Things To Remember

I so often feel like life is a big struggle.  Tough things can come in bunches, I'm aware.  I'm also aware that from the outside it looks like other people never struggle.  Which can make one's own struggles feel even harder.

Today has felt like a hug. 

Our walk this morning was to return a book to the library.  We were out at 5:30, when I truly prefer to be out.  The sunrise is my very favorite time of day.  And the best time of day to be outside.  Dropped my two books in the book drop and headed off down the sidewalk only to see this pretty chalk art.  I've always so admired those who have an artistic talent.  And grateful when they share it.

I received a couple birthday cards yesterday and another unexpected one today.  So nice of people to remember even if they are your dentist and finance guy.  Always unanticipated that my birthday will pop up on someone's radar.

Checked my email this morning - discovered I could get a free Papa Murphy's pizza for my birthday.  No time was wasted in deciding, it was immediately ordered for pick up in a bit.  So excited for that.

Drove to Utah County to pick up our blinds.  She brought them out and told me the total.  I stopped her, and said, no, it's $120 per blind.  She went and checked with her boss.  The grand total for fixing both of the blinds was $120.  I had been so totally stressed and filled with anxiety about how we were going to pay for two completely new blinds - at $700 apiece.  To end up paying only $120 almost made me cry. The relief is nearly palpable.

Answered a call on my phone.  A member of the ward calling to tell me how much he enjoyed my piano solo on Sunday.  Apologized for it taking him so long.  Also mentioned that one of the speakers (who had his back to me when I was at the piano) had his head down the entire time.  The caller's interpretation of that was that he was loving the music.  Even if that wasn't the case, it was s

till very kind of him to say that so sincerely.  I guess you just never know if you're fulfilling your desire (in this case my ultimate goal was to bring the Spirit - truly, that's all I wanted) or not.

Today I'm grateful for thoughtful souls who send birthday cards.  Grateful for things that cost a lot less than expected to fix.  Grateful for tall step-stools that enable me to help put blinds back up (making me almost 7 feet tall!).  Grateful for those who leave pretty chalk leaves on the sidewalk, grateful for windows that stayed clean for a few days, and even grateful for a bit of rain if we actually get some.  The windows will still look better than they have, it's nice that we can manage to get them cleaned once a year.  And very grateful to once in a while have a day that feels like a hug.