Ending this week on a severly-positive note

And she was...

I made a new friend today, and it was the kind of experience that just feels like perfect timing. We were playing with our kids in the park, and we just started talking. About neighborhoods, elementary schools, walking, farmer's markets, spirituality vs. religion, living simply, camping, emotional bank accounts, learning not to worry, learning to let go. Every word she said was a thought I recently had, and it became the proper definition of friendship because it was about common interests. And it was nice. I look forward to seeing her again.

Thanks, Sue.

And there's reason to believe...

Cienna, Ty and I were taking one of our spring walks around the neighborhood recently when I heard the beautiful piano intro to the Counting Crows "A Long December." If you know me well, you know my attachment to that song and how many times it accompanied me on a trip to New York. Cienna seemed to follow the music, and we eventually came upon an opened bay window to see and hear a man inside playing that song beautifully on a baby grand piano. I couldn't hold Cienna back as she ran over to the window and started twirling around in the yard, which got Ty really excited and dancing in his stroller. The man stopped playing, as I tried to rush Cienna off his lawn. But he invited us in. My instincts said it would be fine. We went inside, and of course he had a dog, and of course it was adopted, and of course the kids loved the said dog. We exchanged small talk, which revealed that I can sing. So he played, and I sang that song in a way I didn't know I could. And I hung onto different lyrics. He played some showtunes, and Cienna and I sang together. He invited Larry and I over for wine. Of course he did. Larry suggested I take Pe-En instead. Of course he did. And of course Pe-En will. I'm sure it will be love at first glass.

"I can't remember/ all the times I've tried to tell myself to hold on/ to these moments/ as they pass"

And really, is there anything more perfect than live music on a nice day?

And I'm proud to be an American...

It doesn't matter what I think about the war. It doesn't matter which political candidate I support. What matters is how I felt during the home opener ceremonies when military uniforms and our flag decorated the bases and the military fly-over was perfect above. Those three planes zoomed overhead, and I held back tears. It was just so moving and meaningful. Regardless of what side you're on, we're all on the same side when it comes to feeling pride and honor for the brave men and women who stand guard to protect us each day.

And cherish til death do you part...

I talked to Mia today while she was getting her nails done with her very-soon-to-be sister-in-law, and I was just so excited for her. I was on yet another spring walk with the kids along Washington Road, holding my cell phone to my ear and just smiling all over the place. I was filled with so much joy for her and the new life she is beginning. The groom is Larry's best friend, and it's so wonderful to be able to share the weekend with them. They are great people and have been there for us at all of our pinnacle moments--wedding, in the hospital with Ty guy, birthdays, holidays, lazy days. :-) I can't wait to hear them say "I do." I'm sure I'll cry. Not because I cry at most weddings, but also because I know what Larry's friend means to him and all the memories they've shared. MB's wedding was awesome for the same reason (and also because Larry and I stayed in a room with three of my best friends and talked ourselves to sleep). And before we hung up, I couldn't help thinking about getting my nails "did" with my bridesmaids (except MK who was working) and laughing about the good ol' Asian place where BGBG got their nails DID on Forbes Avenue, Downtown. Wedding Days are amazing days because of love--that which is shared between both lovers and friends.

And here's to you...

While going through one of the Rubbermaid containers in my basement, I found one of the cards I used to exchange back and forth with my best friend from high school. It said "You are loved" on it, and we frequently sent it back and forth during our first semester of college. She was at Virginia Tech. I was at Point Park. We'd send the best care packages to each other and always exchanged the most hilarious email. But so sweet was the "You are loved" card, and I think everyone should be reminded of that from time to time. So here's some "you are loved" for your emotional bank accounts, Friends.