Having family visit leads one to ponder how to survive too much love. They bring good intentions and food that doesn't travel too well. They claim to expect nothing, but always find something wanting, particularly when you excel in the boring arts. As many have told me, the way I fill my day isn't interesting enough to keep their attention.

With my father-in-law, a history of accidents also manifests itself. I got my hand closed in the door of their van once. Thank goodness my engagement ring proved quite sturdy. This weekend, a poorly hung wind chime crashed down on my shoulder when he tapped it to make it ring. My shoulder remains fine except for a little soreness that didn't even produce bruising but my mother-in-law probably won't waste any chances to remind him of this occurrence.

Rising up from the ashes of too much distraction, Bella proclaims that she shall be born again. She shall put back on her mask of shadows and sweep out the clutter, so she can once more set the stars to burning bright enough to brighten your darkest night. With the months and years of her slow-burning star, will anyone notice?

Now how shall we celebrate this new conviction and dedication to filling the world with the light and love that comes only from Bella?

TOP TEN REASONS THE WORLD NEEDS MORE BELLA

10. The world loves love and goddesses of love.
9. A unique perspective can help you understand a subject better.
8. Sometimes Bella is funny.
7. Some people enjoy checking to see if I forgot a number in my top ten lists.
6. You just checked, didn't you? See? Fun.
5. Bella understands a lot of things that will surprise you.
4. If you are reading this, you know the world doesn't need less Bella.
3. Somewhere in the world, someone needs me to remind them that someone loves them.
2. Freedom of expression, baby!
1. Sweet release can be found in someone else's insanity.

My stroll around the neighborhood today required me to play my theme music in my head since I forgot to charge my magical music maker. This means I actually heard my neighbors greeting me with friendly hellos instead of just assuming they were being friendly. Of course, only the older generations felt like being neighborly. A young woman looked at me when I smiled and offered a hello as if I had sprouted three heads. I was sad to find that this was not the case.

In an effort to improve the output of wonderful into the world, I've decided to hold myself to a higher standard. I selected eight of my various interests to work on each day. My mind will stay active and what may or may not be ADHD will be fed a variety of distractions. Hopefully, the result will be more exciting things to report to my fans.

Today's accomplishments include about a half page of writing and two hundred quilt squares. Time to get sewing.