The Good News

I know that when my own mother comments on my blog absence that it's time to get back on the horse. I also know that I have a tendency to let winter paralyze my spirit. I think the snow, frigid temperatures, and darkness stifle my creativity and take some of my sparkle. I've been determined not to let it get to me--but alas, with each flake that falls, I can feel myself slipping into the depths of slick roads, treacherous conditions, and BAD hair days. Here's the good news (and there is still lots of it to be found)--

1. I find refuge at work. As soon as I walk through the doors, my spirit calms. It's the weirdest thing. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of things to be done and upcoming stresses, but I'm at peace in our little flower shop. It's times like these when I'm grateful not to have windows in the store. Sometimes I just pretend it's spring outside--enjoying the flowers that seem to arrive at our doors despite the storms around them. I want to be more like those flowers--

2. Yesterday my mile and a half commute was a 40 minute adventure. The worst part of the drive is the approach into our parking lot and maneuvering into my parking spot. Last night I made it--tonight not so lucky. I had to park my car elsewhere and hike home. The good news you wonder--I have a home to hike to.

3. One of my favorite Christmas gifts was a pillow--but not just any pillow. It's a replica of the pillow found in the Marriott Hotels and the Virtue Hotel. Oh, the joys of nice linens.

4. Our neighbor Ed is a dear. Despite the fact that he often wakes me in the morning by yelling at his dog outside my window--the man hasn't stopped shoveling snow for the past 2 days. He warms up his wife's car every morning and makes me wish I had a husband--though I'd prefer a non-smoker who weighed more than me. . . I'm picky--I KNOW!

5. Apple cider. Enough said.