For the first time in months I have finally been able to simply relax and enjoy life. This afternoon I spent nearly two hours sitting outside simple breathing in the fresh air. I have missed that. I have missed being able to close my eyes and listen to the rustle of the leaves and feel the wind dance around me. When I closed my eyes today, I felt literal peace; I felt as if I was once again in Africa sitting on the ground watching and listening to all of the strange sounds of nature. It has been too long since I last felt this level of serenity. I have been once again reminded of my need to be alone and collect my thoughts at times.

Last night, JT asked me what are some things that I love--things that bring me joy and I am sad to say that I wasn't able to answer really; however here are a few that came to mind today:

I love watching the clouds drift across the sky
I love the sound of locust in the fall
I love airplanes--absolutely everything about them
I love being greeted at the door by a dog who is so happy to see you, she can barely contain herself
I love the way that baking flour feels on my fingers
I love singing alone in my car
And for now that will have to do because I am hungry....