My study is like a bench of contemplation this morning.  The rain streams down the window pane so that I cannot go outside to think and ponder.  Yet this warm office suffices as a room to contemplate, a candle burning, its winter pine scent permeating the air.  I hear the ticking clock--like the heartbeat of time, patiently marking my life--moving forward with each beat. 

I pause to ask myself some questions as 2018 nears its close and 2019 hovers just ahead. 

I like taking inventory--making adjustments.  What do I keep?  What do I add?  Where do I let go?

I wondered if perhaps you might like these questions too...

~What brought the most satisfaction over the last year?

~Wht brought the greatest vulnerability?

~What risks did I take?

~What new things did I learn?

~What thoughts and actions do I want to increase to keep moving forward so that my life is enhanced?

~What do I want to decrease?

~What is going well now?  How did that happen?

Yesterday, Giovanni and I made a grocery stop at Walmart.  Santa Baby played over the store speakers.  We compared prices of paper towels and loaded Tide into our cart.  We both noticed the Walmart greeter's tone of voice sounded sincere when we exited the store. "Come back, my friends," she said.  The sun warmed our heads as we placed groceries in the trunk.  Classical music played on NPR as we drove home.  Together.  Loving each other.  I am getting better at noticing beauty in the ordinary.  I want to increase this practice in 2019.