The Magic of Life is in the Ordinary Events

January 1, 2015

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day” ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Happy New to You !

After a recent trip to Montana, I was reflecting on the powerful impact that family and friends have on a person’s life. That thought struck me as I was gazing out the oh-so-familiar view from the kitchen window in my Auntie Lois’s house. This was a place that held many of my favorite memories growing up, but it really wasn't the kitchen that held the magic; it is still the people that gather there. A colorful (and loving) cast of characters that has helped keep balance in my life.

Auntie Lois, Me, my mom GiGi

My Montana crew who were good sports with the hat gear

A slight costume revision for my brother's wedding reception

And just like many other families, we have had people come into our lives and had some leave, we've shared many good times, weathered the not-so-good times and strong bonds were formed forever more.  As I grew up, my “inner circle” has grown and still continues to grow, and I find myself fortunate to have many people that I consider my “mainstays”.  Even though some are not related by blood, they are family to me. The best part is, they all know the real me and still love me despite all the crazy & weird stuff that I do!!  Sometimes they even go along  with my antics, imagine that! J Yup… I’m a lucky gal.

Cousin Russ, me, cousin Todd &  nephew-ette, Barry - at his graduation

On my personal home front, here are some of the highlights this year:  a promotion at work now means I am back to working full-time again (guess that makes the streets one day safer with me not running a-muck), I gained a new son-in-law, a new sister-in-law, and started dating someone special. Last year I also gained two new cousin-ettes from the Montana side of the family too. All the new additions fit in quite well as it takes a special kind of crazy to fit in with my side – but we’re mostly a happy bunch of nuts!

Me and my sweet girls, Kaitlyn and Jen

Kaitlyn and Daniel

Posing before the luau, Soren, Miss M, Miss N, Miss B & Jen

 My family and I were able to squeeze in a vacation over Thanksgiving  and time spent with them is like frosting on the cupcake of life.

And in-between the highlights are the everyday moments, the ordinary times – the ones that make up the bulk of your life, (the cupcake of life).  For me it meant I have spent quiet moments enjoying sunrises with a good cup of coffee, watching sunsets, taking walks, finding vintage treasures and having good conversations with those that I love. 

And the way I see it, is even though each of us is the “star in our own story”, in order to have a beautiful life story it must include the wonderful crew of people who bring you love and joy, those who you consider to be in your inner circle. 

And so my holiday wish for you is that you will continue to be blessed with the love and support of those that fuel your heart, soul and spirit. And that the blank pages of your “2015 Book of Life” will be filled up with wonderful high-lights to mark important events in your life, but more importantly that you fill the in-between moments with the beautiful but ordinary times, as that is the real magic.

 "Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance." Oprah Winfrey

And as I close,  thank you for your love and friendship as that fuels my heart, soul & spirit.  

With Love, Gayle

My co-conspirator & buddy - Jen

Posing with good friends, Lezah, Jacie, me and Elizabeth

Sis in Law, Denise. 

Dear friend, Gwenn & GiGi, my mom

My sweetheart, Randy & brother Barry

Fun Fall times with the Jen's family

Posing with Randy's cool jeep

A fun get away with travel buddy, Kaitlyn

A favorite pic of Randy and me

Miss Aubrie

My family and most of the Montana crew

GiGI, my brother, Rivers and  new sis-in-law, Edie

Miss Sarah & her dad