Today

 Christian, the rock star

 Christian the snow boarder

Christian, the sled monster!

Warning: these pics have nothing whatsoever to do with this post!

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Paul & I took a pottery class at the senior center from our sweet friend Patti.  It was great fun! Paul began work on an elephant tea pot --- or something elephant!  I made some mosaic tiles ... I hope. I cut them out, we'll see how it  goes! It was such fun, it doesn't matter.  Thanks, Patti.  We had a great morning!

Then, we all went to a memorial service for a 26 year old woman who passed away New Year's eve/day.  We have a core group of adults that get together for things like solstice parties, 4th of July celebrations, and the like.  Tony and Cindy out of that group are the parents of Jessica, who passed away.  Our hearts are just broken for them.  Watching the room filled with people struggle with grief was one of the most wretched feelings I can remember experiencing since last spring when we attended a different (yet similar) service for another young woman, Eleanor who passed away.  Her parents are Barbara & Ellis, also in our celebratory group.  What are the odds that in a group of 20 or so adults, 2 sets of parents would lose an adult child?  Losing a child always goes against the grain of the way things are supposed to play out.  It seems so absolutely unforgivable ... and yet to whom do you offer the "I will never forgive you" curse to?  Grief is SUCH a raw emotion, and so very hard to understand how to process.  Most of us have had the unfortunate opportunity to experience the raw feelings.  Most of us struggle with processing grief for the duration.  I wish for these two families more love and support than they ever knew was possible.  I wish the same for anyone and everyone dealing with grief. Blessings to you all.

It seemed appropriate today for the snow to fall ... and fall and fall and fall.  It cleanses the air.  It's quiet and peaceful.  It's beautiful.  And it's beyond comprehension ... just like the subject at hand.

So I leave you with this, which I am always saying anyway.  Enjoy your life. Love with your whole heart.  Laugh with all your might.  Never miss an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones.  Love life.  It's amazing, precious and you just never know when it's over.

Blessings to all,

Cheri (I'm not signing Paul's name b/c these are my personal ramblings, but he wishes you all blessings too!  Along with a cuppa tea from his elephant tea pot when it is built :-) )