I stayed in bed this morning and watched a movie.  (And no, this isn't my bed but I took a picture of it in a shop because I thought it looked so comfortable and pretty.)  I almost felt guilty but ...I caught myself.  

After all, it was a Saturday and it was only 7 in the morning.  I usually awaken before 5 every day.  But this morning I indulged myself and thoroughly enjoyed my time.

The movie I was watching was Under the Tuscan Sun .  The lead character Frances purchased a villa in the Tuscany region of Italy after her husband divorced her for another woman.  She's trying to heal after her heart was broken.  And did I mention she's a writer?  (I could just picture myself in this beautiful scenery writing to my heart's content.)

Frances keeps bumping into a character in town named Katherine who is an actress.  She always seems to have such an enthusiasm and zeal for living.  Katherine explains her way of living and encourages Frances.

"Never lose your childhood and things will come your way." from Under the Tuscan Sun

It can be all too easy to lose our childhood enthusiasm.  Life can be hard and all too often we get hurt by someone or something.  As a result, many of us cover our hearts to avoid further pain.  But in the process, we sometimes forget to enjoy the moments and to laugh!

I spend most of my day with 3 and 4 year old children so I get to witness childhood enthusiasm.

They love to celebrate their birthdays and proudly tell me their age.

Yesterday as I was trying to leave for the weekend, I ran into an after school class with two of our students.  Although I had spent almost the entire day with them, they were so enthusiastic to see me.

Their smiles were contagious!

After the hugs, three year old Sam began showing me how well he is able to snap his fingers.  Of course, Hilton had to get in on the action and began shouting:

"Miss Debbie, look at me!  See what I can do."

She proceeded to drop down and do splits and then jump up and do jumping jacks.  Oh the energy they possess!

I began to say goodbye again but Sam came back and shouted:

"Miss Debbie, look at what I can do."

He also began his calisthenics but stopped.  He looked up at me with a smile and said:

"Sam loves his Miss Debbie."

I think my heart was smiling by this time.

If only we would keep that childhood enthusiasm.  I want to live, love and laugh.

How about you?


Blessings and love,

True friendship is a gift.  I'm fortunate to have many friends.  Some I've known since childhood, while others from later in my life.  They are all a blessing to me.

While I was on fall break, I entertained for the first time in our very small condo.  Nine women snuggled closely together as we had lunch.  At least, I still had my good dishes that I used to serve our Strawberry Spinach Salad.


Pinterest has become such an amazing resource for great recipes. The spinach salad recipe was contributed by Sandy of the Reluctant Entertainer .  She's known for simple recipes so the focus is on your guests and not fussing in the kitchen.

I'm counting those blessings ...

#555  Fall break
#556  Having friends for lunch in our new home
#557  Beautiful cooler weather in Phoenix
#558  Passion fruit iced tea from AJ's (my favorite)
#559  Receiving beautiful cards from Cindy of Letters From Midlife
#560  Staying in the White Mountains of Arizona
#561  Driving Amy and Paul's Rhino off road
#562  Spotting many deer close up in the woods


I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience as we continue to count our every day blessings.



Blessings and love,