I learned what a blog was in January of this year (2009). From my very first post until my most recent, there has been one blogger always present, always smiling, always spreading love… Lance, from The Jungle of Life. He may not even know it, because we haven’t talked at great length, but I have watched and admired him for a long time.

When I first visited his blog I did what I always do with a new blog, I went to read his earliest posts… the ones before he knew for certain what direction his blog would take. His April 30, 2008 post “Are You Having Fun?” absolutely inspired me and helped me clarify in my own mind what I believe is important. From that day forward a change has been brewing in my household, one which I’ll post about on Monday. That post, along with all of Lance’s writing, and comments, and tweets, are clear examples of what a loving and compassionate soul he is.

Posted in compassion, Fellowship Fridays, friendship, happiness, helping others, love 24 Comments »

Jeff and I have been married for almost ten years, and I guess you could say we’re “happily married”. I really don’t have any point of comparison because Jeff is my first husband. But I don’t even remotely want a divorce and, as far as I know, neither does he… so, for the time being, I’d say ours counts as a happy marriage.

But there was a time, in our first few years, when I nearly divorced him… because of a coloring book incident. Yup, a coloring book.

Hunter and I went to San Diego to visit Ali for a week. Jeff stayed in Georgia because he had to work. One night I called his cell phone, expecting to find him home and ready for bed, when I heard a woman’s voice in the background. “Who’s that?” I asked, as casually as I could manage.

Posted in bad habits, choices, family, love Comments Off

Recently I received this letter from a reader:

I moved away from home when I was in my late teens. I don’t visit much now–at most maybe once a year, sometimes every other year–but I know I will fall apart when my parents die.

My mom and I fight and don’t get along (I don’t know what to do about it… I’ve tried everything), but my dad and I are very close. It makes visiting home nearly impossible as my mom is always upset at me, and my dad gets upset with my mom for her crazy ways.

Posted in acceptance, choices, family, guilt, helping others, inner peace, Letters From Readers, love, Overcoming Challenges 19 Comments »