"Sara, don't reheat the coffee!"

Wise words from an office mate who caught me in the hopeful (all right, desperate) act of reheating my latte.  What she meant was that by "reheating the coffee", we are tempted try to recreate the memorable intensity of a satisfying experience, whether it's that infamous trip to Palm Springs with your best girlfriend...or just a really great latte. Of course, this never works because it - whatever "it" is - is no longer fresh but forced.

The time he said "I love you" - and meant it. The hug to erase all hurts. The school-of-fish sensation when everyone in the room is sparkling with the energy of the moment.

And then, we have to clean up the petals - you can't put the past in the microwave. It's a bittersweet truth and a reminder to be mindful and grateful, right now. Soon enough, the present gets swept away.

This week's featured photographer:  gadl "After the wedding"