Saturday, April 30, 2005

Saturday, 30 April 2005 - Quiet Saturday morning on the trail

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a quiet Saturday morning on the trail.

No trucks rumbling up the side road to the quarry, no garbage trucks navigating the streets, no school buses or cars or motorcycles. Just the sound of my boots crunching ice, T's paws kicking pebbles, and birds singing a morning hymn. Every now and then I hear the creek carrying run-off to lower ground and the wind rustling scrub oak branches. I welcome the silence, the solitude, the distinct feeling of time standing still for just a moment as I catch the world waking up.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, April 29, 2005

Friday, 29 April 2005 - What spring in Colorado means

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for reminders that spring in Colorado means a sunny day followed by a snowstorm and Mother Earth cautioning, "Plant your garden at your own risk."

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Thursday, 28 April 2005 - Brisk walk on a melancholy sort of day

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a brisk walk on a melancholy sort of day.


The weather surprises me: thick shroud of fog and drizzle; visibility of 100 feet or less; cold, damp air - feels like a winter's day straight from the pages of Wuthering Heights.

T and I walk quickly around the park. I wear my red Gortex jacket to keep warm and dry and to add color to the dreary gray landscape. The weather doesn't bother T. He is as happy as ever, walking ahead of me with his trademark "what a great day to be alive" swagger.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Wednesday, 27 April 2005 - Tiny leaf buds on the scrub oak

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the tiny leaf buds that adorn the scrub oaks' branches.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen
.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Tuesday, 26 April 2005 - Author Julia Cameron

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for Julia Cameron, an insightful writer, artist and philosopher. Her books continue to inspire my writing, creativity, and spirituality.

How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book! The book exists for us, perchance, that will explain our miracles and reveal new ones. The at present unutterable things we may find somewhere uttered. -- Henry David Thoreau

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Monday, April 25, 2005

Monday, 25 April 2005 - A ripe mango

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a ripe mango.


Can you imagine a more delicious breakfast? I savor each bite of the buttery flesh; its complex and exquisite flavors defy description. I happily conclude that spring tastes so much better than winter.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Sunday, 24 April 2005 - My mother

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for my mother who is celebrating her 80th birthday.


I honor her long, remarkable life - everything she's accomplished, sacrificed, endured, touched, created, discovered, given, dreamed and loved - with two quotes (sources unknown):

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but
by the moments that take our breath away.


Life doesn't happen to us; it happens from us.

For this blessing, I am very grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, April 23, 2005

Saturday, 23 April 2005 - Robert Frost's "A Prayer in Spring"

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a spring prayer written by Robert Frost in 1913.


While conducting research on the Internet, the title appears in a citation. A serendipity. I first met this poem years ago while feeding my passion for 20th century American verse. My heart sighs as I read the words again, "Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today ..."

"Perfect timing," exclaims the the angel of good writing and the patron saint of poets. After all, April is National Poetry Month - an excellent time to fall in love with a poem (or a poet).

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

A Prayer in Spring
by Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
To which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends he will,
But which it only needs that we fulfill.

Friday, April 22, 2005

Friday, 22 April 2005 - The ubiquitous dandelion

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the ubiquitous dandelion.

This week, millions of dandelions are flaunting their bright yellow tresses around town. They're easy to please - any grassy patch will do. To me, they're pesky weeds, but in other regions, they'd be soul food or key ingredients for homemade wine (`a la Ray Bradbury).

Here is my rationale: this year, if I greet them with a smile (instead of my usual grimace), maybe they'll stay away from my gardens. But, who am I kidding. The Bible says I should be be grateful in all things (not, thankfully, for all things). So I'm counting my blessings one by one as I extract another two dozen dandelions from the yard and toss them in the bucket.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen
.

Thursday, April 21, 2005

Thursday, 21 April 2005 - A productive writing day

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a productive writing day during which I finished two poems and wrote fragments of a dozen more.

A poem is never finished, only abandoned.
-- Paul Ambroise Valery (1871-1945), French poet

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Wednesday, 20 April 2005 - A beautiful ball of yarn

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a beautiful ball of yarn.

During the past few months, I've found new sources on the Internet for the extra-bulky, thick and thin wool yarn I use to knit my signature chunky scarves. The handspun and hand-dyed fibers are fun, fanciful and gorgeous. I'm collecting skeins in a variety of colorways for my fall/winter collection.

I like buying directly from the artist and developing a strong buyer-seller relationship. To me, it's important that she knows that I will transform her work of art into something beautiful.

Here's how good Kharma finds its way into my scarves:

1. the sheep: many are bred solely for their wool; raised by compassionate people on small, family-owned farms; fibers sold to the artists.
2. the artists: bring their imagination and an incredible sense of color, balance and texture to the spinning and dyeing processes; yarn sold to the knitter.
3. the knitter (me): someone who loves beautiful yarn and strives to create simple, wearable art; scarves sold to my customers
4. my customers: the wonderful people who choose to buy and wear my unique creations; their word-of-mouth advertising keeps the sheep, the artists and me busy.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Tuesday, 19 April 2005 - A mug of hot chai tea

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a mug of hot chai tea.

After an invigorating early morning hike, T and I arrive home. The finches, perched along the eaves, serenade us with a cheery song. I stop to inspect the garden, noting new growth on several plants. T sniffs the pine mulch, perhaps catching the lingering scent of the mule deer that graze our gardens at night. The deer shouldn't find anything to eat here; I plant only deer and rabbit resistant plants in the front yard.

Although the outside air is warming up quickly, the inside of our house still wears the chill of a cool morning. So, for breakfast, I decide on something hot, spicy, and slightly sweet: my favorite chai tea brewed in soy milk.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Monday, April 18, 2005

Monday, 18 April 2005 - Lance Armstrong

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for Lance Armstrong.

This afternoon, my favorite cyclist announced that he's retiring from the sport. He'll thrill us one more time by racing this year's Tour de France before calling it quits. He deserves to go out on top - this champion who survived cancer before winning an unprecedented six consecutive Tours.

I know from experience that life's priorities shift when you're thirty-something, and Lance is 33. So, I say, let him go so he can do what's important to him - like being a full-time dad to his young children and raising even more money for cancer research through his foundation.

As cycling fans, S and I have followed Lance's celebrated career for many years. His exit doesn't make things any easier for his legions of fans. I'll live in denial for a while. But, in July 2006, when the riders line up for the prologue, I will finally have to accept his absence. I will miss watching Lance at the gate, adjusting his grip on the handlebars and taking one last deep breath, as the official counts down to the start of yet another Tour de France.

And, in case you're wondering, I wear one of Lance's yellow "live strong" wrist bands - a simple gesture to acknowledge his life and to bless my own.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, April 17, 2005

Sunday, 17 April 2005 - Wild crocuses

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for wild crocuses.


Every spring, I am on the lookout for wild crocuses that bloom in the open space near the park. This morning, I discover several along the south side of the trail. While T sniffs a scrub oak bush, I bend over to examine one delicate blossom. I cup it gently in my hands and pray that the wildflowers that grace the fields and my garden have an exceptionally good year.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen
.

Saturday, April 16, 2005

Saturday, 16 April 2005 - A sight to behold

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for what T and I witnessed as we finished our morning walk - 'twas a sight to behold!

Cinquain 4.16.05

Three geese
Swiftly flying home.
Their loud honks announce winter's

End. Safe journey, friends.
Adieu.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, April 15, 2005

Friday, 15 April 2005 - Income taxes

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful that, in spite of our employment struggles, we had an income and paid our taxes.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Thursday, 14 April 2005 - Daydreams

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for daydreams.


As T and I circle the park, I slip into auto-pilot mode. Before I know it, we've completed four laps. Where did the time go?

I guess that's why I prefer simple, repetitive activities like walking and running that don't require my full attention. Instead, they free my mind, allowing me to devote my brainpower to more important things, like praying, writing a poem or simply daydreaming.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Wednesday, 13 April 2005 - Snow to feed a thirsty garden

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for snow to feed a thirsty garden.

Yesterday, I took one look at the melting snow drifts in the backyard and knew what I had to do. Since we live in a drought area, I hate to waste water - especially when it's a gift. So, taking my trusty shovel in hand, I carefully spread snow over my gardens and at the base of the trees and shrubs. My legs, arms and shoulders also got quite a workout, with each shovelful equalling one squat and one biceps curl. T, who prefers cooler weather, wandered in and out of the house in search of shade and a good stick to chew. The sun was warm, the breeze cool, and the work satisfying.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Tuesday, 12 April 2005 - A new haircut

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a fabulous new haircut.


Last fall, I decided to let my hair grow. With all of our outdoor pursuits during the summer, I thought it would be cooler and easier to deal with my hair by pulling it back into a ponytail. I usually wear it in a chin length bob.

But, this spring, with all the feminine clothes and floral prints appearing in the fashion magazines, I missed having a stylish coiffure. So, yesterday, I had my first haircut since September. I chose a new stylist, Michelle, who owns her own salon near the downtown shopping district. Using a comb and razor, she quickly shaped my sad looking locks into a modern look that suits my face, personality and lifestyle. I feel fifteen years younger (i.e., like a 35-something woman versus a 51-year old woman). Now, I wish the gray hair that's sprouting all over my scalp would change back to its original dark brown color!

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Monday, April 11, 2005

Monday, 11 April 2005 - The best spring day

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the best spring day.

Welcome to springtime in the Rockies! The snow from Sunday's wild blizzard is melting quickly. In the backyard, the massive 5-foot drift that covers the entire southeast corner and the 3-foot drift near the southwest corner will soon be history if Ms. Sunshine has her way.

I spend nearly three hours shoveling snow - lots of heavy, wet snow - from the driveway, sidewalk and cul-de-sac. The drifts are nearly 18 inches deep in spots. A thick, slippery slush covers the asphalt - I guess the snowplows never made it to our street.

I work deliberately, careful to use the proper technique to lift each shovelful before tossing the snow onto the lawn and garden. Our neighbors are also clearing their properties. We pause in our labors to share blizzard stories and catch up on little league news and the week's weather predictions. School has been cancelled so the kids come over to play with T.

All in all, we're living a typical April day along the Colorado Front Range. As we recover from yet another storm, we revel in the beauty that surrounds us. Yes, today is the very best day of spring.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, April 10, 2005

Sunday, 10 April 2005 - A safe and warm shelter in a snowstorm

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a safe and warm shelter in the midst of a wild April snowstorm.


With a furious winter blizzard creating hazardous conditions outside, we're safe within our little house, warmed by the new furnace. We don't need a thing as long as we have power. We won't starve (note the full pantry, refrigerator and freezer), we won't be bored (note the cable television, Internet access, and stack of books and DVDs from the library), we won't miss a workout (note the exercise equipment in the home gym), and we won't be helpless in an emergency (note the cell phones and good neighbors). However, if the storm lasts for more than a day, I think I shall catch the dreaded cabin fever.

After we struggled to retrieve the Sunday newspapers, T wasn't too disappointed about missing his daily walks. I let him explore the backyard around mid-morning. He romped in the over 3-foot high snowdrifts near the fence before running to the side garden to do his business. The winds were too strong and the snow too deep to warrant more than a few minutes of exposure. Soon, T was back in the house, enjoying a vigorous rubdown (aka "heine wipe") and a delicious treat, very happy to be warm and dry and loved.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, April 09, 2005

Saturday, 9 April 2005 - A new prayer

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a new prayer.

During Pope John Paul II's funeral, I was deeply touched by the moving performance of the Litany of the Saints - a call and response prayer. I've decided to recite it in my daily prayers.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Below is a version of the prayer I found at http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/litany19.htm. The response is italicized.

Litany of the Saints

Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God.
Pray for us.
Saint Michael,
Pray for us.
Holy angels of God,
Pray for us.
Saint Joseph,
Pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist,
Pray for us.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul,
Pray for us.
Saint Andrew,
Pray for us.
Saint John,
Pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalene,
Pray for us.
Saint Stephen,
Pray for us.
Saint Ignatius,
Pray for us.
Saint Lawrence,
Pray for us.
Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity,
Pray for us.
Saint Agnes,
Pray for us.
Saint Gregory,
Pray for us.
Saint Augustine,
Pray for us.
Saint Athanasius,
Pray for us.
Saint Basil,
Pray for us.
Saint Martin,
Pray for us.
Saint Benedict,
Pray for us.
Saint Francis
and Saint Dominic,
Pray for us.
Saint Francis Xavier,
Pray for us.
Saint John Vianney,
Pray for us.
Saint Catherine,
Pray for us.
Saint Theresa,
Pray for us.
All you saints of God,
Pray for us.

Lord, be merciful,
Lord, save us.
From all harm,
Lord, save us.
From every sin,
Lord, save us.
From all temptations,
Lord, save us.
From everlasting death,
Lord, save us.
By Your coming among us,
Lord, save us.
By Your death and rising to new life,
Lord, save us.
By Your gift of the Holy Spirit,
Lord, save us.

Be merciful to us sinners,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Guide and protect Your Holy Church,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Keep our Pope and all the clergy in faithful service to Your Church.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Bring all people together in trust and peace.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Strengthen us in Your service.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Amen.



Friday, April 08, 2005

Friday, 8 April 2005 - Fresh sugar snap peas

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for fresh sugar snap peas.

I found these beauties at the natural foods store and bought a bagful. Tomorrow, for our main meal, I plan to grill the buffalo sirloin steak that's been marinating in my special teriyaki sauce. The peas, roasted with olive oil and shallots, will be a perfect side dish. I think I'll serve them with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, April 07, 2005

Thursday, 7 April 2005 - A busy day

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a busy day where I do a little bit of everything: walk T, exercise, write, cook, clean, garden, knit, read, shop, pray, do the crossword puzzles, visit with a neighbor, and watch a little TV.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

Wednesday, 6 April 2005 - The right to vote

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the right to vote.

Although I'm not as interested in politics as my husband, S, I believe in voting in every election open to me. Bottomline: If I don't vote, I feel that I don't have the right to complain about our elected officials or how the government spends tax dollars. I prefer to be part of the solution, not the problem.

Our city held a local election yesterday with city council seats up for grabs and several controversial initiatives on the ballot. When I voted around 11 AM, I was only the 19th person in the precinct to vote (out of a possible 2,000 or so registered voters). When S voted at 4 PM, he was number 35. Citywide, only a dismal 15% of all registered voters actually went to the polls (this includes absentee and early voters). What a sad day for democracy. I guess apathy won again.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Tuesday, 5 April 2005 - Poetic inspirations

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for poetic inspirations.

I am in a poetry writing mood. Here are the fruits of my labor: two new cinquains. Enjoy!
Why Not?
Today,
I seek the answer
To the question, "Why should I?”
God’s simple reply:
"Why not?"

Dream Catcher
On a
Blustery spring day,
I took a chance and tried to
Catch a dream. I missed.
Sorry.
For these blessings, I am grateful.

Amen.

Monday, April 04, 2005

Monday, 4 April 2005 - The color, green

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the color, green.

Daily, I inspect my garden for signs of life. I smile when I discover new iris or daffodil shoots and leaf buds emerging on the lilac bush. Yes, green indicates life, growth and prosperity. But, now, with Planet Earth's future in jeopardy, green signifies hope.


For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, April 03, 2005

Sunday, 3 April 2005 - Gardener's soul and green thumb

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a gardener's soul and green thumb.

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.
- Margaret Atwood

For these blessings, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, April 02, 2005

Saturday, 2 April 2005 - Pope John Paul II

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the late Pope John Paul II, a world leader with tremendous integrity, compassion and humility. I believe he really cared for each of us with all his heart.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, April 01, 2005

Friday, 1 April 2005 - Fool-free hour or two

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a fool-free hour or two.

I need a break from the distressing news that continues to flood the airwaves, so I’m fasting the news for a few hours. I want to remember this perfect spring day as one on which I read a poem, hiked with T along the trail, laughed at S’s joke, and ate a really juicy blood orange.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.