These gentle morning breezes are hinting of the coming season change…flowers are making their last grand displays or just quietly fading away…shadows play on the sun soaked newly mown lawn…an impatient hummingbird hovers near the empty feeder reminding me, once again- but what was that rule? Do we stop filling the feeders in September? I make a mental note to look it up later. I’m too content and comfy right now to write it down. I’m cuddled underneath the weight of my beloved gray blanket shawl- the one that I started making into a poncho. I smile as I recall how it all went chaotic and I took it apart twice only to allow it to evolve into what it now is…and it’s much better than what I had intended it to be. So much like life in general: sometimes that plan B(or C), well…its just better, maybe even cherished. Like this handmade coffee cup, a simple unique gift, warming my hands, sending up delicious aromas of my favorite strong coffee. This year has brought some difficult blows to my heart- a loved one’s brush with death, a daughter’s move across the country and several other opportunities to test my strength in many ways. A year filled with so many emotions and at times great excitement…exhaustion…overwhelm. Yet…still miracles and blessings. This morning I feel a peaceful sense of renewal and gratitude for the simple things. But mostly for the quiet peace that fills my heart. I feel God’s presence here…in the joyful sunlight, nature’s orchestra of bird songs, the smell of freshly cut grass and even in the exquisite taste of this morning cup of coffee. A new day granted, once again, by the Giver of the Best Gifts and all wrapped up in the peace He sends.