"I been one poor correspondent, and I been too, too hard to find, but it doesn't mean you ain't been on my mind."
~ America, "Sister Golden Hair"
Despite good intentions, I don't blog as much as I'd like anymore, or have time to visit those of my favorite bloggers. But I'm hanging on to those intentions and plan to just drop in as frequently as I can for now, grateful that my business is keeping me so... well, busy. That's a pretty major sweet!
I do make time to collect my sweet!s in an old black journal every day before they drift right out of my head. Obviously they are much lighter than worries, wrongs, and perceived bad luck, because those tend to stick around in my memory on their own and weigh me down unless I switch my perspective by focusing on the blessings and sweet surprises of the day.
Since this is the 4th of July weekend, my thoughts are turned toward my wonderful country, the United States of America, because it's her birthday! There are plenty of things to worry about regarding her, but in all honesty, there has never been a truly 'easy' time for everyone here. It's a continual give-and-take when you're trying to protect everyone's freedom. One person's freedom usually steps on someone else's.
But we're still going strong. I believe so, anyway. We've survived a lot. I'm grateful we celebrate with parades and festivals that bring us together... all the different sizes, shapes, and flavors of us ... and with fireworks that remind us that the birth of this country wasn't an easy one.
My small town started the 4th of July celebration early: our parade was yesterday morning, followed by a festival and fireworks over the lake last night. I skipped the festival, but did enjoy the parade from the sidelines and the fireworks from a friend's backyard that has an amazing view of Lake Travis.
I wish I had a photo for you, but imagine sparkling, shimmering fireworks against a backdrop of low-lying hills and distant eruptions from other firework displays from surrounding communities.
The lake itself glittered gem-like from all of the boats anchored there to watch the show. From the park below, strains of "The Star-Spangled Banner" drifted up to us, and after the grand finale, cheers and applause echoed from the darkness around us.
Yes, I'm still proud to be an American. I know I'm not the only one.
And now for some other sweet!s from the... WHAT?? It's been three months since my last real "sweet!" post?
Holy cow. Where does the time go?
Well, I won't bore you by listing all of them, but here are a few highlights - quite a few - working backward through June, May, and April ...
Your grown kids hanging out and having fun together.
Working as a team with other agents, lenders, and the title company to make it to closing on a challenging transaction.
Following through on promises you make to yourself.
A little hummingbird buzzing up close to you while you say your prayers on your back deck.
Being able to help blog friends with their real estate needs.
Morning walks with your puppy.
Remembering that your joy and happiness come from God, and are independent of other people, circumstances, or events.
Phone calls with your mother-in-law... sister-in-law... sister ... dear friends...
Your kids helping you with little projects around the house that have been bugging you.
Your clients' offers being accepted in multiple-offer situations.
Seeing and hearing James Taylor in person for the first time.
A full Lake Travis.
Spending a day with a longtime friend, helping him find a home in Austin.
Finally getting to see your brother's new home and have a long visit with him and his family. Your brother's smile.
A gender-reveal party, where everyone found out at the same time that a friend's daughter will be having a daughter of her own.
Helping organize a successful parish picnic.
Finally experiencing Blanco's Lavender Festival... and Lavender beer!
Playing your drums when you realize you have the house all to yourself
A longtime friend sending you two jars of homemade fig preserves
A cookout with friends at a park on the lake, like you used to do all the time when your kids were little
Spotting a fawn nursing in the yard of a house you're showing to a buyer
A visit from your brother-in-law and his family
Watching your nieces and nephews play Bubble Soccer at a festival near the lake
Dinner with friends you haven't seen in months
Hanging on to voice mails from your mom so you can still listen to her voice when she's gone
Your husband's successful gall bladder surgery
Having an article published in TexasHillCountry.com
Your Keller Williams Market Center choosing your mom's nursing home as their RED Day focus, and planting a pink rosebush beside a bench at the entrance in your mom's honor
All of your kids with you on Mother's Day
A friend singing "Lily of the Valley" after Mass on Mother's Day, in honor of your mom
Tulips from your sister on Mother's Day
Overwhelming love and support from friends and family when you lose your mom
Memories of many Sunday church services shared with your mom at her nursing home; the volunteers who provide them
Friends helping you celebrate your birthday at "Painting with a Twist"
Being able to tell your mom "thank you" on your birthday - and remembering to do so.
Watching the sunset over Lake Travis on your birthday
I hope the past three months held plenty of sweet! moments for you, too, and the next three bring even more. Share some in the comments!
"Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel."
~Author Unknown
