Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a bowl of guacamole.
For some reason, I am craving guacamole. Must be my Southern California heritage and love of Mexican food and an honest desire to live closer to my parents and sisters.
There's not much I can do about homesickness - after all, we've lived in Colorado for over 18 years and have developed our own sense of family and place. When I look out the western facing windows, I see the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. We can hike into the National Forest without driving to a trailhead. I breathe clean air and drink mountain water. But, I miss the goings on of family life and helping my parents and watching my niece and nephew grow up.
To fill the emptiness in my heart, I feed on memories - the good ones - the ones that make me smile and giggle. I also eat a snack - a generous scoop of fresh guacamole heaped on a corn tortilla chip (all organic, of course).
Delicious.
Hits the spot.
Closes the door on regrets.
Opens a window to possibilities.
Tells me I can when I say I can't.
Rewrites the ending to my fairy tale life gone awry.
If only. Perhaps. What if. Why not.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
Monday, 30 May 2005 - Memorial Day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the thousands of men and women who died in service to our country. Like other Americans, I will pause at 3 PM local time to honor them with a minute of silence - a short but necessary tribute meant to put the memorial back in Memorial Day. The weather is appropriate for a day of remembrance - gray, wet, cold. The angels' tears fall gently to earth - rain showers that water my garden with life's elixir. Oh God, I wish we weren't at war.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the thousands of men and women who died in service to our country. Like other Americans, I will pause at 3 PM local time to honor them with a minute of silence - a short but necessary tribute meant to put the memorial back in Memorial Day. The weather is appropriate for a day of remembrance - gray, wet, cold. The angels' tears fall gently to earth - rain showers that water my garden with life's elixir. Oh God, I wish we weren't at war.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Sunday, 29 May 2005 - One step closer to optimum health
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful to be one step closer to optimum health.
My internal cleansing crusade continues with a parasite cleanse (yes, killing and purging unwanted creepy crawly things that live in my body). Since I ate a lot of dirt as a toddler, I know that my body harbors parasites. So, for the past two weeks, I've been taking anti-parasitic herbs. If you have any doubts about the effectiveness of the treatment, put them aside. It really works! My overall sense of well-being has improved, I've tamed my horrible sugar tooth and I no longer bloat after eating. And, judging by the loose fit of my slimmest jeans, I must have lost those 3-5 vanity pounds a few days ago.
My health is an "A" priority on which I work daily. I've already added the parasite killing herbs to my weekly regimen. Next week: looks like I'm due for another liver cleanse.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful to be one step closer to optimum health.
My internal cleansing crusade continues with a parasite cleanse (yes, killing and purging unwanted creepy crawly things that live in my body). Since I ate a lot of dirt as a toddler, I know that my body harbors parasites. So, for the past two weeks, I've been taking anti-parasitic herbs. If you have any doubts about the effectiveness of the treatment, put them aside. It really works! My overall sense of well-being has improved, I've tamed my horrible sugar tooth and I no longer bloat after eating. And, judging by the loose fit of my slimmest jeans, I must have lost those 3-5 vanity pounds a few days ago.
My health is an "A" priority on which I work daily. I've already added the parasite killing herbs to my weekly regimen. Next week: looks like I'm due for another liver cleanse.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Saturday, 28 May 2005 - A quiet day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a quiet day during which I witnessed an afternoon rainshower (although the sun was shining brightly), marvelled at how fast my garden is growing (so many new flowers appear everyday), watered the perennials that live in the front yard, watched Paolo Savoldelli hold onto the Maglia Rosa in the Gira d'Italia, and took T for a very short morning walk.
We are also thankful that Mama Finch is still sitting on her nest. The men who delivered our refrigerator on Friday had to remove the front door. S carefully removed and rehung the Christmas wreath, saving the tiny, fragile eggs from falling out of the nest.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a quiet day during which I witnessed an afternoon rainshower (although the sun was shining brightly), marvelled at how fast my garden is growing (so many new flowers appear everyday), watered the perennials that live in the front yard, watched Paolo Savoldelli hold onto the Maglia Rosa in the Gira d'Italia, and took T for a very short morning walk.
We are also thankful that Mama Finch is still sitting on her nest. The men who delivered our refrigerator on Friday had to remove the front door. S carefully removed and rehung the Christmas wreath, saving the tiny, fragile eggs from falling out of the nest.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Friday, 27 May 2005 - Many things
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for many things:
Today, I am thankful for many things:
- our new refrigerator that was delivered this afternoon
- my new haircut that I love
- the four tiny eggs that Mama Finch is trying to hatch
- T's amazing recovery from his knee sprain
- S's fast recovery from dental surgery
- the flowers that grace my gardens
- a sunny but not too hot Friday following a gloomy Thursday
- an inspirational book to read (I Told the Mountain to Move by Patricia Raybon)
- a chance for rain this weekend (our region needs more moisture)
- an exciting Giro d'Italia (the cycling race concludes Sunday)
My cup runneth over.
For these many blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Thursday, 26 May 2005 - Only a knee sprain
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful that T only has a knee sprain.
T's condition worsened yesterday evening, so S and I took him to the emergency animal hospital. The vet diagnosed a right hindleg knee sprain and prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug with a pain killer. He's also confined to the house for 5 days - I hope I can survive the confinement. It could have been worse - possibly an ACL tear that would require surgery to repair.
T, as you would expect, was a very good patient, though very anxious and nervous in the exam room.
The good news: the medicine worked its magic, calming T and giving him pain-free mobility.
The bad news: T's itching to run outside and jump at the fence again. He bounds up the stairs as if nothing's wrong.
He also misses his walks - keeps looking at me with sad eyes as if to say, "When do we go for our walk, Mom?" He acts like we're punishing him ... if only we could explain the treatment regimen to him in Labradorese. Maybe then he would understand that we're doing this for his own good.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful that T only has a knee sprain.
T's condition worsened yesterday evening, so S and I took him to the emergency animal hospital. The vet diagnosed a right hindleg knee sprain and prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug with a pain killer. He's also confined to the house for 5 days - I hope I can survive the confinement. It could have been worse - possibly an ACL tear that would require surgery to repair.
T, as you would expect, was a very good patient, though very anxious and nervous in the exam room.
The good news: the medicine worked its magic, calming T and giving him pain-free mobility.
The bad news: T's itching to run outside and jump at the fence again. He bounds up the stairs as if nothing's wrong.
He also misses his walks - keeps looking at me with sad eyes as if to say, "When do we go for our walk, Mom?" He acts like we're punishing him ... if only we could explain the treatment regimen to him in Labradorese. Maybe then he would understand that we're doing this for his own good.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Wednesday, 25 May 2005 - A good patient
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a good patient.
T is suffering from an overuse injury. The injury occurred on Monday when S and I left him alone for a few hours while we shopped for a new refrigerator.
During our absence, T allegedly jumped and raced along the fence while the neighbor boys played catch. He knows only one speed - all out!
Yesterday, we went on our usual morning hike. T walked slowly but managed to finish the loop without complaint. Later in the day, however, he starting limping and refused to lie down (since rising was especially painful).
So, we put our active companion on the DL (disabled list) for a few days. We expect his full recovery by the weekend.
The patient is in excellent spirits, eating up his parent's abundant attention and affection. He hasn't complained once about his injury or home care. I think that S and I are suffering more than he - we hate to see our buddy suffer.
Right now, T is resting quietly in my studio atop a cranberry hued blanket. I will give him another hip massage and healing energy treatment in a few minutes.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a good patient.
T is suffering from an overuse injury. The injury occurred on Monday when S and I left him alone for a few hours while we shopped for a new refrigerator.
During our absence, T allegedly jumped and raced along the fence while the neighbor boys played catch. He knows only one speed - all out!
Yesterday, we went on our usual morning hike. T walked slowly but managed to finish the loop without complaint. Later in the day, however, he starting limping and refused to lie down (since rising was especially painful).
So, we put our active companion on the DL (disabled list) for a few days. We expect his full recovery by the weekend.
The patient is in excellent spirits, eating up his parent's abundant attention and affection. He hasn't complained once about his injury or home care. I think that S and I are suffering more than he - we hate to see our buddy suffer.
Right now, T is resting quietly in my studio atop a cranberry hued blanket. I will give him another hip massage and healing energy treatment in a few minutes.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Tuesday, 24 May 2005 - Roasted garlic
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the wonderful aroma and taste of oven roasted garlic spread thickly on a French baguette.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the wonderful aroma and taste of oven roasted garlic spread thickly on a French baguette.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Monday, 23 May 2005 - A new refrigerator
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a new refrigerator.
Our current one (less than 10 years old) is dying so we had to buy another one - an unexpected yet necessary expense . Delivery is scheduled for Friday. I hope I can survive for a few days without ice cubes.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
P.S. Never buy a Maytag refrigerator - ours is a piece of junk!
Today, I am thankful for a new refrigerator.
Our current one (less than 10 years old) is dying so we had to buy another one - an unexpected yet necessary expense . Delivery is scheduled for Friday. I hope I can survive for a few days without ice cubes.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
P.S. Never buy a Maytag refrigerator - ours is a piece of junk!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Sunday, 22 May 2005 - A spring bouquet
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a spring bouquet.
"The earth laughs in flowers." e.e. cummings
This week's hot, dry weather transformed my garden into a delicate spring bouquet. This morning, I found blue flax flowers next to pastel columbines, purple violets and yellow daffodils - a very lovely sight indeed.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a spring bouquet.
"The earth laughs in flowers." e.e. cummings
This week's hot, dry weather transformed my garden into a delicate spring bouquet. This morning, I found blue flax flowers next to pastel columbines, purple violets and yellow daffodils - a very lovely sight indeed.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Saturday, 21 May 2005 - Snow dreams
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for snow dreams.
Whew! We're in the midst of a heat wave - it's nearly 90 degrees at 5:45 PM.
Poor T. Although he's shed much of his dense winter coat, he is very uncomfortable in the summery weather. I've already soaked him with the garden hose four times today - will do it a few more times before the sun sets this evening.
I see from the forecast that cooler temps should prevail next week. In the meantime, I am hot and bothered and wondering how I could ever complain about the winter cold. Tonight, I shall dream of snow.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for snow dreams.
Whew! We're in the midst of a heat wave - it's nearly 90 degrees at 5:45 PM.
Poor T. Although he's shed much of his dense winter coat, he is very uncomfortable in the summery weather. I've already soaked him with the garden hose four times today - will do it a few more times before the sun sets this evening.
I see from the forecast that cooler temps should prevail next week. In the meantime, I am hot and bothered and wondering how I could ever complain about the winter cold. Tonight, I shall dream of snow.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Friday, 20 May 2005 - Trusty sewing machine
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my trusty sewing machine.
I learned to sew on a Singer treadle sewing machine when I was 10. For someone who loved clothes, the skill was a necessity. After all, I had four sisters and no money for store-bought clothes. As the second daughter, I was also tired of wearing my older sister's hand-me-downs. For years, I sewed everything - prom dresses, school clothes, bikinis, suits and coats.
These days, I sew on my tried and true Viking machine that was top-of-the-line when I bought it in 1985. On this machine, I've fashioned hundreds of items including my wedding dress, outfits for my niece when she was little and not brand name conscious, Hawaiian shirts for S, curtains for the bedrooms, pieced quilts, dolls, toys, and an extensive career wardrobe (once upon a time, I wore tailored suits to work everyday). It was professionally cleaned and serviced only once - last year when, in the middle of a quilting project, it stopped picking up the bobbin thread. I hope my sewing machine remains in excellent health for years to come.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for my trusty sewing machine.
I learned to sew on a Singer treadle sewing machine when I was 10. For someone who loved clothes, the skill was a necessity. After all, I had four sisters and no money for store-bought clothes. As the second daughter, I was also tired of wearing my older sister's hand-me-downs. For years, I sewed everything - prom dresses, school clothes, bikinis, suits and coats.
These days, I sew on my tried and true Viking machine that was top-of-the-line when I bought it in 1985. On this machine, I've fashioned hundreds of items including my wedding dress, outfits for my niece when she was little and not brand name conscious, Hawaiian shirts for S, curtains for the bedrooms, pieced quilts, dolls, toys, and an extensive career wardrobe (once upon a time, I wore tailored suits to work everyday). It was professionally cleaned and serviced only once - last year when, in the middle of a quilting project, it stopped picking up the bobbin thread. I hope my sewing machine remains in excellent health for years to come.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Thursday, 19 May 2005 - A bird family in progress
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a bird family in progress.
After a week of frantic nest building, the Finch family finally settled in the Christmas wreath that hangs on our front door. This morning, as T and I leave for our daily hike, I peek into the wreath's center and discover two or three tiny eggs. This is wonderful and exciting news!
Throughout the morning, I peer through the door's peep hole to spy on Mama Finch as she sits on the nest. Her ongoing presence means we have to use the garage door to exit and enter the house - a small sacrifice on our part.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a bird family in progress.
After a week of frantic nest building, the Finch family finally settled in the Christmas wreath that hangs on our front door. This morning, as T and I leave for our daily hike, I peek into the wreath's center and discover two or three tiny eggs. This is wonderful and exciting news!
Throughout the morning, I peer through the door's peep hole to spy on Mama Finch as she sits on the nest. Her ongoing presence means we have to use the garage door to exit and enter the house - a small sacrifice on our part.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Wednesday, 18 May 2005 - My friend, BBJ
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my friend, BBJ.
We haven't seen each other for quite a while. Today, I ran into her while doing errands. We spent an hour catching up. No apologies required or guilt allowed. We simply continued our conversation - the one that began a decade ago.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for my friend, BBJ.
We haven't seen each other for quite a while. Today, I ran into her while doing errands. We spent an hour catching up. No apologies required or guilt allowed. We simply continued our conversation - the one that began a decade ago.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Tuesday, 17 May 2005 - Favorite ingredients
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my favorite ingredients - the ones that help bring my culinary creations to life:
1. Olive oil
2. Garlic
3. Shallots and green onions
4. Jalapeno and habanero peppers
5. Fresh red bell peppers, tomatoes, and lemons
6. Almonds
7. Fresh basil and cilantro
8. Bragg's Liquid Aminos
9. Tofu
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for my favorite ingredients - the ones that help bring my culinary creations to life:
1. Olive oil
2. Garlic
3. Shallots and green onions
4. Jalapeno and habanero peppers
5. Fresh red bell peppers, tomatoes, and lemons
6. Almonds
7. Fresh basil and cilantro
8. Bragg's Liquid Aminos
9. Tofu
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Monday, 16 May 2005 - Two blue spruce trees
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for two blue spruce trees that graced our neighborhood for many years. Unfortunately, this is a belated tribute.
Our neighbor decided to cut down these towering trees, much to my dismay. The trees stood tall and regal this morning, providing the birds with shade and shelter. Now, they're mere stumps. The workmen discovered four nests with fledglings or eggs. Spring is not a good time to cut down trees. I grieve privately.
I take for granted the natural landscape that surrounds our neighborhood. I forget that there's always the chance that the plants and animals I love could disappear tomorrow. We're already losing much of the open space abutting the park to a housing development. We're especially sad because our beloved trail winds through this area.
I think it's time to plant a new tree in the back yard - something that T and the birds can enjoy.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for two blue spruce trees that graced our neighborhood for many years. Unfortunately, this is a belated tribute.
Our neighbor decided to cut down these towering trees, much to my dismay. The trees stood tall and regal this morning, providing the birds with shade and shelter. Now, they're mere stumps. The workmen discovered four nests with fledglings or eggs. Spring is not a good time to cut down trees. I grieve privately.
I take for granted the natural landscape that surrounds our neighborhood. I forget that there's always the chance that the plants and animals I love could disappear tomorrow. We're already losing much of the open space abutting the park to a housing development. We're especially sad because our beloved trail winds through this area.
I think it's time to plant a new tree in the back yard - something that T and the birds can enjoy.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Sunday, 15 May 2005 - Canine communications
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for canine communications.
T, our chocolate Labrador retriever, uses gestures and actions to tell us what he wants. Here are some typical communications.
1. "I want to go out." Stand very still and point my nose at the sliding glass door.
"I want to come in." Ditto
(Comment: This gesture works perfectly when S and I are in the family room or kitchen and can see T standing like a statue at the back door. But, when we're upstairs or in the basement, we don't have a clue. We've asked T to bark if we don't react to his request after several minutes.)
2. "We've been hiking a while and now I'm thirsty." Turn head and give Mom or Dad the "look" with my big brown/gold eyes.
(Comment: Works every time although sometimes he just wants water poured over his head and neck. I don't want T to dehydrate so I carry a bottle of water just for him. When the three of us hike in the mountains, we prefer trails with nearby streams or creeks so T can cool off frequently.)
3. "Where's the beef?" When food bowl is empty, drop a toy in the bowl and stare at it until Mom or Dad gets the hint and adds a scoop of kibbles. If this doesn't work, pretend to eat. Make sure metal ID tags repeatedly hit steel food bowl.
(Comment: These actions don't signal that T is hungry - he just likes having food in his bowl.)
4. "Just because I'm a Labrador retriever doesn't mean I like to play endless fetch." After Mom tosses the toy for the third or fourth time, go over to the toy and mark it. This will disgust Mom and stop the boring fetch game.
(Comment: T is a one-fetch wonder who prefers to play keep away. Last week, he fetched his duck three times for me. I guess three was his quota. After I threw the toy across the yard for the fourth time, T walked over to the duck and marked it. Yes, I got the message about "no more fetch" and was disgusted by T's action. Note that all of T's toys got a bath that day!)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for canine communications.
T, our chocolate Labrador retriever, uses gestures and actions to tell us what he wants. Here are some typical communications.
1. "I want to go out." Stand very still and point my nose at the sliding glass door.
"I want to come in." Ditto
(Comment: This gesture works perfectly when S and I are in the family room or kitchen and can see T standing like a statue at the back door. But, when we're upstairs or in the basement, we don't have a clue. We've asked T to bark if we don't react to his request after several minutes.)
2. "We've been hiking a while and now I'm thirsty." Turn head and give Mom or Dad the "look" with my big brown/gold eyes.
(Comment: Works every time although sometimes he just wants water poured over his head and neck. I don't want T to dehydrate so I carry a bottle of water just for him. When the three of us hike in the mountains, we prefer trails with nearby streams or creeks so T can cool off frequently.)
3. "Where's the beef?" When food bowl is empty, drop a toy in the bowl and stare at it until Mom or Dad gets the hint and adds a scoop of kibbles. If this doesn't work, pretend to eat. Make sure metal ID tags repeatedly hit steel food bowl.
(Comment: These actions don't signal that T is hungry - he just likes having food in his bowl.)
4. "Just because I'm a Labrador retriever doesn't mean I like to play endless fetch." After Mom tosses the toy for the third or fourth time, go over to the toy and mark it. This will disgust Mom and stop the boring fetch game.
(Comment: T is a one-fetch wonder who prefers to play keep away. Last week, he fetched his duck three times for me. I guess three was his quota. After I threw the toy across the yard for the fourth time, T walked over to the duck and marked it. Yes, I got the message about "no more fetch" and was disgusted by T's action. Note that all of T's toys got a bath that day!)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Saturday, 14 May 2005 - Spring showers
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for spring showers that bring May flowers.
Although the mornings greet T and me with sunny skies as we hike along the trail, the afternoons bring clouds and rain and gloom. My gardens delight in this weather pattern, surprising me each day with fresh blooms. Today, I noticed several bunches of very lovely violets.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for spring showers that bring May flowers.
Although the mornings greet T and me with sunny skies as we hike along the trail, the afternoons bring clouds and rain and gloom. My gardens delight in this weather pattern, surprising me each day with fresh blooms. Today, I noticed several bunches of very lovely violets.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Friday, 13 May 2005 - Good timing
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for good timing on a Friday the 13th.
Luck seems to be on my side as I've had a pretty good day. My timing has been spot on:
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for good timing on a Friday the 13th.
Luck seems to be on my side as I've had a pretty good day. My timing has been spot on:
- Caught our neighbor just as he was leaving for the weekend. We had our once a month discussion about the state of the world.
- Found organic mangoes for just $.99 each (I bought the four largest) and organic tomatoes for $.99 a pound (I bought 10 pounds).
- Arrived home from our afternoon walk around the park just as the storm hit with rain and lightening and thunder. (Even S returned from his bike ride in time to miss the storm.)
Amen.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Thursday, 12 May 2005 - An impromptu concert
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an impromptu concert.
Music emerges as the surprising antidote for a lazy, can't seem to get started, afternoon. The unexpected sounds flood the air with melody and harmony and cacophony. I'm enjoying a mid-afternoon concert featuring two talented thirteen year olds - our neighbor, Hayden and his friend, Ian.
Even T likes the sound of Hayden's saxophone and bass guitar and Ian's trumpet. He lies quietly on the grass while the music swirls around us in a fantastic dance of improvisation, creation, and joy.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an impromptu concert.
Music emerges as the surprising antidote for a lazy, can't seem to get started, afternoon. The unexpected sounds flood the air with melody and harmony and cacophony. I'm enjoying a mid-afternoon concert featuring two talented thirteen year olds - our neighbor, Hayden and his friend, Ian.
Even T likes the sound of Hayden's saxophone and bass guitar and Ian's trumpet. He lies quietly on the grass while the music swirls around us in a fantastic dance of improvisation, creation, and joy.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Wednesday, 11 May 2005 - Life's possibilities
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for life's possibilities.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34 NKJV
I feel depressed today. Still no results from months and months of job-hunting. From what I can tell, at 51, I am too old, have too much experience, and am too expensive. Translation: I feel useless and unwanted and unappreciated. Most of all, I wonder why you, God, would give me talent and experience and no place to use them.
After T and I return from our morning hike, I sit down at the computer. As part of my daily routine, I check an online forum where people discuss health issues and natural remedies. One posting catches my eye" "unbearable symptoms ... please, please, please help!" I open the message and read about a woman who suffers from several debilitating ailments. She's hit another treatment roadblock and desperately needs help finding a breakthrough.
Wow. And I thought my life was unbearable and a lost cause. On her best day, this woman can barely drink a quart of diluted tea or move her body without intense pain. In comparison, my problems, though real to me, seem so small and insignficant. I immediately stop the pity-party and shut down the negative self-talk. I choose my life and all its challenges over another's.
In her many books on creativity and spirituality, Julia Cameron suggests ways to spend Job-inspired "desert" time. I find a writing exercise that focuses on life's possibilities, not its immediate realities. This should revive my spirits.
After taking a deep breath, I begin: "If time and money weren't an issue, I would ..."
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for life's possibilities.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34 NKJV
I feel depressed today. Still no results from months and months of job-hunting. From what I can tell, at 51, I am too old, have too much experience, and am too expensive. Translation: I feel useless and unwanted and unappreciated. Most of all, I wonder why you, God, would give me talent and experience and no place to use them.
After T and I return from our morning hike, I sit down at the computer. As part of my daily routine, I check an online forum where people discuss health issues and natural remedies. One posting catches my eye" "unbearable symptoms ... please, please, please help!" I open the message and read about a woman who suffers from several debilitating ailments. She's hit another treatment roadblock and desperately needs help finding a breakthrough.
Wow. And I thought my life was unbearable and a lost cause. On her best day, this woman can barely drink a quart of diluted tea or move her body without intense pain. In comparison, my problems, though real to me, seem so small and insignficant. I immediately stop the pity-party and shut down the negative self-talk. I choose my life and all its challenges over another's.
In her many books on creativity and spirituality, Julia Cameron suggests ways to spend Job-inspired "desert" time. I find a writing exercise that focuses on life's possibilities, not its immediate realities. This should revive my spirits.
After taking a deep breath, I begin: "If time and money weren't an issue, I would ..."
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Tuesday, 10 May 2005 - Giro d'Italia
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy professional cycling race).
After months of anticipation, S and I were so excited when the Giro d'Italia began last Saturday with a 1.15 K prologue. The race is a spring tradition in our household. For three weeks, it entertains us each morning with the thrills and spills of professional cycling in Europe. We also love the views of the Italian landscape and villages - they fuel our dreams of someday living in Italy or France.
This year, we're following the race on the Internet with live coverage via cyclingnews.com and streaming video via OLNTV.com. Needless to say, S is in cycling heaven!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy professional cycling race).
After months of anticipation, S and I were so excited when the Giro d'Italia began last Saturday with a 1.15 K prologue. The race is a spring tradition in our household. For three weeks, it entertains us each morning with the thrills and spills of professional cycling in Europe. We also love the views of the Italian landscape and villages - they fuel our dreams of someday living in Italy or France.
This year, we're following the race on the Internet with live coverage via cyclingnews.com and streaming video via OLNTV.com. Needless to say, S is in cycling heaven!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Monday, 9 May 2005 - An old-fashioned remedy for gray hair
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an old-fashioned remedy for gray hair.
A few weeks ago, I read yet another article about the health risks of hair dyes, so I decided to discontinue their use. Although I hate my gray hair, I don't want vanity to cut short my life.
I began to look for an alternative that doesn't contain harmful chemicals that cause cancer. An Internet search yielded the recipe for an old-fashioned tonic for gray hair woes. It's a concentrated sage and rosemary tea that you brew and apply daily to your hair and scalp.
Since I've had good results with other natural remedies for health concerns, I hope this one will work. In the meantime, I'm crossing my fingers, knocking on wood, and saying an extra prayer.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an old-fashioned remedy for gray hair.
A few weeks ago, I read yet another article about the health risks of hair dyes, so I decided to discontinue their use. Although I hate my gray hair, I don't want vanity to cut short my life.
I began to look for an alternative that doesn't contain harmful chemicals that cause cancer. An Internet search yielded the recipe for an old-fashioned tonic for gray hair woes. It's a concentrated sage and rosemary tea that you brew and apply daily to your hair and scalp.
Since I've had good results with other natural remedies for health concerns, I hope this one will work. In the meantime, I'm crossing my fingers, knocking on wood, and saying an extra prayer.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Sunday, 8 May 2005 - My mother
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my mother who didn't exactly encourage me to write, but never discounted my desire to be a writer.
"God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers."
-- Rudyard Kipling
Thank you, Mom,
For never speaking ill of
The first poems and stories
I wrote.
Despite your private opinions of
The heroine, plot or rhyming scheme,
You never labeled my
My endeavors foolish or
A waste of time.
Maybe,
Because of a mother’s intuition,
You knew that,
From the moment I first put pencil to paper,
My passion for words would grow,
Until, as an adult,
I would proudly claim the occupations of
Writer and
Poet.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom!
For this blessing, I am eternally grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for my mother who didn't exactly encourage me to write, but never discounted my desire to be a writer.
"God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers."
-- Rudyard Kipling
Thank you, Mom,
For never speaking ill of
The first poems and stories
I wrote.
Despite your private opinions of
The heroine, plot or rhyming scheme,
You never labeled my
My endeavors foolish or
A waste of time.
Maybe,
Because of a mother’s intuition,
You knew that,
From the moment I first put pencil to paper,
My passion for words would grow,
Until, as an adult,
I would proudly claim the occupations of
Writer and
Poet.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom!
For this blessing, I am eternally grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Saturday, 7 May 2005 - Daffodils
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my garden's daffodils.
If you haven't guessed by now, daffodils are one of my favorite flowers. I like them because, when I was growing up in Southern California, they bloomed around my March birthday.
In Colorado, however, they wait until late April or early May to show off their yellow bonnets. This year, they're just in time for Mother's Day.
I don't mind waiting for them. It really doesn't matter if they appear earlier or later. But when they finally bloom, daffodils always make me smile and think happy thoughts.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for my garden's daffodils.
If you haven't guessed by now, daffodils are one of my favorite flowers. I like them because, when I was growing up in Southern California, they bloomed around my March birthday.
In Colorado, however, they wait until late April or early May to show off their yellow bonnets. This year, they're just in time for Mother's Day.
I don't mind waiting for them. It really doesn't matter if they appear earlier or later. But when they finally bloom, daffodils always make me smile and think happy thoughts.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Friday, 6 May 2005 - An unexpected gift
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an unexpected gift (the best kind).
It's not my birthday or Christmas or a day of any importance. But, there it sits, a gift from a girl friend - a blue mist spirea bush - unannounced, unanticipated, unbelievable.
My friend is a very passionate gardener who has already made a generous contribution to my landscaping venture. Last fall, she sent me two large shopping bags filled with plants from her garden. Happily, all are thriving.
I am thrilled at the newest addition to my xeriscape garden. And, I feel very blessed to have a friend who cares enough to send me the very best from her garden and her heart. Thank you, Kathy.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an unexpected gift (the best kind).
It's not my birthday or Christmas or a day of any importance. But, there it sits, a gift from a girl friend - a blue mist spirea bush - unannounced, unanticipated, unbelievable.
My friend is a very passionate gardener who has already made a generous contribution to my landscaping venture. Last fall, she sent me two large shopping bags filled with plants from her garden. Happily, all are thriving.
I am thrilled at the newest addition to my xeriscape garden. And, I feel very blessed to have a friend who cares enough to send me the very best from her garden and her heart. Thank you, Kathy.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Wednesday, 5 May 2005 - A renewed sense of purpose
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a renewed sense of purpose.
Now that I am 51, I can't go full speed ahead for weeks on end like I did in my 20s, 30s and 40s. So, when I feel run down, I take time to recharge my aging batteries by doing something creative or mentally challenging for a few hours.
I've been known to study knitting patterns for a new project, work on a beaded necklace, complete several online crossword puzzles or invent a new recipe. After the respite, I am once again ready to tackle my to-do list with energy and enthusiasm and, most importantly, a renewed sense of purpose.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a renewed sense of purpose.
Now that I am 51, I can't go full speed ahead for weeks on end like I did in my 20s, 30s and 40s. So, when I feel run down, I take time to recharge my aging batteries by doing something creative or mentally challenging for a few hours.
I've been known to study knitting patterns for a new project, work on a beaded necklace, complete several online crossword puzzles or invent a new recipe. After the respite, I am once again ready to tackle my to-do list with energy and enthusiasm and, most importantly, a renewed sense of purpose.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Wednesday, 4 May 2005 - Another step to great health
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for another step to great health.
I'm an internal cleansing fanatic for one big reason: colon cancer prevention. My father has a history of colon polyps and a maternal uncle died from the disease.
After weeks of research and courage-building, I finally completed my first liver/gall bladder flush this morning. If you're wondering what this is, go to www.curezone.com/cleanse/liver/huldas_recipe.asp for more information.
I'm not going to share the details of my experience - too "yucky" if you're not into alternative medicine. I will admit, however, that the treatment worked so well that I've added it to my cleansing regimen.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for another step to great health.
I'm an internal cleansing fanatic for one big reason: colon cancer prevention. My father has a history of colon polyps and a maternal uncle died from the disease.
After weeks of research and courage-building, I finally completed my first liver/gall bladder flush this morning. If you're wondering what this is, go to www.curezone.com/cleanse/liver/huldas_recipe.asp for more information.
I'm not going to share the details of my experience - too "yucky" if you're not into alternative medicine. I will admit, however, that the treatment worked so well that I've added it to my cleansing regimen.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Tuesday, 3 May 2005 - Sunshine
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for sunshine.
After nearly 10 days of wet, gloomy weather, the sun reappears to resounding applause. T and I run outside, eager for the brilliant light to revive our cold and damp spirits. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. I chide myself for having taken for granted Mother Nature's generous gift - over 360 days of sunshine each year.
After discovering large dandelion colonies in the lawn and garden, I grab the weed bucket and my trusty digging tool - the one that looks like a screwdriver but has a forked end. The warm temperature surprises me. I happily break a sweat as I pull one weed after another.
T performs his usual canine routine. First, he completes a leisurely patrol of the yard's perimeter. Then, he lies down on a soft grassy bed near the penstemons - time to nap and catch a few rays.
Today, I am thankful for sunshine.
After nearly 10 days of wet, gloomy weather, the sun reappears to resounding applause. T and I run outside, eager for the brilliant light to revive our cold and damp spirits. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. I chide myself for having taken for granted Mother Nature's generous gift - over 360 days of sunshine each year.
After discovering large dandelion colonies in the lawn and garden, I grab the weed bucket and my trusty digging tool - the one that looks like a screwdriver but has a forked end. The warm temperature surprises me. I happily break a sweat as I pull one weed after another.
T performs his usual canine routine. First, he completes a leisurely patrol of the yard's perimeter. Then, he lies down on a soft grassy bed near the penstemons - time to nap and catch a few rays.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Monday, 2 May 2005 - A vote for the environment
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a vote for the environment. I believe we should be faithful stewards and always err on the side of the Mother Earth. Unfortunately for the planet, the politicians think otherwise.
Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money. -- Cree Indian Proverb
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a vote for the environment. I believe we should be faithful stewards and always err on the side of the Mother Earth. Unfortunately for the planet, the politicians think otherwise.
Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money. -- Cree Indian Proverb
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Sunday, 1 May 2005 - Season of transition
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a season of transition.
The dreary weather continues. Today, the storm front comes from the south. As T and I hike along the trail, the sky spits snow and rain upon the earth. The sticky clay soil clings to my boots and T's paws. I try to walk on grassy or rocky areas, but can't avoid the annoying muck. I spend several minutes cleaning my boots in the creek before we return home.
I notice that the grass and plants thrive in the wet environment. The brown foothills now wear spring green accents. The younger scrub oak trees show off bright green leaves while their elders bear thousands of leaf buds. I discover a diversity of wildflowers blooming along the trail.
My own garden continues to thrive. In spite of the fog and snow flurries, the daffodils are close to blooming. Perhaps, after seeing their cheery yellow faces, the sun will finally emerge from its hiding place behind the mass of gray clouds.
This is our nineteenth Colorado spring. Despite the years, I am still learning that spring is a process, not a period with a set timetable that I can map out on the calendar. Winter doesn't officially end in March nor does spring officially begin. The former slowly eases out of our lives as the latter carefully eases in. The transition requires patience, faith, and a sense of humor. In my garden and in my life, I continue to nurture all three.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a season of transition.
The dreary weather continues. Today, the storm front comes from the south. As T and I hike along the trail, the sky spits snow and rain upon the earth. The sticky clay soil clings to my boots and T's paws. I try to walk on grassy or rocky areas, but can't avoid the annoying muck. I spend several minutes cleaning my boots in the creek before we return home.
I notice that the grass and plants thrive in the wet environment. The brown foothills now wear spring green accents. The younger scrub oak trees show off bright green leaves while their elders bear thousands of leaf buds. I discover a diversity of wildflowers blooming along the trail.
My own garden continues to thrive. In spite of the fog and snow flurries, the daffodils are close to blooming. Perhaps, after seeing their cheery yellow faces, the sun will finally emerge from its hiding place behind the mass of gray clouds.
This is our nineteenth Colorado spring. Despite the years, I am still learning that spring is a process, not a period with a set timetable that I can map out on the calendar. Winter doesn't officially end in March nor does spring officially begin. The former slowly eases out of our lives as the latter carefully eases in. The transition requires patience, faith, and a sense of humor. In my garden and in my life, I continue to nurture all three.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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