I'm finishing up some of the artwork for the book this week, and just found this photo buried in the folders upon folders of photos on my hard drive. It's an outtake from a shot I was trying to get for the book. It was in October, on a very cold and windy day. We had just left a friends birthday party, and everyone was tired and sugared out, and I know my babes just wanted to go home. I had been working every day on the book, and everyone was void of the Mama time they really needed. Steve was working triple duty - job, babes, house, and 'editor' to me. While it was hard (but good) work for me, it was really hard work for everyone around me. And while we were all a little haggard at times, and some moments were prettier than others, the point is that they trudged through it with me. No, they didn't trudge - they soared. That day on the beach was one of those moments when they soared for me - forgetting about being cold and tired, and going along with my crazy plan. And even having fun along the way.
It turns out that I didn't get quite what I wanted for the book photo on this day. But I certainly got something else of more significant value to me. When I saw this photo today, a flood of gratitude came over me and filled me up. While it seems terribly inadequate, as I think back upon this year, I will say over and over again to them- Thank You, my loves.
And thank you to YOU, too. For continuing to check in here and read each and everyday, for your lovely words, gifts, and thoughts, for your inspiration, and for your support. And mostly, for joining me along for the ride.
It's been a really good year.
