!)

Better Than My Morning Latte

 

Today is Brian’s birthday!

I feel it is so important to recognize the beauty and gift that Brian is and has been for not only me, but for all those who know him.

Brian has been this amazing joy,

bright light,

laughter inducer,

energizer,

motivator,

encourager,

leader,

protector,

confidant,

shoulder,

hug,

singer,

peace maker,

game player,

best friend,

mentor,

coach,

cheer leader,

vision sharer,

golf buddy,

movie critic,

loving uncle,

giving soul,

prayerful partner,

and so much more…

 

To me,

I feel so lucky.

He is mine.

He is better than my morning latte.

(And that says it all.)

Happy Birthday, babe.

I love you…still & always.

 

 

 

Your Official Invitation!

Yolanda & I are hosting our 2nd annual “Fun Fit 5k Plus”

(Please read above for details.)

While it would be lovely for all of you to join us,
I realize that may be near impossible.

So…please feel free to have your own 5k or to challenge yourself on June 8th to get together with a friend or family or both!

It could be shopping (this could justify a new pair of killer shoes while walking around),
Playing a sport,
Walking the dog,
Cleaning the house….

It could be a 5k or 10k or even 1 mile.

Whatever you chose to do,
I ask that it is something you enjoy,
Preferably with a friend.

Getting fit can be fun.
We don’t have to dread work outs.
Yolanda and I want to encourage you to involve those around you with a good attitude and big smile.

On June 8th,
I will post photos & info about our 5k.

In the comment section please add a link to your post with photos & details of your event/activity.
We will be making homemade t-shirts & encourage you to do the same.

This isn’t about the 5k itself,
But about having fun while doing something active.
We want to accomplish our 4 miles ideally in 1 hour, so our goal is set & now it’s about training.

What’s your goal?

We use “Map My Walk” (free app) to track our time, route and distance.
I recommend you try some way of recording your training which will lead up to you meeting your own fitness goals.

We will be spreading the word & hope you will do the same!

You can do it!
Become the person you want to be.
The first step is action.
What’s stopping you?

I will continue to post triumphs & trials along the way.

We can do it!!

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
(Philippians 4:13)

The One Year Mark

 

It has been one year on WordPress!

Seems like just yesterday when my friend, Yolanda, and I came up with the idea to host our own 5k.

We had just finished a charity 5k and loved getting together for our walks.

We couldn’t end it, so we said,

“Let’s have our own.  It will be free. 

Where it’s really as much about having fun as it is about getting fit.

And where if your challenge is to run, then you run 

but if you just want to walk, walk.

And if you can’t make it to OUR event, 

you can still do it wherever you are and with whomever you wish.

Oh and our challenge is to go more than 5k, so it will be a 5k plus.

And let’s write about it! (Myself with a blog and Yolanda on Facebook.)”

Hence the name of my blog 

“Fun Fit 5k Plus” and Yomicfit is Yolanda and Michelle plus fit.

 

So tonight we got together to walk that same 5k plus.

It is just over 4 miles long and gives us plenty of time to gab about fitness and our plans.

Here is what we saw along the walk tonight:

 

 

Plus, a little boy riding his bike proudly passing mom and dad.

A lady who we met two times on her bike looking very happy and taking all of it in.

A couple both with headphones in walking past us while smiling and saying hello.

And a kitten scurrying under some near by bushes.

It’s nice to know that over a year each walk brings different faces and a whole new world.

Each and every walk.

 

This past year,

I have loved sharing my life and stories and all the what-nots of me

with you!

 

Some of you are my friends and family,

showing support or maybe just keeping up with what is going on in my life 

and some of you have become new friends.

 

I hope that I have grown as a person in the past year.

I know that this blog has become a journal of a sort and a way to share 

God’s love.

I have tried not to make promises with what I will post,

though I must say my “Thousand Thanks” challenge is something I must try very hard to accomplish.

I hope you look back at some of my earlier posts,

you will find a variety of subjects and photos.

 

I have 200 followers right now,

and it’s not really a concern of mine if I get more.

I just want those people who will connect with what I have to say or 

who may benefit in some way to find and read the information that I feel I must share.

 

It has been good for me to have a chance to share some of my journey with health and 

my greatest blessings (like Brian and my family and friends).

To publicly (on a small scale) mention how much these people mean to me.

 

I will continue to post.

And of course some are just nonsense words rambling together.

But I hope at least some of the time I can leave you feeling lighter or 

at least a little bit with the understanding that you are not alone.

 

We all have our own battles and problems and sometimes overwhelming fears or sadness or doubts,

but we all have each other and we must remember that.

 

Until the next time,

I leave you with this quote:

“Sometimes you just need that one person who will let you talk and ramble,

listen to you complain and look like an idiot,

but still love you all the same.”  

 

I don’t have just one, but all of you.

Thank you for loving me all the same.

Flying Through Thankfulness

 

This is going to be another list of thanks, 

as I have neglected this blog for about a week or so.  

Anyone not in the know,

I am trying (not very successfully in keeping up the pace as of now)

to come up with a thousand thanks by December 31st.

Here goes the latest:

161.  For our Godchildren who bring light into our lives, as if they are our own children.

Each is so different and special.

Here is a brief look at them:

    Evan- newest and youngest, is full of laughter and hugs.  I have been so blessed in being able to spend a lot of time with him during his first year of life. (Loving, loving, loving…)

We can’t wait to see the person he becomes.

“I’ll eat you up, I love you so.”

    Joey-  just had his 10th birthday and is all boy!  Sports, sports, sports.

He and uncle Brian have been enjoying golf since he could stand up.

We were also lucky to be able to spend a lot of crucial time together early on.

He is also a loving person and tender hearted.  

Our Aussie mate, he used to climb up on our bed and sit on our heads when he woke up and then giggle ferociously.  We love his gentleness and kind soul!

    Christopher-  He just turned 20!

Wow!  He was two when we got married and was an adorable ring bearer.

Chris has this great determination in him.

He has overcome some not-so-easy obstacles growing up,

and has a strong will that helps him to persevere.

I believe he will accomplish his dreams.

I still see that little boy that I once held in my arms and rocked and sang to and played with.

He has the best hugs and I love to see him smile!

      Alexandra-  My best friends daughter, she is a light!

I love to hear her talk about things she is passionate about, like anime.

She is truly loving and giving and a positive girl.

She is in high school and loves to watch my babies.

She wants to be a vet and I believe she will make that happen.

I love her brightness!

  How fortunate are we to have these fantastic gifts?!

162.  For my brother and my sister-in-law (who I prefer to just call “sister”), who are going to have a girl in September!

    I was able to be there when they found out “it’s a girl!”

How sweet and special for all of us to have another little life to love!

163.  For the past several days that I could spend in Kansas with my brother and sister-in-law and Godson.

How much fun to be a part of your families life in their home.

164.  For good music!

I am listening to some new music I downloaded, and I must say, 

I do love them!  

(Have you ever had a little regret over any songs you downloaded?)

Well… 

here is a list of recent songs that I will probably replay again and again:

(Note- yes, some are old songs…  I forget some of the music I will forever love and then I hear it and say “I Love this song!” which leads to a download.)

-Breezeblocks  by Alt-J   (I first heard it and knew they were referring to “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.  My favorite children’s book.  So….)

-Your Love by The Outfield  (My fave summer song since what? the 1980′s)

-Stompa by Serena Ryda (Love, love, love)

-Brave by Sara Bareilles

-Lose to Win by Fantasia (Wow!  Very Tina Turner like)

-Suit & Tie by JT  (Took me a little to warm up to it, but now I love it.)

165.  The benefits of 5k races!  

 

My mom and  I had 2 Saturdays in a row with 5k’s and it was great!

She wants to do one every weekend now.

I love that for very little you can give to a great cause and exercise.

166.  For the warmth of a cup of tea.

Sometimes you just need a good cup of tea to help you sort through your feelings or to calm your stomach or to share alongside a biscuit with friends.

 

167.  For pedicures!

I must say that I don’t find most feet attractive.

You know, they are these weird little digits and while I appreciate their amazing purpose,

uh I can’t say they are the best feature anyone has.

My “sister” and I got a much needed spring pedi and I took a few photos but I hesitate posting any.

Oh well, you were warned.  They are feet.

168.  For Poppies, which I find to be the most delicate flower.

I forgot about the poppy, until a lady had painted one and I said,

“Oh!  I love poppies!”

So I had to research if I could even keep them alive in our brightly lit front yard.

Great to know that they love drinking up the sun and don’t need much water.

So…

 

mom and I will be doing a little gardening on Sunday.

I can’t wait to see them spring to life!

169.  For the beauty of friends.

I am meeting my BFF tonight for dinner and who knows what else.

Her daughter was asking about our friendship and about any fights we might have had, 

but honestly we have never had one.

We are both fairly relaxed people and tend to just gel together.

Can’t wait, as it has been a little while since we last met up.

170.  For sunshine and springtime!

Must I say it,

I have been longing for warmer weather and sun!

I can never thank God enough for this necessity in keeping my sanity.

171.  That being said, for being able to cut the grass.

O.k. so that may seem silly, but I absolutely love riding around in our old John Deere riding lawn mower. 

Tunes blasting, shades on, cutting through the overgrown green to make way for a pretty 

nice looking yard.  

It’s very satisfying.

 

Well, I am off to dinner, 

where I will again be sitting and chatting and in my head I am sure be saying some more thanks.

I hope to catch up on reading those blogs that I just haven’t found time for recently.

I will catch up and can’t wait to read your fantastic posts!

Lifting Up Tears

This is me on t.v.
I am in the red coat with both hands in the air.
Funny, isn’t it ?

We ( as in the St Louis Cardinals- yes I consider myself a Cardinal),
Had just won the game.

Next on the screen,
I could see Brian and I giving each other high fives.
So adorable.

This was Friday night.
A very cold game.
Our first of the season.
Even with the cold,
We enjoyed our time together.

An ordinary Cardinals home game complete with a visit to Joe Bucks.

Today I wonder,
What would happen if this ordinary event had turned ugly,
Like the Boston Marathon?

What if something that seemed as normal as breathing,
suddenly was shattered by blasts and smoke and screams and sadness?

How much I pray for all of those devastated by loss of life, limb and innocence.

How much I know “ordinary” has been erupted into questions and silence and bewildered thoughts for many.

I thank God for those volunteers and heroes who quickly jumped up to help.
Disregarding their own safety for that of others.

A true vision of selfless love of neighbor.
A beacon of light.
An opening in the clouds.

Today we attended a prayer service.
It was for a woman who passed away from cancer.
She played the piano and sang at our wedding.
She was in the choir with my husband.

She radiated joy!
I knew when she was the one playing in the loft,
Hidden from view.
The music was full of her brightness.

We have a picture of her on our wedding day,
Smile spreading across her face.
Doing what seemed to be her favorite thing,
Playing and singing.

She was love.

I didn’t know her to the extent of her family and friends,
But I knew she was light.

Today her daughter sang
“Amazing Grace” in a clear,
Strong and beautiful voice.

It brought me to tears.
Honestly I wanted to weep.

I am a Christian
And ferociously believe that she is in Heaven.
So why cry?

Is it the shadows of those of whom
we have lost to cancer?
Is it the gift she was that I will miss?
Is it the overwhelming grief that seems to cling to the air?

I have a hard time with visitations and don’t like looking at the empty shell that once housed the soul that is no longer there.
It could be my own difficulties with seeing others grieve or the sadness of good-byes.
I always feel most helpless at that moment.

Maybe God has sent me to share in their pain, if that makes sense.
Maybe I can lift even a little sadness from them so they may feel lighter.

I try to connect with what the Spirit is moving me towards,
This person needs comfort through a hug,
This one through words of peace,
This one through shared tears and silence.

I pray I am always led towards whatever action will help the grieving most.

Today it was prayers.

All of those wise words and quotes don’t always seem appropriate to me.
You know,
The ones people say because they want to help?
The ones I am sure I have uttered when I knew nothing else to say.

(“At least she is no longer suffering.”)
While maybe true,
Some words may not actually help at funerals and visitations.

In times of sadness,
I most often feel those fall short of any actual comfort.

So maybe just maybe when I offer up my tears as prayers,
They arrive as a peaceful breath to the one who needs it most.
A sigh full of warmth.

I do know
our dear light, Susan,
Is no longer in need of my tears.
My thoughts on Heaven are numerous
But I am sure she is at peace and
Her soul is full of the warmth of love.
And I think she must be enjoying the heavenly choir right now.
Maybe playing songs beyond our comprehension or
Maybe just basking in the glorious songs of angels.

For all today who don’t know what to say or do or know how to help,
Yet you feel sadness,
Lift it up.

I don’t believe your tears end up on the floor or your shirt or end in vain.

I believe they take the shape of your love.
Deeply felt by the ones who need it most.

Counting My Blessings

148. I am protected and shielded and guarded by God.

One morning I was walking by myself on the 5k path where my friend and I train every week.

It starts in a very wooded park.

It was dark and I have quite the imagination!

So as I am picturing some creep jumping out at me,
I also see myself fighting as if there is no tomorrow.
He would not want to mess with me!

And then I envision the best help ever-
Two big guardian angels walking behind me.
I mean big!
As in bad!

You know,
Saying “she is a child of God.
Don’t even think about coming close to her!”

I was smiling as I was moving.
They were there.
I just knew it.
How much more secure could I feel?

149. The example and strength of those who go before us help inspire me to be a better “me.”

I read this book about the life of Padre Pio and was uplifted by the amazing heart he had.
This wasn’t that long ago that he led so many to Jesus.

He was born in Italy in 1887 and died in 1968.
From the start he was unlike any other.
Often running from his friends when they said bad words,
He was drawn to the sense of obedience.

He was tormented by the devil as much as he was guided by Jesus.
He is known because he bore the stigmata for much of his life.

Many received miraculous healings in his presence and conversions were often made after speaking with him in the confessional.
There is so much about his story that I didn’t know. The torment he endured from not only demons but from people within the church.

I urge you to read this book that is very well done.
I finished in a couple of days,
As I was drawn into his world.

The most important message I received was obedience to our Father and true love of neighbor.

150. Great fiction, steeped in fact, stimulates my thinking and creativity.

I love the works of Jodi Picoult because of her ability to write about subjects that are challenging.

This book revolved around the holocaust.
Written from the viewpoints of a survivor and a Nazi, this book is cleverly done.

You can tell Jodi does a lot of research as she always includes tons of actual facts.

There were twists and turns to the very end.
I am always left saying,
“No!!! Don’t end there!”
It’s almost torment to finish her stories.

Another great work and very thought provoking.
I didn’t even realize that I was finished reading it at the beginning of Holocaust Remembrance week.

A topic that seems to touch all of us,
I am deeply moved by movies and stories of one of the most tragic times in history.

There are people today in different regions that still have experienced being killed and tortured and cast out of their homes.

Modern day holocausts include Darfur.
Here is information on Darfur.
Genocide in Darfur

I hope you will join me in praying today (and often) for those suffering from these atrocious occurrences.

We are all human.

We are called to love.

The images shown,
Brings me to tears and feelings of helplessness.
And then I remember that shield.
The one that covers me.

I pray Father that you cover and protect your children.
I claim them in your name and pray for their peace and protection.

Let us all picture that covering wing over these most lovely people.

151. Thank God for the beauty I am privileged to touch and smell and see and hear every day.

The freedom that I live in is very appreciated.

I am happy to say these awareness weeks plant seeds of gratefulness in me.

I must not take for granted one free breath,(152.)
Step, (153.)
Hug,(154.)
Peaceful rest,(155.)
Belly full of food,(156.)
Warm home,(157.)
Opportunity. (158.)

So it’s not perfect,
But this is my latest product from my art class.

159.My art teacher, Ann is enthusiastic in encouraging me to keep coming back.

I get lost in time,
As I move over the blank canvas with determination.
“This one will be the best I have done. “
“I will take my time to get this right. “

Ann lets us stay and work til we are done.
The 2 hour time frame is always abandoned and I am so grateful!!

160. Zumba is tonight!

I love Zumba because its dance at its most passionate state.
Mostly Latin based,
Hips are moving as fast as our feet!

I am always smiling while we dance and we always sweat like crazy!

Once again I am so amazed at the amount of blessings in my life!
Until next time,
Don’t forget to count your blessings!

Food, Food and More Food

This weekend we rushed off to Overland Park, Kansas with Brian’s family.

I love Overland Park,
As we visit often because my brother lives near there.
We have learned over time
That there are some
(well…quite a few )
excellent places to enjoy a good meal.

But the weekend started with a trip to the hotel bar where our bartenders
Made my favorite martini for me.
It’s not something they currently have on the menu,
But they were more than happy to make sure I was satisfied.

Next stop our favorite Italian restaurant,
Jasper’s!
Love love love the food!
Check it out :
Jaspers

Here is a brief journey of our evening.
It starts with a table service,
Where they make
(Make – right at the table!)
fresh mozzarella and serve it with fragrant basil that seems to wash over the table and tomatoes that are picture perfect.

We then progressed into the main entree which was fabulous!

I had OSSO BUCO ALLA VECCHI A GASPARI
Veal Shank braised in Barolo wine on a bed of pasta.

A veal that slid off the bone and and melted in my mouth.
The au ju was simply delectable.
Carrots and potato and pasta rounded the dish out.

This was the best meal I have been privileged to in a while.

Brian had

TORTELLINI ALLA ROMANO
Pasta rings filled with cheese in a sauce of Prosciutto di Parma, cream, peas and Romano
cheese.

Then out came the dessert cart:

You do not deprive yourself at Jasper’s.
Dessert is a must!

CIOCCOLATTA DI TARTUFFO
Homemade white chocolate gelato dusted with chocolate biscotti and chocolate sauce

Simply heavenly.
What more could I say?!

Tiramisu. Yum.
One of my faves.

And then something I will always order,
Coconut cake.
I can not adequately describe how luscious this is.
Moist yet light.
The best coconut cake ever!

The next day,
Although still full,
We had breakfast at another must,
“Le Peep.”

No pictures,
But I love their spinach, bacon and cheddar jack omelette.

le peep menu

After hours of exploring the Towne Center shopping center,
Off to lunch at Oklahoma Joes.

Great BBQ.
I had pulled pork that was fantastic!

Dinner was at a Dinner Theater called
New Theater.

Once again,
We were not disappointed.

And we couldn’t leave without a coffee from Dean & Delucca’s.

I loved an ice tiramisu coffee. O

So, this week will be about working off the few pounds gained over the weekend.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely!
You only live once.

The only thing that made it better for me,
was watching the family savor each bite as much as I did.

Buon apetito!

Thanks Spring Forth

141. Last week, our most recent blast of snow melted into the thirsty ground.

Was that the final burst of winter?

I guess we will see.

142. The sun shines its glorious rays onto my face as I embrace the light.

Spring, oh blessed spring.
I cannot wait to experience the freshness of regrowth.

A sign that life,
new life is a process
Proceeded by winter darkness,
Accompanied by solitude and stillness.

143. Suddenly there are buds of bright purple and pink shooting forth on the awakened stems.

Soon to come,
Fruits that are rich in flavor,
bold green grass soft against toes.

Fragrance drifting past my nose as I walk with purpose on a trail next to blooms in scattered rows.

144. Electric bills reflect the absence of heaters and lamps, as light radiates through open windows.

Warmth that welcomes fewer clothes and a casual air of brightness.

145. Bar-be-que chicken encompasses the wind, as the pleasant smell drifts before my nose making me realize how hungry I am.

The sounds of laughter and children’s squeals reach my ears as I remember those early spring days,
Looking out classroom windows,
Restraining the impulse of running free.

Spring fever.
The only acceptable “illness.”

146. I find excuses to be obligated to the outdoors.

Was that the mailman?
Oh I must go.

Oh there is the trash man,
I should bring our bin back.

Well…looks like Coogee and Cooper need to go out again.

Warmth.
Sun.
Fresh air.

I can live with the pollen and mold and allergens lurking about,
Waiting for their victims in the most sinister way.
Quiet and peacefully,
They creep in where you most want to be.

A sneeze escapes you almost with no warning.
Then another.

Will they stop me?
No! Those jerks.

147. Thank God for allergy medication- mainly “Sudafed.”

Soon enough we will be harkened by the love song of spring.

Gladly I will fall
Into the beauty
That I believe can only be
Truly appreciated
after the darkness of winter.