I am sorry that every week I seem to be moaning about the long drawn out Minnesota winter. The marketing slogan from the Super Bowl, the bold north, seems to be more than a spin on our climate. A white knuckle drive home from Missouri in snow and sleet with a dodgy commute yesterday morning and the week started like a bear. Rain and snow is predicted for the weekend. Yes, I am moaning, but it feels like there is no end in sight. But of course, there will be. Until then, I look at past pictures of sunnier days, days spent at the beach, at the lake, or walking in a great regional park, one of my favorites.
Good things are abundant even when winter more than overstays it's welcome. We attended the National Honor Society banquet and induction ceremony last night for DD2. She remains stretched with school and activities but the thought of giving up anything bothers her more.She has put her private violin lessons on hiatus until track season is done. My older kids have adult challenge like bills to be paid, rent increases, with stagnant pay, but they are independent and making lives for themselves, pushing to not settle for just a paycheck. I admire them both in this. They both too find their happy places, beaches and parks, and quiet spaces in their modest homes. DH is starting to think about life after retirement. Granted, it's more than five years away, but we know that will come in a blink, and figuring out how he will spend his days when I will have probably at least another four years in the work place is a lot to ponder. He will do much of that pondering on Wednesday nights and Thursdays at the lake, his happy place. Wherever you find solitude, peace, and comfort, I hope you get there this week. If like me, it i just a glimpse of it in a photo, keep thinking about that place. I'll be there soon.
Short, sweet, and off to the commons for chips, tacos, salsa, and mojito's. DD2 was inducted into the National Spanish Honor Society last night. They have the ceremony done right. A little introduction as to the history and purpose of the society. The student leaders presented an overview of their team service projects. The new inductees received their certificates and lanyards, and 2nd and third year members had their names read. Whole ceremony in under 30 minutes, despite their being 59 new kids, and at least another 80 repeats. The evening was shared with the National French Honor Society, who had their ceremony down the hall in a multi purpose room, with 1/3 the numbers, but the reception was for both. This meant little quiches and crostini with brie, pear,and balsamic vinegar was also served. and those mojito's, non-alcoholic of course. Here's DD2 in a dignified pose with a couple friends. Our show choir friends, mom and daughter, were in attendance, just the day after the spouse and fathers funeral. I can't imagine what they are experiencing, intense grief, but not wanting a young person to miss out on celebrations and passages of her childhood. I find they are in my thoughts constantly. Life is an incredible, sometimes sad, and sometimes miraculous adventure. We heard via Facebook and text messages that an extended family cousin of mine, I think 3rd, (our moms were cousins and best friends) who has been going to chemo and radiation therapy has been declared breast cancer free. How wonderful for her family to hear. Just two days ago, we received news that my nieces husband was diagnosed with a rare form of another type of cancer. With two young children, 6 and 10, support and help will be needed. Then there is this wonderful community we live in. Already last night, someone had started a Meals Calendar and the entire month April was already completely filled in with volunteers. My siblings and I will work with my brother and sister in law, my niece's parents, on where we all can best help-baby sitting, taxi services, yard work, whatever might be needed.
I feel lately I've been sharing so many sad things; but there is no getting around that in life. By sharing these things with you all, I hope to keep myself focused on recognizing the positives wherever they are in my life. My intent is that I'm finding hope and joy when things aren't so great. Last Friday we enjoyed a concert by a local college. DD2's group performed a couple songs. The video is not great quality off my phone in this small clip, and you'll need a plugin on your computer to listen/view, but hopefully you can hear the joy in the music. I keep listening for those sounds of joy.On that note, have a lovely Friday.
I get too caught up in worry and while I am making progress taking control of my life and pulling the plug on commitment, work, people, and places that make me unhappy, I still have days where my mind is just immersed in fear and worry. After the last week of so much unhappy and shocking news, I am not even going to listen to news radio today. Instead as I am putting around the house actually getting house work done, minus this little pause, I have an adult popular music station on. I haven't had music on just for fun in over a week. I think that has been a big error. I just heard a lovely song by Colby Caillet. I think it is called Bubbly. Anyway, I feel immensely more uplifted, and found this YouTube gem; a beautifully filmed and edited video that celebrates simplicity. Enjoy!
This was my dashboard on my Tuesday morning commute-not today. We've gotten a weather reprieve and it was near 30 degrees air temperature this fine January Thursday. The temperatures are going to raise a bit more and by Sunday, perhaps a high well above the freezing mark. In the Midwest, we call this the January thaw. Last year it never happened. Winter get's long and wearing, but these thaw days remind us that spring will come again. On top of the glimmer of promise the thaw gives, I heard that we have an added 36 minutes of daylight since the winter equinox. That is surely something to get excited about!
