Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for eight trick-or-treaters.
Last night, the number of costumed visitors to our house didn't reach double digits. We expected crowds between 7 and 8 PM. None appeared. Just after 9 PM, I blew out the candle in the pumpkin lantern and turned off the front porch light.
Despite S's generosity, (he gave out handfuls of miniature Hershey's candy bars), we have three unopened bags plus what's left in the bowl (lots, last time I looked).
How disappointing. I know that some of our neighbors went over-the-top decorating their porches and yards with scary and gruesome props. I wonder how many children actually made the rounds. Even T seemed disappointed that none of his human buddies rang the doorbell - most of them are now in high school and went to parties.
Still, eight trick-or-treaters made their way to our house. Each proudly wore a carefully thought-out costume and shouted "Trick or Treat" when S and T opened the door. S complimented each Storm Trooper, ghoul and princess on his or her costume. And, each child politely said "thank you." Halloween, after all, is about them, not us.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009 - The end of the month
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the end of the month.
It's been one of those months - the ones that try one's patience and test one's endurance. S had three surgeries, winter storms ruined too many commutes to the office, the Swine Flu epidemic kept me at home on weekends (my apologies to the local shops I regularly frequent), my dad had neurosurgery, Halloween arrived with a vengeance at work, I received a Jury Duty summons ... Yes, just another October of record.
I don't want to repeat my October experience. I want to accomplish something of note. That's why I'm starting November with two important personal goals.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the end of the month.
It's been one of those months - the ones that try one's patience and test one's endurance. S had three surgeries, winter storms ruined too many commutes to the office, the Swine Flu epidemic kept me at home on weekends (my apologies to the local shops I regularly frequent), my dad had neurosurgery, Halloween arrived with a vengeance at work, I received a Jury Duty summons ... Yes, just another October of record.
I don't want to repeat my October experience. I want to accomplish something of note. That's why I'm starting November with two important personal goals.
- I will participate in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and write a 50,000 word manuscript (this means almost no TV watching - sorry Project Runway).
- I will be back in the climbing gym at least 3 times a week.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009 - Cool weather greens
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for cool weather greens.
My vegetable garden still feeds me. The cool weather-loving chard, kale and beet greens continue to thrive. Tonight I added a small harvest to my tofu-Japanese eggplant-Anaheim chili stir fry with a very spicy black bean/red chili sauce. I served the dish over a mound of quinoa. Very yummy.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for cool weather greens.
My vegetable garden still feeds me. The cool weather-loving chard, kale and beet greens continue to thrive. Tonight I added a small harvest to my tofu-Japanese eggplant-Anaheim chili stir fry with a very spicy black bean/red chili sauce. I served the dish over a mound of quinoa. Very yummy.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009 - A novel in waiting
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a novel in waiting.
I am thinking about whether or not I will participate in November's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
After "winning" in 2007, I skipped the event last year. Now, as November 1 quickly approaches, I am uncertain about my participation.
50,000 words. All written in one month. Conceive a novel then give the story life in 30 days. Can I do it again?
Somewhere in my imagination, a novel waits. It's storyline is clear and compelling, it's characters insightful and memorable. Perhaps this year, I will find it.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a novel in waiting.
I am thinking about whether or not I will participate in November's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
After "winning" in 2007, I skipped the event last year. Now, as November 1 quickly approaches, I am uncertain about my participation.
50,000 words. All written in one month. Conceive a novel then give the story life in 30 days. Can I do it again?
Somewhere in my imagination, a novel waits. It's storyline is clear and compelling, it's characters insightful and memorable. Perhaps this year, I will find it.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009 - A community of rock climbers
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a community of rock climbers.
The 2009 Reel Rock Film Tour came to town tonight, a big deal for the Colorado Springs climbing community. This year, the tour featured previews of two episodes of First Ascent: The Series, from National Geographic/Sender Films and the highly-anticipated, just released DVD, Progressions, from Big Up Productions. In Progressions, my climbing hero, American Chris Sharma, finally redpoints his Clark Mountain project, Jumbo Love (5.15b).
S and I attended with one of our Air Force Academy cadets. After Lacrosse practice, he rushed over to our house where we had pizza and orange juice waiting for him. We left on time and arrived at Colorado College's Armstrong Hall with time to spare (I'm a stickler for promptness).
As the crowd settled down, I looked around me, observing only a handful of baby boomers. No matter. For some reason, I didn't feel out of place sitting among a few hundred college kids. I actually felt that I belonged in the audience. After all, I am a rock climber and I support climbing events. And, despite my age, I laughed, groaned, cringed and applauded with everyone else as each film's story unfolded.
Many years ago, a man asked me to name the tribes to which I belonged. Only 30-something, I didn't really understand what he meant. I could only think of three "tribes": my birth family, my work colleagues and my neighbors.
Today - 20 years later - if he asked me the same question, I would answer with ease. I belong to many tribes - each one embracing an essential aspect of my identity. Of these, I am most proud of my affiliation with the tribe of writers and, of course, the tribe of rock climbers.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a community of rock climbers.
The 2009 Reel Rock Film Tour came to town tonight, a big deal for the Colorado Springs climbing community. This year, the tour featured previews of two episodes of First Ascent: The Series, from National Geographic/Sender Films and the highly-anticipated, just released DVD, Progressions, from Big Up Productions. In Progressions, my climbing hero, American Chris Sharma, finally redpoints his Clark Mountain project, Jumbo Love (5.15b).
S and I attended with one of our Air Force Academy cadets. After Lacrosse practice, he rushed over to our house where we had pizza and orange juice waiting for him. We left on time and arrived at Colorado College's Armstrong Hall with time to spare (I'm a stickler for promptness).
As the crowd settled down, I looked around me, observing only a handful of baby boomers. No matter. For some reason, I didn't feel out of place sitting among a few hundred college kids. I actually felt that I belonged in the audience. After all, I am a rock climber and I support climbing events. And, despite my age, I laughed, groaned, cringed and applauded with everyone else as each film's story unfolded.
Many years ago, a man asked me to name the tribes to which I belonged. Only 30-something, I didn't really understand what he meant. I could only think of three "tribes": my birth family, my work colleagues and my neighbors.
Today - 20 years later - if he asked me the same question, I would answer with ease. I belong to many tribes - each one embracing an essential aspect of my identity. Of these, I am most proud of my affiliation with the tribe of writers and, of course, the tribe of rock climbers.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - A simple prayer
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a simple prayer.
The prayer is a gift
from someone I do not know.
She whispers it in my ear.
Softly,
but loud enough
that my heart can hear each word
above the drip, drip, drip
of my tears.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a simple prayer.
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight,
and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.
Rest your weary ones.
Bless your dying ones.
Soothe your suffering ones.
Pity your afflicted ones.
Shield your joyous ones.
And for all your love's sake.
Amen.
~Saint Augustine of Hippo
Amen.
~Saint Augustine of Hippo
The prayer is a gift
from someone I do not know.
She whispers it in my ear.
Softly,
but loud enough
that my heart can hear each word
above the drip, drip, drip
of my tears.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - Anonymity
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for anonymity.
For 364 out of 365 days of the year, I'm relieved that I've attained non-celebrity status in the world. I am no one to nearly every person now living. And, I like that. For the remaining 24 hours - divvied up over the course of the year - I crave just a teeny bit of notoriety. Maybe someone will notice me - just for a few minutes.
One of these days, I know that I will have my proverbial day in the sun. And, my writing will be the reason for my good fortune.
Over the past few months, I've been working on ideas for new writing projects. Very exciting stuff. I guess I'm fortunate that demands on my creativity are at an all time low at work. I'm free to devote my time, imagination and energy to writing my own stories.
But then again, does anybody care?
Oh, yeah. I forgot. You do.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for anonymity.
For 364 out of 365 days of the year, I'm relieved that I've attained non-celebrity status in the world. I am no one to nearly every person now living. And, I like that. For the remaining 24 hours - divvied up over the course of the year - I crave just a teeny bit of notoriety. Maybe someone will notice me - just for a few minutes.
One of these days, I know that I will have my proverbial day in the sun. And, my writing will be the reason for my good fortune.
Over the past few months, I've been working on ideas for new writing projects. Very exciting stuff. I guess I'm fortunate that demands on my creativity are at an all time low at work. I'm free to devote my time, imagination and energy to writing my own stories.
But then again, does anybody care?
Oh, yeah. I forgot. You do.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Sunday, 07 June 2009 - Dirty fingernails
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.
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.
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.
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