I very much am of the belief that what we focus on – is what makes up our world. Our reality. This moment in time is completely of our own creation.

And so…

I have been having the extremely uncharacteristic urge to watch Christmas movies.

And read Jane Austin books. (Ah – the world of muddled love somehow magically becoming un-muddled. With basically no communication at all…)

And bake. I have a freezer full of blueberry muffins, banana bread, and granola. And, I am obsessed with somehow getting my hands on long-ago grabbed up yeast and flour. So, I can bake more. Or, at least, have it on hand…You know just in case, we are in sudden need of preparing for a tea party. Or something.

My dance parties have become parties of one. To the likes of Simple Minds, Liz Phair, and Smashing Pumpkins – music from another lifetime. And, yet, having  the effect of a warm embrace. And, a total release at the same time.

Olive, Cash, and I have been losing ourselves in The Golden Compass. A strange and beautiful modern-day fantasy classic – in which an evil woman is trying to steal children’s detached souls (in the form of ever-changing animals) and ferocious bears fight one another to the death for the role of king. An other-worldly story that I have, at times, while reading out-loud, transported myself to. Surrounding myself with the competent and brave heroes.

“This moment in time is completely of our own creation.”

The elegant notes of Vivaldi and Pachelbel float through my house as my daughter works on Spring, Largo, and Pachelbel Cannon on her violin. I ask Olive every day after her practice, when she is getting ready to pack up  – ‘Please, one more time?’ It is so lovely…like a riot of airy colors…flowers…laughter. Joy.

The Bee Hive is stocked and anticipating the influx of spring break visitors from Texas, Colorado, California, New York. The street is quiet though. The neighborhood deserted. But, if I put music on and don’t look out the windows too much – I can be in there filling orders and having phone conversations with customers and doing book fairy work. And, it can feel like…the Bee Hive is alive. And well.

It is magical…the worlds we are able to create with what we decide to focus on. We are the gods of our universe. If we choose.

I believe it is why I have been so obsessed with books my whole life. They – along with music, cooking, and adventures – have saved me. From what could have otherwise taken me down.

Let’s be smart and do the right thing to keep everyone well. And safe.

But then…

Let’s save ourselves.

And do what it takes to bring a reality into focus full of comfort and ease.

And wonderment.

And beauty.