Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for dirty fingernails.
Dirty fingernails are proof that I worked in the garden for hours, planting nearly all the "treasures" I bought yesterday, weeding and mulching. They're also proof that I prepared meals for a week: homemade pasta sauce with garden fresh herbs for two pounds of linguine, two baking-sheet sized loaves of "perfect" focaccio (I've finally perfected my recipe and technique), two fresh fruit tarts a la Barefoot Contessa (pluot and apple/pear) and Greek coleslaw (my own recipe).
For this blessing, I am grateful .
Amen.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Saturday, 06 June 2009 - One more plant sale
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one more plant sale.
I visited the Horticultural Art Society's members only plant sale where plants leftover from the May sale are sold at cost plus sales tax. Since my gardens are already crowded, I planned to buy only a few plants - probably more edibles and herbs; maybe one large shrub.
Well, I walked away with over 3 dozen plants, nearly all tried and true favorites. The new inventory includes: Japanese greens, beets, chives, chard, chocolate mint, spearmint, red and yellow sun roses, chocolate flower, Munstead lavender, red Valerian, Reiters thyme ... and one large viburnum.
Sorry, checking account. I just couldn't resist.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one more plant sale.
I visited the Horticultural Art Society's members only plant sale where plants leftover from the May sale are sold at cost plus sales tax. Since my gardens are already crowded, I planned to buy only a few plants - probably more edibles and herbs; maybe one large shrub.
Well, I walked away with over 3 dozen plants, nearly all tried and true favorites. The new inventory includes: Japanese greens, beets, chives, chard, chocolate mint, spearmint, red and yellow sun roses, chocolate flower, Munstead lavender, red Valerian, Reiters thyme ... and one large viburnum.
Sorry, checking account. I just couldn't resist.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Friday, 05 June 2009 - The sound of silence
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the sound of silence.
Honk if you hate noise pollution.
~Author Unknown, as seen on a bumper sticker
On my first day in my new office, I had trouble adjusting to the very quiet, very professional environment.
The warehouse from where I came was a very noisy place - forklifts beeping, conveyor belts humming, boxes/pallets thumping and bumping, people shouting. Noise was evidence that people were working.
On Monday, the silence was almost unnerving. Until I got used to it. Took a few hours, but I managed.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the sound of silence.
Honk if you hate noise pollution.
~Author Unknown, as seen on a bumper sticker
On my first day in my new office, I had trouble adjusting to the very quiet, very professional environment.
The warehouse from where I came was a very noisy place - forklifts beeping, conveyor belts humming, boxes/pallets thumping and bumping, people shouting. Noise was evidence that people were working.
On Monday, the silence was almost unnerving. Until I got used to it. Took a few hours, but I managed.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Thursday, 04 June 2009 - All creatures great and small
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for
all creatures great and small.
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Amen.
Photos:
(top) During the winter, this hungry young buck visited my garden.
(bottom) T poses at the edge of the garden (late winter).
Today, I am thankful for
all creatures great and small.All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
- ~Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander
Amen.
Photos:
(top) During the winter, this hungry young buck visited my garden.
(bottom) T poses at the edge of the garden (late winter).
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Wednesday, 03 June 2009 - Rites of spring
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for rites of spring.
First the early season bulbs pose glamorously above the dreary brown mulch. Miniature iris, sunny daffodils, wild crocus smile despite the late snows and icy winds.
Then, the greens emerge - verdant shrubs, lawns, trees, fields, meadows and foothills show off their favorite shades.
Finally, other flowers step on center stage. Soloists and ensembles, alike. Each blossom ready to dance gracefully with the slightest breeze. They soothe my winter-weary soul with their quiet beauty.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: Daffodils, front yard (May 10, 2009)
Today, I am thankful for rites of spring.
First the early season bulbs pose glamorously above the dreary brown mulch. Miniature iris, sunny daffodils, wild crocus smile despite the late snows and icy winds.
Then, the greens emerge - verdant shrubs, lawns, trees, fields, meadows and foothills show off their favorite shades.
Finally, other flowers step on center stage. Soloists and ensembles, alike. Each blossom ready to dance gracefully with the slightest breeze. They soothe my winter-weary soul with their quiet beauty.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: Daffodils, front yard (May 10, 2009)
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Tuesday, 02 June 2009 - All the gardening help I need
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for all the gardening help I need.
Whoever makes a garden
Has never worked alone;
The rain has always found it,
The sun has always known,
The wind has blown across it
And helped to scatter seeds -
Whoever makes a garden
Has all the help he needs.
~Douglas Malloch
This spring, May showers brought May flowers. Now, June continues the wet and soppy and dreary trend - weather not necessarily favored by people but quite pleasant for my edible and perennial gardens. Perhaps this will be a banner year for the vegetables, herbs, shrubs and flowers.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for all the gardening help I need.
Whoever makes a garden
Has never worked alone;
The rain has always found it,
The sun has always known,
The wind has blown across it
And helped to scatter seeds -
Whoever makes a garden
Has all the help he needs.
~Douglas Malloch
This spring, May showers brought May flowers. Now, June continues the wet and soppy and dreary trend - weather not necessarily favored by people but quite pleasant for my edible and perennial gardens. Perhaps this will be a banner year for the vegetables, herbs, shrubs and flowers.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Monday, 01 June 2009 - A new job
Note: After several months of excuses, a prolonged bout of writer's block and feelings that I didn't have anything worth saying, I've decided to resume this blog. I welcome new and old readers alike.
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful a new job and its many challenges, adventures and rewards.
(Long story short, just after last Thanksgiving Day, I began working as a seasonal warehouse employee for a catalog company. To my surprise, in January, the company hired me as a regular associate with full benefits. A few weeks ago, a position opened up in the Merchandising Department. I submitted my resume on May 18 and interviewed the next morning. On Friday, May 22, I learned two things: that I got the promotion and that I was "Employee of the Month" for April. People who know me well were not surprised by my excitement about the former and embarrassment by the latter.)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful a new job and its many challenges, adventures and rewards.
(Long story short, just after last Thanksgiving Day, I began working as a seasonal warehouse employee for a catalog company. To my surprise, in January, the company hired me as a regular associate with full benefits. A few weeks ago, a position opened up in the Merchandising Department. I submitted my resume on May 18 and interviewed the next morning. On Friday, May 22, I learned two things: that I got the promotion and that I was "Employee of the Month" for April. People who know me well were not surprised by my excitement about the former and embarrassment by the latter.)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday, 23 January 2009 - Kind words, compliments
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for kind words and compliments.
One kind word can warm three winter months. ~Japanese proverb
I can live for two months on a good compliment. ~Mark Twain
The business slowdown means that my team takes Thursday off. This morning, as we began another workday, I learned that Wednesday was both a hiring and firing day. Given the extremely tight job market, I feel sad for those who are gone and thankful that I'm still working.
Kind words: I'm surprised when employees on other teams congratulate me on my hiring. At work, I'm congenial but task-oriented. I tend to keep to myself, guarding my privacy.
Compliment: One person told me that the fact that the company hired me restored his faith in the hiring process.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for kind words and compliments.
One kind word can warm three winter months. ~Japanese proverb
I can live for two months on a good compliment. ~Mark Twain
The business slowdown means that my team takes Thursday off. This morning, as we began another workday, I learned that Wednesday was both a hiring and firing day. Given the extremely tight job market, I feel sad for those who are gone and thankful that I'm still working.
Kind words: I'm surprised when employees on other teams congratulate me on my hiring. At work, I'm congenial but task-oriented. I tend to keep to myself, guarding my privacy.
Compliment: One person told me that the fact that the company hired me restored his faith in the hiring process.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wednesday, 21 January 2009 - Work
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for work.
To labor is to pray. ~Motto of the Benedictines
Things are looking up.
This afternoon, my work life shifted direction. After signing a single document, my status changed from seasonal to regular, benefit-eligible employee.
Now, my job is not a highly paid, responsibility-rich management position like the ones listed on my resume. But, that's okay. I'm still exploring the meaning of work. What better place to continue my exploration than near the bottom of the corporate food chain? From here, I have no place to move but up.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for work.
To labor is to pray. ~Motto of the Benedictines
Things are looking up.
This afternoon, my work life shifted direction. After signing a single document, my status changed from seasonal to regular, benefit-eligible employee.
Now, my job is not a highly paid, responsibility-rich management position like the ones listed on my resume. But, that's okay. I'm still exploring the meaning of work. What better place to continue my exploration than near the bottom of the corporate food chain? From here, I have no place to move but up.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, 20 January 2009 - President Barack Obama
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for President Barack Obama.
The wonder is that, as we walk it, the path becomes clear. We have only to trust it into action, then truth reveals itself, shining all the brighter for the darkness of our time.
~Joanna Macy
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. ~President Barack Obama, inauguration speech, 20 January 2009
... let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
~President Barack Obama, inauguration speech, 20 January 2009
Inauguration Day 2009.
I never thought today would arrive. But, here it is, in all its glory.
In Colorado Springs, we're enjoying an extraordinarily beautiful winter day. The bluest skies, springlike temperatures hovering in the low 60s, the slightest breeze. Too bad I have to go to work.
Fortunately, someone brought in a television. I see that the inauguration festivities are well under way.
Just after 10 AM MST, I pause at the television and watch Barack Obama take the oath of office. His voice is clear and steady. And confident, strong.
He finishes, to the utter delight of the massive crowd gathered in the National Mall. I turn to a colleague and give her the thumbs-up sign. She smiles and returns the sign.
It's time to celebrate - really celebrate - this historic event. Finally. We worked so hard to make it this far.
But, the inauguration is just the starting point of another journey. Tomorrow, our work rebuilding America begins anew.
And, yes. I am still fired up ... ready to go!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for President Barack Obama.
The wonder is that, as we walk it, the path becomes clear. We have only to trust it into action, then truth reveals itself, shining all the brighter for the darkness of our time.
~Joanna Macy
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. ~President Barack Obama, inauguration speech, 20 January 2009
... let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
~President Barack Obama, inauguration speech, 20 January 2009
Inauguration Day 2009.
I never thought today would arrive. But, here it is, in all its glory.
In Colorado Springs, we're enjoying an extraordinarily beautiful winter day. The bluest skies, springlike temperatures hovering in the low 60s, the slightest breeze. Too bad I have to go to work.
Fortunately, someone brought in a television. I see that the inauguration festivities are well under way.
Just after 10 AM MST, I pause at the television and watch Barack Obama take the oath of office. His voice is clear and steady. And confident, strong.
He finishes, to the utter delight of the massive crowd gathered in the National Mall. I turn to a colleague and give her the thumbs-up sign. She smiles and returns the sign.
It's time to celebrate - really celebrate - this historic event. Finally. We worked so hard to make it this far.
But, the inauguration is just the starting point of another journey. Tomorrow, our work rebuilding America begins anew.
And, yes. I am still fired up ... ready to go!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday, 19 January 2009 - Encouraging and inspiring words
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for encouraging and inspiring words from Martin Luther King, Jr.
On October 26, 1967, six months before his assassination, Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke to students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia. The topic: developing a blueprint for one's life. Here is my favorite excerpt from his remarks:
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for encouraging and inspiring words from Martin Luther King, Jr.
On October 26, 1967, six months before his assassination, Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke to students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia. The topic: developing a blueprint for one's life. Here is my favorite excerpt from his remarks:
And when you discover what you will be in your life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at this particular moment in history to do it. Don't just set out to do a good job. Set out to do such a good job that the living, the dead or the unborn couldn't do it any better.For this blessing, I am grateful.
If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures. Sweep streets like Beethoven composed music. Sweep streets like Leontyne Price sings before the Metropolitan Opera. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well.
If you can't be a pine at the top of the hill, be a shrub in the valley. Be be the best little shrub on the side of the hill. Be a bush if you can't be a tree. If you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be a sun, be a star. For it isn't by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are .
Amen.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Saturday, 10 January 2009 - Knitting goals
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for knitting goals.
In 2008, I didn't knit anything worth mentioning, not even a chic scarf. I'm rather embarrassed by this result given my love of hand-knit garments and accessories.
This year, I plan to do better. I write this as I inventory my large yarn stash and put dozens of great patterns in queue.
So, here are my knitting goals:
~ to learn how to knit short rows (I found a ballet slipper pattern that uses short rows) and complex cables (I have a trendy sweater pattern with an interesting cable pattern)
~ to improve my garment finishing and assembly techniques (I really need help setting in sleeves)
~ to shop my stash before buying new yarn or patterns
~ to make at least one great looking winter sweater
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for knitting goals.
In 2008, I didn't knit anything worth mentioning, not even a chic scarf. I'm rather embarrassed by this result given my love of hand-knit garments and accessories.
This year, I plan to do better. I write this as I inventory my large yarn stash and put dozens of great patterns in queue.
So, here are my knitting goals:
~ to learn how to knit short rows (I found a ballet slipper pattern that uses short rows) and complex cables (I have a trendy sweater pattern with an interesting cable pattern)
~ to improve my garment finishing and assembly techniques (I really need help setting in sleeves)
~ to shop my stash before buying new yarn or patterns
~ to make at least one great looking winter sweater
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Friday, 09 January 2009 - Caution
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for caution.
Better a thousand times careful than once dead. ~Proverb
The winter storm appeared from out of nowhere. Early morning was mild, clear and bright. With each passing hour, however, the temperature fell a few more degrees, the skies darkened one more shade of gray. Then, with one mighty blast of northerly wind, in came the blizzard.
After work, I rush to my car as wet snow pummels the area. I still have two errands to run before going home: trips to the bank and post office. The wind is so strong, the snow flies by in a horizontal path. As usual, I err on the side of caution, and go the speed limit. I don't care if others speed by me. I just want to get home safely.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for caution.
Better a thousand times careful than once dead. ~Proverb
The winter storm appeared from out of nowhere. Early morning was mild, clear and bright. With each passing hour, however, the temperature fell a few more degrees, the skies darkened one more shade of gray. Then, with one mighty blast of northerly wind, in came the blizzard.
After work, I rush to my car as wet snow pummels the area. I still have two errands to run before going home: trips to the bank and post office. The wind is so strong, the snow flies by in a horizontal path. As usual, I err on the side of caution, and go the speed limit. I don't care if others speed by me. I just want to get home safely.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Thursday, 08 January 2009 - Protection
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for protection.
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Psalm 91: 11-12 (NKJV)
I am a Psalm 91 fan, reciting it daily as a prayer for me, S, T, my family, neighbors, friends, colleagues, acquaintances - anyone whose life I've touched. These days, uncertainty reigns and I can't take my personal well-being for granted.
Prayer helps, especially since life is taking so many of us on unpredictable roller coaster rides. I'm not scared, just extra careful and hopeful.
Daily, I ask for an extra layer of protection, just in case I fall awkwardly while climbing or stumble unexpectedly while trying to make a living.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for protection.
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Psalm 91: 11-12 (NKJV)
I am a Psalm 91 fan, reciting it daily as a prayer for me, S, T, my family, neighbors, friends, colleagues, acquaintances - anyone whose life I've touched. These days, uncertainty reigns and I can't take my personal well-being for granted.
Prayer helps, especially since life is taking so many of us on unpredictable roller coaster rides. I'm not scared, just extra careful and hopeful.
Daily, I ask for an extra layer of protection, just in case I fall awkwardly while climbing or stumble unexpectedly while trying to make a living.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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