Dave, thanks for noticing the new graphic! It was created from a photo of my youngest daughter—Jason has done a great job with them. I love your love list addition, too: “Being able to be filled with joy when I’m able to notice it around me.â€ And the "centering button" would be genius. Can't you invent something like that?

Meredith, you clearly *do* get it: "...with so much competing for our attention, esp. at this time of year, it’s hard to settle down and find that place within us that has all those creative, inspired words we want to say." Thanks for the prayers.

P-Marsh, it's a bit of a conundrum, isn't it? I guess it's a Murphy's Law sort of phenomenon, and/or a Catch 22: When we have that positive energy (or whatever we're needing) it naturally multiplies—right when we don't need an extra dose of it. That's why I'm at least glad we can lean on each other a bit. I hope you find some of what you need to get you through life's messes.

Songbird, I guess not being able to grasp what we need most, when we need it, must be a fairly common human experience, eh? I really get the mix of emotions and frustrations you're feeling right now, partly because I've been in similar life situations in the past, and partly because you've described it so honestly. I need that kind of honesty from others when things are less than perfect, just as much as I need to hear their Love List joys.

Trina, yes, the honeymoon phase is over! Which is always bittersweet. It's hard to let go of that energizing high, but in the end I think it's good to make contact with the earth, working all the good stuff out with all the messy stuff.