I am going to make this very simple today . . . Happy Valentine’s Day!

Guess what . . . it is February and that means we should all be thinking a little more about love. LOVE–that is actually a really small word that means so much in so many different ways. The Beatles said it best when they said, “All you need is love”. Love has power behind it. It has the power to change everything and anything that it touches. What a fabulous miracle that each and every one of us has at the tips of fingers or the breath on our lips.

So I want you to go out there tomorrow and take a test in the world. Mentally note each time you felt love. It can be in the simplest of forms to the most grandiose. So here are my top 5 ways I felt love yesterday. Think about your list and I think you will find love in places you didn’t know it existed.

1. While driving home I was stuck in traffic and had the opportunity to really see how beautiful the city is that I live in. I was filled with love and respect for it.
2. I had a conversation with my mother and father and at the end both expressed their love for me before hanging up.
3. I had the opportunity to meet a new family that lives near me. After being in the home for approximately 3 minutes; their little girl promptly told me that I can come over all of the time and play with her. I love children!
4. When walking into my house I had a neighborhood cat come up to me. I was able to scratch her ears as she purred happily. I love animals.
5. While driving into work I was able to sit and think about my life and where it is headed. I have many of the same concerns that everyone has and it would be very easy to get caught up in them but luckily I was filled with a strong sense that I am loved and being watched over. All things will pass in the their time.

P.S. Attached are some photos I took from last weekend so you too can see how loved I feel in the natural beauty that surrounds me.

Can I just tell you how wonderful friends are? They are pretty much amazing and hope everyone out there has at least one great friend if not a few more! 🙂

Now don’t get me wrong; I love my family and I would do anything for them and I know it is reciprocated but . . . there is just something wonderful about friends.

I get the fantastic opportunity to spend my next two weekends with friends and I feel SUPER lucky! So to honor the next couple of weeks; here are 5 songs that remind me of how wonderful friends are.

1. White Stripes: We’re Going To Be Friends
2. Bill Withers: Lean On Me
3. The Beatles: With A Little Help From My Friends
4. The Rembrandts: I’ll Be There For You
5. Randy Newman: You’ve Got A Friend In Me

And a bonus since this usually requires a friend to do the hand actions. 🙂

Say Say Playmate

I am so excited for the end of this month . . . A friend is coming to see me! Yahoo! I love having people over to my place and I especially love having my little “vacation” while showing people places that I love. I don’t think it is a big surprise to everyone how much I love Oregon and certain places within the state but I have decided to mix it up a bit with this friend. So while we will be doing all of the things that I hold near and dear to my heart . . . I love you Pepino’s . . . I have decided to search for a few new things as well.

1. The Kennedy Soaking Pool: It is beautiful. It is swimming in bath water and it is at McMenamins. How much fun is that? 🙂
2. Portland Aerial Tram: I actually get a lot of time to stare at this while I am sitting on the freeway in traffic but I have yet to ride it. Here we come!
3. Lovely’s Fifty Fifty: Okay, I have been here but it was wonderful and different pizza. Totally worth the stop.
4. Meriwether’s Restaurant: I have ALWAYS wanted to stop here but I just haven’t had the chance or the right opportunity. I do now!
5. Silverton, OR: This town would take me less time to get to, then my office but I haven’t ever been able to make it down there and explore. So doing it!