Dear *Beth*,

I do that, too----jump ahead in my thoughts, and focus on the next big GOOD thing that's going to happen. It can get us through an awful lot, looking forward to something else.

Your description of working in a cafe at this time of year sounds really fun and satisfying. I had a job like that, long ago, that I adored. It was a very simple little gourmet shop close to where we lived, in a genteel old neighborhood not far from the College. It, too, became a sparkly, friendly, warm little place to be at Christmas. We carried lines of beautiful imported items, like biscuits from England and sauces from France. It always smelled of great coffee, spices, and whatever was being prepared for the small deli, in the back. It was tiny, but it was festive.

Great memories. Thanks for the reminder!