I experienced so many gifts over the weekend.

A Stampede BBQ at the centre where my mother lives. We laughed and listened to the music and I showed my mother photos from my eldest daughter’s visit including her stagette– there is a video of my two daughters and I singing karaoke that almost made her howl with laughter.

It is a gift to hear my mother laugh.

An evening with delightful friends, old and new, to celebrate the pending arrival of a new human being on earth.

It is a gift to be part of the circle of life ever expanding.

The wedding of a beautiful young couple expressing their forever love.

It is a gift to witness the promise and possibilities of love binding two hearts together; growing stronger.

Time with my beloved walking in the park with Beaumont.

It is a gift to walk hand in hand with C.C., chatting and laughing as Beaumont chases the ball and plays with other dogs.

Time with my youngest daughter and CJ.

It is a gift to be immersed in the friendship and closeness of these two young women who have known each other since birth.

Time with myself, alone in the studio.

It is a gift to have the space and time to reflect and create in my home.

So many treasured moments to simply be present in the grace of life unfolding. Sitting on the deck sipping coffee in the morning. Putting the umbrella up to ward off rain, or protect from sunshine, dependent upon the whimsical nature of the weather. Preparing a meal together. Sharing a meal together. Heart talks. Soul connections. Sharing thoughts and observations. Wishes and dreams. Hopes and aspirations.

This is life in all its gentle flow, forever expanding/contracting. Breathing in. Breathing out. Ebb. Flow.

This is life.

Love is the way.