Over the past several days,
this gorgeous cardinal
has turned the spruce tops
at our front door
into a favorite resting spot.
He pecks away at the tiny pine cones,
peeks into our window
and stops me in my tracks.
That brilliant flash of red always
jolts me into the present,
momentarily erasing whatever it was
I was wrapped up in
just seconds before.

That’s the real gift of beauty, I believe.
Anything that makes
your eyes open a little wider,
your heart grow a little softer,
your sense of time stand still
is like a wonderful little present
from the universe.

I hope your year is filled
with countless magical moments
that stop you in your tracks.
I look forward to sharing
the little miracles in my midst
each day with you.
Here’s to a beautiful 2009!