There’s nothing like a day off to really step back and breathe into your life, appreciating it in all its many facets. 

Today I had breakfast with a new friend and we shared our music passions.  Then I took a long, beach bike ride with my husband, feeling my body work hard, and feeling glad to be exercising it.  When I returned home I called to thank a friend who had left a summer salad in a tupperware container on our porch, moments before we returned home.  I also talked with a few family members.  This evening my husband and I will enjoy a relaxing b-b-q dinner on our patio and we’ll watch a movie.

Today’s national holiday is Memorial Day, a time set aside to honor and appreciate the women and men of the military who died fighting for peace.  Such an odd concept, to have to fight for peace.  And while I didn’t feel a calling to work in the military, I respect their choice.  I’m reminded today that my freedom to live this kind of life is in part due to the hard work and dedication of these American service folks. 

Biking along with a slight wind blowing the smell of salt air in my direction, I had time to  reflect on this as I passed by beautiful scenery and happy people enjoying their day in a variety of ways.  As the sun poured into me, I noticed the chill of the Spring air had subsided.  I breathed a sigh of pleasure and peacefulness that summer is here.