Easter, and universally grateful

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I have always loved Easter; growing up in the UK we were often staying with family friends, or sometimes I'd be in Paris, for Paques, but it always signified spring. In France the Bells deliver the intricate chocolate eggs and gifts to the children, but I was always enchanted by the Easter Bunny. Its the law in our house to watch the movie HOP over Easter. Never gets old! 

Easter has rather crept up on me this year, which has left me feeling a little flustered and a bit disappointed that I haven't managed to organize my usual Easter treats and gifts- little eggs nests in letter boxes, hand painted Easter cards, gifts for colleagues. I have decorated, and got my Easter tea towels out for use, the Easter crockery and table linens are now waiting to be used tomorrow and I have baked a "Hot Cross Bun Cake," which looks scrumptious with its decadent cinnamon spiced cream cheese frosting. 

Despite us being well and truly into Autumn here in the southern hemisphere, we had soaring temperatures yesterday- the car registering 29 degrees, yet 3 nights ago we enjoyed a crackling log fire as it was so chilly. 

We lived opposite these majestic poplars for over a decade, and they would ring in the seasons for us, one was felled by a recent storm, another is on a lean, but they are slowly starting to succumb to Autumns will. They calmed me today on my early walk after an up and down kind of week. Their stoicism though winters and gales and droughts. 

I heard something this week which really resonated with me- to always be grateful for what the universe (God, whatever your beliefs) is doing FOR you- and To you. That nothing is by accident and every event, big or small, each moment is sent for you- especially you- for a lesson, and experience, a reward, a gift. Even if it may not feel like it at the time. It was something about the wording that struck me- and seemed so infinitely personal. 

Wishing you a peaceful, and wonderful Easter- no matter the season you find you self in, take the opportunity for fresh beginnings, new growth, and a positive, open outlook, ready to receive what ever may be in store for YOU.