Love.

Love is such a pretty word. It rhymes with dove, creates images of peace and happiness in our mind's eye, and is the main lyric in dozens of songs. Ok, millions of songs. Love is both over and under celebrated, depending on who you ask. It's such an incredibly powerful emotion, and can make us humans do powerful things. I believe that when we focus on what we love, we are inspired to be better, do better and bring about better things for others.

I read a quote on Twitter today that spured this blog post and thought I'd share few of the things I love. I turned 32 (gasp!) this past weekend and figure it's good to be on the safe side and over-celebrate love during this annual solar return. Besides, my kids are both asleep, and I just brewed a new pot of coffee, so I figured I'd get caught up on blogging. Feel free to add yours, or better yet, start your own list. :)

My kids and my husband to the core of my soul. The love they return to me is so complete and natural and real.

I love our home, it's energy, the life we live and the memories we create here.

I love my yoga practice for how personal and tailored it is to me and my needs during each practice. I love the thought of helping others find their own practice in the same way, which is why I'm going through YTT.

I love my girlfriends- each for their own personalities and gifts. I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have a network of a dozen or so women who I can share good times and bad with.

I love candles and I love burning them for no special reason throughout the day.

I love to cook for others. There's something about preparing nutrition for people - such a simple form of showing care and I appreciate the simplicity of ceremony in breaking bread with a group. The same goes for wine and dessert. :)

I love the feeling after a good physical workout.

I love my flower gardens. The science and cooperation of the soil, sun and water that sustains them.

I love my community. The architecture of the homes, the enormous trees that line our streets, the park and golf course a few blocks away, the proximity to downtown, the coffee shops and restaurants, the neighbors, and the rich history and character of the area.

I love my extended family. My parents, step parents, in laws, siblings, grandparents, and so on... Each of these people have at one time or another impressed upon me their special stamp on life. They've played a role in helping me see things as they are, or will play a role doing the same for my children. I'm thankful for their presence.

Ok, between lots of interruptions, several phone calls, making a dinner for friends who just had a baby and downing several cups of said coffee, nap time is over and I am out of blogging time. My list feels pretty incomplete, so rest assured I'll be mentally adding to it the rest of the day.

Wishing love to you and all of humanity....