This is for the birthday people out there. Those I wished a happy one and
those I didn't get a chance to (sorry about that). FBS's girlfriend sent
this too me and I thought it fit to send it on. Enjoy the porchettas, the
truffles, the lima beans. Life is short. Do good and what makes you happy.
Each of you are an important part of this group and important to someone
else close to you, even if you may not recognize this now.
-love ya
-ginny






'I Hope You Dance... '

This was written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend.

Dear Bertha,

I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the
view without fussing about the weeds in the
garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time
working.

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to
endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every
special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the
first Amaryllis blossom.

I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I
can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good
perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store
and tellers at the bank.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If
it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.

I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here
for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have
called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few
former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to
think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their
favorite food was.

I'm guessing; I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my
hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I
intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my
husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very
hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and
luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that
it is special.

Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.

If you received this, it is because someone cares for you. If you're too
busy to take the few minutes that it takes right now to forward this, would
it be the first time you didn't do the little thing that would make a
difference in your relationships? I can tell you it certainly won't be the
last.

Take a few minutes to send this to a few people you care about, just to let
them know that you're thinking of them.

(that's why I am posting this)

"People say true friends must always hold hands, but true friends don't need
to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there."
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as
well dance .