Alive and Well

After having spent the last 10 years catering to every decadent holiday desire of thousands of office Christmas party-goers, this year I am savoring every extra minute I have to spend with my now 12 year old daughter.   No more late nights whipping up our famous baked chops, festive cherry cheesecakes, packing to-go-boxes of every last morsel, watching the minutes slowly pass on the cafe kitchen clock while waiting to get home to my girl.  (Inevitably, what followed was collapsing into a chair next to my overlooked Christmas tree, while my daughter was already fast asleep.)  Following a brief but whirlwind love affair earlier this year with an old high school acquaintance, I was re-introduced to my love of country music.  Yes, I know, I know....country?!  You?! Yes, I love it!  Well, on my daily three minute commute to work this morning, I cranked up Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews singing  their popular duet.  As I listened I was reminded for what seems like the millionth time since selling my cafe last September, how Alive and Well I truly am.  This particular holiday season has it become glaringly apparent.  

Yesterday, my mother introduced our favorite place in the world to eat to two of her Trenton friends.  They were embarking on a true "day lady" day.  Symphony in the morning, lunch at Andre's, shopping in Brookside, and an afternoon meeting for lovers of the Arts.  (Aside from Johnny Cash, my mother still doesn't know what to make of my reclaimed love of country music.) Anyway, this morning she brought me the most wonderful box of mouthwatering swiss pastries from our favorite place in the world to eat! She told me last night she was bringing it, and my mouth watered like before my little doggie Sally's does before I give her a treat.  Years ago, on a "day lady" day of my own I introduced a friend of mine to the very same eatery.  Recently, we talked with glazed over eyes and enthusiasm about going together, once again.  I can hardly wait to surprise her with a Chocolate Matterhorn at her courthouse office after finishing this paragraph!  This year, instead of just being thankful ...I intend to share my thankfulness with gusto!  I'm going to say yes, reach out, share and show my gratitude outwardly...some little something, every single day.  Seriously, there ain't no Matterhorn high enough!