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Last night, we had a shooting on our quiet little street. It was a complete shock to the neighborhood. Apparently, several police officers were coming to serve an arrest warrant on a young man, and they got into a shoot-out. The young man from my street died. One police officer was severely injured.

We were in our home, with friends, preparing for dinner and chatting when all this happened. When we heard the gun shots, we had no idea what they were. As the police cars and ambulances started swarming in, we watched in shock at the bodies lying on the street (and the wailing of a mother who lost her son). The distance between inside the home and outside the home has never seemed so far or stark.

It made me grateful for our home, which felt safe and peaceful, even amongst the chaos outside. It made me grateful for friends and family, and safety and health. I was reminded of all the little (and big) things that bring joy into our lives...and hope.

As luck would have it, still reeling from the events of last night, this morning I met with a client who has been the victim of some severe domestic violence: stalking, threatening, stabbing, the whole nine yards. Messy and ugly. And so, after an intense morning session, I logged into some of my favorite mom blogs (like this one: www.soulemama.com!) and read about knitting and painting and children playing. And it was just the refreshing break that was needed. And as I went through in my mind all the projects on my list--knitting, baking, sewing--it made me happy, even though I know they are just little, frivolous things (and there are so many big things out there to care about!). But sometimes the little things can be so wonderful...and necessary.

As I think about knitting that hat, or finishing the orange sweater, or baking that loaf of bread (with home-milled wheat!), I am reminded that having a space to do these things can't be taken for granted. And I am truly thankful for the warmth and safety of home.