As the warm rain falls outside today and with the past Spring-like quality of the temperatures of the past couple weeks, I’m dreaming, both day and night, of veggies fresh from the garden in the coming months. I can almost hear the dirt calling to me to turn it and play in it, “Come play with me, Lori, it’s about that time. I’ve rested long enough. The compost has worked it’s magic and I’m ready to bring forth fruit.” Ah, yes. Time for seed catalogs, drawings of where to plant what, peat moss, potting soil, egg cartons holding tiny seeds. (And guess what, people of WNC, I just learned that there now a local seed in Asheville called Sow True–I LOVE that name!–so we can not only grow local but also buy our seeds locally! How wonderfully cool is that? Their website address is www.sowtrue.com)

In taking my daily walks on the country road just down the way from us, the farmers are plowing their fields and spreading cow manure. The Bluebirds are flitting from fence post to fence post, the grass is greening up again. It’s almost Spring! Pretty soon our two huge Weeping Cherry trees will show their glorious splendor and I will stand beneath their draping branches and look up through the beautiful light pink petals at the blue sky above. Can you see it? Ummm, I sure can. Life anew!

Weighed in at 200.0 this morning. But, that’s seven pounds less than I was at the first of the year. And it’s only going to get better from this moment forward. My whole view has changed and for the better.

I went for a 30 minute walk/intermittent jog (not much but a start) already this morning. We are so fortunate where we live. Just around the bend, there is a beautiful walking road. As I walked, I watched the puffs of white and gray shaded clouds glide across the blue morning sky. The cows were out by the fences, having their morning meal and we greeted each other with due respect. I also spoke with the Canada geese who were sharing the field with the cows. Every now and then, one of them would take flight and then land in the still pond that is on the other side of the road. The air was crisp and the breeze fluttered past me as I walked. I pushed through the aches in my calves, knowing that as each day passes, the pain will lessen and last a shorter period of time. Buzzards circled above one of the fields and I could hear the crows conversing in the distance. I even spotted two bluebirds flitting along the fence line. As I walked, I concentrated on my breathing and enjoying the ‘me’ time, knowing that I am doing this for me, for the divine which resides in me, and taking care of that spirit.

After I returned from my walk, I actually ate breakfast, also. A rarity for me, but one that is going to become less so. Had some fresh eggs (thanks to our chickens) and multi-grain toast. I must learn to honor myself and treat myself as the sacred being that I am. This is not to sound snobbish, just learning that we are all sacred, part of the divine and should treat ourselves and others as such.

Oh, yeah, today is new and beautiful and wondrous day. I’m dancing the waltz of life!

Behold, a new day. A new breath. A new start. Time to start afresh. As every day is, as every moment should be welcomed. The difference? Today, I recognize it. I see it as it is and I will honor it and embrace it. Physically, emotionally and spiritually. There is so much to look forward to. What adventures await me today?