Sunday

Hi friends,

I'm sitting here having my coffee and thinking of all the things I'm grateful for this morning. First, my parents made it safely to their first destination on their Christmas road trip. Super happy to hear this and praying for une bonne continuation. 

As I type this, Potter is lying on top of the cable box (it's quite warm, as you may have guessed) and Gracie is sitting beside me purring. Gracie had a great appointment with the vet this week. Her asthma is under control, her blood work was perfect, and she hasn't had (I'm afraid to even type it) a seizure in almost three years. I pray that those horrible, frightening things are gone from our lives forever, and that her good health continues for a very long time. She is, on the other hand, a bit chubby. The vet had a good laugh when I told her, in French, that she was perfect except for the fact that she's a little fat. We've switched her food, and we'll have that weight under control in no time. (Obesity food--how insulting! :)

Monsieur Potter is also doing quite well. He had major tummy issues this year and gave me an awful scare--the vet thought it was cancer. Thank God it wasn't, but it was the worst inflammation the vet had ever seen. He's on medicine now, and the difference is amazing. His last appointment was a couple of months ago, and like Gracie, he got a great report on blood work, etc. So my furry children are doing superbly, and I am so happy and immensely grateful for it.

Me, I'm good...have a good amount of work right now, a bit scheduled for the first part of the year, and I'm confident that 2013 will be a great year for me. Could use a little help in the romance department, but overall I'm good. 

So I'm grateful for my parents good health and safety, my kitties good health (and safety, of course, although they're staying put for Christmas like me), for my health and safety, for my friends, my family, the internet which makes it so easy to stay connected (ahem, after not having it for 3.5 months, I feel it's something worth mentioning). I'm grateful for Paris at Christmas--so gorgeous, Christmas markets, vin chaud, roasted chestnuts, the smell of Christmas trees, my happy lights which substitute for a Christmas tree for now, a little time off to enjoy it all, and all of the wonderful possibilities that a new year brings. Maybe I'll do better with my Gratitude Portal posts in 2013. Maybe. ;)

bisous!

Wish I knew who to give credit for this.

Otherwise

Otherwise
by Jane Kenyon

I got out of bed
on two strong legs.
It might have been
otherwise. I ate
cereal, sweet
milk, ripe, flawless
peach. It might
have been otherwise.
I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.
All morning I did
the work I love.

At noon I lay down
with my mate. It might
have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together
at a table with silver
candlesticks. It might
have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings
on the walls, and
planned another day
just like this day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise.

Dimanche

Greetings!

I typed the title of this post 3 times before I got it right. Each time I was typing the same word, but I kept messing up on the "m" because when I type in French, my fingers automatically go to where the letters are on a French keyboard, and the "m" is in a different place. If I had been typing more than one word in French, I would have simply switched to a French keyboard, but you'd think I could type one simple word correctly. It's funny though, isn't it, how muscle memory works?

Anyway, yesterday was incredibly lovely. I had slept well the night before (always a good way to start the day), and when I got out of bed and threw back the shutters, the sky was super blue and the sun was shining. Absolutely gorgeous. I had a productive day of organizing, catching laundry up, and such. I also talked to my parents, wished my cutie-pie nephew a happy 18th birthday (way to make the rest of us feel old, dude), enjoyed healthy food all day, spent some time reading interesting things on various topics, exercised a little (ok, an almost miniscule amount, but still...), then spent the evening listening to some of my favorite music. The day felt so good, and I went to bed with my two favorite warm snugglies. Gorgeous Sunday.

For all of the above, I'm so very grateful. And for a week in which I plan to learn something new (more on that later), eat healthy food, do a little yoga, and organize my home a bit more, I'm grateful too. That's right, I'm having a staycation. As I always say, if I've gotta have a staycation, at least I'm staycationing in Paris!

Hope you're having a lovely August!
bisous

Feelin' Groovy

Hi friends!

It has been too long, I know. Between computer problems (another one down), a trip to the US, and life, I've been out of touch. But today I had the overwhelming urge to come here and write.

Why? Because I have an awesome life. Not bragging, just grateful.

About 3 weeks ago, poor Potter had an absolutely horrible 2 days. He had been having some stomach issues, so the vet wanted to do an endoscopy. This entails 24 hours without food followed by a full day of harrowing procedures at the vet (and just getting there is harrowing enough). The vet's report was not good. With a sad face he said to me, "ce n'est pas joli"  ... it's not pretty. Long story short, he thought it was probably cancer. But we'll wait for the biopsy results, they always add. I was crushed. I cried all that night and half of the next day. My boy isn't even 12 yet. The vet said it would take 8 to 10 days for the biopsy results to come back, so I thought I'd know before my trip to the US. I didn't. He didn't call, and I didn't call him. If I don't know, I can stay in denial, I decided. Last Friday, while I sat at the kitchen table of my sweet friend Melina, my Mom called to say that I should call my friend Penny who was staying at my apartment caring for my babes. "Just tell me Mom," I pleaded. "It's good news," she said. So with tears in my eyes I frantically dialed my home number. "It's not cancer,"  Penny said. Melina and I both fought back tears, tears of joy, of course. Not cancer!!! Thank you God.


I still haven't spoken to the vet (he's out until Monday), but it seems that it's a bad but manageable stomach infection. As I type this, my boy lies beside me, purring. Inside I'm purring too. So very grateful am I.

My trip to the US was great too. I got to spend time with my wonderful parents who are healthy and active and really enjoying their retirement and also with my dear uncle, my hilarious brother and sister in law, and my amazingly smart, cute, sweet, funny nephews. And with friends--it was such fun to catch up with everyone.

And it's good to be home. As I walked to Monoprix yesterday afternoon, passing the Eiffel Tower, what looked like a magazine photo shoot, a live performance of some kind, and an entire wall of the most gorgeous roses, I thought to myself, "I have an awesome life."  I live in this amazingly beautiful city, eat this amazing food, hear music in the streets almost daily, have enough work to keep the bills paid and enjoy myself a little, am healthy, have healthy parents and healthy fur-children, and so much more. I have friends from all over the world, there's always something to do, always something interesting to read or see or listen to, flowers everywhere (and lately walking down the street, I smell flowers--not dog poo! It won't last, of course, but it's great as long as it does! :)

My friends Penny and Donna took great care of Potter and Gracie, and I came home to gorgeous birthday flowers (thank you Donna!), clean sheets, and happy kitties.

I really am so blessed, fortunate, whatever you want to call it. I do, today and every day, even when it's a bad day and it doesn't feel like it, have so very much to be grateful for.

Rose Scented Day

Hi friends!

Today was gorgeous...finally! I had errands to run, three in fact, and two were utter failures. Suffice it to say that those two were at French government offices. Oh well, one out of three IS bad, but it's not as bad as zero out of three, right?

As I ran my errands, I passed, as I often do the Eiffel Tower. Right now the back edge of the park is covered in roses. And the smell wafted over me as I walked by...heavenly. I stopped and took a couple of pics for you. Wish I could share the smell with you too.

I'm grateful for those gorgeous roses and their heavenly scent. I'm grateful for sunshine and weather warm enough for summer clothes. I'm also grateful for something that I can't actually tell you yet--something I'm hoping will happen. Someone special may be coming to see me...fingers crossed. I'll tell you if/when tickets are purchased!

So, what about you? What are you grateful for today?

Here are a couple of rose pics for you. Couldn't resist getting la grande dame in one of them. Enjoy!

bisous!

Friends

Hi!

To start off, I just have to tell you how very grateful I am to have friends in town. Nothing better than wandering around the city marveling at the beauty together, sharing laughs at the absurdities that are part of Parisian life, and catching up over a yummy dinner and bottle of wine.

I'm also very grateful to see a few days in this week's forecast that come without pictures of rain droplets. Mr. Sunshine...I'd be so very grateful if you'd come back and stay for a while...a few months, even.

I'm grateful for a busy week of work. (More please!) And finally, grateful for an upcoming trip to NC to visit family and friends!

What about you? What are you grateful for today?

bisous

Spring again...I think

Hi friends!

Spring seems to be back in Paris, and I couldn't be happier to see it. Of course, tomorrow's forecast calls for more rain and less warm sunshine, but I'm hoping it'll be followed by many more days like the one we had today.

Today was a stunner...so pretty, in fact, that Penny and I had a picnic on the Champ de Mars. Gorgeous afternoon spent on the grass enjoying tasty treats and people watching. I'm grateful for Penny's return to Paris, for a few days focused on catching up, for today's lovely picnic and for fabulous weather.

What about you? I'd love to hear what you're grateful for today!

Here's a picture of the view from our picnic spot...not bad, huh?

 bisous!

Ahhh...

Hi friends,

Today was a super cloudy day, but on the other hand, it was warm with spots of sun, and it never rained. There is something...relaxing about not having to wear a coat when I go out. It's just easier. I feel more free. I enjoy being out more. Ahhh...so nice. So grateful. I'm also grateful for a productive day. Got some stuff shipped off, got some other stuff purchased, some tax stuff filled out, some other paperwork organized...feels good to get things done.

It all started this morning with this yummy bread that my friend Donna introduced me to yesterday. It weighs a ton b/c it's full of fruits and nuts, and it's a great way to start the day. So delicious.

And it'll wind down this evening with a surprise treat--an interview with Simon Baker on TF1, the news channel I watch. He. Is. Delicious. And I am so looking forward to seeing him interviewed. Does he speak French? If so, is it with an Australian accent? Does it matter? No...I still can't wait.

So what about you? Care to share what you're grateful for today?

bisous!

Quiet Sunday

Hi friends!

It's cold and rainy here again (I should be used to it by now), but I am snug as a bug in my little apartment with my furry loves.

I've got a couple of Mad Men episodes to catch up on and a new carbonara recipe to try for dinner...can't wait! I also have a few new books to keep me company, not to mention a to-do list that, on second thought, can wait until tomorrow.

And if I get bored and decide I need some excitement, I can turn on the tv at 8 pm and find out who the winner is in the French presidential election...we're all on pins and needles!

So what about you? How's your Sunday shaping up? What are you grateful for?

Thanks for stopping by!

bisous

A better than expected morning

Hi friends,

I had been dreading today for at least a week or two. See, my first order of business was at the préfecture where I had an appointment to change my address. And going to the préfecture is no walk in the park.

When you're a foreigner living in France, you're supposed to change your address within 7 days of moving. So I tried, but when I went to the préfecture in my arrondissement, they told me they don't do that and said I needed to go to the commissariat. So, I called the commissariat to see if I needed an appointment, and they said that no, they're not responsible for that either. They informed me that I needed to go to the préfecture at Cité (the big one), but they said that first I must make an appointment online. So I did, and I took the first available appointment which was much further out than 7 days (and which was not at Cité at all but in a nasty part of town that I try to avoid whenever possible). And that's the appointment I went to this morning. Only when I got there, the guy (the one out of 5 who was not doing the crossword puzzle, mind you) told me that the commissariat handles that. For those of you that are new here, welcome to France. So...I turned around and went to the commissariat. Well...almost. First I had a detour or two to make.

See, my carte de séjour (residency card) expires in July, and you have to schedule the renewal appointment two months in advance. Since I was already going to be enjoying the pleasures of préfecturing today, I figured I might as well do that too. So I went to Cité where I have to go to renew the CDS. I got to the office, and believe it or not, there was no waiting line, and the guy (super nice) made my appointment in 2 minutes flat, and I was on my way. Now, I thought, this is more like it.

By now (10:30), I was hungry and decided to stop for breakfast. I never eat breakfast out, but when I have to go to the préfecture at Cité, I try to make morning appointments. And since I usually don't eat breakfast first, if I get finished before lunchtime, I take the short walk to Brasserie Balzar over by my old stomping grounds, La Sorbonne and enjoy their 6€ breakfast...best breakfast bargain in town. So today I made that little detour too. Memory lane with a café crème and a croissant. A nice treat.

So then I went to the commissariat. Waited in line for 5 minutes, then was helped by THE nicest lady in French administration (she even smiled...unheard of). Five minutes later I walked out with an official document declaring that my address had been changed.

In other words, the day I had been dreading (préfecture appointments usually involve hours of waiting both preceded and followed by chilly service delivered by surly government employees) had a rocky start which moved nicely into smooth sailing and 2 missions easily accomplished.

So, I am grateful for the turn of events in my favor, the two super-nice préfecture peeps who helped me today, the nice little breakfast treat at my favorite breakfast spot, and the fact that I have those two dreaded tasks finally behind me. Now I only have to go through the renewal process. But I'll think about that later. (Wish me luck!)

And you...what are you grateful for today? Would love to hear!

bisous

Sunshine, friendship, and rosé

Hi peeps,

Happy May day! Today has been GORGEOUS!!! We got a well-deserved break from the rain, and seeing as it's a holiday (the first of FOUR in May), a friend and I took a bottle of rosé to the Champ de Mars and sat in the sun.

While we were there, we made heroic efforts to save a little bee, watched some energetic dogs who were quite possibly even happier than we were to see the sun again, observed a handful of what we will generously call fashion victims, and looked on as an adorable little boy happily chased the bubbles his dad was blowing for him.

A great couple of hours, indeed. And for all that I am immensely grateful. I'm also grateful for a recent skype chat with my cute parents and for a number of upcoming visits from friends...you know who you are, and I can't wait to see you!

And you? What are you grateful for today? Hope your May day is a beautiful one!

bisous

Sunday

Hello mes amis,

And happy Sunday! I woke up to the sound of pouring rain and promptly made an executive decision...to roll over and sleep a little longer. It was a good decision. :)

I enjoyed a relaxing morning, took a nice walk once the sun appeared, then met a friend for coffee (mint tea for me) and a little catching up. Afterward, a(nother) nice walk home followed by a healthy dinner (for once!) then a nice quiet night in. Ah, Sunday.

For all this and for my furry loves who are so happy to see me even when I've just been gone for an hour or so, I'm grateful today. (Of course, I'm always super happy to see them too!)

I should also be grateful for parenthesis, huh? ;) And you...what are you grateful for today? I'd love to know!

bisous

Tiny bubbles

Hi friends!

Happy Friday! I'm having a little celebration this evening, complete with a glass (or two) of chilled, bubbly deliciousness.

First I'm grateful for (and drinking to) the fancy footwork of Bouygues Telecom (a name I never felt compelled to learn how to spell until recently) for getting me back on the grid. Next, I'm grateful for the last Friday 4pm to 6pm class that I have to teach for at least 6 months (whew...the students aren't the only ones who struggle through those classes). And I'm also grateful for a day in which I did not use my umbrella even once. I had it with me, of course, but I never had to take it out of my purse. This I could get used to. And I hope to have the opportunity in the very near future to do just that.

Ah, the weekend. Rain in the forecast for Paris, comme d'habitude, but the temps have risen slightly, so at least it's not freezing cold rain. And I am sure that one day very soon we will see spring come back to our most lovely city bringing with it blue skies, sunshine, and warm weather. Fingers, toes, eyes, and anything else that can be are crossed!

Here are some lovely tulips for you. Enjoy!

bisous

At long last....internet!

Hey friends,

This is it!

This is the post that I've been waiting three months to write. And today is the day...the day that internet, telephone, and television service finally returned to chez moi. Can you BELIEVE it?! After all this time, I can finally add to my gratitude journal that I am thankful for having these three things. Of course, the internet is the most important followed by the telephone--like they say, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. But today I again joined the land of the connected, and all I can say is hallelujah and man am I grateful!

I'm also so grateful for the friends who have helped me through this pain-in-the-rear period by either letting me use their internet (or their internet passwords, ahem), letting me use their phones, writing letters for me that are way beyond my ability (legalese, etc.), or just being sympathetic to my (non-stop) whining over all this. Merci mille fois, mes amis!!!

What else am I thankful for today? Picard comes to mind. I've mentioned Picard before--the amazing frozen food store that has incredibly good frozen foods of ALL kinds. Really, I have to thank Monsieur or Madame Picard because they keep me well fed even when I don't have the time or feel like putting in the effort.

Finally, I'm grateful that I can come here and express my gratitude. And I'm grateful to those of you who share your gratitude lists with me. Thanks for hanging in there...I'm back!!! :)

bisous

A shift in the right direction

Hi friends! Or should I say strangers...

I keep waiting for the day when I can post that my internet problems are finally resolved, but that day still has not arrived. I am hopeful that this week will bring the right resolution to the main problem and all of the related problems...so fingers crossed everyone!

For some reason, this year got off to a rocky start, but recently I've started having the feeling that something has shifted and in the right direction. Overall I feel better about "things" in general. This is super-good news for me.

So gratitude...I'm grateful for this wonderful shift from negative to positive. So very grateful. I'm grateful for some sunshine and blue skies in the midst of all these April showers we've been having in Paris. I'm grateful for the end of another trying school year at the business school where I teach (grateful for the work when I have it, grateful for the break when it comes). I'm grateful for an upcoming (June) trip to see my sweet Mom and Dad! I miss them so much!!! I'm grateful for having found a delicious red nail polish that works on my pale skin. I'm grateful for my generous friend who shares Mad Men with me. And so many more things, but I'll stop there for now.

Thanks for sticking it out with me! Remember to keep your fingers crossed!

bisous

Pretty tree

Hi friends,

Well, I wish I could start by being grateful for finally having internet, etc., but as I still do not, I can't. And yes, it's about to send me over the edge. But this isn't a complaint blog; it's a gratitude blog, so let's get on with it.

Today I'm grateful for my friend Donna who dragged me (not really, just encouraged me) to a beautiful plant show at a beautiful (from the outside anyway, they wouldn't let us in) chateau. So many gorgeous, colorful flowers and trees, and so many adorable garden thingies, it was a treat, and I'm grateful for all of the beauty.

I'm also thankful that I am not a smoker and never have been. And I'm thankful that so far I don't smell anyone else's cigarettes from my apartment. (Once the windows are open, I can only hope for the same luck.)        

So what about you? What are you grateful for today?

Here's a picture of the gorgeous saucer magnolias (there are 2 quite close together). Enjoy!

bisous

Rewiring our brains

Hey friends,

Nope, still no internet, etc. (I really don't know how it is even POSSIBLE that this situation persists in 2012, but every time I complain, someone reminds me that I live in France...early 19th century France, apparently.) Nonetheless, the miracle of public networks allows me to at least keep in touch, and for that, I am truly grateful.

I'm also grateful for this amazing, amusing video. Take a look at the link below...you'll be so...er, grateful that you did. It's about rewiring our brains for happiness--the whys and the hows. I'm going to try this starting immediately!

I'm also thankful for my work today with two great clients, the gorgeous spring weather that seems to be more and more frequent, and my cute, sweet parents.

Let me know what you're grateful for...I love getting comments! And don't forget to watch the video!

bisous
http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html

Um, yeah...

So about my gratitude blog...I haven't forgotten it, abandoned it, or gotten bored with it. It's just that I STILL DON'T HAVE INTERNET AT HOME!!! Or a home telephone or television. I'm using a public internet network right now, but it isn't ideal. France Telecom is coming on Wednesday, and they are supposed to install a phone line so that 48 hours later, I can be back in business. If you happen to have any good juju you can send my way, please consider doing so.

I really have missed coming here, and I am looking forward to getting back to it on a regular basis. So, let's get down to gratitude. I am grateful for this blog and its patient heart...it was just sitting here waiting for me. Nice. I'm also grateful for SPRING which has come to Paris! We got off easy this year--except for two weeks of Siberian weather, we had a mild winter. Count me as super-grateful for that too!

I'm also grateful that Duke lost...to LeHigh...early and embarrassingly in the NCAA tourney!  (Sorry Duke fans, but that is good stuff, even in Paris.)

So what about you? It has been AGES since I've heard about you and what you're grateful for, so if you care to share, I'd love to know. Hope all is well!

p.s...here's a pic of a gorgeous birdie (taken at the Salon d'Agriculture last month). Isn't he somethin'? I love his black and white feathers and his use of red to accent the ensemble. He really is one snazzy dresser.

bisous!

Hellooooo...?

Anyone there?

Me, I've been away but not by choice. My home is internetless, fixed phone lineless, and mostly tvless. I don't have the energy to go into why, but I'm hoping that one day soon I'll have internet, etc. at home again. In the meantime, my internet access is extremely limited. So...I thought I'd take this little opportunity to stop by.

Being internetless has given me the opportunity to spend some time in the café around the corner, and I am so grateful for the nice guys that work there. They let me sit for hours with just a cup of tea. I'm also thankful for a little brunch at a friend's house that is currently giving me a bit of internet time. (not to mention the delish brunch and sweet friends!) I'm grateful for some work, for help from friends, and for a sunny Sunday too.

What about you? What have I missed in your life--what are you thankful for today?

Hope all is well!
bisous

Bright spot

Salut mes amis!

Happy Wednesday!

I hope all is well with you. Me, I'm in the middle of finishing up one semester and starting another. I have exams, journals, and reports to grade and five new classes to finish preparing for...my den is a mess. A friend came by yesterday and told me it looked like I was still moving in. This is actually the worst time in the school year, and I am feeling the stress. (Not being the least bit appreciated is another element contributing to the stress, but I will avoid complaining since this isn't the place for it.)

In spite of all this, I had a little bright spot in the day yesterday when my new washing machine was delivered...and in record time. Seriously, those guys were in and out with the washer installed and the mandatory first cycle started in under 15 minutes. If Nascar ever comes to France, Darty delivery guys oughta become race car mechanics.

As you might imagine, I am grateful for my new washer and the fact that I can stay home to do laundry now (and for less money). I'm also grateful for my good friend Donna who is trying to help me stress less over this school and its students. I'm grateful that I'm almost halfway through the school year (and after that, have about 6 months before the next one starts), and in spite of the stress and frustration, I'm thankful for the work and dependable income. I am also hugely thankful for my professional clients with whom I actually enjoy working. More please!!!

So, here is my lovely new washer. Exciting, non? ;)

bisous

The Laundry Awaits

Hi friends,

How are you on this lovely Wednesday? We got a little sunshine and blue sky today in Paris...was a lovely treat.

The semi-annual sales started today, so I marched myself down to the nearest Darty in hopes of finding a deal on a washing machine, but I left disappointed. Apparently Darty doesn't do sales. I did, however, find a deal on their website that was better than any in the store, so the washing machine is on its way! And next week when it arrives, I'll be in laundry catch-up mode (because the laundry mat is expensive!).

So I'm thankful for my soon-to-be new washing machine, my soon-to-be new contacts (as I found a place to order those today as well), snuggles and kisses from Potter and Gracie, my comfy, warm bed, my awesome neighborhood, my nice glass of red wine, a quiet evening at home and so much more.

Here's a pic for you. I call it, "is that LAST year's  Christmas tree?" This is what happens when you live in a country without water-giving Christmas tree stands. They just stick the bottom of a tree in a dry log or piece of wood and leave it. Bizarre, non?

bisous

Butterbeans

Hi friends!

Happy weekend...hope everyone is enjoying theirs. Me, I have a friend staying with me, and we're having a blast. MB is one of my very best friends, and it has been a long time since we've spent a weekend hanging out. She's only here for the weekend this time--between business trips--but she's coming back in May for a week of no work and all play for us girls. Yay!

I'm so grateful for her little visit and the one coming up in a few months. We've had cooperative weather too, and we've had great meals...too much good food, in fact. We've gotten a little shopping in and a lot of catching up accomplished. Great visit, and one day left today before she heads to her next work destination in the morning.

So what about you? Having a good weekend? Anything you want to share your gratitude for? Thanks for stopping by!

bisous

Technologology

Hi friends!

How are you?

Today, in spite of my being totally challenged in the techno department, I figured out my voice mail. And after living in my new apartment for only 3 weeks! :) No sense in rushing these things, right? The funny thing is that I had two messages...both from the same friend and both on the subject of my voice mail:  whether or not I had it and whether or not it worked.

So I'm thankful that they put the how-to information on their website and that I finally got around to figuring it out. I'm also thankful for the two great clients I worked with today. They're both very funny, very French women. Today when I told my client Isabelle that I hadn't slept last night, her typical French response was, "L'amour ou le vin?" Haha! Love it.

I'm also very grateful for my parents' great Christmas trip and their safety all along the way. And finally, I'm happy that my beautiful hyacinth and Christmas cactus are blooming. They're just gorgeous.

So what about you? Anything to share? Thanks for being here.

bisous

Happy New Year!

Hi!

Well, we did it...ushered in a new year. 2012 is here, and for me it came in with a fun, champagne-filled, late night with some great new friends. So how was your evening/morning/day?

I'm so grateful for all the good things that 2011 brought, and I'm excited for more to be grateful for in 2012. I'm grateful that my champagne-drinking only led to a slight hangover (but much sleep deprivation), that I made some fun new friends (and in my neighborhood too!), that I didn't have anywhere I had to be today, and that I had sweet company to nap and watch movies with me all day; they're napping now in fact. Side by side, dreaming away...cats have it made.

Resolutions? Haven't made them yet, but I love the idea of starting fresh with a new year, and I've got enough improvements to make that I'm sure I'll find something to resolve to do...or not do.

So, again, my wish for you is a love-filled, happiness-filled, gratitude-filled 2012!

bisous