In response to the post Thought for the Day: These Small Hours, a song by Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas, reader Mary H. shares the name of another beautiful song by artist Sarah McLachlan. The song, Ordinary Miracle, is from the Charlotte's Web movie soundtrack and for Mary -- and me too -- it evokes an inspiring live-for-the-moment type of message.

Think about this:

It's not that usual when everything is beautiful
It's just another ordinary miracle today

The sky knows when its time to snow
You don't need to teach a seed to grow
It's just another ordinary miracle today

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own

Isn't it remarkable?
Like every time a raindrop falls
It's just another ordinary miracle today

Birds in winter have their fling
And always make it home by spring
It's just another ordinary miracle today

When you wake up everyday
Please don't throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we are all a part
Of the ordinary miracle

Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?

Its seems so exceptional
Things just work out after all
It's just another ordinary miracle today

The sun comes up and shines so bright
It disappears again at night
It's just another ordinary miracle today

It's just another ordinary miracle today

I've had the little book, with its glossy plaid cover, ever since it was released in 1991. I was 21 years old and already a fan of well-crafted, powerful words. So it was no surprise I picked up Life's Little Instruction Book: 511 suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life. And it's no surprise I have kept it with me for all these years, allowing it a lifetime membership on my bookshelf, where I can swiftly pluck it from its spot when I need a little inspiration.

Now in a worn, faded, and tattered state, this book is still one of my favorites. Its words are timeless, its messages are meaningful -- even more so now that I am 36 years ago. Now a college graduate, a one-time working professional, a wife, a mom, a writer, and a breast cancer survivor, the reflections printed in this book speak to me more clearly than ever before.

Here are seven of my current favorites from Life's Little Instruction Book -- written by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. for his college-bound son at a time when he had no idea the road map he provided for his child would come to serve so many others.

• Always have something beautiful in sight, even if it's just a daisy in a jelly glass.

• Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

• Choose work that is in harmony with your values.

• Don't be intimidated by doctors and nurses. Even when you're in the hospital, it's still your body.

• Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.

• Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.

• Keep it simple.
  

At the end of the September 30 FACTors Breast Cancer Educational Conference in Tampa, Florida, there will be a passing of the torch ceremony to celebrate the end of Ovarian Cancer Month and the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But first, conference participants can gather a whole lot of information on a whole lot of topics at this 19th annual conference, hosted by the Tampa-based H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. The conference -- with a registration fee of just $25 -- includes breakfast, lunch, an art exhibit, and a variety of educational sessions which span topics such as healthy eating and exercise, genetic connections, fertility, sexuality, early onset menopause, caregiving, relaxation, communicating with children about cancer, and shaping the future.

Actress and breast cancer survivor Lynn Redgrave's daughter, Annabel Clark, will deliver the keynote address and will discuss her book, Journal: A Mother and Daughter's Recovery From Breast Cancer. There will be exhibits and door prizes and a special lunch guest too -- breast cancer survivor Dee Dee Jonrowe, the world's top female dog sledder and 23-year veteran of the Alaskan Iditarod race.

From 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on September 30, the topic of breast cancer will be top priority for all who attend this conference in Tampa. And then the next day -- which kicks off the month of October -- breast cancer will be top priority all over the country when Breast Cancer Awareness Month commences. And we pay special attention to this disease that already gets a lot of special attention. Fortunately.