There are so many ways that I still feel my dad in my life.  It's a comfort and it's a reminder that although I wish he was here, he isn't missing anything.  Although I am missing him, he is all around.

At times when I am missing him, or I have bad news or good news I always seem to see something to remind me of him.  It's usually an animal.  Butterflies because they were around a lot right after he passed and I believe that he was more comfortable where he was.  It reminds me that things will be okay.  Hawks because we had a nest of them that lived in our woods when I was growing up, that we love to watch.  They remind me to be strong.  Foxes because my dad had a great sense of humor and a bit of mischief.  The remind me to not take things too seriously and that this life can be magical. 

We have a fox that lives in the woods near our house.  He's been making a lot of appearences.  I have had a wonderful week, full of fabulous news and great opportunities.   At first I felt so overwhelmed and stressed I completely forgot to celebrate and be joyous.  This morning as I was making a concerted effort to find space in my day, but enjoying the morning on our porch, our fox walked right past me.  After I enjoyed the magic feeling that induces, I realized that it was a good reminder to not take it too seriously.  Yes it's awesome and a big deal, but it should be fun and exciting too.

Years ago I had a dream, during a particular stressful time in my life.  In it a snake went past me and there was a skulk of foxes tearing apart this large box.  I remember thinking how vicious it was and felt a bit scared.  When the box finally came apart it was full of flip flops.  Bright colorful flip flops exploded everywhere!  At the time I wasn't sure what to make of it right away.  I ended up painting about it.  I finally thought it was again a reminder to find the silly, the joy and the magic especially when it's the hardest to do so.