Wandering Heart

I love words.  Especially the written word.  In formulating a thought, I find joy in crafting a phrase or searching for the exact word to communicate my whole intended meaning.  Language is fascinating with infinite possibilities by way of constructing.  It can be exacting or vague.  Designing written words to build thought upon thought, to communicate concepts or ideas or emotions brings me delight.  Some of the objects I hold in highest worth are notes containing written words for me. Recently, I have seen the power of words.  (Although, I'm perhaps always taking note of this.)  However, these words have been supplied in a context I've not ever personally experienced before.  I've seen the confusion these words have caused, the misunderstanding, the distrust, the frustration, the sadness, the anger.   Something so delightful can bring such destruction.  As with anything, used for the wrong purposes or out of wrong moti...

They say that it's the little things in life.  Here are a few that I love and a few that bring me joy. Fancy soaps in public restrooms Shared laughter Coffee Being engrossed in a wonderful story- written or told or watched Sunlight Lavendar Burning candles Conversations in cars The morning Chicago skyline  Watching the clouds interact with the light during sunrise and sunset Succulents Apples Brunch- especially brunch with unlimited coffee refills Watching the dog that's out on its walk Free items Snacks Twinkle lights in apartments high above Orchids Red wine Writing Walks Long car rides Cheese Sand between my toes Sleeping in I could continue but you'd probably stop absorbing the information (if you haven't already).   When I feel less inspired it is often because I have stopped paying attention to the world around me.  When I miss the little things, when I don't notice the simple joys, I've overloo...

I watched a video on YouTube recently titled "He Spent 40 Years Alone in the Woods, and Now Scientists Love Him | Short Film Showcase" by National Geographic (click the title if you want to watch it yourself).  As the title suggests, a man has lived in the woods alone for 40 years, during which he records and catalogs information about the snow.  Because he lives out in the middle of nowhere Colorado, he skis into the nearest town to get supplies.  There is a line at the end referring to the process of learning to ski that struck me.  He says, "Actually, learning to fall is probably the most important thing.  If you're gonna fall, sit.  It's a lot easier falling on your butt than on your face." It's not hard to figure out where this is going tonight.  Here are few of my thoughts about falling.  (And just know, I'm using falling to mean failing too.) We have to be skiing to even be able to fall.  If we are not, we will not fall but we won...