Things That'll Make You Smile...

Sitting on the porch on a warm spring day:

A breeze carrying the scent of freshly turned earth from the next block.

Noticing your dog, who has a notorious dislike of winged creatures of all kinds in her territory, very pointedly ignoring the pair of tweeters that have set up house in a mud daub nest under the eaves of the porch.

Folks waving as they drive by, or hollering out the window asking "How's your folks?"

Two young boys passing by, meandering and laughing, one of them popping wheelies. In his wheelchair. As his friend pushes from behind, running as hard as he can.

I love living in a small town.

Spring Is Here!

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the faint green haze of buds on the trees has sprung, nearly overnight, into tiny vibrant little leaves.

And I'm inside cleaning today.

Ah well when I get all the cleaning and such done I'll haul my big pot out into the sunshine and plant my baby spinach.

Life seems to be full of the good and the bad, lately. Beautiful weather, finally feeling the release of the cold grip of winter. There's a difference between a warm winter day and real spring... a feeling in the air.

And then there's sadness. A guy I knew since highschool killed himself last week. We weren't really close, but he was tight with my brother.

I found out last night that a good friend of mine that circumstances have prevented me from keeping in very close touch with, lost his child when it was six days old. I ache for him and his wife.

So. Smile and rejoice because spring is here, at last.

But never forget that there is sadness in the world, as well.