So by now anyone that knows me knows how much I hate winter... So all you can do is just make the best of each and every day. So after some sweet talking I talked my husband into going to one of our favorite summertime places the stray dog but first we had to go down to the beach and take some pictures of the beach. It was a beautiful sunny day.Now I know these are not ideal conditions to go to the beach but.... it is really refreshing to go to the beach especially when you have beautiful blue skies which mind you are a rare thing in the midwest in the middle of January. It really was a beautiful day and sometimes the things that are a pain to do end up being so rewarding. It truly was a fabulous day to take photos at the beach the lighting was perfect, and the air was so crisp and clean. There is a peacefulness about the beach in the winter, no summer crowds no blaring radios just peaceful, clean and natural.
I think when you go to the beach in the middle of winter it makes you appreciate it even more in the summer. It really is amazing what a transformation the beach goes through every season. Maybe that is mother natures way of making you slow down and appreciate every day that we have and to really appreciate all the good things in our lives. Sometimes we have to wait for things and when we do we are truly rewarded for being patient. Trust me it is really hard to be patient for spring when it is only 15 degrees outside!
I love all the beach grasses they are doing their best to stay put in the harsh winter winds but somehow they do. Maybe we should take note from them,stay grounded and true to ourselves! 
So as we head into monday and back to our daily grind try and find something to be appreciative off. Even the beach in the winter has something to offer us. You just have to be willing to bundle up and make the effort, and when you do you are so glad you did.
So today I am truly thankful that I had the chance to spend the day with my husband and that we are both healthy and able to get out and live life. That is my new motto just "live life" and enjoy every day and make every day count. So as you start your work week think about the things that really matter and try and not get caught up in the rat race of life. Our lives are so precious and they can be taken away at any time. Every day we have is a gift and you should honor it. I hope you have a fabulous week and remember there is always someone more wealthy than you, someone a little smarter , more physically fit than you and so on and on, so don't take life for granted be happy with what you have some people are not so fortunate. Live Life !
"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." Albert Camus
