Imagine that...

 I found myself fussing with my husband yesterday over how he puts dishes in the dishwasher.  Why doesn't he listen to me?  Of course, my way of placing the dishes is the only right way. 😆

But that little voice in my head stopped me.  And then he told me that what HE doesn't like is how I pile the utensils in there because he wants to flip some of the spoons and forks, so they come out clean.... hmm ok... I was ready to argue, and then I thought, what if I just let go of control?  What if I just agree?

So, I did... I thanked him for doing it better, and I told him that I appreciated him.  And the thing is, I meant it too.  Sometimes sincerity works. And sometimes we don't have to try to control everything.  

No argument, he felt good, I felt good. We moved on... nice...

The dress...

 

 I wore this dress (stock photo, that's not me!) to my son's wedding in May of 2020, just after COVID started.  I bought the dress in January, not knowing what was coming!  As luck would have it, this beautiful dress appeared in my "ads," no doubt thanks to the cookies that follow us all over the Internet!  WAY to go, COOKIES!  My dream dress was purple less and VOILA!  ASK, and the Cookies delivered!

I almost didn't get to wear it because the kids were going to postpone the wedding and then decided to have a smaller casual wedding, no fancy clothes.  BUT at the last minute, they decided she would wear her beautiful wedding dress, and we would wear our gowns.  I was thrilled!  I loved this dress and was so happy to wear it.  I felt like a princess too that day!  It was an amazing COVID wedding and an amazing day watching my son marry his High School sweetheart!

Of course, I washed it after the wedding and hung it up in my closet, unsure what to do with it.  It's not like I have tons of occasions that call for a long flowy dress!  I was thinking lately that it would be great to donate it to a girl who needed a dress for her PROM.  LOW and BEHOLD, I came across a Facebook post of an organization that matches girls who can't afford a dress to a donated gown, and she was the right size for this dress!  I immediately messaged them, and the dress is being picked up today!  It makes me so happy to know that my pretty dress will serve another good purpose!

I will miss you, pretty dress, but thank you for making me feel like a Princess, and please make your next recipient feel that way too! 💜

 I took this picture on the night of the full moon on April 26.  It was an amazing moon, and I was even more amazed that my camera caught such a beautiful photo!  Of course, I immediately thought about this poem.  I LOVE this poem so much!

Desiderata

GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

By Max Ehrmann © 1927