My introduction will be only long enough to make sure our newcomers know what is going on and feel included in our website's monthly ritual.
It is, after all, the eighteenth day of the month - the day we cease all of our normal activity and make time to reflect on the highs, lows, and aha's of the past month.
Veteran reader or not, you know life moves at break neck speed and that, without building in time for reflection, we might never stop doing long enough to revel in our successes or wallow in our misery.
Not everyone chooses to post their high's, lows, and ahas in the comment section, but we appreciate when you do, because we realize that your sharing is the kind of thing around which strong communities are built. And, after four years, we like to think of ourselves as a strong and growing community.
I will start and, newcomers, you will see how easy it is:
High (best things that have happened over the past month): Hosting out of town visitors; moving work along in a way that feels great; making progress on my Year of the Book; attending Dine by Design; Thursday nights with Heather, Cheryl, and Misty; being surrounded by people and things that Shine; a new piece of art; sunshine; and time spent with family and friends.
Lows (worst things that have happened over the past month): Worrying about my dad's health; falling behind on some things that feel important; my sweet tooth and love for Starbucks
Ahas (things learned over the past month): I learned a lot in the month of March, because of the www.brownielocks.com Challenge and the many holidays we celebrated (history of the Salvation Army was my favorite). I also learned: the origin of the phrase "ole"; that feeling gratitude for others is not half as hard as making time to write a thank you note; and that I eat more treats in a day than I actually admit.
Visit us in the comment section and take your turn.
Shining off until tomorrow...