The purple coneflower plant had a hard time this winter, but it’s back with gusto with a bunch of blooms to enjoy.  This is the first one, and farthest along.

Many years ago, I saw a piece of inspirational writing hanging on the wall in a colleague’s office in Poughkeepsie, while on a business trip there.   I wrote it down, keep a copy of it, and have since then taken it to heart.   Unlike these perennials, you and I only get one season to bloom where we are planted.  We should strive to make it our best…

Life’s Little Instructions

Sing in the shower * Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated * Watch a sunrise at least once a year * Leave the toilet seat in the down position * Never refuse homemade brownies * Strive for excellence, not perfection * Plant a tree on your birthday * Learn three clean jokes * Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full * Compliment three people every day * Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them * Leave everything a little better than you found it * Keep it simple * Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures * Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know * Floss your teeth * Ask for a raise when you feel you’ve earned it * Be forgiving of yourself and others * Overtip breakfast waitresses * Say “thank you” a lot * Say “please” a lot * Avoid negative people * Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards * Wear polished shoes * Remember other people’s birthdays * Commit yourself to constant improvement * Carry jumper cables in your trunk * Have a firm handshake * Send lots of Valentine cards.  Sign them, “Somone who thinks you’re terrific.” * Look people in the eye * Be the first to say, “Hello” * Use the good silver * Return all things you borrow * Make new friends but cherish the old ones * Keep secrets * Sing in a choir * Plant flowers every spring * Have a dog * Always accept an outstretched hand * Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life * Wave at kids on school buses * Be there when people need you * Feed a stranger’s expired parking meter * Don’t expect life to be fair * Never underestimate the power of love * Drink champagne for no reason at all * Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation * Don’t be afraid to say, “I made a mistake” * Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know” * Compliment even small improvements * Keep your promises (no matter what) * Marry only for love * Rekindle old friendships * Count your blessings * Call your mother

                                                                                             – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.