unexpected

1. Megs and I find ourselves ankle deep in water. Where did that puddle come from? We laugh as we look at the disappearing puddle from all angles.
2. A unexpectedly warm welcome from folks I hope will become friends
3. While casually browsing through the library I come across a DVD I've been wanting to see for years

the importance of day planners

1. Every year I buy the same day planner from the same shop. Yesterday I sloshed in after being caught in a downpour and found that they had sold out. "But don't worry, Oscar will have them, just go down the street."
2. I arrive at Oscar's feeling cold and wet (and to be honest, slightly grumpy). No planners! "But don't worry, I can order one for you and it will be here on Monday. 20% off!"
3. Chatting with Pam on our way to the cinema, I tell her the tale. "Which kind do you use?" I ask. "Oh, I'm very specific with the planner I buy" she replies. "I always get the same one every year." It's the exact same as mine.

friendly voices

1. A friend who lends ideas and a listening ear is a lifesaver during this time of career transition and uncertainty
2. New emails in my inbox invite me to come by the office for a chat
3. My moments of angst are tempered with the knowledge that there are folks out there who believe in me

out of the cold

1. A pair of lost gloves sit on top of a fence post, waiting for their owner's hands
2. Two very wrinkly dogs whine on the door step. I hear the door creak open to let them in
3. A brief glimpse through a window - the table is covered with a bright blue and green cloth and a sweater hangs over the chair

shining bright

1. Last night the lights from the ski hills above Vancouver seemed so close that I reached out my hand to touch them
2. The hospital has lit the trees outside its front doors with glittering blue and green. I imagine that it brings a little bit of beauty to the people inside
3. Cambie Street construction is finished and at night there is a beautiful new view of the bridge lights curving over the river

Happy New Year!

New Year's Day is every man's birthday.

~Charles Lamb

beautiful things do come in threes!

Three very little beautiful things today . . .

1. J has an inquistive mind and sparkling eyes
2. C scampers like a talkative little butterfly around the house
3. I's beautiful baby skin is soft and he fits just so nicely in my arms