I Like You

Let it be noted: very nice people read my blog. People like you, for example. Thank you for sharing your happiness with me on my last post. It lifted my spirits and I'm genuinely excited for the great things in your lives. Giddy, even.  As I hoped, it convinced me that I've mistaken this vehicle for a handbasket and assumed the worst about the destination.

Thanks for setting me straight.

And now for a bit of my own good news: I was contacted today regarding a job I applied for in January. (Good grief, I can barely remember January.) Everything is VERY preliminary at this point, but I think I'm going to indulge myself in a little bit of cautious optimism. 'Cause you know what? It feels goooood.

I think you brought me good luck. If I land the job, I'll buy you some Cheetos! Keep your fingers crossed for me?

Will You Tell Me Something Happy?

I'm exhausted from bad news. The last weeks, months, and year have been among the worst ever for some of the dearest people in my life. Honestly, at times it's felt like an avalanche of bad news, compounding in weight and speed as it chases all of us. I feel like I've been heartsick for so long, for so many different reasons, sometimes it's hard to breathe. (It's certainly hard to blog.) My own un(der)employment is a lesser worry compared to some of the challenges being faced by my loved ones, but still adequate enough to give me the beginnings of an ulcer. I don't know which is disintegrating faster, my stomach lining or my belief that I'm employable. And all of this is aside from the daily dose of disaster on the evening news. I can barely watch anymore. My worry is maxed out.

I think this is part of my fixation on our trip to France. It's the one little daffodil bursting up through the broken sidewalk. It doesn't solve anything, but it's given me something to look forward to, a week to escape reality.

Yesterday the sun was out and the temperature climbed higher than the forecast predicted. I went outside to get reacquainted. I stuck my hand out for an awkward handshake, like I was meeting up with my favorite cousin after a long absence. I pulled out the rake, shovel, garden gloves and I worked in the sun for hours, until my back threatened to break. And while I was working, I had a thought. I thought that maybe there is more good news in the world than I realize. Just because the pond sample I'm scooped up in is thick with problems, it doesn't necessarily represent the whole body of water.

So, I'm asking you to tell me some good news, something wonderful happening to you right now. What is going right in your world? What is making you smile? What is giving you hope? No matter the size or scope, please tell me about it. I truly want to know, so don't be a stranger. Let me rejoice with you.