It’s been a long time since I was this grateful for a Friday.

I woke up with swollen eyes from crying, my back was killing me, and I’ve got a headache.  I’ve also got a website launch on the 24th and this is not the time to call in sick.  Launch or bust…

I decided to drive in and give myself that luxury today and am very glad I did.  My car is close by if I need a break.

Things are mostly resolved from yesterday but I have asked that we get an unbiased third party to help us negotiate this one last detail.  Hopefully that will happen some time next week.  I look forward to advice and resolution.  I look forward to reconciliation.

Thankfully the one friend I did let go wasn’t really a friend.  More an acquaintance really, a friend of a friend.  The circumstances surrounding the decision caused me pain but losing them? Not one jot.  Just so that is clear.

As I lay in bed last night, well after midnight, still trying to get to sleep, I was very grateful when my mind turned to happier things.  What turned it was the sound of dried leaves whispering past my window and I suddenly smiled in the dark.

I decided that what I needed to post about today, really, are the things that make me smile.

Things That Make Me Smile (and sigh – aahhhhhhh)

Painting by Carrie Goller, hanging at the Global Art Venue in Seattle

Listening to the crispy fallen leaves dancing in the breeze blowing by my bedroom window.  Autumn is here.

The music on Blessings by S.J. Tucker.  The Horned one comes.  Autumn is here.

The V of geese flying through the misty pink morning.  Autumn is here.

The pomegranate on my alter that my mother gave me. She gives me a pomegranate every year.  The symbolism of my mother joyfully giving me the seeds so that I can choose when and how long I go elsewhere doesn’t escape me. Demeter she is not.  My mother is a joyous soul who understands that her daughter needs to fly her own flight.  Autumn is here.

My kitty licking my hand as I lie quiet in the dark.  Succor is here.

I’m alive.  I am here.