The Little Things

     I'm hot, and I'm tired.  I've been waiting to tell you a happy story, my loves.  Hoping that someone would come to me with a funny tale or a remarkable coincidence, something that I could give to you as a treasure during what seems like dark times.  Unfortunately, there's been more death, more loss, more fraud and more sadness.  It's like the whole world is weeping from every corner of the room lately.  When I'm worn out, it's harder to see the light, but that's when I force myself to be quiet and look for the joy.
     Jennifer is a driven business woman who always finds a solution.  Harley has made a beautiful new space for herself.  Nadine has the most beautiful and happy children.  Steve has a beautiful brain.  Haze has found love again.  Lisa's birthday is tomorrow.  Amy has a strong and loving family.  Joyce's grandchildren are healthy.  Wendy has raised two marvelous young women.  C.c. is recording an album.  Crystal is taking charge of her well-being.  Myfanwy is blossoming.  Pete makes beautiful quilts.  Hal's music is comforting.  Charlie will come, if you call.  Justin is thoughtful.  Tara's pathology came back negative.  Helen has an eye for lovely vintage pieces.  Juliet writes empowering poetry.
     Kathleen is putting one foot in front of the other.  Bronwyn is knitting for others.  Michael makes great art.  Pris can say so much with so few words.  Yaj will not let you be complacent.  Sheryl is resilient.  Becky has a great smile.  Misty is a great mom.  Jamey is brave.  Sue is a powerhouse of energy.  Kim is loving and kind in all ways.  Jill has a great eye for color.  Lauren can cook you under the table.  Ian is faithful and true.  George had an anniversary of surviving a terrible accident. Jeanmarie is taking care of everyone, as usual.  Jenn always looks for the positive.  Jennifer's baby just turned two.  Chad is in love and making great art. Allison just celebrated her anniversary in Iceland.
     Donna's son is hysterical.  Tiff just had a successful move 1/3 of the way around the world.  Frank saved an old man from abuse.  Tim keeps writing every day.  Sarah just graduated.  Anna's kids are so talented.  Jessica makes amazing papercrafts.  Jenn keeps pushing herself every day, even though she's in immense pain.  Cenestine reminds you to take care of yourself.  Eric takes crystal clear photos.  Karen is a devoted mom.  Jay adores his wife, evident every time he mentions her name.  Court is committed to his children experiencing life first hand.  Doug is devoted to his family and his faith.  Liz will change the world.  Amy makes amazing jewelry, her way.  Matt's poetry is inspiring.  Marianne is a devoted daughter, mother and wife.
     Gerdine is happy.  Erika's sons just had a successful competition.  Stacey's pottery is true art.  Louise stands up for what's right.  Neil is full of compassion.  Heather adores her niece like she is her own.  Alicia is breathing every day through her new grief.  Rachel found a place to live.  Matt and his wife have survived car accidents this year.  Justin's sense of humor is quirky and much needed.  Gina's daughter doesn't yet know how amazing her mother is.  Joe and his wife just had a son.  Nate took a leap into a new career.  Robert is a voice of reason.  Kong is thoughtful and kind.  Julie dyed her hair pink.  Camil's art is invigorating.  Shayne is a woman of action.
     I could go on and on, especially when it comes to the poets and writers, and beloved family I know.  And when I look through all these good people and good deeds, I am reminded of the light and of the hope.  Thank you, my loves.