Random Musings. . .by Kui Gathua

14,975 mornings since that Friday that I arrived all noisy, hungry and curious. It has been quite the adventure on some days, nothing to write about on others. But, every day has come with new grace, new strength, new chances. And for that I am eternally grateful. People have come and left, I've had and lost, enjoyed and been hurt. In all this, I am still here. Still learning. Still growing. Until the fat lady sings, I will continue to run with my second chances, be grateful for the sun & rain, the wind that blows on the hills, the views, the written word, the magic of creativity. I give thanks for another year; freely given, may I be able to fully receive the gift as it unfolds.

After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul. And you learn that love doesn't mean security, And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts And presents aren't promises. And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open With the grace of maturity, not the grief of a child. And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans, And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight. After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much. So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. And you learn that you really can endure. . . That you really are strong And that you really do have worth. And you learn and learn and learn. . . With every goodbye you learn. ~ Veronica A. Shoftstall