...on the day that you slice your thumb open from cuticle towards the knuckle with your rotary cutter; and while applying pressure with a blood-stained paper towel back into a large clay pot and send it crashing to the floor in a mess of soil, green leaves and broken pottery, while the baby cries, and the children bicker....

REMEMBER THESE THINGS:

that this little one lays on your chest at bedtime and tucks her head under your chin so snugly that you can feel her eyelashes brushing against your neck. And while you sing the only song she'll settle down to, she coos and moans in rhythm along with your voice, and lets you rub her head and tuck her hair behind her ear, until her tired eyes finally close in sleep.

that almost once a week you get a taste of spring

that soon, very soon--you'll be spreading out. you'll have more room. you'll have your own space. you'll have your own garden. a table big enough to dine with friends and family, all together. a stream to play in. a barn to fill. a place to plant your feet.

that you have a full plate of projects and swaps. but it is good, creative kind of work. nothing you dread or don't enjoy. only things that need creative time, not dreaded time.

that you're healthy and happy. you have a good husband. laughing, creative, gentle children. a warm home. good food on the table. and a close family.

think on these things.