There have been a few moments when I have wondered if leaving a perfectly good California home, perfectly wonderful, beloved friends, and a perfectly happy, thriving home business was a poor decision.

Then I remember the many moments of fear (the fires), of frustration (PG&E turning off the power for days when they feared the slightest winds would create yet another forest fire), the extremely high cost of living (California taxes and ridiculous policies), the lack of water, and of being concerned about the ever-increasing crime rate.

We are in our late 60's and we have left California.

Kinda crazy, yes, I know.

We are blessed to have a sweet, little house to stay in while we search for our new home in Missouri. Our temporary home is 7 miles out of a small farming town, and we are surrounded by glorious pastures; our neighbours are cattle and horses. The lightning bugs, sunrises and thunderstorms have been a delight. But...

But.

Finding a place of our very own has been much harder than we thought it would be. Finding a place to meet our specific needs and budget has been tough. Yes, we've had moments of doubt, but are still firm in our convictions that we will find a new home that we can pour our hearts into.

We've had our moments, to be sure.

But then, there was a perfect moment.

As I filled the water trough for the neighbours' horses, the evening's light wind snatched and pulled at my cotton nightgown. The temperature was perfection, so the strong breezes were a caress on my skin. The way the sun's last rays caught on the array of greens in the trees on the small rise was pure art. The deep reddish brown colours of the horses as they grazed contrasted nicely with the tall verdant grasses and was the eternal pastoral scene. The birdsong made a riotous orchestra, from the mourning doves' low coo's, the robin's trills, the meadowlark's song, the occasional squawking cries of the crows, the sassy mockingbird's harmonies, and the heart wrenching songs from the multiple birds I've yet to identify. The slight scent of earth, cropped grasses and just the faintest tang of manure was carried on the strong breeze wrapped this exquisite gift in a simple bow.

The feeling of pure peace.

A perfect moment.

Realize and embrace the perfect moments: they will carry one through the many changes life brings you.