Wordless Blog.

Storm...Limbs...Chainsaws.

Tonight we got hit by a pretty large storm in the area. They said the winds reached 50-60 miles per hour. I was at a friend's house when it hit and we were wondering about the trees as they were twisting in the wind. We even lost power and were forced to drink wine by candle light. I was secretly (ok... not so secretly) hoping the storm would take out my BRADFORD PEAR trees near my driveway. They smell so bad and always keep my driveway looking dirty.

Alas, it knocked the neighbors' tree pear onto our house instead. No harm done of course, to anything but their tree. So close., but some people have all the luck. The neighborhood was littered. My favorite thing. The suburban men rushing out with chain saws to clean the mess. Whoo Hooo. Power Tools!!!! Testosterone filled the air. I swear within one hour of the storm, there was a neatly cut pile of branches in front every house in the hood. One of my friends was laughing that his next door neighbor was actually out with the chainsaw and cutting before the leaves had settled on the ground.

It is easy to laugh because there was no real damage, and our guys got to play with their toys. You have to have your fun where you find it.

Peace... and music.

Today, a client settled his case with his ex wife. We fought for over a year and over the weekend he decided, and she agreed, it would be best to put down arms before the trial set for tomorrow. Since we have heard that before, the other attorney and I made sure the terms were reduced to an Order that both would sign before we gave up the trial date. Fortunately, they signed. I hope it works out for them. I know they have saved some stress and money. It certainly makes my day when people can work through things and compromise. It only works when both sides are willing to let the other side get something they want. If the goal is to destroy, then there is no reasoning with the opponent.

The added bonus, their peace, allowed me to relax and enjoy the concert with friends I had planned to attend. Had they not resolved their action, I would have been squeezing in a couple of sets and off to bed.

So off I went with three wonderful ladies from the neighborhood and my daughter with two of her friends. The weather held, the music was great, and the company even better. A true win-win.

Rainy days and Mondays.

Blogging by phone. This Monday brought me
1 hour alone with brother;
Lunch with Clay and Todd;
Call from daughter;
Sharing my weekend with co-workers;
Lightening storm;
Wine;
Call with friend;
No cable or Internet ....;
2 chapters of new book;
Early night.

Good Night Moon.

Treasure Hunting

I just got back from "The Antique Roadshow" in Atlanta. A friend, who is interested in antiques and spends weekends searching yard sales and estate sales for treasure, found an item she wanted to take. Friends and family members applied for tickets so she could go. And fortunately, a few entries resulted in the needed ticket. I was invited to accompany her on the big trip. During the course of the trip, we talked about this blog and her blog for antiques, Jazzy Poet. I recounted and remembered why I started this blog... why I call it, "Everyday Magic"

During a tough time I needed to remind myself that every day held moments of magic. I was facing clients pouring pain and anger over me all day. I had two wonderful children, one a teenager. My husband was delightful, but somewhat neglected by yours truly. I had one parent going through a second and difficult divorce while caring for my grandmother, one parent struggling to keep his resolutions for better relationships, a grandmother in declining in health, a brother struggling with his career, frown lines, a ballooning waistline, an aging house and a deficit of hours in the day. I decided that if I had to find something wonderful every day, I would become a more optimistic person who was more present to experience and enjoy the many gifts in my life.

Now, a quick look at my archive shows that I have missed a few days. I have taken note of the things big and small that made me smile. But I have not written them down, unless you count Facebook or Twitter posts. I didn't start the blog for anyone else to read. I started it for me...and I have failed myself. (I messed up my healthy eating routine and morning prayer routine too. But, one things at a time.)

This past weekend with antiques was wonderful on so many levels. The trip was a break for me. My friend is quite busy and so am I. I do not see her as much as I would like and it was so nice just to be in the car for four hours to talk and share. We stayed at her parents' home and her brother was visiting as well. They shared a favorite family restaurant that they love. Her parents opened their home and their hearts showing me true hospitality. I enjoyed being with them and felt right at home.

At the auction itself, I saw numerous items that held value for people. Ultimately, experts set values on those items that represented the market value. It is somewhat like finding money in your pockets. Everyone hoped that an item they already liked would somehow be special or valuable.... or both. For me, the excitement was seeing my friend realize a dream. My friend is smart, beautiful, an accomplished business woman, a great mother, wife, a church leader, a giving friend, and devoted daughter, sister, and aunt among other things. But she has a passion for beautiful things and a beautiful home place. And this love for interesting antiques planted a seed... a dream of sorts. Please remember that a dream and a goal are two very different things.

Her dream was to find an item which was a true find...something with unexpected value. Then, she could take this to " The Antique Roadshow" to have it appraised. They would find it to be more valuable than she imagined. Maybe, she could even be filmed for a segment on the show. Now, this is not curing cancer. And in the context of the meaningful things she does every day to help people, as well as the goals she has met regularly in life and business, this personal day dream made me very happy. I love it when people have a personal dream. Some people want to travel to a certain city, meet a personal hero, win a ribbon, finish a marathon, open their own bakery, write a book, or have a painting in a gallery. And I admire them all. My dreams have always stayed in my imagination, so people who take steps to make a dream happen impress me greatly.

After the appraisals of my own items, I search for my friend to see if her item, an old map of New York City pre-dating the Revolution, was authentic. Well, there she sits, waiting to meet with Producers to see if they will tape her appraisal. I could have dropped right there. Long story short, the map is real, her appraisal is taped, the value of her piece is well above her $50 investment and she is the big find of the day as of 1PM. I will save the detailed version for my friend to share. I won't even get started on how much the item fascinates me. Because there was something even more striking.

I was there. Me. She has many close friends and family members. But for some reason, it all worked out where I got to be there. I was able to witness something wonderful happen to someone. A dream come true. I could have gone my whole life and never witnessed such a moment. It was pure magic.

A little bit of magic goes a long way, if you just stay open enough to see it. So I am going back to my daily treasure hunting. Who knows the value?

Sincere Prayer

Prayer can be rote. As I hear and repeat, The Lord's Prayer, I have to remind myself to slow down and mean the words. As I recently listened to one of my children say a blessing before a meal, I was reminded how easily meaningful communication can become simply habit. For example, saying," I love you." to a friend or family member, "I'm sorry." when you make a mistake, or "Call me." when you see a friend in public. Our communication with God is subject to the same plight.

My prayer life ebbs and flows. It takes a larger position in my day depending on my discipline. But even when I have a renewed commitment to spend time in prayer, I pray for the same things and move dangerously close to form over substance. I do mean it when I tell my husband, children, and family that I love them. And when I pray I really do want God to hear me and answer my prayer. I probably pray for the same things most people who believe in God do...keep my family safe and sound throughout the day, give us wisdom and understanding to make good decisions, make me productive and effective in my work day, forgive me for all of the mistakes yesterday and help me not make the same ones, give me focus, let me see and meet the needs of people around me, help me manage my health better, help my Mom find a buyer for her house... you get the point. I really want God's guidance and ear. But do I take time to hear him throughout the day? Do I follow my instincts during the day? Do I live my day in such a way that my prayers can be answered?

Words always need actions and I believe prayer does too. Saying "I love you" means more when my actions show I love my husband and family. There is a song or saying that talks of being a living prayer. Perhaps that is the most sincere prayer. Live the prayer you make. Live the words you pray.

What do you pray for??

Growth

Everyday is an opportunity to grow. I love that you go to bed every night a different person than the one who woke up. How does each day shape you? Who moves you? Who changes you? You don;t need a lightening bolt, or a cosmic event to grow. You just connect each day with something or someone. Writes borrow from such literary themes. Todd enjoyed star trek. The "Borg" assimilated the best of some race or person for the community greater good. In Harry Potter, the sword only takes in what makes it stronger. But in life, you take in everything. Some things make you stronger, other weak, compassionate, frightened, vulnerable. Unlike fictional characters, we can;t pick and choose what influences us. What did you learn today? What had an impact on you. Did you grow? My career and my family grant me opportunities everyday. I do not always take them. But none the less... everyday, I change. Let's all pray that it is for the best.