The first

This is beautiful. I curled up on my mom's couch with a blanket and a little dog that would visit just long enough to lick my ears and nose. I listened to the conversations around me. Those familiar voices. My family. My husband, daughter, sisters, brother, mom, sister-in-law, Dear W, Dear C, and little Lola.  Those threads of conversations and connections must be brilliant shades of life. We have something that is unyielding to the world. We are deep rooted. I love listening to the laughing and the hushed tones. Maddie was presented with a pile of dresses from me and my sister's teenage years. She found a red number that made her twirl and sparkle. We gasped and smiled. She is growing up. She is lovely. We watched the Oscars. We all love the movies and we love to get lost in them. Our favorite Aussie did not win for best actor, but we could hardly argue with Mr. Lincoln. When it was time to go, we were hugged and kissed. The ride was cold. We listened to music and I watched the world go by. The yellow lines on the road, the snowy mountains bathed and lit up by the moon, and the city lights. My bed was perfect. I did not feel perfect, but that is ok. I have had a hard time lately with physical challenges. It has effected my mood, but tonight are times when I can look around and know that I am a lucky one. These nights are simple and perfect.