Throughout life, we hear, “Time sure goes fast!”, and “Where do the days go?” or “Time Flies!” Well, since I have not blogged in one year, and we are approaching our 5-year Anniversary of Caruso’s Cafe and our youngest of four is graduating from High School this year, I would have to agree wholeheartedly that Time does indeed fly by. There really is so much to say about life, the cafe, and family, but if I had to whittle it down to one sentence, it would be this: Every single moment is so precious. I mean that. Every single one. Pain, sorrow, grief, joy, love, happiness, anger-whatever you feel in the moment is precious. You are alive in this amazing vessel, your incredible body experiencing a journey that is uniquely yours. Just live it up, okay. Don’t worry about your clothes, your hair, or what folks think about you. Eat good food, dance in the rain, enjoy your life. Come eat at the cafe and share a story or two. Sit with someone you don’t know and swap tales. Just leave that negative Nelly self by the wayside. I thought I was going to die this past November, breaking five ribs, fracturing a vertebra, and struggling to breathe. The weeks after the accident, I was surrounded by food fairies, old friends, books, my children, and my husband. The cafe employees stepped up and ran the show while I practiced deep gratitude for life, patience for healing, and a newfound appreciation for, well-EVERYTHING! Everything is Precious. Two of my very dear friends passed away this year. My heart has been so heavy, but we had good times when we were together. I will die as well, you will.. and life will continue. So drink that espresso, walk in the fields of dandelions, and don’t worry so much. Worry serves none, creates an anxious mind-and Lord knows there is just way to much of that. Mark and I are planning some fun five-year Anniversary events for this summer, so stay tuned. We are so grateful to all of you who make the cafe a home, a place to eat great food, drink good coffee, and just be in the moment. From us to you-live your life!