Happy V-Day, dear readers and subscribers!  Wow!  It is hard to believe this all started just three years ago today.  You all have changed and expanded my life dramatically.  Thank you!  Bless you!

 

It is hard to imagine my life without the friendships and professional connections we have created, nurtured, and sustained.  You all have blessed me abundantly, and I am humbled by your feedback, kind comments, and support.

 

 When I started this site, my goal was to prevent domestic violence and to help people recover.  In October, I realized we are more inspired by positive goals. . .like “safe @ home” or “love” or “joy” or “peace.”  This brought to mind a ditty I found a long time ago which explains how our collective souls can connect to achieve world peace:  

If there is light in the soul,

There will be beauty in the person.

If there is beauty in the person,

There will be harmony in the house.

If there is harmony in the house,

There will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation,

There will be peace in the world.

 

Peace in our homes ~ a safe haven ~ is especially precious for survivors of child abuse and domestic violence.  We tend to treasure our moments of quiet solitude ~ our ability to sleep soundly ~ without fear or nightmares ~ through the night.  Since many of you have been so instrumental in my ability to have a safe haven at last, I thought I’d give you a photo tour to celebrate what’s possible when we stand tall together. 

I am especially blessed that I now have a true safe haven ~ a place where I can thrive and find joy ~ to grow personally and professionally.  We can’t get to this place by ourselves.  We need the support and guidance of people who are on solid ground and who have healthy lifeskills and habits.  We need protection circles of family (biological or spiritual) and friends and posses of competent and committed professional people.

 

Bitzie has been my muse, my best friend, and my faithful companion for ten years.  She makes me laugh.  She inspires me.  She definitely has more wisdom and is smarter than I am.  She is a phenomenal role model.

 

 

When I do my research, write my posts, and connect with you on Facebook, this is what I see.  It is important for all of us to have environments that enrich and nurture us:

 

There are two ways of being creative.
One can sing and dance.
Or one can create an environment

in which singers and dancers flourish.

 

 

When I come home, I am instantly grounded by photos of the people I love and my tea set.

 

 On Sunday, my dear friends Yury and Elena and I had high tea to celebrate Doris Buffett’s birthday, my godmother’s 80th birthday, and Navigating Uncharted Waters’ third anniversary.  We had such a great time that I forgot to take photos.  Today’s photo celebrates you, my dear readers and subscribers.  Tonight I will drink a toast to your health, wealth, and joy!  My wish is a safe and happy haven for every one.

On a lighter note, my Valentine’s Day Facebook Favorites are courtesy of Julie Owens, who makes me howl with laughter several times each day: