I desperately needed to get out and do some hiking. But then there was the weather to consider. Still slushy and slippery in higher elevations – soooo – we took ourselves off to Notch Hill. Two hills, many trails meant doing each hill three times. This even included some mild scrambling: just what I needed. (Abby disagreed at one point but hey…)

Halfway through our hike the heavens opened and it began to pour. My only concern was that I could no longer take photos. Every time I passed a photo op, I noticed the regret. “Akk! That would have been such a great shot!”

And then I noticed something else. Hmmm, I already had more than a dozen shots – was my glass half full or half empty? Imagine, on a rainy day on the West Coast I managed to get a whole bunch of lovely photos!

A wave of gratitude swept over me. That’s better.

Much better.

And since that moment, I have been grateful for everything this day: the hot water that filled my tub, the cozy sweater I’m wearing – the last thing my Mother ever knitted for me. I am grateful for a cozy home, for Abby – the best hiking companion I could wish for.

I am grateful for the abundance in my life; for the love in my life; for the friends in my life; for my health and strength. Honestly, I couldn’t list everything that I am grateful for.

Mostly (really mostly) I am overwhelmingly grateful that Simon is in my life. That we love each other – that I was gifted this second chance at love with the most beautiful man I have ever known.