Yesterday it snowed. I had the opportunity to contemplate the gentle beauty of snowflakes while I sat in my car on I-25. Usually, my drive to work is 40 minutes. Yesterday, it took me 2 1/2 hours. It was 18 degrees outside my car and the snowflakes looked like tiny ballerinas dancing toward my windshield---enchanting. I noticed something when I was parked on the freeway---two cups of coffee is great while you are drinking it, but not when you are stranded in the snow.

I noticed something else---snow is beautiful, but I miss California.

Contemplation: to ponder, or meditate---to view or consider with continued attention. At the moment I am pondering the word gratitude. Since Michael's passing I have realized that counting my blessings isn't about making a list of things that make me happy, but it is a mindset of gratitude---even when I am feeling sorry for myself. I am grateful even while I am sad. I am thankful, not for circumstances, but in circumstances.