A: Aspire for More, Acquire Less, Aim at Something

Today is the day, ready or not, to dive head first, possibly flopping and flailing into the A-to-Z Challenge for April.  I am new to this idea, but not new to blogging, although I have discovered recently that I still have so much yet to learn about the world of blogosphere.  It is one of the reasons I decided to throw my hat into the ring and give this a whirl.

Newcomers stopping by today - welcome!  As I said in my message in the sidebar, if I could, I'd throw my arms around you in a strong, welcoming hug.  Visitors to my house can barely step up into the threshold before I've scooped them up in my arms.  My daughter's precious, new boyfriend doesn't quite know what to do with this yet.  So I'm glad you all are here, and consider yourself sufficiently hugged.

As I began to explore others' blogs, I learned that many, more seasoned bloggateers in a blog hop implement 'themes' for each day's posts.  I considered this, and started to title today's post 'Advice', an introduction to my theme.  Then I countered with myself, "Who wants unsolicited advice?  Who likes advice anyway?"  I explored the word and idea further and plucked the gentler synonyms from the meaning  - I like the idea of being an advocate for, giving encouragement to, or offering guidance and help.  Isn't that what this life is all about anyway?  Coming alongside each other to help us all navigate the uncertain as well as the sublime parts?  So I arrived at the overarching theme for this month: 'Advice of the Amiable Sort'.  The beauty of offering counsel in this way is that you can quietly take it in, and either take it on, or politely move on.  Any and all words found here under the heading 'advice' are given because they have been tried in this life, sometimes by trial and fire, and have proven to stand for me.  Even in brokenness, sunlight catches the jagged places and casts some of the most beautiful radiance.

So today's post title is how I try to live, overall.  Aspire for More - more life, more connection, more meaning and purpose.  Acquire Less - less clutter, less material, less negativity, less wastefulness.  Lastly, set your sights and aim at something.

What do you aim for?

Blessed Palm Sunday to all.

A song and a picture of the day, all beginning with 'A' -



Apologies for the ad in the beginning.  Skip it for sure.  I adore this band and this song.

'Afraid'

Meet Maggie - my bizzare, goofy, clumsy dog.  This was taken the other night when a big clap of thunder shook the windows.  No sooner had I opened the hall closet to get a towel and she scooted in to take refuge.