Greetings as we move closer to Valentine's Day! 
 Hug someone special each day!  
Don't tell the people who find winter distasteful but...we are having just enough snow to make this season delightful.  My husband is a true Snow Warrior and looks forward to 'needing' to drive into town in inclement weather to pick up something we desperately need!  There are good things in the days of each season.

I am using this time of the year to try more new things...First interesting 'project' is to read and 'do' the book Life is a Verb by Patti Digh.  Subtitle is '37 days to wake up, be mindful, and live intentionally. (Don't look for anything political or earthshaking but it is good stuff.)  There are probably a kazillion books that suggests ways to do just that but I decided that if I am going to 'be' intentional', then I need to 'be' intentional...and I like writing so... This author has several interesting books, usually relating to creativity.  She brings up those 'deep' questions such as "What if there are no 'right' answers'?  Hmmmm.
And the quote that follows:
For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life.  But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid.  Then life would begin.  At last it dawned on me that these 'obstacles' were my life.  
Alfred D'Souza.  
I've had that quote posted in my work area for a long while and there is just a bit more to the words of D'Souza...
This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness.  Happiness IS the way!  So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one! 
Interesting... (Maybe I shared that quote before but it a good one to repeat!)

And I am reading The Great Bridge by that wonderful author, David McCullough.  Can you imagine a book that is 562 pages long, all about building a bridge, being interesting...but it truly is!!!  Mc Culllough could write about dirt and it would be interesting!!

And...most amazing!  I decided that I was just too far behind with all this technology so one day last week I 'put myself on Facebook'!!!  So now I know where everyone is!  The best part has been making connections with relatives who are interested in the same 'past history'  I am researching.  I don't have the fancy telephones that practically clean house for you but I am still finding surprises on the computer.  "Wanna be my 'Friend' " ?  :)

After having received an incredibly beautiful needlepoint from an elderly friend years ago, I always thought I would like to try needlepoint.  Well, Art gave me my 'reason to start' at Christmas.  I discovered it is quite basic in the process but rather addicting.  I am used to determining the design myself in the kind of work I do...and this is a bit different. Now I am trying to decide to whom I can give my first piece of work!!  I will be elderly by the time I complete this!!

There is a new piece of art work hanging in a special place in our house.  Evan, our 'brilliant and creative' grandson, took on a two day project.  It is filled with color, pasted on hearts, and lots of LOVE!  How blessed we are to have him...and his mom and dad...in our lives.  Happy Valentines Day, Special People!

My husband and I work with an amazing program here in our county - Sanctuary Community Action.  It has been a 'goosebump' experience for the last year plus.  First there was the miracle of raising a pile of money in this economy to build and remodel our facilities.  And all was done with NO tax money from anyone!!  Now we are finding our programs falling in place with skillful and talented resources reaching out to the people in the eastern part of the county.  Don't you wonder how all these things 'just happen'??  I don't think they do 'just happen'.  
We received a note in our church newsletter from a couple who have gone to live with their family in Texas.  The gentleman who writes is a wise man - a real gift to all who know him. 
 He ended his last note with a quote from Victor Hogo:  Have great courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones, and when you have accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake!" 
I believe this applies to not just the sorrows of life, but for all the tasks in life...When we have accomplished what we set out to do, we can rest in peace.  God is awake!  

So...the day goes on.  I do have some things that 'need' to be done today and hopefully time for those things that are the 'frosting on the cake'.  The golden tree in the photograph I posted last month is right outside the window in our den.  It's kind of a grayish day, some rain maybe later.  But that little tree just shines in the midst of all the dark winter trees.  Somehow, it just kind of perks me up when I look out at it.  

I hope there is something in your day that is going to 'perk you up' for all that is ahead in your day.  I hope that you are finding some interesting things to consider as this new year begins.  Maybe there are even some 'goosebump' activities - we would love to have you volunteer with us at Sanctuary Community Action!!  We need good workers!  And I hope you can tend to what needs to be tended to, that you can experience a peaceful rest...and best of all remember that God is awake!

Blessings,
Corrine