She had been reading for most of the night. The windows were open, allowing for the cool night air to waft in....that it took Becca by surprise when she saw a Butterfly alight upon her hand as she read by the fires light. She let out a soft gasp, but she smiled as she watched the tiny, fragile thing flutter its wings, open and closed as it sat atop her hand.

In her peoples beliefs, Butterflies were spirits of the dead, come back to let those who had once loved them in this life know that they were ok. She wasn't sure if she believed that or not, but just the sight of the small creature, when she had reached a rather sad part of her book was hardly a coincidence. "Where did you come from, little one?" She asked it softly as she put the book down and rose. "Out of season for your kind.....still beautiful though." She walked over to one of the bay windows and lifted her hand out into the night. "Off you go....." The butterfly flapped it's wings, once, twice then lifted into the air. It hovered in front of her, fluttered to land on her chest, just over her heart and then fluttered to brush the tip of her nose before taking off into the night. Words....could not describe her emotions as she watched it fade into the night. Giving a deep sigh, she returned to her book, curling up by the fire. A butterfly at night....odd but beautiful.

"What I love...."

 I love the way the sunset alights the sky just before night comes.

How it makes the sky seem alive in so many colors.

I love how the world feels as true night sets in after dusk.

The sounds of the crickets, the scents of a night breeze as it blows past.

The world is alive in the night as much as it is during the day.

I love how the wind blows through the trees in the mountains,

and through a meadow of flowers on a hill.

The scents, the feeling of peace that wafts within me at such points is heady, delirious even.

I love the way the Earth smells after a rain,

That lovely, Earthy scent that is life, permeating all around me.

I love the sound of a laugh, deep, echoing,

As I cause my friends to giggle or laugh in happiness and Joy.

Because even though I can not always do so, seeing others happy, makes me happy.

I love the smell of fresh baked bread, lavender and Vanilla and leather!

Those remind me of certain things from my past that make me smile.

I love being a listening ear to those who need it, for I know, firsthand what it feels like,

To be lost, to be alone, to be hurting, in silence, for years.

I love the sound of rain hitting my roof during a thunderstorm.

I love to hear a good Opera, a good song, for music is important to me, has a deep impact on my life.

I am a 'mushy sap' at times so yes, I love to hear how much I am loved by those I love in return.

I love to see the happiness and joy in my loved ones eyes.

I love to help others, to give back when I can.

There are so many things that I love.

Big things, little things, it would be impossible to name them all here.

I love my life...even though it hasn't been perfect, and I still struggle, daily, it is MINE.

Anxiety, PTSD, these are just words...and you can rise above it.

One day at a time....

Life is beautiful...find the joy...make it yours....LIVE!