I am grateful to live in a country with options. Our laws, our resources, and our culture allow us to do things our own way. I appreciated this yesterday. The lady ahead of me at the carwash had a black Lexus. I was in my tan Kia. And out on the road, I found these fun options for getting around town. 

As I try to develop my creative side, I am grateful for modern day tools that promote creative expression. Some of these tools provide for wonderful black and white conversions. And for some images, black and white just seems to work, such as this image of my great niece. 

A friend, who has been through many trials, said she awakes in the morning, and before getting out of bed, she thinks about the blessings in her life. What a great perspective to have! Sometimes when I awake, I think about my friend, and it helps me remember to smile before I get out of bed. I saw this peaceful cloud early yesterday morning. Do you think it is smiling back?

I have been impressed that there is an important power associated with our family relationships. I don’t think we can appreciate fully the good that is done as we give of our time and energy and love to those that are part of our family tree. We may get glimpses of the blessings that flow from such interactions, but I think the real potential of these relationships goes beyond our current ability to understand. I am grateful for my dear family members.