Sometimes things get hard, and even when you look for it, there isn't always good to be found in every situation. Sometimes it just stinks. So, I've discovered, that it's okay to quit looking in the garbage can, so to speak, and look at things that ARE good. It's like that Oscar Wilde quote, "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." And while it hurts terribly and few things make sense, sometimes I find relief when I remove my emotions from it all and remind myself that this isn't forever. Just like things are changing now, they will change again. Beauty will come out of it, joy will follow, this is all for the best even when now it feels like the absolute worst.

So good things? More knitting and Robin McKinley, lots and lots of words, chocolate and tea, trying my hand at spinning, making slow progress on my quilt, wool sweaters and socks to keep warm, and one dance class a week.

"He will bring beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities long ago destroyed."

~Isaiah 61: 3-4