Go Easy.

Okay, this picture has NOTHING to do with the blog post, but that Blog Enhancement Tool pulled it as a related image because I used the word hush. So, I'm including it for the delight of all of the male viewers. (only fair since I used that wildly hot guy with the great arms a few posts ago!) May the sight of their voluptuous (silicone filled, fake as can be) chests make your day. Happy Friday! xoxo Image via WikipediaI should really be in bed. It's almost 2am and I know that I'll get lectures tomorrow from all of you well meaning people about staying up so late...or early as the case may be.

But it's my quiet time.

Thursday was one of those days that seemed to last fooooooorever. It was a great day, but it was just long. (Yes, I realize that the fact that I'm still awake at 2am is just prolonging it. Hush.)

I'm not sure what I want to say....other than to sit quietly in this place that is my blog and breathe. Clean, sweet, deep breaths of air as my family rests quietly and the dog snores at my feet. Breaths that help to restore me. Help to ground me. Help to heal me. Help to soothe me.

When I lose my way, I find it difficult to get back on track and find myself again. My walls stay up, my guard is on full alert and I feel like I curl up into a prickly hedgehog to protect myself. It's like living in limbo.

But tonight, as I sit here breathing, the walls are down, the guard is back to light duty and I feel more like the bear at the Philadelphia Zoo who was simply laying on his back, front paws raised to the heavens as he scratched his back contentedly. I thank God for the peace that Thursday brought. It was much needed.

And now...at 1:59 AM, I'm off to snuggle with Little Miss who is asleep in the middle of our bed after having a bad dream. Go easy in your admonishments please....I needed this.....even if I will need a caffeine IV all day.

Much love to you all! xoxoxoxo

~B

Unexpected Kindness. And a Deep Breath.

Today was filled with unexpected moments of kindness. They say that the kindness of strangers can make all the difference some days. For me, it made a big difference in a lot of ways today.

I was still nursing the effects of the past few days. Life decisions will do that to you, I suppose. But I woke up to a tweet, from someone I don't know, who had read yesterday's post. I have to be honest here and say that most of the time I actually forget that the blog address is even on my Twitter profile. I don't write this so everyone under the sun will read it, but it's comforting to know that those who do find it are somewhat amused. That pleases me.

Anyway, I digress.

It started with kinds word in a tweet. Unexpected, unsolicited, but uplifting....and kind. So, @dsackr if you're reading this, accept a tip of my hat and my warmest thanks.

Then, while we were out at the mall doing school today, we happened into a conversation with a woman wearing a full burka (berka?). She was amazingly kind to the kids and answered all of their questions....including why she dressed the way she did. Her answer was kind and non-confrontational and she was doing her best to put Little Miss at ease. "Why am I dressed this way? Well, the best way that I have found to explain it is to say that it's because I have a pretty face, but I want to save it and share it only with my husband. It looks a little scary though, huh?" To which Little Miss replied, "No, I'm not scared. I can see your eyes and that's the best part." She was right too. Happy, cheerful, kind eyes were crinkling above and below the cloth covering her face. She was kindness personified. No matter what she was wearing.

And then there was an old friend who tested my well-being and made sure that I was okay after making the decision. And a new friend who did the same thing. Kindness. Friendship.

It was everywhere today.

But the best part of all was that I was finally able to take a deep breath...laugh and joke and cast doubt on the fact that I'm not really blonde. I've missed that. And I bet you have too.

A Request.

I know I should be in bed. It's 12:15am and I am fighting to keep my eyes open. It's definitely time.

But before I rush off to reacquaint my pillow with my head, I have a request.

When you read this in the morning, take a deep breath and feel the peace of a new day. You may have a million phone calls to return, a thousand emails in your inbox and more meetings than any one person should have in a day. But breathe. Let the stress of your day roll off your back. Make the tension that threatens to knot up your neck fade from thought. And just breathe. Deeply, fully, slowly, and with peace.

I know you know this. But sometimes, we all need a little reminder.

Oh! And don't forget to drink your water.

Related articles - These are from that blog enhancement tool I mentioned a few weeks ago. Normally, I wouldn't include them, but this woman's blog post was too perfect not to. Enjoy!

• Choosing Peace This Holiday Season (ahighandnoblecalling.com)

Telling.

And tonight, I am just resting in the silence of children who had a fantastic first day at their co-op. And eating cupcakes.

Nothing profound. Just....breathing.

But maybe that's the most telling thing of all.

Okay, one more exciting thing and then I'm done

Remember, not so long ago, when things were challenging? Things like walking more than 30 minutes without needing an oxygen tank; things like wearing jeans and breathing at the same time? Remember those times?

Well, news flash! Breathing and wearing smaller size jeans is not only now a reality, it's happening right this very minute! Sure, you can manage little wheezy breaths when you're standing, but sitting down in jeans and breathing? That's a whole new ballgame, sister. But yes, history is being made. Smaller size jeans, deep fulfilling breaths....at the same time.

And you thought the election was going to be the most historic event this year. Ha!