THE SMILES ARE BACK IN TOWN!

MARCH 15th, 2022...FIVE DAYS until the first day of Spring!

Nice to see the smiles today!!!!

It has been a long, long road of never knowing what is coming around the bend. I don't think anyone believed the shocking changes that we'd be going through for such a long period of time. Today marks the official day of masks not being mandatory, however as I walked to the coffee shop, I have to admit I was very unsure of what to expect. I was pleasantly relieved when I saw that many are still being careful and respectful by politely still distancing a bit. The atmosphere I felt was 'Cautiously Optimistic.

We have all been though too much to think that all is well from today because we've been allowed this freedom. I am sure I can write this blog in confidence that not one of us has come through it and is the same as they were before. It has been scary beyond belief and the losses have been high. Everyday has been a day of adapting, adjusting and trying to accept what we were powerless to change.

We have learned what a precious gift each day is. Family and dear friends, births, passings, celebrations & gatherings that we couldn't attend or travel distances to see those loved ones perhaps for the last time, took phenomenal tolls on our hearts. All of these things ...We can never replace and yet we must move ahead with thankfulness for what we still have. I could continue on and on, however, Dear Reader, only you know your own story to the fullest. You are reading this blog so you have made it this far. I believe that you have become braver, used more wisdom than you knew you ever had & kept positive with faith and hope through so many circumstances, YOU ARE HEROES. Everyone of you. *****

I googled the term that I personally plan to go by: 'Cautiously optimistic', and the definition is simple but very fitting.

'To be hopeful for something, while still recognizing the problems involved'.

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Now on the lighter side. Throughout the chatter as I was writing in my journal, I heard some nice lighthearted comments.

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"Hi, There! I didn't recognize you without your Mask!"

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At the next table a gentleman was talking across to a friend & pointed to his spouse. "I told her she can shave off her moustache now!"

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Another Gal said she went out one day and realized she'd left her dentures at home in the bathroom!"

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Hearing the bantering and laughter in the joy of these friendships felt as fresh as the beautiful spring like day we had today.

After listening to these few comments, I took this from my book of quotes....

THE VALUE OF FRIENDS

If nobody smiled...And nobody cheered

And nobody helped us along...

If every person in every minute looked after themselves,

And good things all went to the strong...

If nobody cared just a little for you,

And nobody thought about me...

And we all stood alone in the battles of life...

What a dreary old world it would be!

Thankfully our friends and loved ones understand where we came from, believe in where we're going and want to travel with us!

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Thank you for reading and following me on my writing journey. I couldn't go anywhere without your inspiration. Please take care and keep well. Until next coffee time, Blessings, Lane

Sunrise today:7:41 AM

Sunset this evening: 7:34 PM