Last night, I watched my little girl read a book during our bedtime routine. We were cuddled up, relaxed, catching our breath from a busy day. I studied her, captivated by her essence. Her little feet crossed, her finger moving over the page with determination, her lips mouthing the words, her eyes smiling at the story. As she turned a page, I asked her, “How do you get prettier and prettier every day?” She didn’t miss a beat, but just looked at me with a gentle wisdom belying her age, and said, “Love.” I smiled so big that I began laughing and tears filled my eyes. I hugged her and she started laughing, too. Carbonated holiness…isn’t that what Anne Lamott calls laughter. No matter how you look at it, it was sacred. But it was earthy, too. Rooted in a fertile soil of daily life, sticky fingers, dirty laundry, dance parties, burned dinners, catching fireflies, missteps, apologies, tears, and too many hugs to count. I have no idea how my little girl gave such a profound answer. I’ve been thinking about it all day. But perhaps it has something to do with being open, being present, being willing to generously receive as only a child can. I’ll be thinking on these things for a while . . . Sending you love and peace today, sweet friends. . . . #belove #beloved #belight #hope #peace #inspired #wisdom #mindfulness #meditation #ribbon #silk #wholehearted #wabisabi #bepresent #beherenow #youareloved #gratitude #thankful #shineon #liveauthentic #simplethings #theartofslowliving #nothingisordinary #ecodye #rustic #shabbychic #slate #naturallight