New day New week

Here's to a fresh start this week. Last week was full of so many unsuspected surprises (not so good one's) and trials. This week will to be better. We are off to a good start. So far, nothing surprising. True, it is still the wee hours of the morning, but you just never know.

Last night I had some unexpected visitors. I was so happy to see them. I feel like I haven't talked with them for months. I am glad they came over. It's amazing how good friends can feel your spirit even when you feel like you have been out of touch with them for a while. Yea! for good friends!

I just finished the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I had skimmed through it several years ago and liked it well enough, but this time I really read it. I love the strength of the women in this book. They are true to themselves and what they believe in. Grandma Mary Romley says in the book to live in each moment like it is your first and your last. Even though I hear that often enough, it struck me more vividly this time. To me that doesn't mean you can go around eating, playing, and being merry. It means to hold true to your standards, relish in the happiness, learn from the sadness, get as much knowledge as you can, don't relive your mistakes, and have a pure love in your heart and mind for all things good. I am going to try really hard to be a better person this week. One day at a time.

Sleep

Like I was saying before, sleep is not overrated. So here I am at 6am on a Sunday morning with nothing to do but sleep, but I am not asleep.

Yesterday was a beautiful rainy day. Every time I looked out past the frame of my sunglasses I noticed the amazing colors that melded together in the sky. The colors created a picturesque frame for the vibrancy of the mountains. Everything feels so alive, fresh, and clean after a rain like that. I wish I had a time lapsed photo of the sky from yesterday. Truly amazing.

In the wonderful rain I worked on my parents house. My sister and I spent nine hours there yesterday. After many days of work already, it just doesn't seem like we have accomplished that much, but then I think of everything we have taken away already- this would be another great time lapse photo.

When stress runs high, sleep is low. I need more sleep when stress levels are high. I may have to start taking something to help with that. Hopefully the little people will sleep in.

I hate HOA's

I live in an HOA neighborhood and I can say that I hate having to pay for the HOA dues and then get screwed anyway. I want all my money back, and I want to move out of the neighborhood.

Emily's Mom & Dad Date

It was Emily's turn to have both parents undivided attention today. She wanted to go Trafalga, so we did mini golf, batting cages, arcade games, etc. She is talented, helpful, smart, beautiful, and everything else good. Thanks Emily for being my girl!

Sleeping In

When was the last time I really got to sleep in. This morning- I slept until after 9am. Sleeping is not over-rated. I feel refreshed, bright and ready. This sleeping in thing should happen more often.

6/11 journal

oh the night is long and lonely
when the light turns cold and the days warmth gives way
shadows of shapes not recognizable
seem to creep from under the door
into dreams.

tight grips sharply grasp a beating heart
breaking love and lust
left alone

the day dawns near
elongated shapes reappear
short shadows lost

warm light descends into windows
filters through layers
seeping deep into pained coatings
reaching for a spark to lift up and light

25 Things I am Grateful For

I am copying an idea from a friend, but this is a good thing to do from time to time.
1. Emily
2. Samantha
3. Andrew
4. Beautiful music
5. Summer rain
6. Mom and Dad
7. Brothers and Sisters
8. Life's lessons, hoping we don't have to learn the hard ones more than once.
9. Headache remedies
10. Aunties- I have 2. They have both loved me so much all my life.
11. The ability to forgive- I wish I was better at forgetting.
12. Being forgiven- I don't know if people forgive me for lame stuff I do and say, but I sure hope so.
13. Shelter from the storms
14. Comfort and safety
15. Education
16. Knowledge
17. Supportive friends
18. Happy memories
19. Modern photography to capture those happy memories
20. Nieces and Nephews- I love you guys so much
21. Good books
22. Nice text messages
23. Fragrant flowers- the Iris are in full bloom, I can smell them from the other side of the house.
24. Healthy bodies (and minds?)
25. Our Savior

Many things on this list might be different from one day to the other. It is hard to stop at 25.