February 25, 2008

When I spotted this

T-shaped building

from a parking ramp

the other day,

I was sure it was metallic,

given the reflections

splattered on its side.

But, in fact, it was actually

a big concrete block

soaring into the sky

and licking up the sun.

Good trick!

Meanwhile, it was so cold that day

(well below zero Fahrenheit)

that the heating systems

in all the skyscrapers

huffed and puffed

billowing clouds of smoke

into the frozen air.

Eerily lovely.

February 18, 2008

I just returned

from a fun family vacation

in Florida and have

added some photos

and personal reflections

to recap the trip.

We looked for beauty each day

and found it in abundance.

February 15, 2008

We saw lots of wonderful sights

on our family vacation,

but this parking lot sunset

was the ultimate reminder

that we're all living

in the real Magic Kingdom.

February 14, 2008

I got tons of flowers for Valentine's Day!

Not a bunch of pricey roses or tulips

in an ornate vase,

but bursts of color around every corner,

like this delicate pink wonder

with its perfectly-placed speckles.

Such a welcome sight

for a girl spending a week away

from the frozen tundra!

I suspect the greenery

and gorgeous flowers

might fade into the background

for people who live

in warmer climates year-round.

They know not how lucky they are.

February 13, 2008

I love the juxtaposition

of this rocky beach
melting into calm,
deep blue waters.


Walking barefoot over rocks
may sound pointless and painful.
But what waits on the other side -
the invitation to dip your toes
into cool, clear water on a hot day -
makes the rocks inconsequential.


The rocks can keep you
from testing the waters
or they can serve as your path
to rejuvenation.

February 11, 2008

Ever feel like a little fish

in a great big pond?

Just one person

in a sea of humanity?

I was mesmerized

by the countless fish

co-existing in this aquarium.

There were no fish collisions,

no underwater arguments.

They all seemed purposeful

as they swam through

the cluttered waters,

but they watched out for each other

and moved gracefully through the water

like a perfectly choreographed dance.

What if we lived more like the fish?

What if we all moved through life

with grace and purpose,

watching out for each other

and just enjoying the swim?

Sounds to me

like a dance worth learning.

February 10, 2008

As we walked through the gates

of Epcot Center

on a gorgeous, sun-shiny day,

a plane spelled out the word "God"

in the sky above us.

Perfect timing

and an inspiring reminder

to say thanks for this chance

to relax, rejuvenate,

and treasure time together

as a family.

God is in the details...

even at Epcot.

February 9, 2008

Even though I've been to Disney World

multiple times, I still get butterflies

at the sight of Cinderella's castle.

It has come to symbolize

and remind us

that fairytales come true,

true love conquers all,

kindness prevails,

and magic exists.

No wonder it's dubbed

the happiest place on Earth!

February 8, 2008

Watching him sleep

is a guilty pleasure,

like stealing candy

or spying on God.

I listen to his tiny breaths,

long to touch his rosy cheeks,

imagine what he's dreaming,

and say thanks

for the beauty he brings

into my life,

even while he sleeps.

February 3, 2008

This is how dreams begin.

My little guy was already

a fan of firefighters,

but the chance to climb on board

a blazing red fire truck

at his 5th birthday party

turned fantasy into reality.

Make-believe morphed

into possibility.

He looked so small beside

that giant, candy-apple truck,

but I know inside he felt 10 feet tall.

Whether he holds on to this dream

or finds other passions to pursue

along his path,

I hope he never feels too small

to jump on board

and take his wildest dreams

out for a spin.