Mitchell & Webb

I need a bit of a laugh today, so enjoy.

Awww . . . Part II

And the kind of greeting my co-worker prepares for my return when I'm out of the office for a couple of days.

I am such a loved girl.

Awww . . .

The kind of love notes my family members leave for me at work.

What a Magical Experience it Has Been

I can distinctly remember sitting in the movie theater a little over 10 years ago, trying desperately to finish the end of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone before the movie began.  I had heard a bit about the series, but it wasn't until my friend Kristin's ceaseless praises for it sunk in that I started to read them.  And since I have a thing about reading a book before I see the movie {whenever possible}, I was doing some serious speed-reading.  Thankfully, I finished in time, and then sat back to watch the beginning of an incredible series of movies.  And then I read the other books as quickly as I could get my hands on them.  I was absolutely enraptured.

It started with these three:

And now it ends with them . . .

. . . and it's amazing to think how much time and energy I've invested with them and the characters they portray.  But for very good reason I believe.  Some people, including those who haven't read the books, think that this is just great series of children's books about magic and wizards and a fantastical alternate reality.  And yes, it is.  But it's also so much more, loads more.  And now that this last chapter is here, I'd like to share some of the lessons I've taken from my repeated readings and viewings.

• Life is hard, no matter who you are or how old you are.  But it's more about how you choose to deal with these difficulties that matters.
• A true friend sees your weaknesses and faults and loves and helps you anyway.
• Doing something is always better than doing nothing.  And even the smallest, seemingly insignificant person has something to contribute.
• Making people fear you will never instill loyalty and trust.
• We should help others who cannot help themselves.

And my favorite one of all

• There is no power in the world stronger or purer or better than love.  It will always win in the end.

What about you?  I know many of you have invested just as much time as I have with Harry, Ron and Hermione.  What are some of the things you've learned from their story?

Six Degrees of Wonderfulness

In our office, we're having these

to celebrate his birthday today.

Bacon - it's wonderful in many forms.

#21's Birthday

Just a year ago, little Gator was a tiny thing.  Adorable, but tiny.

She's still tiny and adorable, but now she's one and allowed to eat cake . . . which she did with gusto.  It made me very proud.

And then she turned into E.T. baby when two of us took her picture at the same time.  Slightly creepy, but mostly adorable.

Happy 1st birthday, little fuzz head.