How have almost 2 years gone by since my last blog post! I guess a few things have happened in the meantime… (understatement of the year!)

Even though in many ways, it feels like the world is going crazy right now, if I look in a different direction, life has been pretty great. (This may seem callous if you or your family is suffering right now. If so, I’m truly sorry!) I have a song about this, from my first CD, Too Much Work To Do, called “Every Little Thing”. It speaks about looking at things often NOT being reported in the regular news and seeing/talking about the many wonderful things happening in the world in general, and in your world in particular. We just don’t get to see it that often because we’re bombarded with all the awful things happening (and there are definitely awful things!) Yet, people everywhere are doing great things to make the world a better place – little, everyday things, big, system-changing things and everything in between. Maybe you are one of those people. If so, thank you!

Right now, I’m feeling very fortunate. I have a very part-time job teaching music at the school five minutes from my house, with a wonderful colleague that I am truly fond of. I am in my newly ‘Feng Shui’d’ workspace, created by a lovely, very helpful and organized friend, Sacha Percussionista (check her out on Facebook!) And…I have a new assistant helping me get things done that I’ve been meaning to do for years! That feels pretty fantastic!

Family-wise, I have a VERY cute almost 3 yr old grandkid (I know all grandkids are cute, but MINE ….! 😉 ) that I get to spend at least 2 half days a week with. They are incredibly smart and sweet and talkative and funny and… Lucky me! I also get time with my clever, open-hearted, hilarious, talented and brave 6 yr old granddaughter (and her marvellous mom) (I tried to keep the adjectives to a minimum; honest!) about once a month or more; that feels like a wonderful blessing!

My grown son and daughter are both doing well. I often marvel at how, in spite of my many failings as a parent way back then, they are both such fine human beings! They’re loving, kind, healthy, humourous, relatively happy and sane, and have lovely, loyal friends. And they’re doing good things in the world. It doesn’t get much better than that!

I have learned over the years to remember that, back when my kids were young, I was doing the best I could, with the personal resources I had available to me at each moment. Sometimes I was doing an excellent job; sometimes really not, and often, somewhere in between. It’s a good thing to remember about ourselves and all humans, as often as we can – we’re all doing the best we can. It doesn’t mean we can’t do better. It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to do better, whenever we have better resources available. Or to see what we can do to get better resources. (I’ve just been involved in a great personal growth course for the last 6 months. It feels like I’ve transformed many things in my life and outlook as a result, and the journey won’t stop here!) It doesn’t mean we don’t have to apologize or make amends for our mistakes. It just means that, at this present moment, from where we are right now, and from what we can access, we are doing the best we can. Compassion is key, especially with yourself!

So…I mostly like to focus on what there is to celebrate in the world. (Mind you, I’m NOT advocating for sticking heads in the sand, by any means! It’s good to stay informed and to take a stand when something needs to change! I do that too!) There is so much good to see and be a part of, so much to be grateful for, when you look in the right places. When I do that, I feel very fortunate indeed.

And…Spring is right around the corner! I saw my first robin today. That’s always a cause for celebration! Happy February everyone! (and beware of cats – I mean kids – in trees!)