,

The lessons of life exist at every turn we make, every day we experience living, and are merely waiting for us each to pay attention. The past few days Mother Nature brought the snow to the small town of Bend, Oregon, where I now call home, and after 24 hours of consistent snow showers, I measured 19" on my back porch. I was astonished. 

Thankfully, I was able to stay home on Wednesday when the winter weather arrived and shoveled my driveway, sidewalks and walking paths a few times throughout the day before going to bed and waking up to six more inches. However, those last six inches that accumulated before the weather system exhausted itself were much easier to shovel Thursday than had I not shoveled as much as I had the day prior.

As I drove around town running a few errands and observed town to see how it fared, there were a variety of things to observe. Notably, less traffic, but also slower, more attentive driving. And while I was fortunate to have the days off, I know that many people had to go to work away from their homes, away from the tasks that the snow required of them when they arrived home that evening. But none-the-less, it gave me pause. 

The first life lesson I observed: The small, incremental steps we make toward the results we seek do eventually add up. The snowfall was steady, unrelenting and all the while beautiful as it provided a most majestic wintery wonderland to truly be mesmerized by. And when it was all said and done, the amazing accumulation still surprised me. 

The second life lesson: Doing the necessary work, training, practice, repeatedly, again and again, even when the results seem to be minimal because the end result hasn't been accomplished after hours, months or years of attention, makes it all the more certain that you are indeed getting closer and are far closer to being able to seize the opportunity when it presents itself than someone who hasn't taken the time to practice at all or as intently. 

Not only was the snow storm magnificent but it offered life lessons, of which I am certain there were more than two. One of the most amazing gifts life gives us is the chance to experience it, truly be present and observe its magic. Especially during this time of year, but thoroughly the entire year, keep looking around you, and you too will see the lessons, the aha moments that are waiting to be understood.

I hope your holiday season is going well as we step into the middle of December. This week's newsletter is full of winter coats at fantastic prices, a Petit Plaisir that is perfect for the Francophile on your holiday shopping list and a This & That that is brim-full of inspiration, ideas and articles to enjoy. I do hope you have a wonderful weekend. Until next week, I'll see you on the blog!