Remember to smell the roses

Amidst the hustle and bustle of holidays...

Don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

I know it's hard.

The travel, food that needs to be packed,

clothes and other items that you can't forget....

all of this can be a headache.

When that stress hits

you, stop and remember what you're doing.

For example....

today was memorial day: "a day set aside in most states of the U.S. for observances in memory of dead members of the armed forces of all wars: now officially observed on the last Monday in May."

It's a day to celebrate how far we've come, to celebrate the living and those around us, to fondly remember those who are not.

Al and I spent it in Eureka Springs Arkansas. Among friends and strangers. Art and food. Laughter and color. And while we in the proximity of 2 small children for most of the weekend (that's another story!), blistering heat and crowds, we managed to enjoy our friends and contemplate our country and what it all means. While I dearly missed my friend and family back home, I know that they were doing the same,

Staying stress free and full of love for the living and remember those who are not.