Thursday, 30 June 2005 - Business as usual

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for business as usual.

This has been an emotionally charged week of funerals and grieving and remembering. And, we still have one more service to attend this weekend.

My heart is full and my spirit weary as I sit in my studio trying to finish a poem and start another chapter of my book. The words escape me. So, I stop for a few minutes to consider the day.

I close my eyes and focus on the sounds of our neighborhood - the rumbling of the gravel trucks as they climb the steep dirt road to the quarry, a metal bat hitting a baseball, a group of children whooping and hollering as they run through the park, dogs barking at their latest distraction, the wind's whistle as it swirls through the yard, the snap of curtains whipped by a sudden burst of wind, a lively finch quartet singing its heart out, T's quiet whimpers as he naps near my chair (I bet he's dreaming about chasing that elusive bunny we see each morning).

Business as usual. What else did I expect?

Life goes on and on and on.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, 29 June 2005 - Ice cubes

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for ice cubes.

My husband says that I am the "Queen of Ice Cubes" since I never met an ice cube I didn't like. I can't argue with the truth, especially on a dry and very hot June day when a tall glass of cold water tastes marvelous (don't forget to add several ice cubes and a twist of lemon).

For this blessing, I am very grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, 28 June 2005 - Mrs. Jeep

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for Mrs. Jeep, my trusty Jeep Cherokee Laredo (vintage 1987).

I have never been nor will ever be a car person. When I lived and worked in Los Angeles, I either took the bus or walked to my destination. I've owned only two cars during my lifetime - a used brown Toyota Corolla hatchback that I bought after moving to Austin, TX in 1983 and my current silver Jeep Cherokee Laredo that we bought new after moving to Colorado in 1987.

Mrs. Jeep (as opposed to Mr. Jeep, my husband's 1985 CJ7) has taken me through the worst winter storms. I'm a California girl at heart and, despite enduring 18 winters, I still get a pit in my stomach whenever I drive on snow-packed or icy roads. She also kept me safe and sound during the 19 months I commuted to Denver - those trips are responsible for most of the mileage.

Nowadays, I work from home and run errands on Friday mornings. I'm lucky if I drive more than 50 miles a week. A 20 gallon tank of gas lasts a long time even though I only get 20 mpg - a good thing given gas prices and our tight budget.

In 2003, my husband retired Mr. Jeep and bought a new Ford Ranger truck. I'm holding out for an environmentally-friendlier hybrid or bio-diesel car. In the meantime, Mrs. Jeep (happily) remains my vehicle of choice.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Monday, 27 June 2005 - Fond remembrances

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for fond remembrances.

Last night, I read the local obituaries and learned that two acquaintances had died. Tonight, our neighbor told us that his ex-wife's father died yesterday from cancer. All were special people who touched my life for only an hour here and there - just long enough to embrace a kindness, exchange a funny story, and inspire a dream or two. Thank you Merle, Sally and Stewart.

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.

-- Ecclesiastes 3 (NKJV)

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, 26 June 2005 - God's perfect timing

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for Your perfect timing.

I'm still learning that not everything I do is a competition. During tough times, I have to wait for answers, guidance, opportunities and cures.

Patience, persistence and simply letting go.

Faith, hope and more faith.

Be generous, laugh out loud and bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Take the dog for a walk twice a day.

Share a really funny anecdote.

When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

When the patient is ready, the healer appears.

Not one second sooner or later.

Just God's perfect timing.

When the heart is ready, anything is possible.

Behold, I make all things new. (Revelations 21:5 NKJV)

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, 25 June 2005 - A handful of ripe cherries

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a handful of ripe cherries.

They're perfect with glossy skins holding in the sweet and juicy meat. These beauties are the first crop from a short but very delicious season.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, 24 June 2005 - A refreshing evening rain shower

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a refreshing evening rain shower.

Just as S, T and I leave the house for our evening walk, the lightening and thunder concert begins. Lap number one around the park - huge rain drops pelt us, dark storm clouds gather overhead.

We opt for a second lap - T is very energetic after sunset. The rain falls steadily. Powerful lightening bolts provide the light show while loud thunder claps rule the airways. The three of us run-walk around the last straight away. T thinks we're playing a new game and gets tangled in his lead. We exit the park, running along the sidewalk towards home.

The rain feels good - washing away some of the dust my body collected this afternoon while spreading pine mulch on the garden. We reach the front porch just as the storm intensifies.

Rain, beautiful rain for my thirsty garden.
A cool breeze pushes the hot, muggy air from the house.
I think we'll all sleep well tonight.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, 23 June 2005 - Free pine mulch

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the free pine mulch that's available all summer. A local fire prevention program recycles "slash" cleared from wooded areas.

We picked up our first load of the year this evening. Tomorrow, I will mound the mulch carefully around the base of each perennial in my front yard xeriscape garden - the plants need extra protection from the heat. I hope to cut my watering to just 1-2 days a week.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, 22 June 2005 - Five things

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for:

1. My upgraded laptop computer with its new 40 gigabyte hard drive (special thanks to our friend and neighborhood techie, MS, who did the work).
2. Last night's rain shower. This morning, all the Rocky Mountain penstemons were in bloom, their spiky purple flowers competing with the blue bachelor buttoms for the sun's attention.
3. Pleasant evenings punctuated by cool breezes, a welcome change from the weekend's oppressive heat wave.
4. Fresh red peppers, apricots, raspberries, mangoes and red grapes. Yummy! I do love to eat summer's bounty of luscious fruits and veggies.
5. The beautiful sunrise that T and I witnessed during our morning hike. I felt the sun's healing power on my face, refreshing and energizing my spirit.

For these blessings, I am grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, 21 June 2005 - T

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for T, our lively and lovable chocolate Lab who became our canine son eight years ago.

This morning, T passed his annual physical with flying colors. Yeah! To our delight, he weighed in at 75 pounds, down three from last year thanks to a controlled diet and daily exercise regimen.

We're also celebrating the eighth anniversary of T's adoption. From day one, he has brought joy and love to everyone he meets. The middle school boys consider him a member of the "in" group because of his athletic prowess. The girls claim to be his favorite as they vie for his affections and the chance to walk him around the cul-de-sac. He has even won over our not-so-animal-loving neighbors, coaxing a kind word and gentle pat from M and B.

We didn't expect a perfect puppy but that's exactly what we got when T entered our lives in 1997.

For these wonderful blessings, I am very grateful.

Amen.

Monday, 20 June 2005 - An empty nest

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for an empty nest.

It's late Saturday morning. I peer through the front door peephole to spy on the Finch family. I smile as I watch Mama Finch feed her four hungry and growing children. I sense that this is one of the last times I will see the family together. I know in my heart that the fledglings are reaching maturity and anxious to test their wings.

I was right. By early evening, the nest is empty.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, 19 June 2005 - Men of influence

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the men who have greatly influenced my life:

• My dad
• My husband
• My brother-in-law, Bob
• My friends including Harlan P. (from childhood) and Doyle H. (from UCLA)
• My mentors including Ed C., Jeff R., Mr. T., Dr. Z, and Mr. H.

I am also thankful for canine sons: Y, our very intelligent and brawny black Lab who died in 1997, and T, our "always a puppy" chocolate Lab who continues to fill our lives with joy, laughter and excitement.

For these blessings, I am very grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, 18 June 2005 - A cool evening breeze

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a cool evening breeze.

Summer is here, bringing its signature hot, dry temperatures to the region. I give the houseplants an extra drink of water during the day and carefully watch my outdoor gardens for perennials in distress. Despite his constant shedding, T remains heat-intolerant and requests several "wet downs" with the garden hose. Because I also wilt in the heat, I work in the garden during the cooler early morning or evening hours.

After sunset, the air temperature drops to the pleasant or slightly chilly range. We open all the windows to let in fresh air, hoping to cure a stuffy house. Relief comes quickly as the cool evening breeze floods each room, refreshing our bodies and spirits with its comforting touch.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, 17 June 2005 - A prospering soul

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a prospering soul.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2 NKJV

I've always claimed that the health of my houseplants and gardens accurately reflects my own physical, mental and spiritual well being. This year, all the plants are thriving - an indication of my very green thumb and, perhaps, of my personal growth and joy in living.

Oh my! How my cup runneth over.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, 16 June 2005 - National Geographic moments

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for National Geographic moments.

Within the confines of our Colorado neighborhood, I have had the privilege of seeing many wild animals including:

• a bald eagle
• a mother brown bear and cub
• mountain lions
• coyotes
• various snakes including rattlers
• mule deer
• rabbits
• foxes
• raccoons

Currently, we are watching the Finch fledglings grow up. The nest sits in the middle of the Christmas wreath that hangs on our front door - a great location since it's shady, quiet and protected. By looking through the door's peephole, we can observe the parents tending the babies.

Feeding four little ones is a frenzied affair. As soon as the mother or father arrives at the nest with food, the babies respond by chirping loudly and thrusting their tiny heads upward with beaks wide open. Once they've consumed their share of the meal, they preen before settling down for another nap. I noticed that the fledglings now have feathers - a sign that, in a few weeks, they'll reach maturity and fly away.

For these blessings, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, 15 June 2005 - A network TV program worth watching

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a network TV program worth watching: The Contender, NBC's boxing reality show.

I am not big reality show fan, although I willingly watched Project Runway (I am a former fashionista) and the last few episodes of the first season of The Apprentice (I worked in corporate America for 25 years so I've seen it all).

This year, S and I became hooked on The Contender during the show's intial airing. Now, we watch the reruns on CNBC. Ever since I took up boxing to learn the skills and improve my strength and agility, I've been fascinated by the sport, people and culture.

Of course, the show isn't a Mike Tyson three-ring circus - if it were such a silly spectacle, we would never have watched the second episode. Rather, it's a classy affair hosted by Sylvestor Stallone and Sugar Ray Leonard that features 16 middleweight boxers competing for the chance to win $1 million. I have my favorites like Alfonso, Peter, Jesse and the eventual winner, Sergio Mora. I understand that rematches may take place later this year.

For this blessing (of sorts), I am grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, 14 June 2005 - Sudoku

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for Sudoku, a logic puzzle from Japan.

This week, one of the Denver newspapers added the Sudoka to its "break time" feature. As a writer, I am a word person. So, every day I complete at least three crosswords plus Wuzzles and Word Scramble. The games are a fun way to exercise my mind (and hopefully delay the onset of memory loss). After many years of the same old challenges, I liked the idea of trying something new. Well, now I'm addicted to Sudoku.

www.sudoku.com

www.sudoku.org.uk

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Monday, 13 June 2005 - A splash of yellow and red

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a splash of yellow and red.

I've noticed that the spring palette for my main backyard garden is green, blue and purple - kind of boring when you love lots of color. So, this morning, I was delighted to find three golden poppies and several tiny red flowers (don't know the wildflower's name) showing their pretty heads among the purple phlox, blue flax, violas, blue Columbines, blue bachelor's buttons and Rocky Mountain penstemons. The whites and hot pinks are on their way - the large patch of dianthus is getting ready to bloom.

By the way, the four fledglings are doing well. Mama and Papa Finch have been very busy feeding the little guys. Thank goodness for the recent rains - I'm sure the wet ground makes it easier to hunt for worms and grubs. When one of the parents arrives at the nest with food, the little beaks open wide, begging for a snack. (We peer through the front door's peephole to watch the family.)

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, 12 June 2005 - Bald eagle sighting

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for my first sighting of a wild bald eagle.

We've lived in the Rocky Mountain foothills for over 18 years. During our residency, I 've heard many stories about bald eagles nesting nearby. However, I have never seen one. Until today.

This morning, while inspecting my garden for damage from last night's storm, I just happened to look up toward the ridge. Soaring against the clear blue sky was a large bird with an enormous wingspan. I didn't know its name. Then, I saw the white head and curved yellow beak - a bald eagle!

Wild animal sightings convey special messages - it just takes time to decipher and understand the meanings. To me, the eagle is very important - it sits on the right side of my totem. In Medicine Cards, David Carson writes, "Eagle medicine is the power of the Great Spirit, the connection to the Divine. It is the ability to live in the realm of the spirit, and yet remain connected and balanced within the realm of Earth. "

Wow. Perhaps I'm following the right path after all.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, 11 June 2005 - Patience

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for patience. With hope in my heart, I wait patiently for the miracles of the day and of my life to unfold.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, 10 June 2005 - Buckets of rain

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for buckets of rain.

The heavens burst open twice today, sending us torrents of rain and hail pellets to water our lawns and gardens and feed the thirsty water table. This weekend, the wet earth should be very "diggable" - perfect for preparing new homes for the 10 lovely perennials I bought today at Kmart.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, 9 June 2005 - Meaningful work

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for meaningful work.

There are two things worth having: a work that would absorb me and a man to love who would love me. (from An Unknown Woman by Alice Koller - one of my very favorite books).

Yesterday, my husband asked me to work on some projects that require communications expertise. Finally - meaningful work that taps my marketing passions and uses my experience, knowledge and talents. I even get paid for my contributions!

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, 8 June 2005 - The early morning cool

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the early morning cool that precedes the afternoon heat.

As I get older, I tolerate hot weather less and less. T is the same way, preferring to begin our hikes before or just after sunrise. Our blood is still too thick from the cold Colorado winter and, although our household boasts two fit and trim adults and one svelte chocolate Lab, we are just now shedding the last layer of winter fat. T's short but dense fur is clearly a disadvantage. It's not as thick as it was in January. But, although he's been shedding 24x7 since March, he still gets very hot around mid-afternoon and regularly begs for "wet downs" with the garden hose.

Anyway, I will stick to my early to bed and early to rise routine throughout the summer. I want to enjoy my outdoor pursuits in the comfort of the morning's gentle light and refreshing breezes. Now, if only I could convince my husband, S, to begin our weekend hikes early in the day. Unlike me, he is a child of the sun who thrives in summer's intense heat.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, 7 June 2005 - A few more mustard seeds

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a few more mustard seeds as I have many mountains to move.

... if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 NKJV

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Monday, 6 June 2005 - An ordinary day

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for an ordinary day on which I basked in the glorious sunshine, read a few more chapters of a good book (Cinderella Man), wrote for several hours, finished three crossword puzzles, and sipped several glasses of cold organic apple juice. I also noticed that T, our chocolate Labrador retriever, reacted to the hot temperatures by taking one long afternoon nap. That's okay - he's just doing what comes naturally. I read that most adult dogs spend 70% of their day sleeping.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, 5 June 2005 - A "do what we like to do best" morning

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a do what we like to do best morning.

T and I take a short hike on the trail (he's still in rehab for his knee strain so I have to limit his exercise). S leaves at dawn to participate in a local 60 mile bike ride. I read the newspaper before working in the garden where I plant seeds, mulch the plants, and water each plot. T sleeps in the sun, letting the warmth and healing rays settle on his back. I savor a bowl of soy yogurt with almonds, pumpkin seeds, and raspberries. Mama Finch tends her newly-hatched babies in the nest that sits in the Christmas wreath on our front door. Butterflies and honey bees dance among the Phlox, Columbines and Batchelor's Buttons. The Rocky Mountain Penstemons get ready to bloom.

Just a lovely Sunday morning in Colorado - peace, sweet peace.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, 4 June 2005 - The sun's healing light

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the sun's healing light as it bathes my face - a welcomed therapy after a cool morning and afternoon rain shower.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, 3 June 2005 - Kmart's garden shop

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for Kmart's garden shop.

Although I wish I could, I can't afford to buy all my plants from High Country Gardens. That's where Kmart comes in. I visit their garden shop on Fridays to check out the new shipment of perennials. So far, I've had good luck with the plants. Since they cost less than $5 each, my budget is very happy. And, since I love to get my hands dirty and plant new flowers, the new additions keep me happy. My garden, after all, is heaven on earth.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, 2 June 2005 - Mirabilis multifloris

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for Mirabilis multiflorus (Wild Four O'clock), the soon-to-be latest addition to my garden.

I ordered six from my favorite mail order gardening center, High Country Gardens. I chose this plant for several reasons:

• it grows well in our Colorado clay soil
• it's very pretty, bearing hundreds of magental pink flowers when mature
• it's extremely xeric, deer and rabbit resistent (a requirement of any front yard plant when you live in the Rocky Mountain foothills), and loves sun and heat

I think I'll plant three in the front yard, two in the backyard and give one to my neighbor and fellow gardening enthusiast, Kathleen.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, 1 June 2006 - A springtime tradition

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a springtime tradition.

The Air Force Academy graduation day - perfect spring weather marked by clear blue skies, a few white clouds, and the sun's heat tempered by cool breezes. Since we live just south of the Academy, we can watch the Thunderbirds perform their stunts right from our own back yard.

S and I race outside as soon as we hear the roar of the jets as they fly directly overhead. Even T gets into the spirit - prancing around the yard with a miniature red, white and blue basketball in his mouth. When I worked outside the home, my colleagues and I would rush to the windows or parking lot or balcony and turn our eyes skyward to watch the celebration. Work always stopped when the Air Force graduation fly-bys began!

This year, the ceremony feels like a special tribute to those who have died in the Iraq war. Next year, I hope peace will reign anew.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.