A smile and wave to everyone I pass by walking to the park. Coffee and a kiss for my husband, Sending a special note of love to a friend.

Living in the moment. I am still learning how.

This week I get to safely hug my grandchildren after a year apart because of Covid-19. Grateful for the vaccines that came so fast.

Water that comes fresh out of the tap. My puppy whose tail wags with delight when he sees me. My husband and his kisses.

My grandmothers both immigrants from Italy. They cooked homemade dinners for family and friends every single Sunday of their lives. They loved everyone unconditionally and worked from dawn to sunset and beyond helping their friends, family and community. Also they laughed a lot and made me so happy as a child growing up. I can still hear them singing in the garden.

It actually helps me let go of my old stories, resentments or my “ego to be right ” with two family members that I struggle with. What a gift it is to have gratitude shift my judgement to see the good as well as the challenges of working out relationships. Because there is always good even if my ego wants to sometimes overlook it so I can justify my view point. Gratitude balances it all out to be a more truthful painting of my few family relationships I struggle with.

I was born with a twin brother and so I include that special bond as part of who I am that makes up who I am. I never like to be alone as I had a companion, friend , brother whose heartbeat was in sink with mine. As back in the day before scans the doctor never knew my mother was having twins. The doctor only heard one heartbeat. My dad a doctor and the birthing doctor were totally blown away that their were two babies presenting themselves the day we were born.

To be kind to all. To be aware enough to help when I see a need. To be grateful to be alive on this beautiful planet Earth and protect it.

I have enough books. I love them. My shelves filled with stories. I need to start giving them away to neighborhood” giving stands”. A great idea for all who would like to read them and make more room at home for more books. I know I love to hold a book and begin a new journey.

Where will the pandemic of Covid-19 recovery unfold for the world? Will we be able to travel, give hugs and live like before? As humans will be help other countries with vaccines and support? When will we feel safe again for all humans on this Earth?

Making sure the baby Bluebirds and their parents get their meal worms to keep them all healthy during this dry spring. What beauties!

Walking my puppy through the oak forest and hearing the delightful songs of so many birds.

I figure everyone is challenged with the pandemic and just life’s regular trials like health issues, love issues and earning issues. So a smile or any effort at calmness, especially kindness to all now is so important. Again from my spiritual teacher I say every morning ” What would love have me do today? Something always arises to help me lean into life. Grateful and positive into life as it is now.

When I am in nature and touch a tree branch or leaf or see a strange bug or the milky way with stars that stretch across the night sky. Seeing a child smile and holding a baby. When my dog snuggles up and puts his head in my lap for a snooze. A kiss from my mate. I feel a grateful peace in my heart and soul.

Today I choose to embrace nature which always makes me feel the best that I am.

Gratitude stops me in my tracks when I start to feel sorry for myself or only look at the challenges that are difficult. When I ask myself to look, feel and see all the amazing luck, love and support I have it changes all to my feelings to one big sigh of grateful relief. I am humble in those moments for all that I do have.

Curiosity always feels so good. Exploring a hunch or finding a frog or looking for a falling star.

James thank you so much. The poems you have picked have lifted my spirits up, gave grace to my soul, comfort for my thoughts. So creative and helpful.

Being a twin. To share childhood with another makes for a lifetime loving bond. Which I did not expect as a child.