The cost of sunshine.

Today is one of those fabulous sunny days that we forget when we are in the middle of a recession. We may not remember today in the bigger scheme of things, but I suspect we will remember the state of our banks accounts, the size of our overdraft or the exact amount of the pay cut/loss we may have been presented with this year.

Pictured here is my mam, Peggy Faulkner, 76 year old stroke victim, who completed the 2007 marathon on an adapted bycycle to raise €3800 for the nursing home she now lives in and in doing so, made something fantastic out of a situation that was very difficult.

This week she won the Leinster final of Mum of the year with Woman's Way magazine.

She can no longer read the magazine.

She can no longer hold a converstation.

She can no longer do any of the things I take for granted and moan about, like putting a wash on firsth thing in the morning. She used to wake us with the sound of the washing machine.

She loves her life. Even now.

Although we fought like cats and dogs when I was younger, I am constantly inspired by a woman who continues to live her life and make friends in high places and revel in her new found media attention.

But she loves the day attendants as much as the celebrities.

And thats her gift.

So if the budget is tight have a look out side.

The sunshine costs nothing.

In fact, you might even be worrying that you have no holiday in the sun booked for this year.

This week, taking my cue from my mum, and in an attempt to counteract the constant barrage of misery and bad news that is constantly in the air, this week I wote a little book. Not a mindboggling literary masterpiece, just a little book of happy thougths and lovely images. The writing of it was pure fun, and the giving of it in e-book form to a few clients and colleagues took the click of a mouse in an email.

The response has been overwhelming.

I should have done it years ago instead of waiting until a recession hits.

What random act of kindness or creativity can you do that will put a smile on someones face and give you pleasure in the making?

What would be your own personal sunflower?

have a lovely day,

anne