My mom and brother share a birthday, and so did my dad and I. Sisters Sally and Pam are rugged individualists with birthdays all their own.

Today, I’ll be joining Mom and Jerry, and Jerry’s lovely wife, Anna, for a birthday luncheon. It’s been way too long since I’ve seen my mother–in fact, I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’ll be bringing along her Christmas presents when I head out. Between snowstorms, flu and deadlines, I haven’t been real mobile this winter.

Lately, we’ve had glimmers of sunshine, bright as spring. (I love it when that happens.) The wild turkeys

I can’t wait for that book-binder to arrive. (See video if you’re curious.)

Today, I have a very important conference call, first thing, and then I’ll be WRITING, WRITING, WRITING!! I just can’t WAIT to sit down in front of my office computer, pick up the loose ends, and start weaving.

On a personal level, I’ve had some challenges lately, but my gratitude journal is practically bursting at the seams, too. I think it’s when we’re struggling in some way that we’re closest to God.

The weather is downright spring-like this morning–we even have sunshine, and most of the snow