smell the flowers

the past few days, i've just been lurking, observing, absorbing. a lot of things happening to family, friends, acquaintances. happy, sad, nasty, funny. a lot really goes on in our lives. some choose to share to others, most keep to themselves. 


one bit of news that has really gotten to me is that of a relative getting sick at such a young age. it put so much anxiety in me. she's been part of my morning prayers everyday.


these lines from the book i'm reading has somehow reminded me, to live, to embrace the present, to be thankful, to just be.


"...but such was the virtue of the land of Rivendell that soon all fear and anxiety was lifted from their minds. The future, good or ill, was not forgotten, but ceased to have any power over the present. Health and hope grew strong in them, and they were content with each good day as it came, taking pleasure in every meal,  and in every word and song." - J.R.R. Tolkien