Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a chance meeting.
Vicki and I worked together about ten years ago at Digital Equipment Corporation. I was the communications manager for the Americas, and she was the talented graphic designer/desktop publisher who prepared my publications. Although we went our separate ways in 1997, we run into each other at the oddest times.
A few years ago, we ran into each other in the parking lot of a popular strip mall. Today, we met in a grocery aisle at King Soopers. This time, we intend to keep in touch by meeting regularly at a neighborhood coffee shop that's close to our homes. I think we'll both benefit from the renewed friendship.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Thursday, 30 March 2006 - The winds of change
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the winds of change.
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. ~Anatole France
Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be ... If the wind will not serve, take to the oars. ~Latin Proverb
A blustery spring day. A typical March day in Colorado. The bright sunshine deceives me - it's actually quite chilly walking in the park with the northerly winds whipping the trees, playground equipment, T and me.
My heart and soul are restless, ready to fly away on the next gust of wind that sweeps across the neighborhood. My questions abound. Why do I feel this way? What will become of me? Where am I going? No one has the answers - not right now. Not even the chirping finches can distract me from my deep thoughts and troubled daydreams.
"Change is in the air," sings Mr. Finch. I know he's right.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the winds of change.
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. ~Anatole France
Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be ... If the wind will not serve, take to the oars. ~Latin Proverb
A blustery spring day. A typical March day in Colorado. The bright sunshine deceives me - it's actually quite chilly walking in the park with the northerly winds whipping the trees, playground equipment, T and me.
My heart and soul are restless, ready to fly away on the next gust of wind that sweeps across the neighborhood. My questions abound. Why do I feel this way? What will become of me? Where am I going? No one has the answers - not right now. Not even the chirping finches can distract me from my deep thoughts and troubled daydreams.
"Change is in the air," sings Mr. Finch. I know he's right.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Wednesday, 29 March 2006 - A new adventure
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a new adventure.
Risk nothing; go nowhere.
Go nowhere; risk everything. (source unknown)
Behold, I make all things new. Revelations 21:5 (NKJV)
I am ready to take the next required step; the one that will lead me far beyond the familiar and comfortable and predictable.
Strangely, I'm not scared or anxious or fearful. I am, however, expectant and excited. A huge leap of faith. After all, it is spring, the season of growth and transition in the physical world. This year, spring is also updating and transforming me from the inside out.
Nothing can stop me from taking this step. Watch me now. Here I go.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a new adventure.
Risk nothing; go nowhere.
Go nowhere; risk everything. (source unknown)
Behold, I make all things new. Revelations 21:5 (NKJV)
I am ready to take the next required step; the one that will lead me far beyond the familiar and comfortable and predictable.
Strangely, I'm not scared or anxious or fearful. I am, however, expectant and excited. A huge leap of faith. After all, it is spring, the season of growth and transition in the physical world. This year, spring is also updating and transforming me from the inside out.
Nothing can stop me from taking this step. Watch me now. Here I go.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Tuesday, 28 March 2006 - A new place to bloom
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a new place to bloom.
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer
Although I like working from home, I miss being around other people. It's not about loneliness since I prefer solitude and love my independence. It's more about connecting with others, making a difference, touching hearts and developing friendships. I miss hearing about E's children and K's vacation. I miss potluck lunches and office celebrations. I miss seeing what people wear to the office and what colors are in this season. I miss being needed.
I realize that social networks are important. Unfortunately, over the past few years, I've let mine die. I withdrew for good reasons but now I need to plant myself in places where I can bloom anew.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a new place to bloom.
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer
Although I like working from home, I miss being around other people. It's not about loneliness since I prefer solitude and love my independence. It's more about connecting with others, making a difference, touching hearts and developing friendships. I miss hearing about E's children and K's vacation. I miss potluck lunches and office celebrations. I miss seeing what people wear to the office and what colors are in this season. I miss being needed.
I realize that social networks are important. Unfortunately, over the past few years, I've let mine die. I withdrew for good reasons but now I need to plant myself in places where I can bloom anew.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Monday, 27 March 2006 - Surviving
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful that I survived another winter of my discontent.
Refuse to fall down.
If you cannot refuse to fall down,
refuse to stay down.
If you cannot refuse to stay down,
lift your heart toward heaven,
and like a hungry beggar,
ask that it be filled,
and it will be filled.
You may be pushed down.
You may be kept from rising.
But no one can keep you
from lifting your heart
toward heaven--only you.
It is in the middle of misery
that so much becomes clear.
The one who says nothing good
came of this,
is not yet listening.
~Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D., "Refuse to Fall Down"
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful that I survived another winter of my discontent.
Refuse to fall down.
If you cannot refuse to fall down,
refuse to stay down.
If you cannot refuse to stay down,
lift your heart toward heaven,
and like a hungry beggar,
ask that it be filled,
and it will be filled.
You may be pushed down.
You may be kept from rising.
But no one can keep you
from lifting your heart
toward heaven--only you.
It is in the middle of misery
that so much becomes clear.
The one who says nothing good
came of this,
is not yet listening.
~Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D., "Refuse to Fall Down"
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Sunday, 26 March 2006 - Another UCLA victory
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for another UCLA victory (and a trip to the Final Four).
I attended UCLA from 1972-78, earning a BS in '76 and completing two years of graduate studies. My Bruin experience included lots of championship basketball, countless 8-claps, Bill Walton and company, and the final Johnny Wooden years. So, please excuse my great passion for my alma mater and my delight over its recent victories in the NCAA basketball tournament.
Once a Bruin, always a Bruin. Especially when it comes to basketball.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for another UCLA victory (and a trip to the Final Four).
I attended UCLA from 1972-78, earning a BS in '76 and completing two years of graduate studies. My Bruin experience included lots of championship basketball, countless 8-claps, Bill Walton and company, and the final Johnny Wooden years. So, please excuse my great passion for my alma mater and my delight over its recent victories in the NCAA basketball tournament.
Once a Bruin, always a Bruin. Especially when it comes to basketball.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Saturday, 25 March 2006 - Five more minutes
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for five more minutes.
Often, that's all I need to complete one more row of knitting, read the last few pages of chapter X, vacuum the family room, walk another lap around the park with T (if we walk very quickly), say a prayer, finish drying the towels in the dryer, water the plants or ... a million other things.
Just five more minutes, please.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for five more minutes.
Often, that's all I need to complete one more row of knitting, read the last few pages of chapter X, vacuum the family room, walk another lap around the park with T (if we walk very quickly), say a prayer, finish drying the towels in the dryer, water the plants or ... a million other things.
Just five more minutes, please.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Friday, 24 March 2006 - College basketball
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for college basketball, March Madness and another UCLA win.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for college basketball, March Madness and another UCLA win.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Thursday, 23 March 2006 - Safety
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for safety while travelling.
Business travel is a necessity these days, even with online conferencing and other modern telecommunication programs. I know the stresses first hand. During my stint with Compaq, I travelled 50% of the time while managing customer programs in Colorado Springs, Alpharetta, GA and Houston, TX.
My husband, S, has travelled domestically and internationally during the past few years. This month, he's been gone every week. Fortunately, he's experienced no major incidents - only a few delays and one cancelled flight due to poor weather here in Colorado.
I always say extra prayers for his safety when he's travelling. T, our chocolate Lab, is especially glad to see his human dad return home. S's homecoming makes the pack whole again.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for safety while travelling.
Business travel is a necessity these days, even with online conferencing and other modern telecommunication programs. I know the stresses first hand. During my stint with Compaq, I travelled 50% of the time while managing customer programs in Colorado Springs, Alpharetta, GA and Houston, TX.
My husband, S, has travelled domestically and internationally during the past few years. This month, he's been gone every week. Fortunately, he's experienced no major incidents - only a few delays and one cancelled flight due to poor weather here in Colorado.
I always say extra prayers for his safety when he's travelling. T, our chocolate Lab, is especially glad to see his human dad return home. S's homecoming makes the pack whole again.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Wednesday, 22 March 2006 - Earth Day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for Earth Day (every day).
I owe my pro-environment attitudes and actions to the first Earth Day (I was a high school junior living in a smoggy Los Angeles suburb). Earth Day taught me how I could personally contribute to better air quality and the Earth's longevity. Simple things like recycling, planting trees and driving less/walking more.
My one triumph was not driving a car while living in Los Angeles (college and early career years) and Phoenix, AZ. I used public transportation or walked.
My one regret is that, in Colorado Springs where we currently live, I need to drive a car because the very poor public transportation system doesn't service our neighborhood.
My dream is to retire in a "greener" pedestrian/cycling-oriented city or town (hopefully in France or Italy). In such a place, I will blend in with the locals who already walk or ride a bike to get from here to there and back again.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for Earth Day (every day).
I owe my pro-environment attitudes and actions to the first Earth Day (I was a high school junior living in a smoggy Los Angeles suburb). Earth Day taught me how I could personally contribute to better air quality and the Earth's longevity. Simple things like recycling, planting trees and driving less/walking more.
My one triumph was not driving a car while living in Los Angeles (college and early career years) and Phoenix, AZ. I used public transportation or walked.
My one regret is that, in Colorado Springs where we currently live, I need to drive a car because the very poor public transportation system doesn't service our neighborhood.
My dream is to retire in a "greener" pedestrian/cycling-oriented city or town (hopefully in France or Italy). In such a place, I will blend in with the locals who already walk or ride a bike to get from here to there and back again.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Tuesday, 21 March 2006 - Physical work
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for physical work.
The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck! ~Author Unknown
When S is away on business, the task of shovelling snow falls on my shoulders. So, this morning, I spent over an hour clearing layers of thick ice, dense hail and powdery snow from the driveway and sidewalk. T, of course, supervised my work while he played in the drifts and snacked on a canine version of snow cones. I really enjoy the physical work - a far cry from my usual cerebral assignments. Shovelling the snow also helps me get into shape for digging, raking and hoeing the garden.
Note: I will finally consider myself "old" on the day I can no longer clear snow from our property.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for physical work.
The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck! ~Author Unknown
When S is away on business, the task of shovelling snow falls on my shoulders. So, this morning, I spent over an hour clearing layers of thick ice, dense hail and powdery snow from the driveway and sidewalk. T, of course, supervised my work while he played in the drifts and snacked on a canine version of snow cones. I really enjoy the physical work - a far cry from my usual cerebral assignments. Shovelling the snow also helps me get into shape for digging, raking and hoeing the garden.
Note: I will finally consider myself "old" on the day I can no longer clear snow from our property.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Monday, 20 March 2006 - Spring
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the first day of spring.
It's finally here - the first day of spring! At least that's what the calendar says. But, when I survey the snow covered neighborhood, I am positive that a certain someone forgot to tell Mr. Winter that his three months are up and it's time to exit stage left.
Brrrrr. It's very cold outside. I hope my bulbs survive the cold spell. Last Friday, while surveying the front yard garden, I discovered one miniature iris lifting it's delicate yellow head above the brown mulch.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the first day of spring.
It's finally here - the first day of spring! At least that's what the calendar says. But, when I survey the snow covered neighborhood, I am positive that a certain someone forgot to tell Mr. Winter that his three months are up and it's time to exit stage left.
Brrrrr. It's very cold outside. I hope my bulbs survive the cold spell. Last Friday, while surveying the front yard garden, I discovered one miniature iris lifting it's delicate yellow head above the brown mulch.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Sunday, 19 March 2006 - Spring storm
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the spring storm that hit our area this morning.
March's lion has roared into the area in the form of a major late winter storm, blanketing our neighborhood with much needed snow, sleet and hail. As a bonus, we're enjoying a fantastic lightening show narrated by booming thunder and howling winds.
T and I managed to miss the inclement weather during our walks early this morning and around 3 PM this afternoon. Both times, the snow and hail started to fall as soon as we reached home. Good timing, I must say.
Right now, I am very glad to be safe and dry within our home. I just fed T his dinner. I think I'm ready for a cup of hot chocolate.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the spring storm that hit our area this morning.
March's lion has roared into the area in the form of a major late winter storm, blanketing our neighborhood with much needed snow, sleet and hail. As a bonus, we're enjoying a fantastic lightening show narrated by booming thunder and howling winds.
T and I managed to miss the inclement weather during our walks early this morning and around 3 PM this afternoon. Both times, the snow and hail started to fall as soon as we reached home. Good timing, I must say.
Right now, I am very glad to be safe and dry within our home. I just fed T his dinner. I think I'm ready for a cup of hot chocolate.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Saturday, 18 March 2006 - Parents
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my parents who are celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for my parents who are celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Friday, 17 March 2006 - Doggie kisses
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for doggie kisses.
T, our very affectionate chocolate Lab, is a kisser and licker.
"Doggie kisses," I exclaim when I notice the dry, chalky residue on S's sleeve or my just-pressed jeans.
"Doggie kisses," we explain to our neighbors as we scrub the inside of the truck's windows.
"Doggie kisses," I whisper as T's cold, wet nose touches my cheek.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for doggie kisses.
T, our very affectionate chocolate Lab, is a kisser and licker.
"Doggie kisses," I exclaim when I notice the dry, chalky residue on S's sleeve or my just-pressed jeans.
"Doggie kisses," we explain to our neighbors as we scrub the inside of the truck's windows.
"Doggie kisses," I whisper as T's cold, wet nose touches my cheek.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Thursday, 16 March 2006 - Angel whispers
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for angel whispers.
If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk. ~Raymond Inmon
I am uninspired so my writing reflects this nasty state of affairs. To remedy the situation, I'm cleaning - getting rid of the old to make room for the new (and I am not talking about new things).
And, I walk.
Around the park, through the neighborhood, up the hills, along the trail. T, our chocolate Lab, accompanies me on every trek. We're ideal partners even though we walk for different reasons. While he sniffs the trees and bushes and watches for rabbits and squirrels, I pray and think and listen for angel whispers.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for angel whispers.
If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk. ~Raymond Inmon
I am uninspired so my writing reflects this nasty state of affairs. To remedy the situation, I'm cleaning - getting rid of the old to make room for the new (and I am not talking about new things).
And, I walk.
Around the park, through the neighborhood, up the hills, along the trail. T, our chocolate Lab, accompanies me on every trek. We're ideal partners even though we walk for different reasons. While he sniffs the trees and bushes and watches for rabbits and squirrels, I pray and think and listen for angel whispers.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Wednesday, 15 March 2006 - Another birthday
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for another birthday.
Life does not happen to us, it happens from us.
This morning, at 3:42 AM PST, I turned 52. Hooray for me!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for another birthday.
Life does not happen to us, it happens from us.
This morning, at 3:42 AM PST, I turned 52. Hooray for me!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Tuesday, 14 March 2006 - New haircut
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my new haircut and hair color that includes violet, red, bronze and blond highlights on my dark brown tresses.
Tomorrow, I turn 52. To celebrate my birthday, I decided to get a very trendy haircut with bold (but tasteful) highlights. My hairdresser is a talented artist who loves it when I give her almost free reign over my hair. Today, she exceeded my expectations.
Suddenly, I feel 20 years younger and, to my surprise and delight, more arty than intellectual. I also feel like dancing.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for my new haircut and hair color that includes violet, red, bronze and blond highlights on my dark brown tresses.
Tomorrow, I turn 52. To celebrate my birthday, I decided to get a very trendy haircut with bold (but tasteful) highlights. My hairdresser is a talented artist who loves it when I give her almost free reign over my hair. Today, she exceeded my expectations.
Suddenly, I feel 20 years younger and, to my surprise and delight, more arty than intellectual. I also feel like dancing.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Monday, 13 March 2006 - Process Cycle
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the Process Cycle.
I'm cleaning out a file in which I've archived a potpourri of business-related materials. One dog-eared document catches my eye. It's simply titled, Process Cycle.
When I worked for Digital Equipment Corporation during the mid-1990s, we used the Process Cycle to plan meetings and projects. It helped me think through the task at hand and ensured that meetings were focused and results-oriented. Before a meeting, for example, we would send out the Process Cycle so all attendees would know know what to expect and the anticipated results.
I'm glad I found it - will come in handy with some of my current projects. Here it is just in case you're interested or curious. Note that I've edited some of the original sentences to enhance readability.
Process Cycle
(Use to design any new task, meeting, event, product, etc.)
Purpose
State the reason for doing the task in terms of value to the "customer." Provide a high level description of the purpose. This will serve as a framework for guiding process execution.
Results
State the desired outcomes. When the time is up, what do what you want to have accomplished Spell out the intended results. This will help determine whether or not the purpose was served.
Steps
Design the ideal steps to achieving the desired results. List the sequence of actions necessary to produce the results.
Capabilities
These are the "needs" for executing the steps. List the budget, resources, knowledge, skills, type of thinking, tools, preparedness and diversity of people required to execute the steps.
Feedback
Evaluate the task/meeting/event:
- What happened? Why?
- Compare actual versus expected results
- What did you learn?
- What will you change next time to improve the process and results?
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the Process Cycle.
I'm cleaning out a file in which I've archived a potpourri of business-related materials. One dog-eared document catches my eye. It's simply titled, Process Cycle.
When I worked for Digital Equipment Corporation during the mid-1990s, we used the Process Cycle to plan meetings and projects. It helped me think through the task at hand and ensured that meetings were focused and results-oriented. Before a meeting, for example, we would send out the Process Cycle so all attendees would know know what to expect and the anticipated results.
I'm glad I found it - will come in handy with some of my current projects. Here it is just in case you're interested or curious. Note that I've edited some of the original sentences to enhance readability.
Process Cycle
(Use to design any new task, meeting, event, product, etc.)
Purpose
State the reason for doing the task in terms of value to the "customer." Provide a high level description of the purpose. This will serve as a framework for guiding process execution.
Results
State the desired outcomes. When the time is up, what do what you want to have accomplished Spell out the intended results. This will help determine whether or not the purpose was served.
Steps
Design the ideal steps to achieving the desired results. List the sequence of actions necessary to produce the results.
Capabilities
These are the "needs" for executing the steps. List the budget, resources, knowledge, skills, type of thinking, tools, preparedness and diversity of people required to execute the steps.
Feedback
Evaluate the task/meeting/event:
- What happened? Why?
- Compare actual versus expected results
- What did you learn?
- What will you change next time to improve the process and results?
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Sunday, 12 March 2006 - The West Wing
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for The West Wing.
During the last Presidential primary season, a college student who was home on winter break attended one of our local "Wesley Clark for President" meetings. He told us that, at Columbia University, The West Wing was considered weekly therapy for Democrats.
He was right. This favorite television show has been an oasis and refuge for me, my husband and all of our liberal-thinking friends. Each week, it legitimized our way of thinking and nourished our hopes and dreams for our country.
When the series ends this spring, I'll celebrate its wit, insight and unforgettable characters. I'll also pray fervently for a new show to fill its honored place.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for The West Wing.
During the last Presidential primary season, a college student who was home on winter break attended one of our local "Wesley Clark for President" meetings. He told us that, at Columbia University, The West Wing was considered weekly therapy for Democrats.
He was right. This favorite television show has been an oasis and refuge for me, my husband and all of our liberal-thinking friends. Each week, it legitimized our way of thinking and nourished our hopes and dreams for our country.
When the series ends this spring, I'll celebrate its wit, insight and unforgettable characters. I'll also pray fervently for a new show to fill its honored place.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Saturday, 11 March 2006 - Audio books
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for audio books.
They are my literary companions, the loyal "friends" who read to me while I work on various knitting, sewing and beading projects.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for audio books.
They are my literary companions, the loyal "friends" who read to me while I work on various knitting, sewing and beading projects.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Friday, 10 March 2006 - Peace and quiet
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a peaceful and quiet morning.
Apparently, the workers who are turning our beloved trail into a housing development took the day off. Lucky for us. No annoying drone of heavy machinery. No perpetual dust cloud settling on everything. No diesel exhaust polluting the air.
Although I'm relishing the peace and quiet, I know that they are only visiting me on this very cold and breezy morning. By Monday, they will be gone.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a peaceful and quiet morning.
Apparently, the workers who are turning our beloved trail into a housing development took the day off. Lucky for us. No annoying drone of heavy machinery. No perpetual dust cloud settling on everything. No diesel exhaust polluting the air.
Although I'm relishing the peace and quiet, I know that they are only visiting me on this very cold and breezy morning. By Monday, they will be gone.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Thursday, 09 March 2006 - Home
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for our home.
Home is where you find your heart.
I've called many places home. The house in California where I grew up. My UCLA dorm room. Various apartments in West Los Angeles and Phoenix. Two houses in Austin, TX. And, for the past 19 years, our Colorado house.
Photo: Partial view of our house, the Rocky Mountain Front Range that rises behind the neighborhood, and a very blue winter sky. The plants that comprise my xeriscape garden are sleeping beneath the blanket of snow.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Wednesday, 08 March 2006 - Baseball memories
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for baseball memories.
I am watching, Field of Dreams, my favorite baseball movie in honor of Kirby Puckett, one of my all-time favorite players.
As a child growing up in Los Angeles, I learned to live and breathe baseball. Every late spring and summer weekend, my dad listened to the games on his transister radio while he worked in the yard or around the house. In second grade, I instantly became one of the "guys" when I voiced my passion for the LA Dodgers. Our teacher, Mrs. Germinder, was from Pittsburgh and favored the Pirates.
I learned to throw, catch, field, pitch and bat. I also learned the rules of the game and how to keep score. I wrote fan letters to several players including Wally Moon (I still have the postcard he sent me). And, although the boys dreamed of becoming the next Sandy Koufax, I aspired to be a teacher, writer and a Dodger wife. I guess that achieving two out of three isn't too bad. In baseball terms, my success translates to a .667 batting average.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for baseball memories.
I am watching, Field of Dreams, my favorite baseball movie in honor of Kirby Puckett, one of my all-time favorite players.
As a child growing up in Los Angeles, I learned to live and breathe baseball. Every late spring and summer weekend, my dad listened to the games on his transister radio while he worked in the yard or around the house. In second grade, I instantly became one of the "guys" when I voiced my passion for the LA Dodgers. Our teacher, Mrs. Germinder, was from Pittsburgh and favored the Pirates.
I learned to throw, catch, field, pitch and bat. I also learned the rules of the game and how to keep score. I wrote fan letters to several players including Wally Moon (I still have the postcard he sent me). And, although the boys dreamed of becoming the next Sandy Koufax, I aspired to be a teacher, writer and a Dodger wife. I guess that achieving two out of three isn't too bad. In baseball terms, my success translates to a .667 batting average.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Tuesday, 07 March 2006: Kirby Puckett and Dana Reeve
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for two special people: Kirby Puckett and Dana Reeve.
All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated... No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. ~ John Donne
While in Minneapolis to attend a sales conference in 1987, I had the privilege of watching Kirby Puckett play in the "Homer Dome" against the California Angels. I will always remember the announcer's introduction: "Here's Kirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrbyyyyyyyyyy Puckett!" I became an instant Kirby Puckett fan. I also fell in love with the Twins and rooted for them during the 1987 and 1991 World Series (which they won). I am a diehard National League fan so it was quite unusual for me to support an American League team. I was shocked to learn of his stroke and subsequent death. Kirby Puckett was only 45 years old when he died yesterday.
I never met Dana Reeve - just know her because of her famous husband and her work supporting spinal cord injury research and therapies. When Christopher Reeve died in 2004, I felt relief for her since she was liberated in a way and could begin pursuing a different life. Who would have guessed that her life would end less than two years later? She was only 44 when she died yesterday. Someone once told me that God calls you home once you've fulfilled your destiny - an assignment that only you can perform here on earth. I like to think that Dana Reeve's assignment was to teach the definition of these words through her actions: sacrifice, selflessness, courage, duty, dignity, support, unconditional love, hope, faith, for better or worse. Indeed, she stepped into her destiny and completed her assignment in an extraordinary way.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for two special people: Kirby Puckett and Dana Reeve.
All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated... No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. ~ John Donne
While in Minneapolis to attend a sales conference in 1987, I had the privilege of watching Kirby Puckett play in the "Homer Dome" against the California Angels. I will always remember the announcer's introduction: "Here's Kirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrbyyyyyyyyyy Puckett!" I became an instant Kirby Puckett fan. I also fell in love with the Twins and rooted for them during the 1987 and 1991 World Series (which they won). I am a diehard National League fan so it was quite unusual for me to support an American League team. I was shocked to learn of his stroke and subsequent death. Kirby Puckett was only 45 years old when he died yesterday.
I never met Dana Reeve - just know her because of her famous husband and her work supporting spinal cord injury research and therapies. When Christopher Reeve died in 2004, I felt relief for her since she was liberated in a way and could begin pursuing a different life. Who would have guessed that her life would end less than two years later? She was only 44 when she died yesterday. Someone once told me that God calls you home once you've fulfilled your destiny - an assignment that only you can perform here on earth. I like to think that Dana Reeve's assignment was to teach the definition of these words through her actions: sacrifice, selflessness, courage, duty, dignity, support, unconditional love, hope, faith, for better or worse. Indeed, she stepped into her destiny and completed her assignment in an extraordinary way.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Monday, 06 March 2006 - The bluest sky
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the bluest sky.
This morning
I notice how blue is the sky.
Not just any sky blue.
A perfect azure.
The one that sets the standard.
The one that all other blues envy.
A most remarkable blue.
Deeper than Paul Newman's eyes
But just as memorable.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the bluest sky.
This morning
I notice how blue is the sky.
Not just any sky blue.
A perfect azure.
The one that sets the standard.
The one that all other blues envy.
A most remarkable blue.
Deeper than Paul Newman's eyes
But just as memorable.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Sunday, 05 March 2006 - The movies
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the movies.
In my circle of friends, my claim to fame is that I very rarely view a movie during the year in which it is released. Still, despite my lack of first hand knowledge of the nominees, the Academy Awards ceremony captivates me. I guess it's because I grew up with the movies (no Internet or video games existed during my childhood). No wonder my favorites include classics from the 1930s and 1940s.
Yes, I am the 20-something person who sobbed uncontrollably at the theater when I thought ET was dying. Yes, I am the young girl who pretended to be Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, awaiting rescue in the wicked witch's castle. Yes, I am the UCLA coed who watched movie classics with her dorm roommate into the wee hours of the morning. And, yes, I am the best friend of Forrest (Forrest Gump), Carl (Sling Blade) and Truman (The Truman Show).
Ahhh, the movies. Yes, the movies. Always, the movies.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the movies.
In my circle of friends, my claim to fame is that I very rarely view a movie during the year in which it is released. Still, despite my lack of first hand knowledge of the nominees, the Academy Awards ceremony captivates me. I guess it's because I grew up with the movies (no Internet or video games existed during my childhood). No wonder my favorites include classics from the 1930s and 1940s.
Yes, I am the 20-something person who sobbed uncontrollably at the theater when I thought ET was dying. Yes, I am the young girl who pretended to be Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, awaiting rescue in the wicked witch's castle. Yes, I am the UCLA coed who watched movie classics with her dorm roommate into the wee hours of the morning. And, yes, I am the best friend of Forrest (Forrest Gump), Carl (Sling Blade) and Truman (The Truman Show).
Ahhh, the movies. Yes, the movies. Always, the movies.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Saturday, 04 March 2006 - Daydreams
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for daydreams.
A daydream is a meal at which images are eaten. Some of us are gourmets, some gourmands, and a good many take their images precooked out of a can and swallow them down whole, absent-mindedly and with little relish. ~W.H. Auden
I'm lost in a daydream as T and I circle the park for the nth time (I can't remember what lap we're on because I'm not paying attention). Sometimes, we return home and I can't recall anything specific about our walk or the park or the people we passed. Perhaps middle age has hijacked my mind, leading me to places far beyond the next mountain pass so I can find the seed of a poem or a fascinating plot for a story.
You can call me absent-minded or preoccupied or indifferent. Just don't accuse me of having no imagination or creativity or passion. I probably won't hear you anyway. I'm a million miles away, lost in a daydream.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for daydreams.
A daydream is a meal at which images are eaten. Some of us are gourmets, some gourmands, and a good many take their images precooked out of a can and swallow them down whole, absent-mindedly and with little relish. ~W.H. Auden
I'm lost in a daydream as T and I circle the park for the nth time (I can't remember what lap we're on because I'm not paying attention). Sometimes, we return home and I can't recall anything specific about our walk or the park or the people we passed. Perhaps middle age has hijacked my mind, leading me to places far beyond the next mountain pass so I can find the seed of a poem or a fascinating plot for a story.
You can call me absent-minded or preoccupied or indifferent. Just don't accuse me of having no imagination or creativity or passion. I probably won't hear you anyway. I'm a million miles away, lost in a daydream.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Friday, 03 March 2006 - Sure signs of spring
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for sure signs of spring.
Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. ~ Lewis Grizzard
On our way to the park, T and I notice that the birds have returned in full force. Finches, sparrows, blue jays and robins chirp loudly while completing their morning chores.
We're all awaiting Mother Nature's artistry - her bold and magnificent brushstrokes that will soon transform dreary winter browns into lively spring greens. I can hardly wait to see this year's masterpiece.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for sure signs of spring.
Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. ~ Lewis Grizzard
On our way to the park, T and I notice that the birds have returned in full force. Finches, sparrows, blue jays and robins chirp loudly while completing their morning chores.
We're all awaiting Mother Nature's artistry - her bold and magnificent brushstrokes that will soon transform dreary winter browns into lively spring greens. I can hardly wait to see this year's masterpiece.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Thursday, 02 March 2006 - Electricity
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for electricity.
The electric light has caused me the greatest amount of study and has required the most elaborate experiments.... Although I was never myself discouraged or hopeless of its success, I can not say the same for my associates.... ~ Thomas Edison
A blackout ended a few minutes ago. Whenever the lights go out without warning, I remember how dependent I am on electricity. We usually scramble for flashlights (batteries dead) and candles (can't find the matches). Anyway, the lights are back on and everything is back to normal.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for electricity.
The electric light has caused me the greatest amount of study and has required the most elaborate experiments.... Although I was never myself discouraged or hopeless of its success, I can not say the same for my associates.... ~ Thomas Edison
A blackout ended a few minutes ago. Whenever the lights go out without warning, I remember how dependent I am on electricity. We usually scramble for flashlights (batteries dead) and candles (can't find the matches). Anyway, the lights are back on and everything is back to normal.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Wednesday, 01 March 2006 - March
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the month of March.
For me, March celebrates important events including my birthday (the Ides of March), my parent's wedding anniversary (March 18), St. Patrick's Day (March 17), the anniversary of the date on which we closed on our house (March 9) and the first day of spring (March 20). March is also Women's History Month.
In Colorado, March and April are historically the snowiest months along the Front Range so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get lots of spring snow (it'll be the heavy wet kind that's good for my garden). I won't plant anything in the garden until after the last hard frost (usually in April) but I will order new plants and fertilizer this month. The Goji berry bushes I ordered in December should arrive in early April. I'll plant them in pots initially before transplanting them in May after determining their perfect place in the backyard.
Speaking of spring ... I noticed a finch couple investigating potential nesting sites in one of the pine trees in our front yard. The past two years, a finch couple decided that the wreath on our front door was the perfect site for a nest. I hope they decide to return for a third year.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the month of March.
For me, March celebrates important events including my birthday (the Ides of March), my parent's wedding anniversary (March 18), St. Patrick's Day (March 17), the anniversary of the date on which we closed on our house (March 9) and the first day of spring (March 20). March is also Women's History Month.
In Colorado, March and April are historically the snowiest months along the Front Range so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get lots of spring snow (it'll be the heavy wet kind that's good for my garden). I won't plant anything in the garden until after the last hard frost (usually in April) but I will order new plants and fertilizer this month. The Goji berry bushes I ordered in December should arrive in early April. I'll plant them in pots initially before transplanting them in May after determining their perfect place in the backyard.
Speaking of spring ... I noticed a finch couple investigating potential nesting sites in one of the pine trees in our front yard. The past two years, a finch couple decided that the wreath on our front door was the perfect site for a nest. I hope they decide to return for a third year.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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