especially fond of you

It feels good to be getting back into the swing of what passes for normality. I have a whole host of things to do this morning before running group, and then the plan is to have an afternoon and evening off to celebrate the fact that this month the short term relationship I'm having with my boyfriend has lasted 4 years.

My re-reading of The Shack last week reminded me of much that I value. I can't remember how long ago it is since I first read it, but I was pleased to think I've perhaps unconsciously drawn on it in my approach to people - I particularly love how God is shown to be especially fond of people, and it turns out that God is especially fond of each and every one of us. I think this is so important. Of course there are people that I'm drawn to and have amazing connections with ablaze with delight, and there are people with whom our connection is tetchier, and those barely begun. But my fondness runs deep and uniquely, each and every time. I don't know if you are automatically fond of everyone you meet - I appreciate we're all different and some people just don't work this way - but it is such a joy for me :)

I've just liked Anne LaMotte's facebook page as some of what she has been sharing there inspires me too. There's so much inspiration everywhere. The internet can be a glorious thing. And yet frustrating too. Spotify is still operating in a world of its own, but I'm using it as best as I'm able. I have a variety of playlists there for all kinds of occasions. One has versions of songs that are perhaps less well known than other versions, but are preferable to my tastes. I've entitled it "lick the tins" after their fabulous cover (not on spotify) of I can't help falling in love with you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4vAP43d2gs

It's a tad bittersweet, a song put onto a compilation for me 20 years ago by my then fiance. But the truth is we are all such miraculous beings of course we can't help falling in love - with everyone if we so choose. Now, whether we stay in love, or loving, that's a different matter entirely. I think God stays - us humans, we sometimes don't pull off staying. But today my aim is to celebrate that you, and I, are totally fall-in-lovable with. YAY!!!!!