Celebrate Today!

There are no little events in life, those we think of no consequence may be full of fate, and it is at our own risk if we neglect the acquaintances and opportunities that seem to be casually offered, and of small importance.
~ Amelia Barr

I was feeling the pressure to write, produce, and be more today... I settled on the simple reminder that 4 is only four once - and it lives not within my fingertips, at the command of my computer or in the never ending schedule
of obligations contained within my mind.

And for one who believes herself to be one who encourages, lifts, embraces,
and befriends fiercely - the cheerleaders for everyday motherhood and the ability to simply be - are a dying breed. Unlike a "vacation" reminder in my email options, maybe my life should often read - "busy today. trying to live it. life." But affairs of the heart are rarely as succinct as their authors lonely attempts to capture them.

The Little Pushes

" I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker." ~ Helen Keller

I could easily slip into a feeling of woulda and coulda today, shoulda has already been hanging out for a few days. But instead, I say, here's to the little pushes. If there is never a great and noble task completed at my hand, I will rejoice in a variety of small things that would never happen with out me.

My little pushes over the last few days include:

• Emergency doctor for the latest ouchie for the little guy
  
• A friend to someone who really needed it
  
• Clean laundry for 5 people, even though they did not assist in the task
• A mini-calligraphy lesson for the daughter of a friend who squealed w/me about a boy she likes
  
• Popsicles for the next door neighbors kids and mine too
  
• Collection of our library books to be returned
  
• Delayed gratification in a purchase that means I saved our family money
  
• Blogging with a comment left - yippee I reached someone, a READER!
• The island in my kitchen will be all clean, after I get done typing
  
• I found the sword for Leonardo the turtle
  
• I contacted a client with leads for their work
  
• I forwarded several leads for a friend who is a life coach
  
• I walked this morning while I watched gymnastics
  
• and so.........the little pushes are defined not by the great and noble tasks, but the dignity with which we do all things. Weeding my garden, conserving water as I brush my teeth, a welcoming and clean home for my family, 20 letters mailed this week to say thank you, I miss you , Happy Birthday...and everything in between.
  

Here is to your little pushes!

A Friend In Deed

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
~ John F. Kennedy

I was traveling this week and needed quotes for a presentation. I stumbled on this one - but I really unearthed much more.

I had a friend who helpd by playing with my 3 year old all day and keeping my spirits up through the night - so I could get ready for a presentation. When I arrived she had grilled a great dinner, the coffee was delightful, the company amazing, the kindness unforgettable. She potted flowers and herbs for us, she decorated cup cakes, she lived by the word - friend.

I was trying to think about what I could do to really let her know how overwhelmed I felt because of her generosity - and realized, I could just continue to reach the heights of being a tremendous friend.