Michele!

Today's Beautiful Thing is my friend Michele! One year ago today, she had a lumpectomy and a lymph node dissection. One year ago her friends were scared, but she was so brave. Today we celebrate a year of her life.

In the last year she's underwent major surgery, had 6 chemotherapy treatments, over a month of radiation, traveled to Europe, purchased a home, moved and started a new job. What a whirlwind! She'd tell you it's all the little things that she appreciates now, though.

Michele, you continue to inspire me every single day and I love you for it. Hugs girl!

catching up

Today's Beautiful Thing is a slow day at the office--they happen so seldom. I love having a chance to play catch up on all those silly little chores I put off when I'm busy: deleting old e-mail (why do I let them pile up?), rewriting my new rol-o-dex (I have tons of contacts), putting new tabs in the 2007 office supply catalog, etc. I'm not caught up yet, but I'm getting there.

Yum!

Today's Beautiful Thing is the smell of homemade cranberry-orange-walnut bread. I baked some tonight in honor of a co-worker's birthday, which was today. I am giving it to her tomorrow, along with a book I think she'll enjoy. I hope she likes her gifts, even though they are late. ;)

A Well-Deserved Win

Today's Beautiful Thing is Al Gore's win. I'm so thrilled that An Inconvenient Truth won the Academy Award for best documentary. Everyone needs to see this movie!

Time

Today's Beautiful Thing is spending time with the hubby, pure and simple.

Reruns

Today's Beautiful Thing is the Friday night rerun of Grey's Anatomy. It's true, I did see last night's episode Sometimes a Miracle already, but one cannot see a show that good too many times. :) It was fun seeing Denny again. And what a bittersweet ending with Meredith & Derek, Meredith & her mom Ellis, Ellis & Richard, Meredith & Christina, and finally Denny & Izzy. Sniff, sniff. Sigh.

The Edwards Family

Today's Beautiful Thing is the Edwards Family. Some say he's too slick and too polished, but I don't care. Wouldn't it be great to have a president who could speak again? John Edwards is a smart, self-made man who has devoted many years to helping people. His issues are my issues. I also think a person's spouse tells a lot about him. Elizabeth Edwards is a gem among women. Her book Saving Graces is a beautiful, open and honest story and it touched me deeply. I'd like nothing more than to call them our First Family in 2009.

A Father's Pride

Today's Beautiful Thing is a father's pride. My husband was formally presented with his Bachelor's Degree today. My father-in-law couldn't contain the pride he had for his son. It was a lovely thing to bear witness to.

One Month & Friendship

"Today's Beautiful Thing" is one month old today. 1/20/07 is the day we had to put Atticus to sleep. I can't believe it's been a whole month already. Thanks to all of you for your support. I've learned that Atticus's beautiful personality could rub off on me if I made an effort and there really is at least one beautiful thing in each and every day. Today is no different.

* * *

Today's Beautiful Thing is my friend Michele. She sent us not one, but two cards today. And really, what is more special and fun in the computer age than getting a card in the mail? I can't think of many things I like better. Maybe a hug from Michele in person, but I'll have that the next time we visit. We don't get to see each other enough. Hugs to Michele!

* * *

Hugs to Atticus too. I miss you boy and I'm trying to remember the things you taught me.

Music and Lyrics

Today's Beautiful Thing is the movie Music and Lyrics with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. The hubby and I both thoroughly enjoyed it. We both loved the old "Pop!" videos from the 80's. (Wham! anyone?) What a scream. Drew and Hugh (Ha. Their names rhyme) had the best chemistry. If you need a little cheering up--particularly if you went to high school in the 80's, but even if you didn't--go see this delightful movie. I've been walking around all day singing "pop goes my heart." LOL.

Rain

Today's Beautiful Thing is the rain. I so love the rain. We didn't get any until after 8 or 9 PM, though. I hope we have more tomorrow. I want to make a big pot of soup and light lots of candles.

Mad TV

Today's Beautiful Thing is Mad TV. After a long grumpy day, this show cheered me right up. Tonight they did a hilarious Grey's Anatomy spoof that had me literally laughing out loud. I usually watch the first half of Mad and pop over to NBC for Saturday Night Live. I love SNL's political humor. Well, SNL was a rerun and I hadn't seen this Mad yet, so I watched it all the way through. Three cheers for funny people!

The kindness of "strangers"

Today's Beautiful Thing is the kindness of strangers. (Well, not exactly, but "I rely on the kindness of strangers" sounded good, right?) Last night on my other blog, I posted a Thursday 13 that was pretty sad. When I woke this morning, a lot of nice people--who are not strangers at all, but friends, old and new--posted some very nice comments. It really cheered me up. To top it off, David Westway, who's blog was my Feb 5 Beautiful Thing, sent me a key chain with a reproduction of his wonderful Porcupine and Swan painting--my favorite.

Who says you can't meet nice people on the Internet? Thank you Charity, Darla, Dan, Grendel, Caryle and of course, David. You guys are the best. Don't be strangers, ya hear?

Anyone for tea?

Today's Beautiful Thing is red and shiny. :) My husband bought it for me because he knew I'd been wanting one. Just looking at it makes me happy. Isn't it cute?

My Valentine

Today's Beautiful Thing is having someone special to call my Valentine. Valentine's Day is not just about receiving roses, heart-shaped boxes of candy or jewelry, getting dressed up and going out to a fancy restaurant. Those things are nice, and some years we do them, but it's not what's important. I am thankful to share my life with my Valentine, my best friend of 22 years and my husband of 14. There's nothing more beautiful than that.

A warm puppy

Today's Beautiful Thing is the happiness I feel when I get home from work and find Lulu waiting for me. Charlie Brown was right when he said, "Happiness is a warm puppy."

Life

Today's Beautiful Thing is Life. Don't take it for granted. Today we buried my husband's Uncle Al. It was a somber occasion, but a beautiful one too. The Marines came and gave him a ceremony befitting a man who served his country with honor. Tonight we look back on Uncle Al's life and are grateful to have known him. He was a man of varied interests and talents. A Marine, police officer, forest ranger, professional dancer, wine connoisseur and world traveler. The world was a better place because he lived and my husband is a better man because of his advice and guidance. God Bless you Uncle Al.

Elise

Today's Beautiful Thing is our niece, Elise. Tonight at our uncle's rosary/memorial service, she was so good. Afterwards I took her up to the alter so she could smell the flowers. She'd lean in, bury her little nose in the blooms, take a good sniff and laugh. She brings us such joy.

Write on!

Today's Beautiful Thing is OCC/RWA, my local writers' group. I try never to miss our monthly meeting because the support and friendship I've received from the group has kept me motivated even on days when writing is the hardest. I'm so lucky to be a member of our beautiful chapter.

Bonus Beautiful Thing: I came home feeling inspired and wrote 4 1/2 pages. Go me!

Budding Poet

Today's Beautiful Thing is the daughter of my good friend Cory. This week her eldest daughter's poem YELL ME SOMETHING GORGEOUS will be published in a teen magazine. This is her second poem to be published, BTW. I see a very bright future for her. Congratualtions, Kiddo! You're fabulous! YOu might want to stop by Cory's LJ and take a moment to congratulate her daughter EM too.

Generosity

Today's Beautiful Thing is homemade cherry jam on toast. I got it from our fundraiser we had for my friend Michele. The cherries were grown, picked, the jam was made, canned and donated by a generous (and yes, beautiful) woman named Sara. It was a delightful way to start my day. :)

I scream, you scream

Today's Beautiful Thing is Dryer's Slow Churned (AKA Grand Light) Choc 'N' Roll Caramel. The website describes the flavor as: "Caramel and chocolate light ice creams with a caramel swirl and mini caramel cups." I describe it as caramely-chocolatey goodness. Sometimes there's nothing more beautiful at the end of a long day than a scoop of some really good icecream. The fact that it tastes so good and it's lower in fat is all the better.

Hot shower

Today's Beautiful Thing is a hot shower. After a long day, nothing is more relaxing than hot water and Bath and Body Works Pecan Passion bath gel. (Aren't those curtains cute? I want some! And the tub. ::sigh::)

For kids of all ages

Today's Beautiful Thing is this Blog. I don't know David, but he is friends with one of my coworkers and I have been lurking on his Blog ever since he started it. I promise to post a comment this week to let him know I think he's fabulous. You should too! My all-time favorite work of his is Porcupine and Swan, but they are each really fantastic in their own way. Any time I'm feeling blue, his Blog cheers me right up. Thanks David!

Bonus Beautiful Thing: the photo above. (Click on it to enlarge and read the quote.) I didn't want to post David's work on my blog without his permission, so these adorable kids seemed appropriate. I love this photo. I think it would make an excellent desktop.

Nikita

Today's Beautiful Thing is the memory of my sweet Akita, Lady Kenpo Nikita--Niki to us. On this night, the six month anniversary of her death, I can think about her and smile through my tears. She gave us her unconditional love and companionship for nearly 12 years and we will always be grateful. I miss you Kiki Baby.

Vanilla Maple Tea

Today's Beautiful Thing is Celestial Seasonings Vanilla Maple Tea which, sadly, you can no longer find at your local grocery store. I have one tea bag left and I'm going to enjoy it tonight. When it was discontinued, Lien (a beautiful friend) scoured the internet, found 5 boxes, and wrapped them up for my birthday. That was about 5 years ago. I've been savoring them very slowly ever since.

I need a new favorite and you might too. If you go here and click on "find a new favorite: interactive tea guide" you just might find one. I found several I can't wait to try. Of special interest to me, the dessert teas. I'm sure my Vanilla Maple would have been in that category.

Fun

Today's Beautiful Thing is fun. Me and two other coworkers take turns bringing lunch for each other once a week. My day is Tuesday, M's is Thursday and J's is Friday. Today J decided we all needed to get in touch with our inner child. She brought peanut butter and jelly, bread, juice boxes and fruitrolls. It wasn't all unhealthy. She also brought apples, celery and raisins. We made "ants on a log" with our celery, peanut butter and raisins and M and I were so excited to receive our little box of animal crackers (with the string handle. Remember those?) at the end of our meal. Our other coworkers were amused.

Grey's Anatomy

Today's Beautiful Thing is Grey's Anatomy. I don't watch much TV at all, but I simply cannot miss GA. Tonight's episode was especially beautiful. George and Callie (Calliope!) got married and Christina finally told Burke she wouldn't wear his ring ("I don't do rings") but she would marry him. Meep! I am so not feeling my usual "dark and twisty" self after tonight's episode. Other highlights: Meredith's mother was totally lucid for a day, Dr. Baily & Izzy saw the grand opening of The Denny Dukette Memorial Clinic, a patient had toxic blood and almost everyone nearly died (I love this show) and I'm pretty sure McSteamy blew his chance to be Chief of surgery! Woo hoo! Jerk. I guess Dark and twisty girl is back. Heh-heh.