I'm still late to the party, but better late than never. Especially when the party is building a community center for some kids half a world away. [Phase 1 complete already - how rock star awesome is that?!]
This week, we're sharing 5 minutes on gardens. Then we're linking up here, and leaving some love, and spreading the news far and wide - that everyone giving a little creates a whole lot of giving. WOOT!
Garden
When we sold our house in fall 2012 and moved to a townhouse, the thing the girls and I missed the very most was our garden. We had a lovely large area where we grew tomatoes, strawberries, zucchini, cucumbers, and a whole host of flowers. We tried our hand at broccoli (never took), cantaloupe (beautiful vines, no fruit), squash (grew well but the groundhog always beat me to the harvest) and a few other things that the kids found interesting from year to year.
We always enjoyed running out to see what had blossomed. And fresh picked strawberries on breakfast cereal are the best. The absolute best.
So when we had to sell and move, the kids were crushed. I was, too. The townhouse we lived in all of last year was perfect for what we needed - right near the school., safe neighborhood, still let the girls have their own rooms and held all our stuff while we were in transition, but the one thing it was lacking was ANY outdoor space. Zilch. And we missed that garden all of last summer.
Then one thing led to another and we had to move. Again. That's twice in one year. But The Lord worked it all out and we're still in the same neighborhood, the same school - about 6 blocks from the other place. And now ... we have a tiny little yard, with a perfectly-made-for-what-we-will-grow garden plot.
of course right now it is buried under feet of snow. [Winter drama like we've not seen in years!] But it has the promise of spring - of new beginnings - new experiments - and strawberries on our breakfast cereal once again.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Not Marked
Welcome to my first crack at a book review. I won't do this justice, I'm afraid, as my words can't even begin to unlock description of what I learned reading Mary's book. But, in fulfilling a promise I made, I am continuing my journey - and so forging a new path with this post.
Mary DeMuth's book, Not Marked is intended to provide hope - to help on a journey toward healing after sexual abuse. I agreed to read this and write a review because I know survivors. And I know people who know survivors. But I don't always know how to interact with them when I learn parts of their story. It's sometimes awkward. It's often a difficult subject to broach. And depending on where the person is in their journey of healing, I'm afraid I might hurt (unintentionally) rather than help.
What I learned was eye opening. And heart awakening. And mind boggling. I anticipated finding wisdom about how to help others on their path to healing after having been sexually assaulted (whether as a child or an adult), and there is much of that within these pages. What I did not anticipate was how widely applicable this is to other stories - to other survivors. Sexual abuse. Emotional abuse. Divorce. Abandonment.
Not Marked is a reminder that while your past shapes who you are, that same past does not have to define you. What brings us all to today does not have to dictate where we go tomorrow. The book offers helpful tips to navigate through your story - how to share, with whom to share, and how to find a safe place in which to share. But it also coaches spouses and loved ones of survivors. How you can BE that safe person. How you can encourage your partner / friend to open up as much or as little as they want, in their timing.
The unique perspective Patrick [Mary's husband] brings encourages not just the partners, but the survivors as well. I particularly like how he adds comments at the end of each chapter so you can see them in context. If it was a whole chapter of "the spouse's thoughts" I think it would be lost, or glossed over entirely. In the midst of each step of the journey you gain insight into the other half of the picture. For survivors in a long term relationship and struggling with healing, I imagine this is encouraging - to know another couple is successfully navigating the waters. For the spouses of the survivors - to see that someone else is feeling what you've felt and that you are normal. And to also offer constructive, practical words of advice for how to take the next step.
My outlook has changed since reading Not Marked, and I am encouraged to add what I've learned to my journey forward.
---------------------
Mary’s main website is MaryDeMuth.com — Your Life Uncaged.
Not Marked is on Amazon — paperback is here; ebook is here.
What I learned was eye opening. And heart awakening. And mind boggling. I anticipated finding wisdom about how to help others on their path to healing after having been sexually assaulted (whether as a child or an adult), and there is much of that within these pages. What I did not anticipate was how widely applicable this is to other stories - to other survivors. Sexual abuse. Emotional abuse. Divorce. Abandonment.
Not Marked is a reminder that while your past shapes who you are, that same past does not have to define you. What brings us all to today does not have to dictate where we go tomorrow. The book offers helpful tips to navigate through your story - how to share, with whom to share, and how to find a safe place in which to share. But it also coaches spouses and loved ones of survivors. How you can BE that safe person. How you can encourage your partner / friend to open up as much or as little as they want, in their timing.
The unique perspective Patrick [Mary's husband] brings encourages not just the partners, but the survivors as well. I particularly like how he adds comments at the end of each chapter so you can see them in context. If it was a whole chapter of "the spouse's thoughts" I think it would be lost, or glossed over entirely. In the midst of each step of the journey you gain insight into the other half of the picture. For survivors in a long term relationship and struggling with healing, I imagine this is encouraging - to know another couple is successfully navigating the waters. For the spouses of the survivors - to see that someone else is feeling what you've felt and that you are normal. And to also offer constructive, practical words of advice for how to take the next step.
So much of the book jumped out at me - as readily applicable to my own journey of life after divorce. I was surprised. But the path to healing as a survivor, whatever the circumstance, can be very similar. Forgive those who wronged you. Don't let the circumstance mark you forever - seek the path to overcoming and living without the label. Seek grace - compassion - kindness.
"Forgiveness is a deliberate decision but it's also an ongoing choice. Forgiveness isn't glossing over or forgetting. Forgiveness is beautiful and powerful because I do remember." ~Mary DeMuth
"Each snippet of healing helps you become salve to those who are earlier on their healing path." ~Mary DeMuthIf you're walking a journey of recovery - of healing - from abuse or some other life changing event, there is much to be learned from reading Mary's words. If you're in the midst of loving someone - a friend, a sister, a spouse - who is recovering, there is much to learn about how to encourage their journey to wholeness.
My outlook has changed since reading Not Marked, and I am encouraged to add what I've learned to my journey forward.
---------------------
Mary’s main website is MaryDeMuth.com — Your Life Uncaged.
Not Marked is on Amazon — paperback is here; ebook is here.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Write (Five Minute Friday)
Welcome to Five Minute Friday - where we stop for 5 minutes and pour out brave words on the screen. Lisa-Jo gives us a word, or a phrase. Something to run with. And off we go. 240 plus writers all linking words together.
The rules are simple:
1. set your timer and write for 5 minutes. No edits. No backtracks. Just write. Typos and spelling errors welcome.
2. Link up here with the gang
3. (the only unbreakable rule) go read the post of the one who linked before you and leave a word of encouragement in the comments. That's the heart of the FMF community.
This week: WRITE.
HA. HA. HA. I don't even like to write. At least that is what I believed for a really long time. There's a reason I was a math major, and it;s not entirely because I love numbers. I do, but there are significantly fewer papers required for a math major than say an English major.
But then last year I discovered OneWord 365. And I needed a way to share my thoughts outside the facebook comments of what I was learning. And then I thought I would play around with it a bit. And then I discovered, that OH. MY. WORD. Something happened and I learned that maybe I do actually like to write. At least when someone gives me a topic and sets a timer so the end is in sight.
Things I have discovered since becoming a single mom:
1. I might like to write
2. I CAN run a half marathon and survive.
3. I CAN walk 39 miles in a weekend, year after year, for a good cause and because I love it.
4. I CAN run this household on my own, and hold down a full time more than 40 hour per week job and help with homework and bathe the kids and cook and drive in the city. I don't do it all on my own - wothout my faith and God holding me every step of the way I'd fall flat on my face.
BUT it doesn't take my ex-husband to hold the world together. I am independent and a survivor and a warrior and can do it all with grace.
with writing to help me let it out or put it together 5 minutes at a time.
stop.
NOTE: I edited one thing ... "bit" was typed as "but". Which was perhaps interpreted as "butt" and that just didn't work.
The rules are simple:
1. set your timer and write for 5 minutes. No edits. No backtracks. Just write. Typos and spelling errors welcome.
2. Link up here with the gang
3. (the only unbreakable rule) go read the post of the one who linked before you and leave a word of encouragement in the comments. That's the heart of the FMF community.
This week: WRITE.
HA. HA. HA. I don't even like to write. At least that is what I believed for a really long time. There's a reason I was a math major, and it;s not entirely because I love numbers. I do, but there are significantly fewer papers required for a math major than say an English major.
But then last year I discovered OneWord 365. And I needed a way to share my thoughts outside the facebook comments of what I was learning. And then I thought I would play around with it a bit. And then I discovered, that OH. MY. WORD. Something happened and I learned that maybe I do actually like to write. At least when someone gives me a topic and sets a timer so the end is in sight.
Things I have discovered since becoming a single mom:
1. I might like to write
2. I CAN run a half marathon and survive.
3. I CAN walk 39 miles in a weekend, year after year, for a good cause and because I love it.
4. I CAN run this household on my own, and hold down a full time more than 40 hour per week job and help with homework and bathe the kids and cook and drive in the city. I don't do it all on my own - wothout my faith and God holding me every step of the way I'd fall flat on my face.
BUT it doesn't take my ex-husband to hold the world together. I am independent and a survivor and a warrior and can do it all with grace.
with writing to help me let it out or put it together 5 minutes at a time.
stop.
NOTE: I edited one thing ... "bit" was typed as "but". Which was perhaps interpreted as "butt" and that just didn't work.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Hero (Five Minute Friday)
A special Five Minute Friday this week - where I write for longer than 5 minutes (breaking rule #1) and I do edit the post (breaking rule #2) but I will definitely be leaving love on the pages of the other writers (because we never break rule #3. Link up, and read over here. Community is where it's at!)
I had a post all prepared (in my mind - clearly I didn't write it yet) for this week's prompt. Hero. But something needled at me to wait - to write later in the week even though I had time to do it on Friday, and on Saturday. Why? Why was I waiting? I didn't know. Until today. The prompt this week?
Hero.
I am a baseball lover. And I enjoy sharing my love of baseball with my family - especially my kids - and my friends. Lots of folks use common interests to share ideas, to meet new people, and to spread a message. Baseball allows me to do a lot of that with a lot of fascinating people - some who I've met in person, some who I hope to meet someday in a real life setting (twitter is great - but sharing a game together is better), and some who I will never cross paths with outside the internet.
This week I have the opportunity to link my Five Minute Party friends with my favorite pastime. And in a way that allows me to spread the word a little bit farther about a real life hero. (or two. or three).
I am honored, and humbled, to announce that I've been asked to serve as a member of the advisory board for the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award. Bob Feller pitched for the Cleveland Indians. As a pro ball player, that would automatically make him a hero in the eyes of kids across the country. But just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the US Navy. His love of country superseded his career, and his love of the game. That makes him a hero in my eyes.
Both of my grandfathers served in World War II. My dad is a US Navy Submarine Service Veteran. I am delighted to have an opportunity to share my love of country, and my love of baseball, in a way that honors our true heroes. The men and women who serve bravely every day - to allow us the freedom to enjoy baseball, writing, our families, and our daily lives without fear.
The Inaugural Awards were given in November 2013 at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC. I was privileged to attend, with my daughters in tow. We were able to meet Justin Verlander, pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, who was the first active player recipient of the award, as well as Chief Petty Officer Garth Sinclair, the first recipient from the Navy.
This year, I'll be a part of the team making the awards happen. Carrying the tradition forward and making it stronger. Sharing our heroes with each of you.
Here's a summary of last year's event. (with pictures!)
For more information about the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award, read here.
And here is the link to Major League Baseball's coverage.
I had a post all prepared (in my mind - clearly I didn't write it yet) for this week's prompt. Hero. But something needled at me to wait - to write later in the week even though I had time to do it on Friday, and on Saturday. Why? Why was I waiting? I didn't know. Until today. The prompt this week?
Hero.
I am a baseball lover. And I enjoy sharing my love of baseball with my family - especially my kids - and my friends. Lots of folks use common interests to share ideas, to meet new people, and to spread a message. Baseball allows me to do a lot of that with a lot of fascinating people - some who I've met in person, some who I hope to meet someday in a real life setting (twitter is great - but sharing a game together is better), and some who I will never cross paths with outside the internet.
This week I have the opportunity to link my Five Minute Party friends with my favorite pastime. And in a way that allows me to spread the word a little bit farther about a real life hero. (or two. or three).
I am honored, and humbled, to announce that I've been asked to serve as a member of the advisory board for the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award. Bob Feller pitched for the Cleveland Indians. As a pro ball player, that would automatically make him a hero in the eyes of kids across the country. But just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the US Navy. His love of country superseded his career, and his love of the game. That makes him a hero in my eyes.
The Bob Feller award honors a current ball player, a Hall of Fame Player, and a Navy Chief Petty Officer, each whom "reflect the values, integrity and dedication to serving our country that Bob Feller himself possessed."When asked what the most important game he ever won was, Feller replied, “World War II.”
Both of my grandfathers served in World War II. My dad is a US Navy Submarine Service Veteran. I am delighted to have an opportunity to share my love of country, and my love of baseball, in a way that honors our true heroes. The men and women who serve bravely every day - to allow us the freedom to enjoy baseball, writing, our families, and our daily lives without fear.
 |
| Justin Verlander with my girls and me |
This year, I'll be a part of the team making the awards happen. Carrying the tradition forward and making it stronger. Sharing our heroes with each of you.
Here's a summary of last year's event. (with pictures!)
For more information about the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award, read here.
And here is the link to Major League Baseball's coverage.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Visit (Five Minute Friday)
Welcome to Friday, where we stop for 5 minutes, write with no restrictions, and encourage others to do the same.
Yes, it's Thursday. I was behind. And then I was going to skip this week. And then I remembered the word.
VISIT. And I can't skip that. And then this happened:
Go.
One of my dearest friends just called last week. She's in Seattle. I'm near DC. This is not close. And we don't get to visit (in person) as often as we'd like. But she's a super smart space-loving (as in outer space ... the moon, Mars, etc) gal and she's got a great job - with a boss that is IN DC. So this week she's out here for a business trip. (Sad for her family, but YAY for me!) When she gets out here, she's usually jam packed. We can sometimes squeeze in breakfast. But I'm a single mom and she's leaving hubby and kids behind, so during the week doesn't usually fit for us.
This week, though, she's TOTALLY FREE on Thursday night. (That's TONIGHT!) And so I found a babysitter (hooray for adult babysitters who can drive) and I am meeting up with her for an IN PERSON VISIT. And our other friend is coming along too. And we're making art. As in painting pictures. Hilarious - did I mention we are all band geeks? So we totally rock the music. And we generally all stink at making art. But tonight we lay that aside for the time of fun and fellowship with girlfriends. So we're laughing and painting and visiting together.
STOP.
PS And I will post a picture tomorrow if it is not too horrendous.
PPS here's the Five Minute Friday rules.
1. Write 5 minutes (set a timer) no editing, no backtracking. Just write.
2. Link up here
3. Leave an encouraging comment on the post of the brave writer who linked up before you.
Yes, it's Thursday. I was behind. And then I was going to skip this week. And then I remembered the word.
VISIT. And I can't skip that. And then this happened:
Go.
One of my dearest friends just called last week. She's in Seattle. I'm near DC. This is not close. And we don't get to visit (in person) as often as we'd like. But she's a super smart space-loving (as in outer space ... the moon, Mars, etc) gal and she's got a great job - with a boss that is IN DC. So this week she's out here for a business trip. (Sad for her family, but YAY for me!) When she gets out here, she's usually jam packed. We can sometimes squeeze in breakfast. But I'm a single mom and she's leaving hubby and kids behind, so during the week doesn't usually fit for us.
This week, though, she's TOTALLY FREE on Thursday night. (That's TONIGHT!) And so I found a babysitter (hooray for adult babysitters who can drive) and I am meeting up with her for an IN PERSON VISIT. And our other friend is coming along too. And we're making art. As in painting pictures. Hilarious - did I mention we are all band geeks? So we totally rock the music. And we generally all stink at making art. But tonight we lay that aside for the time of fun and fellowship with girlfriends. So we're laughing and painting and visiting together.
STOP.
PS And I will post a picture tomorrow if it is not too horrendous.
PPS here's the Five Minute Friday rules.
1. Write 5 minutes (set a timer) no editing, no backtracking. Just write.
2. Link up here
3. Leave an encouraging comment on the post of the brave writer who linked up before you.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Journey (OneWord365 January check in)
Amy has started a monthly accountability series - a check in for her OneWord365). Since I mostly write only when prompted (aka Five Minute Friday ... or Behind the Scenes) I decided to follow her lead, and her link up, and try to do a monthly check in on my word, too. JOURNEY.
It's 3 weeks into the new year, and my journey is already taking me places I never would have imagined this time last year. My final push for this word emerged with the gift my mom made for me for Christmas. (She's a rock star, eh? Cross-stitched this fantastic sampler for me, and now it will hang over my desk).
We've had 5 snow days. Yes, 5. In past years, that would prompt me to take the kids to daycare so I could work from home in the peace and quiet. I am a full time telecommuter and as a project manager, I spend a LOT of time on the phone, with internal customers and with clients. Two small kids cooped up at home plus conference calls would spell a recipe for disaster. But this year I decided to try it. So even on the "I think the roads are passable" days, I've let the girls stay home. We have a talk each morning about when mama needs it to be quiet (they can play in their rooms) and when it's ok for some noise near me (they can then be in the play room - which has my office in the corner). And the deal is if they can't be quiet at the quiet times, and if they can't keep from interrupting during those times, then day care is back on the table. I don't like to use it as a threat, as I want them to love their after school care place (and they do) but they'd rather be home. So it becomes an option on these days.
I am pleased to say that everyone (myself included) has shown an enormous amount of patience, and for the most part, it's been successful. I've cut the work days short on those days, or taken a long lunch to play in the yard or play a game with the girls, and they've been really, really good. A few mishaps -- which yielded this apology (written so as to not interrupt again), so I will even call that a win. Score one for the journey.
I've also been weighing a big (for me) decision. For 4 years. And with thoughtful contemplation, I came to the long needed conclusion. I determined:
(A) it would NOT be out of spite or a hasty move ... remember, 4 years in the thought process
(B) would not be frowned upon by my family (though my parents weren't jumping for joy, they didn't ask me not to do it)
(C) was something I wanted to keep my eyes focused on the journey - and how I wanted to live my live every day
and
(D) was a decision I was totally comfortable having my kids see the outcome of, and discussing WHY I did what I did
and so, with the support of some lovely new (and old) friends, I headed out to get this:
It's on my left foot, and every day I am reminded to choose joy on the journey. To find the good - to count my blessings - and to teach my girls to do the same.
And I have learned that they are indeed learning - we started our 2014 thanksgiving list (which we keep on the kitchen table in this beautiful piece of pottery that my friend made specifically for my family, specifically for this purpose). This morning, the girls told me to stay in bed. They brought me breakfast, and then had their own at the kitchen table. They came back up and said, "Mama, we made our thankful list entries, so now it's your turn." Unprompted by me. Score another point for the journey - and a little extra delight that they are seeing it, too.
3 weeks in, and so far, I feel less stressed, less hurried, less impatient. I'm noticeably more reflective, and I am seeing all of this mirrored in my girls. The journey has begun, and I am really liking where it's been, and where it's going.
It's 3 weeks into the new year, and my journey is already taking me places I never would have imagined this time last year. My final push for this word emerged with the gift my mom made for me for Christmas. (She's a rock star, eh? Cross-stitched this fantastic sampler for me, and now it will hang over my desk).
We've had 5 snow days. Yes, 5. In past years, that would prompt me to take the kids to daycare so I could work from home in the peace and quiet. I am a full time telecommuter and as a project manager, I spend a LOT of time on the phone, with internal customers and with clients. Two small kids cooped up at home plus conference calls would spell a recipe for disaster. But this year I decided to try it. So even on the "I think the roads are passable" days, I've let the girls stay home. We have a talk each morning about when mama needs it to be quiet (they can play in their rooms) and when it's ok for some noise near me (they can then be in the play room - which has my office in the corner). And the deal is if they can't be quiet at the quiet times, and if they can't keep from interrupting during those times, then day care is back on the table. I don't like to use it as a threat, as I want them to love their after school care place (and they do) but they'd rather be home. So it becomes an option on these days.
I am pleased to say that everyone (myself included) has shown an enormous amount of patience, and for the most part, it's been successful. I've cut the work days short on those days, or taken a long lunch to play in the yard or play a game with the girls, and they've been really, really good. A few mishaps -- which yielded this apology (written so as to not interrupt again), so I will even call that a win. Score one for the journey.I've also been weighing a big (for me) decision. For 4 years. And with thoughtful contemplation, I came to the long needed conclusion. I determined:
(A) it would NOT be out of spite or a hasty move ... remember, 4 years in the thought process
(B) would not be frowned upon by my family (though my parents weren't jumping for joy, they didn't ask me not to do it)
(C) was something I wanted to keep my eyes focused on the journey - and how I wanted to live my live every day
and
(D) was a decision I was totally comfortable having my kids see the outcome of, and discussing WHY I did what I did
and so, with the support of some lovely new (and old) friends, I headed out to get this:
It's on my left foot, and every day I am reminded to choose joy on the journey. To find the good - to count my blessings - and to teach my girls to do the same.
And I have learned that they are indeed learning - we started our 2014 thanksgiving list (which we keep on the kitchen table in this beautiful piece of pottery that my friend made specifically for my family, specifically for this purpose). This morning, the girls told me to stay in bed. They brought me breakfast, and then had their own at the kitchen table. They came back up and said, "Mama, we made our thankful list entries, so now it's your turn." Unprompted by me. Score another point for the journey - and a little extra delight that they are seeing it, too.
3 weeks in, and so far, I feel less stressed, less hurried, less impatient. I'm noticeably more reflective, and I am seeing all of this mirrored in my girls. The journey has begun, and I am really liking where it's been, and where it's going.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Encouragement
It's FRIDAY! and time to write. Stop, clear your mind, and then empty your heart onto the page.
Here's how it works:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat - no editing, backtracking, overthinking.
2. Link up over here and invite others to join.
3. And then, the most important part -- visit the brave writer who linked before you. and give them some encouragement. That's the unbreakable rule, the fun, the heart of this community.
And now, for my 5 minutes on
Encouragement
Encouragement comes in all shapes. Sizes. Faces. Sometimes it's the mama in the grocery store who sees you with all the kids and the crazy hair, and maybe still even in your PJ pants because one of the kids is sick, but you MUST get out because otherwise you will all starve. Sometimes it is the stranger who waves you through at the busy intersection.
Sometimes it is your mom who calls just to tell you hi. Or the friend who texts you to meet for coffee, even in the busy, because you've been on her heart.
Sometimes it's even your kids. Who stop and say, mom - that was so nice. Or mom, thanks for dinner. Or can I have another hug, because you are the best hugger, mom. or ... thanks for the angry bird bandaid because that made my owie feel all better.
However it comes, in whatever moment it hits, encouragement is what gets you through the toughest times. The times when you think you can't go one more inch. Not one more second without it all falling apart.
And it's also what lifts you even higher when you are soaring with great news. It's the coming alongside, dividing the grief, the sorrow, the pain, the tough days. The days when you want to pull your hair out for all the ridiculous things you've heard. And encouragement doubles the joy, the delight, the love, the laughter.
And right here, in this Five Minute Friday commuinity, we find it, and share it, by the bucketful.
Stop.
Here's how it works:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat - no editing, backtracking, overthinking.
2. Link up over here and invite others to join.
3. And then, the most important part -- visit the brave writer who linked before you. and give them some encouragement. That's the unbreakable rule, the fun, the heart of this community.
And now, for my 5 minutes on
Encouragement
Encouragement comes in all shapes. Sizes. Faces. Sometimes it's the mama in the grocery store who sees you with all the kids and the crazy hair, and maybe still even in your PJ pants because one of the kids is sick, but you MUST get out because otherwise you will all starve. Sometimes it is the stranger who waves you through at the busy intersection.
Sometimes it is your mom who calls just to tell you hi. Or the friend who texts you to meet for coffee, even in the busy, because you've been on her heart.
Sometimes it's even your kids. Who stop and say, mom - that was so nice. Or mom, thanks for dinner. Or can I have another hug, because you are the best hugger, mom. or ... thanks for the angry bird bandaid because that made my owie feel all better.
However it comes, in whatever moment it hits, encouragement is what gets you through the toughest times. The times when you think you can't go one more inch. Not one more second without it all falling apart.
And it's also what lifts you even higher when you are soaring with great news. It's the coming alongside, dividing the grief, the sorrow, the pain, the tough days. The days when you want to pull your hair out for all the ridiculous things you've heard. And encouragement doubles the joy, the delight, the love, the laughter.
And right here, in this Five Minute Friday commuinity, we find it, and share it, by the bucketful.
Stop.
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