I went for a walk this morning on the trails near my house.  One week ago at this moment I was between miles 6 and 7.  This past week still feels so present.  For what it's worth, here's what came to me as I walked:

Spring is on the verge here where I live.  My dog sprinted the trails with joyful recklessness.  My legs still feel tired.  

But I can still walk.  My family remains whole and happy.  My kids still laugh and play and squabble and groan about the end of vacation.  I feel heartbroken.  But also I feel safe, healthy, proud, and grateful.  I don't feel anger.

How to respond to all the pain in my home town and beyond?  Generosity is what came to me.  Yes, financial generosity.  But mostly generosity of spirit.  May I be generous in meaningful ways, regardless of whether anyone knows it or recognizes me for it.

I know it's not all about me.  It is about all of us.  I believe in peace, now more than ever.

As I count my blessings, I am amazed at how many there are to count.

Thanks for reading.  

With love,

If you're one of the many folks who are still filing their taxes, don't worry... you are not alone.  I've come across several folks lately who are still filing, and who have various technical questions.  First of all, don't anyone out there beat yourself up about filing so late: there's no reason you have to file early.  In fact, the longer you wait, the more time you have to let your money work for you.  Just make sure you file, on time!  If you run out of time, file for an extension, before the deadline of Monday, April 15.

And, if you are still looking for answers to various technical questions that have come up for you (that is, assuming you are preparing your taxes yourself), that's perfectly normal too,  The US tax code is such a mess of arcane rules and incentives, there are of course people who make a living helping people and corporations understand what to do about taxes.  

But, let me offer a simple resource that you may not have thought of:  the IRS.  Many people don't want to go to the source for information. But, some time a few years ago, the IRS actually figured out that their website could be an excellent resource for us normal folks as we try to prepare our taxes.  If you go on to the IRS.gov web site, and run searches about your various questions, you'll be surprised at how much information is there.  And I find the writing on the IRS site to be very user friendly and readable (don't be afraid, you'll be able to go onto their website and they'll never know you were there...).

So, hang in there.  Pay attention to deadlines.  As you seek answers, the IRS website is an excellent resource to turn to.

Peace!