Today is such a gorgeous day, here in sunny Florida. The sun is shining and there is a very slight breeze wafting through the fresh morning air. All around me, birds are chirping, children, home for spring break, are playing, and, buds are springing out from their stalks all over. Things are surely becoming green. The long, dark and dank winter is past. Earth is awakening with the promise of new life, fresh flora and fauna, in abundance. For me, this is what Pandora saved for all of us – HOPE.

Without hope for things to come, I feel, one can’t be as inspired to fulfill one’s life and expectations to the fullest. By this, I mean, to be able to appreciate and live in harmony with the earth, the rest will follow. It was here today and, with all the promise that is coming to us, right about now, it will be here tomorrow. This is my hope. I hope to see tomorrow, but, will make the most of today.

As I ponder all of this, I can’t help but be aware of all the sorrow, tragedy and pain around the world. Children are missing and/or exploited. I was reminded of this just this morning, as I passed by one of our hospitals. Spread out across the front lawn of the huge complex there were hundreds, if not thousands, of children’s ‘pin-wheel’ toys. Stopped at a light in front of the huge expanse of whirling, glittery pinwheels, I saw the sign. In remembrance of all the missing and/or exploited children in the world, pinwheels, representing each of them, were placed there. They were all spinning in the slight morning breeze. Then, just as the light turned green, tears welled up in my eyes. Goddesses bless the little ones.

There is other pain and ugliness world-wide. I live in pain with a bad back. There is never enough money, everyone seems to be struggling in these difficult times. I could go on and on and on. I choose not to, though. Because of the time of year, my faith in beauty and peace is restored. This week in April is not only a special time for Christians the world over. Easter, the passing and resurrection of the lord, fits in with the vernal equinox and the full moon, this one known as the “wind” moon. Seeds of plants are gently spread through the April breezes, ensuring an abundant regrowth. The promise brings hope.

In spite of things that are so difficult the world over, joy and happiness abound. Partially because of the promise and hope, one feels things can change. One manages. We always do, too. You do what you have to do and, somehow, we always manage.

Later today, my 31 year old son, Nick, is wedding his sweetheart, Danielle. Seeing the two of them together, the love is so obvious. The couple will exchange their vows to each other this afternoon at 3:oo. Tomorrow, we are having an outdoors reception with all of our friends and family. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate, not only the union of man and woman, but, the promisses that come with. Indeed, the promise of things to come, some uncertain, some fairly certain, gives us all hope that things are changing.

Our expectations play a major role here. Those and a good positive outlook. Looking at this world and my life, with an open, accepting and trusting manner, I feel I open myself for much joy and happiness. If I try to completely block the bad, I’ll miss all of the good, too.

I’m so grateful for what I do have. I am so grateful that my son has foiund the girl he wishes to share his life with. I am so grateful for my two daughters and 2 grandchildren. I am so lucky! Rather than dwelling on the negative, this lady is planning on celebrating the positive.

In celebration of all the promise and hope in our lives, I would like to offer you this floral frame that I designed. It is actually 4 separate .png corners. The bright, spring-time colors represent my hope. I’d like to share that. Thank you for looking.

(click image to download from 4shared)

With that, I must be off. There is much to do in preparation for our celebration. This isn’t to be a big, traditional wedding. Niether my son nor Danielle wanted to go through with all that. Rather, close friends, family, good food and drink will help commemorate the love that just abounds with the couple. As infectious as this is, we should have a happy bunch here tomorrow.

I surely hope that your weekend is as joyful, peaceful and nice as it can possibly be.

Namaste,

Su