Miracles and magic

Today was a very good day on several fronts. Dad got a scan on Tuesday but had to wait until today to get the results. I worked a couple hours this morning and I met him and Rob at the clinic to hear the results. His cancer has reduced in size 80% from the size it was when he was first diagnosed in September. All tumors are smaller. Some are gone. He said, "now I can make some plans" and he's thinking about taking a friend to Wildhorse Casino before orchard work kicks in and they are both too busy.

My boss gave me a gift certificate to Bed, Bath, and Beyond for Christmas. I went there today and spent an hour or more picking things, putting some back, finding something else...I don't know if I can explain the simple joy of picking a totally frivolous item and knowing I can get it if I want it. I'm not to that point yet in my own personal situation, but thanks to my boss, I did it today. WHAT FUN!

Last Saturday I got to observe an amazing event. My son-in-law, Josh, and his son, Zian got baptized. Josh has been talking with missionaries for a couple years. And finally I was invited to his baptism. And Zian turned 8 last year, but is terrified of water, hates to get wet, and especially hates to get his face wet. So he opted out of getting baptised. Josh was baptized, confirmed, and ordained with the authority to baptise. And he baptised Zian. Zian just walked into the font, into the arms of his father, went under the water, came out and quietly and calmly walked out of the font with his Dad. It was miraculous.

It has been cold and snowing the last couple days. My fire is burning in the fireplace. I'm planning on spending Valentine's dinner with the family tomorrow night...I'm making banana cream pie. The magic is that winter is swirling around me and I am comfy and warm, I have been surrounded with chaos for so long--even recently--and today I feel secure and content...there are so many quiet and loud miracles that make me smile tonight. I think this is peace.

Happy New Year

The last day of 2008 is only a couple days away. A natural time for reflection on the past year and looking forward to a brand new year all fresh and untouched. It has been a very quiet holiday for me. Mostly I just stayed home by myself and rested, read, and thought. I realize that I have not taken much time to think. Not in a morose, sorrowful way, but in a considering kind of way about where I am today and where I want to be at this time next year. Of course, life is what happens when you're making other plans, but if I don't have some kind of direction then I tend to wander aimlessly about wondering what the heck is going on. Aimless wandering is neither satisfying nor productive. I will trust the good Lord to direct my life where He wants me and I will make an effort to listen to the whisperings of the spirit and then go and do. I have been in survival mode for so long, it's kind of exciting to be looking forward to the new year with anticipation and hope.

I am counting my blessings. All my children and grandchildren are healthy and doing fine. I am able to visit with my parents regularly and share my life with them while they are sharing their lives with me. I live in a beautiful place in a home that keeps me safe from the storms raging outside. I am healthier now then I have been in years (and wonder of wonder...I caught some of the year end sales and am down to a size 12-14). I got my hair cut and now I'm styling, or sorta styling anyway. It looks like I've found a good job working with good people doing work that is not too hard and yet keeps me busy. I have brothers near by who take care of me and help out when I need it. I am lifted up in the blessings of the gospel, my wonderful ward, and the people I'm privileged to know at church. I could probably go on for about another hour or so, but I won't be so boring. Being grateful has been a large part of my musings this holiday season.

Although not without its challenges, life is good. Happy New Year.

A good day ending

It was a quiet day in my little part of paradise. I stayed home, my brother stopped in for a bit and we visited. I was primed to put up some peaches Carmen picked for me off their tree yesterday. Got the canner full, made the syrup, got out jars and lids, sorted peaches, but alas, they aren’t quite ripe yet. Another day or two. Darn. I love seeing the jars on the table all full of peaches and pretty and hear the pop, pop of the lids as they seal. My life is full of small blessings that soothe the spirit and lighten the heart.

I work tomorrow and then I join the ranks of the unemployed. Oh well.

So I will take myself off to bed content that it has been a good day. The quiet gentleness of this day makes the night sweet and inviting.

God bless you, my family and friends.