"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

— Anne Bradstreet

Words of such truth are hard to come by and so treasured when found. I do find that spring is such a sweet, sweet reprieve from the dark, cold days of winter. I also think that we go through times of trouble and disappointment only to find that happiness and fulfillment is that much more meaningful. When we ask 'why?' should it not be more appropriate to ask 'when?'

I Can Take a Hint

"Balance is the key to happiness in your life, and you need to work on getting some of your old equilibrium back. Get started as soon as you can. The still, quiet moments in life hold just as much reward for you as the dramatic, glamorous ones. See for yourself!" - Horoscope 3/16/08

On this glorious St. Patrick's Day, I find that the Luck of the Irish is with me because I see the important message in my horoscope from yesterday. I don't usually put much thought into astrology, but after having not one, but three, doctors tell me recently that I am suffering physically from mental or emotional stress, I think it's time I put some serious thought into following the advice of this simple horoscope. I've also had a friend of mine, who knows much about diet and nutrition, advise me to eat more cleanly and stay away from artificial flavoring in my food and drink. She particularly advised against using artificial sweetners. Then I read some of the great book, "Skinny Bitch" yesterday and learned way more horrible, disgusting information than I ever wanted to about all of the foods I love. That helped put into perspective how my emotions and my choices for this body can lead to the physical ailments I am enjoying. So, my St. Patrick's Day pledge to myself: eat clean, breathe deeply and work on getting some of my equilibrium back through more still, quiet moments in life. I'll let you know where this pledge leads me...

"Genuine listening means suspending memory, desire, and judgment — and, for a moment at least, existing for the other person." — Michael P. Nichols

This quote, which arrived in my e-mail inbox last week, seemed, at that time, very appropriate as it applies to my job as a development professional. It is my job to build lasting, meaningful relationships with alumni, friends, students and staff of SMU. While away in Chicago at a development conference, listening seemed to be a recurring theme.

The message conveyed in this quote is also essential in marriage - my top priority. To listen is to genuinely and fully give yourself over to the other person, if only for a short time. Listening, it has been said, is the greatest gift one can give to another. My husband has a real knack for listening, even when I may not think he's actually doing so. And listening to one another has saved us many, many times.

But listening - existing for the other person - truly came into play last night as a heartbroken close friend called to speak with me about the tragic, unexpected loss of her father over the weekend. As I listened to her cry, listened to her tell of her sadness over the memories they will no longer be able to make, the unfairness of his death and just her utter confusion and shock over this loss, I felt my own tears, my own shudder at the thoughts which came flowing from my friend. I wasn't crying for myself, or the thought of losing someone I love, I was crying with my friend because of her pain. I was existing for her, feeling some of that heartbreak with her. And when she was ready to end the conversation, I merely said, "I love you. I'm here for you," and then we said "good-bye." Suspending memory, desire and judgment in those moments on the phone with my friend...genuinely listening, is really the only gift we have to offer our friends during times of unspeakable sadness.

Celebrating Favorite Photos

One thing anyone who knows me well can tell you is that I LOVE photographs. I have book after book of cherished memories that I look through often. My office is also filled with wonderful photos of those I love. Since I notice a lack of photos on this blog in many, many months. I thought I would share some of my favorites here today.

My beautiful, super smart, crazy Mother - Mia, aka Spicy!! Age 18. Happy belated birthday!!

The kid-os:

Loving Jake...

Daisy Davan...

Sweet boy Jace...

Crazy, Cool Carman Girls- Paris & Alexis...

Oscar, the teddy bear.

The ones who started it all...

Freddy, Mr. Smooth...

and the love of my life...

Hannah, who will be 14 in a matter of weeks!!

Of course there is The Fellas:

And one of the best times of my life with my Hubby:

Photos are a forever reminder of the most important parts of your life. I am so blessed and grateful for them all!!!

I have much to blog about-some sad, some glad, some in between.

*Last week was filled with emotion. A little over a week ago one of my Mother's very best friends passed away. Betty Engelking was such a vibrant spirit, one that danced and giggled often with the spirit of my Mother. Seeing them together over the years always made me and Betty's daughter, Tiffany, (a high school classmate of mine) roll our eyes, but we were always secretly thrilled that they had one another. I am sad for the loss of Betty's spirit here in our world, but I am glad to have her watching over us. We're all a little better taken care of with the strength and courage and unique love that is Betty now in Heaven. I am most sad for my Mother and for Tiffany - what a great loss for these two women, but I will always celebrate Betty as a hero of mine for being such a great friend, such a wonderful mother and forever leaving her special mark on all those she met.

*My Mom always said, "You are known by the company you keep." I have heard that in my mind and learned so much over the last couple of weeks with relation to who I am in the world and how I want to be known. I find my Mom's words to be ever so true and upon examining that statement and applying it to my life I think I have some work to do in that area.

*It is really something to be completely in awe of the man you love. I am in awe of his dedication to our home and his renewed devotion to our marriage, to me as his wife and to himself. I came home from class last Wednesday and experienced a whole new light in our home - literally. After all the pain and strife of trying to install the chandelier that would hang so high above the entryway in our home last weekend, ultimately "the chandelier won out." But Greg would not let the initial set back deter him, and on Wednesday he pursued this project once again with much success. His passionate perseverance, both in his home improvements and our life together, is truly inspiring to me. And isn't that what marriage should be all about - inspiring one another?!

*I have the most wonderful best friend. Mandy is her name and support and love is her claim to fame! She spent hour upon hour with me on Saturday and she showed me why the words 'best friend' should never be used or taken lightly. She is truly my 'champion in my absence and my friend always.' Mandy, thank you for always being the very best friend anyone could have. You are a genuine treasure to behold and I am blessed that you found me!!

*Last, but not least, I spent time with two people this weekend that we are welcoming back to Dallas after a long trip to the Northeast. I say it was a "trip" because in my heart they never really left. I am so excited and so happy to have the Shuff's moving back to Texas. I sat laughing hysterically as I was reminiscing with Jenn on Saturday night, and I couldn't help but grin in anticipation as the laughter subsided because I so look forward to many more fun, memorable moments still to be shared with our favorite 'Peanuts.'