A Beautiful Day to Carry On...

I awoke today to a most beautiful day. A whirling wind was taking the edge off of the summer sun's sting, and it was one of those mornings where the sky is so blue, so very crystalline, that one's eyes have to adjust to its brilliance. In contrast, the garden is a rich emerald green, broken only by bursts of colourful flowers and glittering butterflies.

The extravagance of this morning's creation was enough to make my heart swell until it split open and spewed out gratitude and affection on whomever so chose to cross my path.

Shortly after awakening, I received a heartfelt and thoughtful message from a dear friend, simply wishing me a wonderful day.

My husband cracked a ridiculous joke over breakfast about something so mundane and hilarious, I laughed so hard that my stomach ached.

Half an hour later, I sat with my coffee, gazing out the window at all that is alive and that sky that is so blue... and I had the most uplifting thought.

Life is going to be just fine. Everything is going to be all right.

I realized then that this is what makes a beautiful day, such a beautiful day: This Moment. 

Last year was, for me and for so many people that I know, a tough, ruthless year. It was refreshing to wake up with such a sense of well-being, with such hope for the future. And it figures then, that today I have been enjoying the sounds of a recently acquired CD, by the band called "Fun.".

I thought I would share this with you, as we now Carry On into 2013, and encourage you: Life is going to be just fine. Relax. Breathe. Close your eyes. Experience this very moment. Then carry on.  -->(yes, click the pretty green writing for a song)

"...Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?... Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~Matthew 6 vs 27; 34


Carpe Diem Fellow Inhabitants of this beautiful planet, and a happy new year to you all.

Ghost Pops, Sparklers and New Year

It is an exceptionally beautiful New Year's morning, here in South Africa, and one can hope that it will be a reflection of a beautiful year to come. I spent New Year's Eve in the best possible way, which involved balloons, sparklers, braaivleis, Big Bang Theory, a guitar and a more importantly: a most wonderful group of friends. Thanks guys, you know who you are, and you absolutely rock. 

 

Having already broken into a packet of Ghost Pops this morning (and it's only 07h30) I'm not going to jump into New Year Resolutions just yet. No, I'll be taking a few moments to look back at 2011, as many people are doing, if only to reflect on all that I can be grateful for. 

I'm grateful that I gave up caffeine. A good cup of decaff coffee tastes the same as normal coffee, without the heart palpitations. 

I'm grateful to have found a job that I love. A job is hard enough to find in itself, but to do something that you love... well, that's remarkable. 

I'm grateful for my husband. This year has seen a blossoming of who we are together, and I'm excited about what the future holds. 

I'm grateful for all the music. 2011 brought about some of the most ground-breaking music releases, and my love affair with music has only become more passionate and consuming during this last year. 

I'm grateful for my nephew's conception. I'm about to become an Auntie, proudest Auntie on the planet, and so thank you and good luck to my wonderful brother and his beautiful wife.

I'm grateful that after many years of struggling with my hamstring injury, I finally managed to kick my punching bag - for the first time since giving up kick-boxing. I'm having the time of my life!

I'm grateful for family. No words can express how amazing you all are. 

I'm grateful for all the simple things. A roof overhead. Summer heat, sunshine and pretty dresses. Big Bang Theory. The existence of chocolate. The discovery of organic products.

I'm grateful for the new people I've met who have added to the spontaneity and colour in my life.

I'm grateful for my first live concert experience ever - thank you, Kongos, you dudes rocked on every level.

I'm grateful for my blog. Grateful that one winter morning, stuck at home with flu, my sick boredom birthed this little website that has become an outlet for one of the things I simply love to do: write. 

I'm grateful for Grace, which was paid for at the highest price. My hope is that I never forget the Cross or the Empty Grave, and all that they represent.

Once I'm done with my Ghost Pops and decaff coffee, I shall contemplate my resolutions for this coming year. But what good are resolutions, if you don't take the time to look back and contemplate the wonders and successes of the year just passed?

So, this is all I want to carry into 2012. Forgetting all the disappointments, and letting go of the things that hurt, remembering only the blessings, and in turn, looking forward to the blessings to come. Setting new goals, making new decisions, praying for new adventures.


Come with me, fellow inhabitants of this planet. 2012 is here, and it beckons us to live it!