Thanksgiving

We all have so much to be thankful for - our health, our children, our significant other, the health of all those that we love, a home to live in.  And then there are the little things -- the fact that we have heat on a cold day, food to eat when we are hungry, a car to get us to where we need to go.  Actually, try going without one of these, and we will find that these are not little after all.

This Thanksgiving, let us pause and truly give thanks for all that we are thankful for.  Let us pray for those who do not yet possess these things.  Let no gift that we have be taken for granted, for we are very blessed to have each and every one of them.

Wishing you and yours a very blessed Thanksgiving!

"Fulfilling Friday"

I have a confession:  The Black Friday advertisements that have been showing up for a week now really irk me.  Don't get me wrong, I am all about bargains, especially in today's economy with a very tight budget.  But there is something sacred about Thanksgiving.  After a day of working in the kitchen, entertaining and enjoying family, it's time to sink into bed with a grateful heart and well...go to sleep.  I find it almost offensive that it is suggested I go out when the clock strikes midnight into in the cold darkness -- in search of the best buys for the upcoming holiday.  What happened to celebrating the current holiday?

Several years ago, my family and I decided to revolt against Black Friday.  We decided to use that day as more of a "loving Friday," an extension of Thanksgiving with our children.  A day to spend one-on-one time as a family enjoying the extra day off.  To lounge, relax, go hiking in the woods (weather permitting), and spend quality time with the kids after a busy holiday.

So as we approach "Black Friday," here are a few thoughts.  If you enjoy waking up in the middle of the night or going to sleep really late for those bargains and have fun doing it, then by all means enjoy and have a great time!  Be safe.  But if you don't, I give you permission to stay in bed. You'll still have a month until the next holiday, there will still be bargains to be found.  Enjoy the day off.  Get the rest you didn't get the day before.

Regardless of our personal choices, let us remember:

On this day after Thanksgiving, let us purchase less, but give more.

Let us remember those really in need this holiday season -- those less fortunate than ourselves, and help in whatever way we can.

Let us remember that our loved ones don't really need the latest gadget, for our time and attention could be a more impacting and lasting gift.

Let us keep things in perspective - despite what all the advertising says, the greatest gifts do not come from stores.

Let us enjoy downtime with our family -- playing games in front of a fire, enjoying leftovers, talking a walk in the woods -- instead of what commercials say we should be doing.

Let us appreciate and enjoy more of the things we gave thanks for yesterday.

Have a beautiful day!

Snowflakes

"Snowflakes are one of nature's 
most fragile things, but just look what 
they can do when they stick together."

Vesta M. Kelly

Life is not always effortless, there are big challenges and small obstacles.  Sometimes having too many small obstacles can be just as stressful as going through a big challenge.

We have to remember that no matter what life throws at us, we never have to go through it alone.  Each of us has been blessed with people that care for us and love us.  They don't want us to burden ourselves, they want to help us.  

There is no shame in asking for help.  The job for many men is much smaller than one person handling the load alone.  We all have different areas of expertise -- one person's area of struggle could be another's ease.

Thought of the Day:  There are no awards for going it alone and not asking for help.  We all have different assets and helping a loved one may be a tiny thing to us, but may mean the world to our loved one in need.  Offer and allow yourself to receive assistance when you need it.  We are all in this together!

Have a beautiful day!

Be Your Own Hero

I came across this recently and thought you would enjoy.

Have a great weekend!

Falling Off-Track

Life is hectic - despite our best intentions, we all have a tendency to fall off-track occasionally from the habits and goals that we set for ourselves. Sometimes we just get too busy, forget to be mindful, and temporarily fall off-course.  The good news is that we can recognize this before it's too late if we are in tune with ourselves, that is, if we are "checking in" from time to time.

Exercise, eating properly, getting adequate rest, sneaking in quiet moments to meditate or enjoy nature -- it's all important.  A healthy body = a healthy mind and a healthy mind = a healthy body, it's all related!  To live at our optimum health, we should be making time for all these things.  We can not wait for the day we have time -- we must make time in our current lives.  Your body has been loaned and entrusted to you.  You must take proper care of it, for the condition of your body will ultimately affect the condition of your life.

Thought of the Day:  It's time to recommit to the area of your life where you have fallen off-track.  We only have one body, we have been entrusted to care for it properly.  Decide today what areas of your life that you will recommit to for a healthier you.  Create a small plan and set reminders or affirmations to help you along the way.  Our body is our best friend as it helps us to experience and achieve many great things here.  We need to be the loving inhabitants that God entrusted us to be.

Have a magnificent day!

Paying it Forward

Uplifting video with a great soundtrack that shows what happens when one person "pays it forward."  Hope it puts a smile on your face today!  :-)

Have a great day!

No Regrets!

Life is complex.  We are not the same person we were yesterday.  Thankfully, we are always evolving.  But so often we regret the choices we have made in the past and beat ourselves up over these decisions and their consequences.  We need to stop doing that.

We need to realize that our choices in the past were made with the best knowledge and skills that we had at that time.  We can be thankful that things change -- just our realization that those choices were not the best fit for our life shows that we've evolved.  We are capable of making better choices now because we have grown greatly from where we were.  We have a better sense of direction now as to where we are going.

Thought of the Day:  It's time to stop beating yourself up over past mistakes.  Forgive yourself and move on, for the decisions and actions you took in the past were the best you could do at that time.  You are better armed now -- with knowledge, confidence, and a clearer direction of who you are and where you are going.  Let this realization free you from guilt.  Allow it to show you just how far you've grown.

Have a great day!

Keep in the Sunlight

"Do not anticipate trouble or worry 

about what may never happen. 

 Keep in the sunlight."

Benjamin Franklin

I like Benjamin Franklin's advice.  Worry can become an addicting and destructive habit.  Most of the things we have a tendency to worry about are not even real, meaning they are not even in existence in our current life.  The majority of things we worry about do not end up happening!  So why should we spend the time and energy on them?

Thought of the Day:  Don't play that game!  Spend your time on the things you CAN control and don't worry about the "what-if's."  Use your time and energy enjoying the life you have.  Have confidence that things will turn out the way you expect.  Pray and trust that God and the universe will provide.  Keep in the sunlight!

Have a beautiful day!

Honor

Veterans Day - a day to honor the brave men and women who are currently serving or who have previously served for their sacrifice.  Without these brave individuals, we would not be enjoying the freedom and luxuries we have today.  These men and women are true heroes.

Please take a moment to pray for all those serving and give thanks to those who have served.  Please pray for the families of those who serve, for they also make tremendous sacrifices.  Veterans and your families, we salute you and give thanks -- today and every day!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Applying Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a very powerful word.  It really can be a life changer.  It is the difference between being just here, and actually being present.

We all need to employ mindfulness into our day.  If we are not being mindful, we are not fully living our experience.  To be mindful in our work means to actually be focused and productive.  To be mindful with the loved ones that surround us means to be actually paying attention to what they are saying and feeling.  Being mindful with what we eat and drink means to actually taste what is nourishing our body, and being thankful for receiving it.

Applying mindfulness in our lives can be the difference between just being here and truly being present.  To be truly experiencing all that we are living in and that which surrounds us.  It's like a sense of awakening -- to where we are no longer ignoring, but rather appreciating, that which life is gifting us with.

Thought of the Day:  This is a reminder to employ mindfulness in your daily life.  There are many gifts that you are missing out on.  Choose to be more mindful in everything you do.  See the goodness that is surrounding you!

Namaste!

Taking Rest

"Do you feel guilty when you take time to rest?  

Even God took a day off when 

He was creating everything, 

so why can't you?  

Know that doing no thing 

is still doing some thing."

Bernie S. Siegel

Do you often feel guilty for doing nothing?  If you do, then know you're not alone!  So often I try to keep going despite my body and mind sending signals that I'm tired and need to rest.  I often feel I can't afford to do nothing.  I couldn't be more wrong.

It's when I'm tired and still trying to accomplish things that I realize that I'm not actually accomplishing anything -- just wasting time.  If my mind is unfocused then I am just going through the motions, with little or nothing in the end to show for it.  This is not accomplishing anything but fatigue.

Rest is critical for energizing and recharging us for the moments ahead in our day and week.  We must learn to listen to our bodies to give them what they need.  Sometimes just a short breather will give us the momentum we need and help us to regain our focus.

Thought of the Day:  Learn to listen to your body.  If it's telling you you need a break, try to honor it's request.  Do not feel guilty for doing "nothing."  As Bernie Siegel states:  "Doing No thing is Doing Something." Our body needs rest to continue serving us properly.

Have a great day!

The Pace of Nature

“Adopt the pace of nature; 

her secret is patience.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

We can learn a lot from nature.  It works according to its own schedule.  Nature can not be rushed, the leaves unfold in the spring when they are ready, and drop in the fall according to their own timetable.  We know that each day the sun will rise and by days end, the moon will appear, signaling the closure of another day.

If we know that things ultimately do get done, then why must we rush everything along?  Why must we get stressed when others are not moving quickly enough, or when life is not producing it's results quickly enough for our liking?

All things progress.  Nothing stays the same.  Things are always in motion, even if we are not aware of their movement.  We need to slow ourselves down.  We need to trust.  Everything is moving, it really doesn't need to move as fast as we think it does.

 

 

Thought of the Day:  We all need to have a little more patience in our day.  Patience in our day equals peace in our minds and love in our hearts.  Don't be in such a rush, all will get done!  Adopt the pace of nature.

Have a beautiful day!

Knowtions

A great piece with a valuable reminder for everyone!  I hope you enjoy!

Knowtions

By:  Dan Coppersmith

Reprinted with Permission

How our life

Turns out to be

Should not be deemed

A mystery

The epic saga

Will unfold

According to

The beliefs we hold

Merely accepting

A belief as true

Invests attention

In that view

After which

The world will show

What it is

We think we know

On this proof

The ego grows

Inflated by

This thing it knows

As it grows

Our minds close

And we see only

What we chose

Other views

No matter how pristine

Remain obscure

And can’t be seen

We can’t change

And we can’t grow

‘Till we look beyond

What we know

Our beliefs are reflected

In the world outside

Let your life

Be your guide

Question all

You take for granted

We only harvest

What’s been planted.

Have a beautiful day!

Read more of Dan's work at www.spiritwire.com

Your Dimension of Greatness

Your Dimension Of Greatness

Author Unknown

No one can know the potential,
Of a life that is committed to win;
With courage - the challenge it faces,
To achieve great success in the end!

So, explore the Dimension of Greatness,
And believe that the world CAN be won;
By a mind that is fully committed,
KNOWING the task can be done!

Your world has no place for the skeptic,
No room for the DOUBTER to stand;
To weaken your firm resolution
That you CAN EXCEL in this land!

We must have VISION TO SEE our potential,
And FAITH TO BELIEVE that we can;
Then COURAGE TO ACT with conviction,
To become what GOD MEANT us to be!

So, possess the strength and the courage,
To conquer WHATEVER you choose;
It's the person WHO NEVER GETS STARTED,
That is destined FOREVER to lose!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Harmony in our Environment

“You are subject to your environment. 

Therefore, select the environment that will 

best develop you toward your desired objective.”

W. Clement Stone

We all have goals and dreams that we are working towards to make a reality.  We can do this if we believe in ourselves, are around people who support us, and are working in the proper conditions to help support our success.

Just as an artist needs the proper supplies, a gardener needs knowledge and seeds and a mechanic needs tools, we need to have the environment and supplies for success.  We can not work in an environment that does not match what we are trying to achieve.  We will end up with frustration and fall short of reaching our goals.

Thought of the Day:  Does your environment match up with your current goals?  If it does, you are on the right track towards achieving success.  If it doesn't, what can you do to make sure things are more supportive of making your dreams a reality?  We all need to invest in ourselves.  We all need supportive people and a place where we can thrive.  Simple changes can often support us enough to help us get to our desired outcome.

Have a wonderful day!

Making Time for Silence

Let's face it:  We live in a very busy world.  We have work demands, family demands, errands on the go, and to do list's for when we're home.  It can be really challenging to find time to silence ourselves and the environment in which we live in.

I have a tendency to be a workaholic.  I find that unless I enforce discipline upon myself, I can have a tendency to keep going and going -- until I get cranky.  So being aware of that, I try to never let that happen.

We all need some silence in our day.  Time where we can think and reflect without interruption.  Where we can plan, brainstorm, dream, think, and silence our mind from the chatter.  Time to put things into perspective.

Without my morning silence, I would not be able to productively plan my day ahead, deciding exactly how I want it to be and how I want to spend it.  Without my afternoon silence (I call this my quiet-time which is just a nice word for sanity time), I would not be able to come up with great ideas, plans, to do's that had been forgotten, articles, and then silence my mind for relaxation.  Without my evening silence, I would not be able to quiet my mind to prepare it for sleep.

Thought of the Day:  I know it can be hard, but silence is our friend and just like a friend, we need to make time for it in our lives.  Only through silence can we see and hear more clearly, and accept the messages our body, mind and soul are trying to tell us.  Start incorporating small chunks of silence into your day a few times a day.  The benefits are increased productivity, living more deliberately, and a more restful and peaceful you.

Have a wonderful day!

I wish you a rainbow!

I thought you might enjoy this absolutely beautiful video today, that helps keep it in perspective!

Have a beautiful day!

This is My Day...

This is my day.  

I will shape my day the way I want it to be.  

I will react less and plan more.  

I will not let outside influences negatively affect me.  

As a sentinel safeguards a treasure, I will protect my day.  

I choose to see the phenomenal beauty in today.

Positive Living Chic

Our days are a phenomenal gift.  We realize the magnitude...but some days get the best of us.  So when that happens, just pick yourself up again and recite your intentions about how you WANT your day to go.

You see, we all fall off track.  We all have bad days.  I am not immune to disasters, chaos, feeling overwhelmed, challenges, etc.  When this happens, I just chalk it up as a lesson learned and apply my new lessons to the next day... and move on.  

Life's lessons are sometimes a gift.  They may not feel like it, but they are there to teach us how to do things differently.  If we are hearing the lessons, we are growing.  Sometimes we don't hear and we need to repeat the lesson.

Thought of the Day:  This is YOUR day.  Don't spend it reacting to events; plan how you will spend your time.  Safeguard your day like it is the most valuable treasure.  It is.  Plan to see the beauty in today!

Have a fantastic day!

Ripples of Kindness

Influence

By:  Joseph Norris

Drop a pebble in the water,

And its ripples reach out far;

And the sunbeams dancing on them

May reflect them to a star.

Give a smile to someone passing,

Thereby making his morning glad;

It may greet you in the evening

When your own heart may be sad.

Do a deed of simple kindness;

Though its end you may not see,

It may reach, like widening ripples,

Down a long eternity!

Have a great weekend!

The True Miracle

‎"People usually consider walking on water 
or in thin air a miracle.  
But I think the real miracle is not to walk 
either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth.  
Every day we are engaged in a miracle 
which we don't even recognize:

 a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, 
the black, curious eyes of a child - 
our own two eyes. 

All is a miracle." 

Thich Nhat Hanh

When you woke up today did it occur to you that it - in itself, was a miracle?

We get so used to being here, that seldom do we stop and realize just how big and miraculous it all really is.  

All of the things that had to occur to make a world here with life is an amazing miracle.  The human body in and of itself, is a working miracle.  Look at all living creatures -- everything was created for a distinct reason  and purpose.  When you think of all the events that led to bringing your parents together -- and in turn their ancestors -- so you could be a part of this amazing creation, it is really astonishing.  If you have children, you are also aware of how phenomenal their existence is.    

Thought of the Day:  It's hard to realize just how miraculous life is when you are desensitized due to daily exposure.  Today, take a step back and realize just how amazing everything is.  Look at things with fresh eyes -- and express thanks for the amazing miracle it truly is!

Have a wonderful day!   

The Key To Happiness

There is only one person 

who could ever make you happy, 

and that person is you.

David Burns

I could not agree any more with this quote.  Happiness has to come from within, not from external circumstances.  Other people can not make us happy.  Materialistic things do not make us happy.  While all of these can have some type of influence, they do not determine our happiness.  If we rely on external circumstances to make us happy, then we are at other people's wills, moods, and whims.  We are weak, leaving an awful lot to chance.  Other people can of course contribute to our happiness, but we deserve a more stable foundation on which we build our life.  We need to look within.  We need to be the source of our own happiness, so our life is built on a steadier foundation.

We must rise above life's imperfections and annoyances, it's disappointments and struggles.  Life is never perfect, but if we are at peace with ourselves and know we can look within ourselves for happiness, we can connect with it.  There is an endless supply inside of us.

Thought of the Day:  The only person who can make you happy is you.  The key to being happy to is be happy with yourself.  If you're not happy with yourself, what changes do you need to make to get there? 

Have a wonderful day!

 

Making Time for Humor

My six-year old son is without a doubt the funniest person I know.  His sense of humor seems to be unusually evolved for his age and always has been.  He never seems to run out of material and is always at it.  Unfortunately, because he's always in his mode, many of his antics can be very ill-timed.

I know all too well how difficult it can be to appreciate a face full of permanent marker the day before school pictures.  I've learned to be wary of a 3-year old who smirks when he offers you a cup of "water" and to question its contents if you don't want to drink urine.  I've learned that it's ok to laugh at a naked 4-year old who is covered with stickers, even if it is going to be an ordeal pulling them all off such delicate skin.  I've learned that underwear on heads IS funny, taking pictures will usually not come out as I intend, and to be warned when allowing said individual to wander off alone with a camcorder or camera.  I've also learned from daily experience that when the school bus is about to arrive and there are ten other things to do, he will not focus but will instead be shaking his booty, rambling loudly, showing his bottom, or anything else -- because we are in a rush.

The fact of the matter is, is that while all this is funny, there's a time and place.  The time is not when everyone is stressing to get out of the door.  It's not the day before school portraits for permanent markers on the face (or any day).  Life is busy, there's no time to pull stickers off of delicate parts...right?

Thought of the Day:  We are never too busy to take time to laugh.  Humor at stressful times is a gift, it's a delivery of reality when we need it the most. Portraits will be fine with permanent marker, stickers are ok, booty shaking is ok.  Without the urine story, what would we tell all his future dates to embarrass him when he's older?  Take time to appreciate the humor that is before you.  Always make time for laughter.  Lighten up!  Life is too short to take so seriously!

Have a great day!

9,000 Shots

"I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. 

I have lost almost 300 games. 

On 26 occassions I have been entrusted 
to take the game winning shot . . . and missed. 

And I have failed over and over and over 
again in my life. 

And that is why . . . I succeed."

Michael Jordan

Failure and success.  It's a winning combination.  Those who are successful are the ones who stick through their trials and failures in order to succeed.  Those who fail are those who didn't stick it out and did not pursue on to success.

If you are carrying on through failures, you will meet success.  With each failure, get back up and keep on trying.  You will get there.  Those who end up as a failure are simply those who gave up.

Thought of the Day:  You can and will succeed, if you keep carrying on.  Success isn't always easy and the road to it can sometimes get tiring.  Take a rest if you need to, but keep on trying.  You will get there with hard work and determination.  Success is attainable to any of us who simply refuse to give up.

Have a great day!

Happy Friday!

Great words of advice...

Have a beautiful weekend!

Influences

People influence us -- for better or worse.  Just like our activities and habits, we need to be careful of the type of people we surround ourselves with.  If we are around people that create drama, we will be sucked into their drama.  If we are around negative people, we will feel their negative energy. Conversely, if we are around positive and uplifting people, we will become better people and more positive ourselves.

Jim Rohn puts it this way:  "You must constantly ask yourself these questions: 

Who am I around? 

What are they doing to me? 

What have they got me reading? 

What have they got me saying? 

Where do they have me going? 

What do they have me thinking? 

And most important, what do they have me becoming? 

Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay?"

Thought of the Day:  Is it ok?  It is time to evaluate who you are allowing in your life.  We don't have a lot of spare time, so choose wisely those who you really want to make time for.  Don't feel bad about cutting ties with those who are holding you back or those who do not support your goals.  We all need to be on the right road that aligns with our aspirations. 

Have a fantastic day!

Life's Imperfections

We all know that life isn't perfect, but have you ever stopped to think about how life's imperfections add to your life?

I've noticed that often an unwanted change in my day can provide something even better than my original plan.  I can appreciate that my daughter still calls the back yard the "backetyard"; I will miss it when she pronounces it correctly.  The scar on my husbands cheek from his dogbite when he was a child adds character to his face.  The shelves and towel racks that hang slightly lopsided because of my husband's or my inability to line them up correctly make me laugh.  If life were perfect, it might just be a little dull.

Thought of the Day:  Life isn't perfect, there are imperfections everywhere.  See if you can just appreciate some.  Laugh at them.  Imperfections can be a gift in disguise.

Have a beautiful day!

The Attitude You Bring to Life

"Your living is determined not so 
much by what life brings to you 
as by the attitude you bring to life; 
not so much by what happens to you 
as by the way your mind looks 
at what happens. 

Kahlil Gibran

We can not always be completely in control over what happens to us.  While we can take many steps to prevent undesirable things from occurring (by being proactive, organized, and living with intention to name just a few), undesirable things can and will still happen.  They are a part of life.

However we are in control of how we choose to view what happens to us and how we respond to it.  Our responses pave the way for our future -- our future moods, feelings, days, experiences.  Our future happiness is affected by how we respond to these events.  

Thought of the Day:  It's time to examine how are you are looking at and responding to things.  What kind of attitude do you bring to life?  The biggest change one can make is how they respond to the things that occur.  Changing our reactions can grant us an unlimited amount of freedom that can allow us to be happy in life, even when situations aren't perfect.  It can help us look beyond these imperfections.  

Have a great day!

Today You Can

Something beautiful as you begin your new week.

Today You Can 

by Catherine Pulsifer 

Today you can choose to count your blessings or you can count your troubles. 

Today you can live each moment or you can put in time.

Today you can take action towards your goals or you can procrastinate. 

Today you can plan for the future or you can regret the past.

Today you can learn one new thing or you can stay the same. 

Today you can seek possibilities or you can overwhelm yourself with the impossible.

Today you can continue to move forward or you can quit. 

Today you can take steps towards resolving your challenges or you can procrastinate.

You see today the choices are up to you in deciding what you do today.

Have a beautiful day!

The Night Sky

“For my part I know nothing with any 

certainty, but the sight of the stars 

makes me dream.”

Vincent van Gogh

There is no other time nature shows off quite as much as when it displays its ever-changing masterpiece in the night sky.  While so many of us are rushing home from work, cooking dinner and preparing for the next day, the night sky is undergoing several transformations.

It begins as an artist's palette of beautiful sunset colors, and continues as the sky darkens and the constellations begin to appear.  Beautiful tree tops line its background.  Its beauty is captivating throughout all of its scenic transitions.

The night sky reminds us of enormity of life, the bigger picture.  It helps us to remember that our presence here is intentional and orchestrated by a higher power.

Thought of the Day:  Take time to appreciate the beauty the night sky has to offer this weekend.  Lay out some blankets or lie on a trampoline and gaze at the night sky with your kids or significant other.  Watch as the sky begins its transformation and really appreciate the show.  Count as the stars arrive; you will be amazed at how many more appear minute-by-minute.  Make a bonfire, roast up some s'mores, or pitch a tent in the backyard or the woods.  It never hurts to wish on a star, I can tell you that wishes do come true!  The night sky is out there waiting to show you it's magnificence -- don't miss the show!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Priorities

I thought this would be perfect for today since we touched on attention yesterday and the cause and effect of where we place our attention.  I hope you enjoy.

Thought of the Day:  We all need to be reminded to have our priorities in order, and this is it.  Health before anything else.  Make time to work out and eat healthy.  Take time each day to do something meditative -- whether it be yoga, mediation, or just taking time to just be and enjoy nature.

Our health and peace of mind will enable us to do many great things -- but we can not do many great things without them.  I hope you'll take a minute today to put your health at the top of your priority list -- the quality of your life and the lives of everyone who loves you depends on it!

Have a beautiful day!

Attention

"Whatever you put your attention 

on will grow stronger in your life.  

Whatever you take your attention away 

from will wither, disintegrate, 

and disappear."

Deepak Chopra

From time to time, we need to check our focus to make sure it's on the important things in life.  We need to prioritize, placing the most important things at the top of the list and the lesser things at the bottom.  We need to evaluate and make sure the list is in proper order.

Just like a garden that's untended, the things in our life that are being neglected will become withered, broken, and die.  We need to be certain that we're not neglecting the things that really matter.  

Thought of the Day:  It's time to take a look at your list.  It's time to evaluate and prioritize where you will spend your focus, attention and time.  What you place your attention on in your life will become stronger.  It's time to choose what that will become.

Have a beautiful day!