"Without the bitter, the sweet ain't as sweet."
That's a line from the movie Vanilla Sky - a movie I connected with so incredibly deeply that I sent everyone I knew to the theaters to see it. And then they all said, "Um, that was weird." Yeah, I know, my taste in a night at the movies doesn't always sync with the folks who love and tolerate me. But even today, I'm wildly inspired by the idea that someone's greatest handicap can be that their life is perfect.
My extended family is going through some extraordinarily rough stuff right now. We're in the twixt and tween of grief and hope for a little baby named Piper - my cousin and her unborn child can use every bit of hope that you have to offer into the air. And at the same time, another one of my family members is canceling their visit to us next week to take the opportunity to cherish the life of a dear young friend who is savoring what time they may have.
I write this not to be a downer, but just as a gentle reminder - celebrate life. In the aggravation of carpool, sing a song. When the laundry piles are high and the appreciation is low, be thankful for the bodies that fill those dirty clothes. Make going to the mailbox to retrieve circulars a BIG FAT DEAL! And just when you think you can't take one more game of Candyland, pull out the camera and remind yourself just how precious every gift of a moment is.
Intoxicate yourself with the beauty of the mundane. Sometimes just seeing it flashed back at you on the viewfinder can remind you how beautiful it all is. And when hard times come as they do, let them be the seasoning that remind you just how sweet life is.
Love for the weekend -
Adrienne
