Full of Grace

1. That my daughters asked if we have another “just us” trip to New York City.  I am thrilled that they want to spend time with me and that they love NYC as much as I do.

2. That I surprised them instead with a weekend in Montreal.  Old Montreal is such a beautiful city to walk and we spent our time wandering with no itinery, eating (Nutella croissants, Nutella crepes, Nutella ice cream) sipping wine at outdoor cafes, shopping, shaking out the rust from our French, and spending delightful evenings in the public spaces listening to street performers.   School starts in a couple of weeks and I feel so blessed to be able to share this special time with them.

 3. The joy of strolling out to my garden every night to harvest greens and tomatoes and beans for our dinner salads.   I am so enjoying that 'hands on' connection to food - planting, gathering, preparing, eating.   That whole sense of grace - “thank you for this food” - has become very, very important to me.

4. That animals like this exist in the world. Honestly, this just makes me ridiculously happy.

5. And tomorrow I have a date with Cate Blanchette.  Okay, she invited a couple hundred more people to see her also, but in my eyes, it will be just her and me. . .   and Martha holding my drool bucket.  


And this morning I am in tears about the death of Robin Williams. At a time in my life when I was in shock and walking around in darkness, a friend took me to see him live in concert. I do believe it was the first time after the attack that I managed a laugh. I am so grateful to Mr. Williams whose humor helped pry open a new path of hope and life for me.