I have learned that a lot of things I used to think were extremely important, really aren't. I've also learned that my beau loves me very much. He remembers our anniversary of when we met. He was visiting and hid a card away to tell me where to find it on that day. I didn't even realize it was our anniversary. I felt so terrible. He said it was all right, which, of course made it even harder.

I don't think we ought to measure, weigh, or count love out. We all love the ones we love as well as we can at the moments we are having. I can't think about what I did yesterday and what he might think. I can plan tomorrows with great care and affection. I collect gifts and items to bestow upon him at random times. I send him cards in the mail for no special reason.

I don't believe I need to prove to him nor to anyone else (except maybe myself) how much I really do love him. For now, he lives in another city. Until circumstances change, that is the way it is going to stay. For the here and now, and so far, it's something I'm willing to withstand.

I believe family is not only the people one is related to by blood, but those we surround ourselves with. Those whose paths we cross, who we root for and root for us. Those that support us and that we find ourselves rooting for, listening to, hugging, consoling and celebrating. I never have enough time for those dear ones.

This year, this landmark birthday year, I find myself struggling to stay fit, to have energy and time to do all the things I want to. My body loses the battle with sleep each night when there are still tasks left undone. I find this more maddening than anything. Mind over matter not longer seems to have any hold here.

I don't need a grand house or large place to feel like I've got a claim on my own little corner of the world. I can feel just as special making jam and knitting scarves that will find their way into other's homes. I am not sure how they will feel about that, though.

I believe that a well placed and enjoyed piece of dark chocolate can be a solace in any sort of day.

I miss my grandparents, but a random talk radio statement told me today that one cannot tell how well one did as a parent until one sees one's children raise their children. If this is true, then my grandparents are perhaps the most generous, special, kind, loving, supportive, caring and "kick you in the butt if you need it" people that ever walked the earth.

I'm sure they are at peace and rest, smiling down on all of us as we flounder through our lives, wondering what the heck we are doing, and pondering what is important and what is not.

I do still like to have some things around me that sparkle, though.