Living as if. As if I had everything I ever wanted, now. As if I had everyone I ever wanted in my life, here. As if I had so much wealth I could spread it among others who need it more. As if I had not a worry in the world. 
   I've started trying to live as if. The people I've met, places I've been, and opportunities I've had along the way- incredible. The best part is, it's only been a handful of months since I started this experiment. The more grateful I become for what is surrounding me, the more great things that come my way. Watch what happens.
   I'm not trying to preach that this is the answer to grief, but it makes things just a touch easier, for me at least. It makes me more aware of the wealth of love that does and has existed in my life, and it's pretty hard to beat that. 

Brunch and Fried Donut-Animal Sandwiches

A few of us got together last Sunday to share some big Taige-like bear hugs, and a little brunch. It was great to see lots of people who loved Taige together, it was a nice comfort if nothing else. Well, until someone busted out the donuts that is. Then all I remember is thinking about stomach aches.... hopefully the photo below explains :)

One Year Later...

Riding the waves of life, you sometimes find yourself at the crest, with a clear view of everything around you, and the sun shinning on your smiling face. Other times, you wake up in the trough, far from the warming rays of the sun and without a hope of ever getting out. If life's lessons in the past year have accumulated to anything, it is the analogy of this wave. My dad says, "Feelings are only temporary." While its hard to believe when you are at the bottom of the trough, it does seem to be true. Even if only for a minuscule moment, it happens, and those in the dark are brought again into the light.  

A few other things I have learned this year... everyone grieves differently. There is no right way to go about doing it, for some people it is a social experience, for others a quiet and more personal process. For however different they are, a solid foundation in gratuity remains clear and consistent, as every person who ever crossed His path would agree, that smile and laugh were the best, and I am ever thankful to have lavished in their presence. 

On that note, here is a little piece of that smile-  Much love.