The Bad gets on the news and the Good is quiet.

Today was a horrific day for Boston and another reminder of the fragility and vulnerability of human life. All afternoon at work, I listened to live news as it began to sink in what happened. It was sickening. Who in the world would cause something so truly terrible? It's the question we always ask ourselves, isn't it? It's simply unbelievable and quite discouraging to see events like this occurring with more and more frequency.

But then as I see footage of people running toward where the blast occurred and tearing down fences in order to help wounded strangers, I remember that for every evildoer who cunningly executes hateful acts on others, there are a million good people wanting to help and make a difference, who love and care for their neighbor, who silently go around helping others, even if in the slightest of ways on a daily basis—not just when tragedy hits. And when tragedy does hit, that goodness is exponentially amplified. Click here for just a fraction of the tenderness and generosity that I'm sure has happened in that city today.

I still believe in us. I believe in the goodness of humanity, and I will not let this tragedy mar that belief.

Sending love to anyone affected.

-Holly

Color!

Here are some colors that make me swoon.

Image Source

Valentine's Day

I love Valentine's Day! And in case you were wondering what to get me for this auspicious holiday, you'd definitely be safe getting me my favorite chocolate. See below.

Mmmmm....

Paperman

If you've seen Wreck-It Ralph or if you've been on Facebook lately, chances are you've already seen this short film by Disney, but on the off chance that you haven't been able to watch it yet, you better make some time. This is my favorite short ever.



I love its simplicity. It shows how well you can tell a story with no colors (other than a tiny bit of red) and no words at all.

Pentatonix - Carol of the Bells

This song blew my mind. New favorite favorite Christmas song!!!

Sabrina

Every time I watch it, I remember why I love the movie Sabrina.

It's so romantic, sweet, artistic, and beautiful. I love the way Julia Ormond talks; she has the most beautiful voice, and her character has the most beautiful things to say. When she says this, it just takes me to another place: "It's turned cold out, but I don't feel cold. Across the street, someone is playing La Vie en Rose. They do it for the tourists, but I'm always surprised at how it moves me. It means seeing life through rose-colored glasses. Only in Paris where the light is pink did that song make sense. But I'll have it in my pocket when I come home, and I'll take it with me wherever I go from now on."

 

And then there's Linus. He's so wonderful himself. Aloof, calculating, and hardened, yet one person—Sabrina—can change him. Even though he's trying to "deal with her," he finds himself being changed. The following line occurs at the Larrabee cottage on the shore. "Here? Lousy. So far, I'm more affected than she is. I damn near cried twice." That's one of my favorite lines!

It's here that Sabrina says this: "Every time I look through a camera, I'm surprised. Like finding yourself in the middle of a story, like you just did. 'What kind of a guy takes a job keeping a lighthouse?' I think I've been taking pictures all my life... long before I ever had a camera."

Also, I just have to share this one for laughs: 

David: "You're talking about my life."

Linus: "I pay for your life, David. My life makes your life possible."

David: "I resent that."

Linus: "So do I!"

Have you ever watched something that when it's over you don't want to return to real life? You just want to stay still and soak it in? That's how I felt tonight. It's such a delightful story.

Rascal Flatts - Pieces

I put my music on shuffle the other day, and this song came on. Suddenly I remembered how fantastic this song is, so I've been listening to it over and over since.

Something about it is just so right! It liberates my soul.