My passion

My neighbor and friend gave me great news a couple of days ago.  He told me that Lance Larsen is the new Utah State Poetry Laureate.  It's a deserving honor for a great (and generous) writer.

Dan also brought a copy of Lance's latest book to me.  I've been reading it, and loving every word. 

Then something wonderful happened.  For the first time in months, I want to write.  I really want to write!  I even got out the chapbook manuscript that I started compiling a year ago.  I feel like a part of me is waking up, like I've come back to life.  A piece of the sadness has been replaced with a piece of hope. 

Maybe I am still the same person, and my struggles have not robbed me of my passions permanantly.  Maybe I'm still me.

A quote

My amazing neighbor (Andy) sent me this quote.  I love it so much that I wanted to share it.

"I believe we move and have our being in the presence of heavenly messengers and of heavenly beings.   We are not separate from them. ... We are closely related to our kindred, to our ancestors ... who have preceded us into the spirit world.  We can not forget them; we do not cease to love them; we always hold them in our hearts, in memory, and thus we are associated and united to them by ties that we can not break. ... If this is the case with us in our finite condition, surrounded by our mortal weaknesses, ... how much more certain it is... to believe that those who have been faithful, who have gone beyond... can see us better than we can see them; that they know us better than we know them. ... We live in their presence, they see us, they are solicitous for our welfare, they love us now more than ever.  For now they see the dangers that beset us; ... their love for us and their desire for our well being must be greater than that which we feel for ourselves."
~ Joseph F. Smith

School days again

A half day of work, one child almost ready to start classes at UVU, two "back to school" events, and one exhausted mom.  Check.

One foot in front of the other . . .

Some days are better than others.  Nights are long, but the sun always comes up on schedule and we push forward.  My boys are starting school next week, so it is a busy time.  I am not sure yet how this will work, with all of their school schedules and my two jobs.  Life at our house is one day at a time.  I am just grateful to be able to accomplish the little things.  Grateful for the blessings and the kindnesses.