Little pleasures made large.
Just through intention and attention.
Every day a valentine's Day.

Like with most folks, our dinnertime is the special place for inviting, gathering, settling in, opening to the sensual treats (a flurry of flavors, sounds and perfumes of food we've created) and the presentation of our foods to one another, and relaxed 'catch-up' conversations that weave our lives together in the midst of a pretty hectic world out there. We, too, are survivors flourishing. We are fortunate-grateful to be partners in this life. (See 'The Beauty and the Beast' on garyibsen.com, roles that can shift in the asking.)

We don't go out much anymore: keeping expenses down-sure; fairly isolated in the woods-yes; but most of all we love hanging out at home where we enjoy the quiet landscape (in-and-out) and dining together alone or occasionally with friends.

This past Valentine's Day I prepared the evening for Dagma: the food, the presentation, the music and the dress. It was more than a couple years since I pulled out my tux to wear for dinner. I wanted to apply this intention for 'special'-down to my French cuffs and silver links and napkins folded as 'Birds of Paradise'. "Dagma, please select a favorite dress to wear tonight. I'll be hosting you for dinner in black tie with some Art Pepper playing jazz for our get-together."

It is easy to celebrate the quiet miracles of the present moment just in the acknowledgment.