Going Too Fast...

Live your life like the wind.

Speed up when necessary,
And know when to slow down.

Slow down when life pushes so hard and fast,
You cannot consume anymore air.

Slow down when you can't see
Where you're going
Or where you're coming from.

Take time to stop and realize
What you have right in front of you
When you cannot find what you're looking for.

When you cannot find what you want in someone else,
Look inside of yourself.

Don't sweat the small things,
And make the best of the big things.

Cherish the experiences you've had,
And use the lessons you've learned.

Our lives are rubber bands,
Bending and stretching to fit
Even the most awkward situations.

You can adapt to anything,
Regardless of its size or shape.

You just have to realize and use
What you have in your own hands.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

I've had to slow down and breathe, slowly and deeply.  I've had to rest for a while.  But I miss this space of my own; this place of peace.  I have also missed visiting my favorite places.  Being here now makes me realize why I embrace this outlet of sharing.  Thank you for sharing it with me.  Thanks for caring.  Thanks for your support, kind words and encouragement.  

Some new creations that have been in the works for a while...more to come!  

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

~Robert Frost 

I am happy to return to this space, this place of peace and solitude and support.  The past few weeks have been sad and difficult and challenging, but it is true that the tough times we experience in life often make us stronger.  Thank you to all our friends and family who provided much needed love and support.

This post is dedicated to my mother-in-law, Agnes Correia, who was always the life of the party.  Despite various family challenges most would call insurmountable, Agnes refused to give in to the temptation of resignation or surrender; she persevered and always did so with a smile. Her Irish persona and fiery determination contributed to her ongoing fight to to the end.  I didn't always agree with Agnes; I don't know of many daughter-in-laws who are utterly in agreement with their mother-in-laws, but I did love her and I do miss her smiling Irish eyes, her colorful and funny stories and her capacity to always live "in the moment".  Agnes, you were worth your weight in gold...we will miss you.  Love, always...