The Big Picture

Sometimes life has a way of

reminding you of what's

really important,

and it's typically not

what you think it is.

I know for certain this week

that it's not the stress I'm

feeling as I prepare for 

both of my barn shows this 

weekend, or the 

inconvenience of losing

my pickup truck to an

unfortunate accident.

They're minor issues

when I look at the big

picture.

My friend's husband passed 

away last week, and so I'm reminded

that life is short, and that 

instead of sweating the small stuff, 

I should be happy for it,

because it means my 

life is moving along as I 

want it; happy, healthy 

and blessed.  

Steve was someone I saw

infrequently, around town, 

at an occasional

happy hour, and at 

my Christmas party every year. 

But he was also a big fan

of my barn shows and it was

not uncommon for me to turn around

at some point and see him

standing there, taking it all in,

and then quietly ask questions as to

where I found things, why I buy

what I do, how impressed he was,

etc., etc.

He was also a reader of 

this blog, and would always

comment on a post or two I had

written, and mention

how much he enjoyed

my musical play list. 

It saddens me to no end,thinking 

about my friend, Lori, now a young

widow left to finish raising 

their beautiful daughters 

without him,

and also, selfishly, knowing

there is one less person out there

reading my words and quietly

cheering me on in my 

pursuit of happiness.

Rest in peace, Steve.