THE ROAD AHEAD...

I love blogging. I like having a voice and an opinion. I love finding beauty in the world and I am always hopeful that someone is reading.

There is certainly no shortage of people out there but there are very few I draw into my inner circle. I'm pretty much a "lone wolf" in a butterfly costume.

To say I was a late bloomer would be comical. I don't think I began to see things clearly until I was 60. Don't get me wrong, I have had a wonderful life filled with many happy memories but at the moment the road ahead looks dimly lit. I'm not sure what's next.

Taking a few days off... hope you don't disappear.

Thanks for reading!

Suzanne

"I took the road less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

Robert Frost

REACHING OUT 

We are so different... we are so much the same.

LDS philanthropies

Have a beautiful Sunday!

BUNDLE UP

Since I spend months out of the year bundled up against the weather I am always excited to see the Fall lineup of outerwear. These are the newest arrivals from Pendleton.

Their quality is amazing and I love the neutral colors. 

Looking forward to cooler weather!

Heading to Nordstrom today to try the new NARS collection. It looks so soft.

Have a good weekend!

THE DARK THREADS  ...

My mother was a weaver. When I found this little poem among her things I was struck by what a poignant description of life it is. We are all on a journey that sometimes feels like a roller-coaster. The trick is to hold on and finish the ride.

My life is but a weaving,

between my Lord and me,

I cannot choose the colors,

he weaveth steadily.

Oft' times He weaveth sorrow,

And I in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper 

And I the underside.

The dark threads are as needful,

In the weaver's skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver,

In the pattern he has planned.

Not 'til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas,

And explain the reason why.

(anonymous)

TONIGHT YOU BELONG TO ME!

Feeling more than a little overwhelmed... my son and family move into their new house on Friday and I'll once again be an "Empty Nester"... that's a good thing. I'm in the middle of "back to school" meetings... not my favorite thing and I'm starting a new business... can't get my brain to turn off!  

I just need something to smile about... here it is!

This little girl woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of fireworks. She was frightened and this is how her dad got her to calm down. Pretty good dad!

Have a good day!

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR...

Today we collectively mourned the loss of an immensely talented, overly gregarious and profoundly generous human being. Of all the things that were said about him today, one comment stood out...

Robin Williams was a loyal friend

When Christopher Reeve was left a quadriplegic after an equestrian accident it was Robin that showed up at his hospital bedside and did what he knew best... he made him laugh.

Slated for a dangerous surgery and knowing that he only had a 50/50 chance of survival, Reeve lay in his bed as one last doctor entered his room, slipped a latex glove on his hand and with a heavy Russian accent announced that he needed to do a rectal exam and would Mr. Reeve please roll over. 

Too stunned to speak, Chris watched as this man insisted in a most animated fashion that he move quickly. It took a minute before Christopher realized it was Robin Williams. He would later say... "For the first time since the accident, I laughed. My old friend had helped me know that somehow I was going to be okay."

Robin remained loyal to Chris throughout his ordeal and to his family and foundation beyond his friend's passing.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we each had a friend like that... even better if we could be one. 

TILL YOU MEET AGAIN...

Artist Joe Petruccio

It would be an understatement to say that Robin Williams was extraordinary. He was like no other. From Mrs. Doubtfire, to Good Will Hunting to the voice of the genie in Aladdin, he was funny, he was irreverent, he was adored. 

One never really knows a public figure because they are seldom what they seem. The sad part in all of this is at the moment when he decided he couldn't go on, that life had lost its savor, he couldn't feel how much the world LOVED him. A big part of being happy is not just being loved but embracing it and accepting it. 

I hope he is at peace. I hope he can finally see clearly what a gift he was.  The loss is hard, but my thoughts are for those closest to him... his family. Till you meet again...

This little clip is from the Today show where Robin made frequent visits. They too loved him and this shows some behind the scene moments.

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