Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for fresh basil leaves straight from my indoor herb garden.
A week before autumn's first hard freeze, I decided to bring the potted basil plants indoors for the winter along with the scented geraniums. At first, I wasn't sure that basil would thrive past October since they're considered annuals. To my surprise, they're doing quite well. After a few weeks, the plants acclimated to their winter home in the lower family room where they sit in front of the west facing sliding glass door and bask in the afternoon sunshine.
I am thrilled to have a fresh herb to use in my cold weather culinary creations. I harvest a handful of basil whenever I cook, adding the fragrant leaves to favorite savory dishes.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday, 29 November 2007 - Nine deer
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for nine deer.
S, T and I are tired after completing our truly last climbing adventure this month. This time, we climbd five minutes from home at the Ute Valley bouldering area.
It's just after 4 PM. The sun has already set behind Pikes Peak. As S turns into the neighborhood, we see them immediately on the north side of the street: a herd of nine deer wandering from front yard to front yard in search of dinner.
I'm awed at the sight of the nine deer, but shouldn't be. I tend to forget that, in the Rocky Mountain foothills, the deer and other wild creatures are our neighbors. Their visits, especially during the colder winter and spring months when food is scarce, are reminders that we humans are the real intruders. The deer, coyotes, racoons, bears, mountain lions, foxes, rabbits, eagles, snakes and other wild fauna were here first.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for nine deer.
S, T and I are tired after completing our truly last climbing adventure this month. This time, we climbd five minutes from home at the Ute Valley bouldering area.
It's just after 4 PM. The sun has already set behind Pikes Peak. As S turns into the neighborhood, we see them immediately on the north side of the street: a herd of nine deer wandering from front yard to front yard in search of dinner.
I'm awed at the sight of the nine deer, but shouldn't be. I tend to forget that, in the Rocky Mountain foothills, the deer and other wild creatures are our neighbors. Their visits, especially during the colder winter and spring months when food is scarce, are reminders that we humans are the real intruders. The deer, coyotes, racoons, bears, mountain lions, foxes, rabbits, eagles, snakes and other wild fauna were here first.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Wednesday, 28 November 2007 - Great customer service
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for great customer service.
Rule #1: Use your good judgment in all situations.
There will be no additional rules.
~Nordstrom's Employee Handbook
When I worked in human resources, the above quote - real or not - circulated widely. Those were the good old days when management vigorously promoted employee empowerment. Recently, after talking to friends who still work in Corporate America, I realized that employee empowerment is passe. So, this week, I was pleased to discover that in one company, employee empowerment is still alive and kicking.
The gentleman I dealt with on Monday did not work for Nordstrom's. But, in the spirit of a Nordstrom's employee, he promptly took care of the problem I had with knitting needles I purchased online last January. It's a long story that I won't repeat here. In a nutshell, I bought the needles, put them away because I didn't need to use them right away, decided to try them out last Saturday, discovered a fatal flaw in each pair, contacted the customer service department on Monday and received the replacements today. No questions asked. No need for me to return the flawed needles. Talk about great customer service.
By the way, the knitting needles are the #17 and #19 additions to the basic Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needle Kit at http://www.knitdenise.com/. I own two basic kits and use them for nearly all of my knitting projects. I highly recommend the knitting needles and the company.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for great customer service.
Rule #1: Use your good judgment in all situations.
There will be no additional rules.
~Nordstrom's Employee Handbook
When I worked in human resources, the above quote - real or not - circulated widely. Those were the good old days when management vigorously promoted employee empowerment. Recently, after talking to friends who still work in Corporate America, I realized that employee empowerment is passe. So, this week, I was pleased to discover that in one company, employee empowerment is still alive and kicking.
The gentleman I dealt with on Monday did not work for Nordstrom's. But, in the spirit of a Nordstrom's employee, he promptly took care of the problem I had with knitting needles I purchased online last January. It's a long story that I won't repeat here. In a nutshell, I bought the needles, put them away because I didn't need to use them right away, decided to try them out last Saturday, discovered a fatal flaw in each pair, contacted the customer service department on Monday and received the replacements today. No questions asked. No need for me to return the flawed needles. Talk about great customer service.
By the way, the knitting needles are the #17 and #19 additions to the basic Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needle Kit at http://www.knitdenise.com/. I own two basic kits and use them for nearly all of my knitting projects. I highly recommend the knitting needles and the company.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday, 27 November 2007 - One more climbing adventure
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one more climbing adventure this month.
Cooler weather settled in our region just before Thanksgiving. I don't think it intends to leave until spring. Still, if the air temperature is at least 45 degrees F and the winds are calm, we can usually manage a few hours of climbing at Red Rock Canyon. Our main concern is staying warm while belaying the climber.
Also, when winter arrives, our goal changes from climbing at least once a week to climbing once a month. I admit that I have never climbed in a climbing gym. But, if we have an exceptionally snowy or cold winter, I concede that we may have to climb indoors for a few weeks to keep our climbing streak intact.
Early this morning, we awake knowing that, in a few hours, we would embark on our last November climbing adventure. Another cold front is due tonight.
Before leaving the house, we finish our A-priority business tasks. Then, S, T and I load our gear into the truck and head for Red Rock Canyon with high hopes for a great day on the rocks.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one more climbing adventure this month.
Cooler weather settled in our region just before Thanksgiving. I don't think it intends to leave until spring. Still, if the air temperature is at least 45 degrees F and the winds are calm, we can usually manage a few hours of climbing at Red Rock Canyon. Our main concern is staying warm while belaying the climber.
Also, when winter arrives, our goal changes from climbing at least once a week to climbing once a month. I admit that I have never climbed in a climbing gym. But, if we have an exceptionally snowy or cold winter, I concede that we may have to climb indoors for a few weeks to keep our climbing streak intact.
Early this morning, we awake knowing that, in a few hours, we would embark on our last November climbing adventure. Another cold front is due tonight.
Before leaving the house, we finish our A-priority business tasks. Then, S, T and I load our gear into the truck and head for Red Rock Canyon with high hopes for a great day on the rocks.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Monday, 26 November 2007 - An unexpected invitation
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an unexpected invitation.
My husband's former manager and still good friend called tonight. But, she wanted to speak to me not S. Of course, I was surprised until I learned the purpose of her call. She called to invite me to speak in January to her women's networking group on the subject of journaling.
Here's the history behind her call. A few months ago, she invited S and I to a house meeting to meet our Colorado legislators. I always like to take a host/hostess gift so I gave her a copy of my self-published book, A Year of Living Gratefully. The book contains favorite entries from the first year of this blog. The next day, she left me a gracious voice mail message, thanking me for the book. She said that once she started reading it, she just couldn't put it down. So, when her networking group decided on the program topics for its 2008 meetings, she thought of me and my grateful journal.
Of course I said yes. Although I am not an expert, I do have extensive journal writing experience. So, here's hoping I will develop an engaging presentation that will inspire many of the 60-80 attendees to start documenting their lives in journals.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an unexpected invitation.
My husband's former manager and still good friend called tonight. But, she wanted to speak to me not S. Of course, I was surprised until I learned the purpose of her call. She called to invite me to speak in January to her women's networking group on the subject of journaling.
Here's the history behind her call. A few months ago, she invited S and I to a house meeting to meet our Colorado legislators. I always like to take a host/hostess gift so I gave her a copy of my self-published book, A Year of Living Gratefully. The book contains favorite entries from the first year of this blog. The next day, she left me a gracious voice mail message, thanking me for the book. She said that once she started reading it, she just couldn't put it down. So, when her networking group decided on the program topics for its 2008 meetings, she thought of me and my grateful journal.
Of course I said yes. Although I am not an expert, I do have extensive journal writing experience. So, here's hoping I will develop an engaging presentation that will inspire many of the 60-80 attendees to start documenting their lives in journals.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Sunday, 25 November 2007 - Writing lessons
Dear God: 
Today, I am thankful for writing lessons.
There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein. ~Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith
Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.
~Gene Fowler
The story I am writing exists, written in absolutely perfect fashion, some place, in the air. All I must do is find it, and copy it. ~Jules Renard
On October 29, when I registered for the National Novel Writing Month(NaNoWriMo) challenge, I honestly did not believe that I could write 50,000 words in 30 days. My writing claim to fame is poetry. In fact, the poem for which I placed second in a national contest last summer consists of three Haiku for a total of 40 words (43 if you include the title). I think I wrote the poem in about 15 minutes. So, you can see how writing 50,000 words in 30 days intimidated me.
Then, November 1 arrived. I started writing. I had no idea what I was doing.
A NaNoWriMo veteran sent me an email, exhorting newbies like myself to write our 1700 word daily quota like our lives depended on it - no excuses allowed. The veteran said that it would take about two weeks for me to develop a rhythm. Then, I will find a story and a voice to tell it.
Well, that is exactly what happened to me. About half-way through the challenge, when I was a woeful 10,000+ words behind schedule and suffering from writer's block, I discovered my main charactor. To my delight, she had a compelling story to tell. So, instead of telling my story, I began to write hers. The light bulb went off. A serendipity. So that's one of the secrets of novel writing - to tell the character's story, not mine.
The writing came easily when I let my main charactor speak. 4,000 words a day - no problem. I reached the magic 50,000 word mark a week early. A good thing for S and T since I have other important things to do like grocery shopping, cooking, house cleaning and laundry. So, in my spare time, I continue to work on my novel. I plan to reach 60,000 words by November 30.
During my writing career, I have claimed several titles including poet, essayist, blogger, ghost writer and editor but never novelist. Now, I will gladly accept it after I finish writing my first novel. Novelist. It's a title that I am earning the hard way - by doing the painstaking work of crafting a story, sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph, chapter by chapter.
Will I complete the NaMoWriMo challenge again? I think so. Now that I've been through it once, I will be better prepared next time for the 30-day roller coaster ride. I also know that, when I'm forced to write under heavy deadline pressure, my writing and writing strategies improve by leaps and bounds.
Finally, writing is my passion. Challenge or no challenge, I will write anyway. For me, writing is not a competition, but a journey.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for writing lessons.
There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein. ~Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith
Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.
~Gene Fowler
The story I am writing exists, written in absolutely perfect fashion, some place, in the air. All I must do is find it, and copy it. ~Jules Renard
On October 29, when I registered for the National Novel Writing Month(NaNoWriMo) challenge, I honestly did not believe that I could write 50,000 words in 30 days. My writing claim to fame is poetry. In fact, the poem for which I placed second in a national contest last summer consists of three Haiku for a total of 40 words (43 if you include the title). I think I wrote the poem in about 15 minutes. So, you can see how writing 50,000 words in 30 days intimidated me.
Then, November 1 arrived. I started writing. I had no idea what I was doing.
A NaNoWriMo veteran sent me an email, exhorting newbies like myself to write our 1700 word daily quota like our lives depended on it - no excuses allowed. The veteran said that it would take about two weeks for me to develop a rhythm. Then, I will find a story and a voice to tell it.
Well, that is exactly what happened to me. About half-way through the challenge, when I was a woeful 10,000+ words behind schedule and suffering from writer's block, I discovered my main charactor. To my delight, she had a compelling story to tell. So, instead of telling my story, I began to write hers. The light bulb went off. A serendipity. So that's one of the secrets of novel writing - to tell the character's story, not mine.
The writing came easily when I let my main charactor speak. 4,000 words a day - no problem. I reached the magic 50,000 word mark a week early. A good thing for S and T since I have other important things to do like grocery shopping, cooking, house cleaning and laundry. So, in my spare time, I continue to work on my novel. I plan to reach 60,000 words by November 30.
During my writing career, I have claimed several titles including poet, essayist, blogger, ghost writer and editor but never novelist. Now, I will gladly accept it after I finish writing my first novel. Novelist. It's a title that I am earning the hard way - by doing the painstaking work of crafting a story, sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph, chapter by chapter.
Will I complete the NaMoWriMo challenge again? I think so. Now that I've been through it once, I will be better prepared next time for the 30-day roller coaster ride. I also know that, when I'm forced to write under heavy deadline pressure, my writing and writing strategies improve by leaps and bounds.
Finally, writing is my passion. Challenge or no challenge, I will write anyway. For me, writing is not a competition, but a journey.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Saturday, 24 November 2007 - 50,000 words
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for 50,000 words.
Write the wrongs that are done to you in sand, but write the good things that happen to you on a piece of marble. ~Arabic proverb
I won't receive official acknowledgement until tomorrow when the official word counter is up and running on the National Novel Writing Month site http://www.nanowrimo.org/. My unofficial word count exceeds 50,000 so, unless the notorious word gremlins delete entire paragraphs from my manuscript tonight, I plan to join other writers in the "winner's circle" beginning Sunday.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for 50,000 words.
Write the wrongs that are done to you in sand, but write the good things that happen to you on a piece of marble. ~Arabic proverb
I won't receive official acknowledgement until tomorrow when the official word counter is up and running on the National Novel Writing Month site http://www.nanowrimo.org/. My unofficial word count exceeds 50,000 so, unless the notorious word gremlins delete entire paragraphs from my manuscript tonight, I plan to join other writers in the "winner's circle" beginning Sunday.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Friday, 23 November 2007 - Black Friday
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for Black Friday.
In the spirit of Black Friday, I don't shop or buy a single thing on the day or weekend after Thanksgiving. This morning, a few stores opened at the erstwhile unheard of hour of 4 AM (thank you very much Kohls and Penneys - I definitely won't contribute to your bottomline this year). Anyway, it is so cold outside, I can't muster the courage to take T for a walk in the park. I'll let S have the honors this afternoon. Poor T. He's suffering from cabin fever.
BTW. I spent the afternoon working on my 50,000 word novel for the National Novel Writing Month challenge. I now have less than 3,000 words to go. I hope to reach 50,000 words tomorrow. I read a few posts on the regional message board and learned that my Colorado Springs team is battling the Fort Collins writers on total wordcount - obviously a friendly and informal competition. When I checked a few minutes ago, Colorado Springs was winning.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for Black Friday.
In the spirit of Black Friday, I don't shop or buy a single thing on the day or weekend after Thanksgiving. This morning, a few stores opened at the erstwhile unheard of hour of 4 AM (thank you very much Kohls and Penneys - I definitely won't contribute to your bottomline this year). Anyway, it is so cold outside, I can't muster the courage to take T for a walk in the park. I'll let S have the honors this afternoon. Poor T. He's suffering from cabin fever.
BTW. I spent the afternoon working on my 50,000 word novel for the National Novel Writing Month challenge. I now have less than 3,000 words to go. I hope to reach 50,000 words tomorrow. I read a few posts on the regional message board and learned that my Colorado Springs team is battling the Fort Collins writers on total wordcount - obviously a friendly and informal competition. When I checked a few minutes ago, Colorado Springs was winning.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thursday, 22 November 2007 - Thanksgiving
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a special thanksgiving.
Oh Lord, help me serve others with a generous and nonjudgmental heart so that I may be worthy of a stranger's blessing.
About a year ago, a woman posted a short message on the local freecycle message board to which I subscribe. She was desperate for help for her family during the holidays. After we exchanged a few emails, I sent her a check. After she received the check, she sent me a gracious thank you note. Then, we simply went on with our lives.
So, this afternoon, I was quite surprised and humbled to read this email message:
Greetings, I have never forgotten the kindness you did for my family last year; as we give thanks today, I am thankful for kind hearted people like yourself - you are a rare find. I hope this message finds you and your family firmly planted in the hold of our higher power and receiving all the blessings due you. Happy Thanksgiving and Be Blessed, Sincerely The J-S Family
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a special thanksgiving.
Oh Lord, help me serve others with a generous and nonjudgmental heart so that I may be worthy of a stranger's blessing.
About a year ago, a woman posted a short message on the local freecycle message board to which I subscribe. She was desperate for help for her family during the holidays. After we exchanged a few emails, I sent her a check. After she received the check, she sent me a gracious thank you note. Then, we simply went on with our lives.
So, this afternoon, I was quite surprised and humbled to read this email message:
Greetings, I have never forgotten the kindness you did for my family last year; as we give thanks today, I am thankful for kind hearted people like yourself - you are a rare find. I hope this message finds you and your family firmly planted in the hold of our higher power and receiving all the blessings due you. Happy Thanksgiving and Be Blessed, Sincerely The J-S Family
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Wednesday, 21 November 2007 - Good writing weather
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for good writing weather.
Early this morning, a bitterly cold arctic front dumped about two inches of snow on the neighborhood. Brrrr. The day's high won't even reach freezing. It's definitely an indoor day for S and me. T is the only one who wants to venture outside. We let him race around the backyard and romp in the shallow snowdrifts near the fence. I'm glad that I finished my Thanksgiving shopping yesterday.
Regarding my novel: With less than 8,000 words to go, I'm very close to reaching the 50,000 word goal set by the National Novel Writing Month challenge. I hope to finish by this weekend. No, my novel won't be publishable in its current form so no one but me will ever read it. Besides, I've made too many story transitions and changed the main character twice. Yes, I have created the foundation for a real novel so I guess I can almost call myself a novelist.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for good writing weather.
Early this morning, a bitterly cold arctic front dumped about two inches of snow on the neighborhood. Brrrr. The day's high won't even reach freezing. It's definitely an indoor day for S and me. T is the only one who wants to venture outside. We let him race around the backyard and romp in the shallow snowdrifts near the fence. I'm glad that I finished my Thanksgiving shopping yesterday.
Regarding my novel: With less than 8,000 words to go, I'm very close to reaching the 50,000 word goal set by the National Novel Writing Month challenge. I hope to finish by this weekend. No, my novel won't be publishable in its current form so no one but me will ever read it. Besides, I've made too many story transitions and changed the main character twice. Yes, I have created the foundation for a real novel so I guess I can almost call myself a novelist.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tuesday, 20 November 2007 - One turkey
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one turkey.
When the local meat market called yesterday to inform me that there might be a problem with my turkey order, my heart sunk. What would Thanksgiving be without an organic Wisdom turkey?
The problem was serious. Apparently, when Wisdom began processing the meat market's order, it discovered 50 missing turkeys. These were the large ones, over 20 pounds in final weight. And, I always order a Wisdom turkey in the 22-25 pound range.
I was rather embarrassed when the sales person asked me how many people I needed to feed. I told her two. Then, I felt that I needed to explain further.
"Well," I continued, "the meal is mainly for my husband. My dog and I eat a little. I freeze a lot, too." I think she understood and told me she would put my name on the largest turkey in the store.
To make a long story short since I'm saving as many words as I can for my novel, the meat market found a turkey weighing close to 22 pounds for yours truly. I picked it up this morning.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one turkey.
When the local meat market called yesterday to inform me that there might be a problem with my turkey order, my heart sunk. What would Thanksgiving be without an organic Wisdom turkey?
The problem was serious. Apparently, when Wisdom began processing the meat market's order, it discovered 50 missing turkeys. These were the large ones, over 20 pounds in final weight. And, I always order a Wisdom turkey in the 22-25 pound range.
I was rather embarrassed when the sales person asked me how many people I needed to feed. I told her two. Then, I felt that I needed to explain further.
"Well," I continued, "the meal is mainly for my husband. My dog and I eat a little. I freeze a lot, too." I think she understood and told me she would put my name on the largest turkey in the store.
To make a long story short since I'm saving as many words as I can for my novel, the meat market found a turkey weighing close to 22 pounds for yours truly. I picked it up this morning.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday, 19 November 2007 - A new voice
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a new voice.
My novel has a new voice. The voice belongs to a 10-year-old girl growing up in a small mountain village in Colorado. She just popped into my head as I began today's writing session. And yes, I see a lot of me in her.
I'm really glad I found her (or, maybe she found me). She has a strong and lively voice. Because of her, my novel is now over 34,000 words. I feel that I will make the 50,000-word goal easily.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a new voice.
My novel has a new voice. The voice belongs to a 10-year-old girl growing up in a small mountain village in Colorado. She just popped into my head as I began today's writing session. And yes, I see a lot of me in her.
I'm really glad I found her (or, maybe she found me). She has a strong and lively voice. Because of her, my novel is now over 34,000 words. I feel that I will make the 50,000-word goal easily.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Sunday, 18 November 2007 - Something to say
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for something to say. Just in time, too. I was beginning to feel the onset of writer's block again. By the way, my novel is now over 30,000 words long - less than 20,000 to go!
Writing comes more easily if you have something to say. ~Sholem Asch
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for something to say. Just in time, too. I was beginning to feel the onset of writer's block again. By the way, my novel is now over 30,000 words long - less than 20,000 to go!
Writing comes more easily if you have something to say. ~Sholem Asch
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Saturday, 17 November 2007 - 27,444 words
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for 27,444 words - the current length of my novel. I feel more confident than I did a few days ago that I will reach the magic 50,000-word mark by November 30.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for 27,444 words - the current length of my novel. I feel more confident than I did a few days ago that I will reach the magic 50,000-word mark by November 30.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Friday, 16 November 2007 - Perfect climbing day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a perfect climbing day.
I'm suffering from the early holiday blues so we took the afternoon off and headed to Red Rock Canyon for a few hours of climbing. The weather cooperated, blessing us with warm temperatures, clear blue skies and calm winds. S and I have yet to attempt one last route on the Solar Slab - the difficult 5.11. We thought about trying it but S was a bit stiff from his hard Wednesday workout. We still hope to climb the 5.11 before winter weather settles in the region. We think that Sunday will be our next best chance at achieving this goal.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a perfect climbing day.
I'm suffering from the early holiday blues so we took the afternoon off and headed to Red Rock Canyon for a few hours of climbing. The weather cooperated, blessing us with warm temperatures, clear blue skies and calm winds. S and I have yet to attempt one last route on the Solar Slab - the difficult 5.11. We thought about trying it but S was a bit stiff from his hard Wednesday workout. We still hope to climb the 5.11 before winter weather settles in the region. We think that Sunday will be our next best chance at achieving this goal.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday, 15 November 2007 - Two things
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for two things: my niece, Elizabeth, and Project Runway.
1. My niece, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was was born on November 15, 1990. Sadly, she died from a rare congenital syndrome a few weeks before her third birthday. She would have been 17 today, a young lady and a senior in high school thinking about college applications and what to wear on her next date. I usually remember her on the anniversary of her death and tend to forget her birthday. This year is different.
2. Project Runway, Season 4.
S cancelled our cable TV subscription earlier this year - we were watching way too much television. I can't watch the actual Project Runway program as it airs - a real tragedy for me since I love fashion and sew much of my personal wardrobe. So, I'm following the designers and their exploits on the Project Runway website. And, yes, Tim Gunn is still my favorite mentor/critic.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for two things: my niece, Elizabeth, and Project Runway.
1. My niece, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was was born on November 15, 1990. Sadly, she died from a rare congenital syndrome a few weeks before her third birthday. She would have been 17 today, a young lady and a senior in high school thinking about college applications and what to wear on her next date. I usually remember her on the anniversary of her death and tend to forget her birthday. This year is different.
2. Project Runway, Season 4.
S cancelled our cable TV subscription earlier this year - we were watching way too much television. I can't watch the actual Project Runway program as it airs - a real tragedy for me since I love fashion and sew much of my personal wardrobe. So, I'm following the designers and their exploits on the Project Runway website. And, yes, Tim Gunn is still my favorite mentor/critic.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Wednesday, 14 November 2007 - 5,000+ words
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for 5,000+ words.
I am woefully behind schedule on my 50,000 word novel. I could list the reasons why, but that would be a waste of precious words.
Today, I wrote for hours to try and catch up. 5,000+ words later, I'm feeling much better. The rules remind me that quantity not quality will win the day. I am still behind in my word count but plan to make up the difference a little bit at a time for the remaining days of the challenge. Writing a novel in 30 days is really hard work!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for 5,000+ words.
I am woefully behind schedule on my 50,000 word novel. I could list the reasons why, but that would be a waste of precious words.
Today, I wrote for hours to try and catch up. 5,000+ words later, I'm feeling much better. The rules remind me that quantity not quality will win the day. I am still behind in my word count but plan to make up the difference a little bit at a time for the remaining days of the challenge. Writing a novel in 30 days is really hard work!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Tuesday, 13 November 2007 - Just one reason
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for just one reason to get up in the morning.
You ask of my companions. Hills, sir, and the sundown, and a dog as large as myself that my father bought me. They are better than human beings, because they know but do not tell. ~Emily Dickinson
A morning person, I normally don't have any problems getting out of bed and starting the day. For some reason, holiday depression is already knocking at the door, having arrived early for her annual visit. I don't want to let her in. If she gets in, December will be unbearable for me and those around me. Anyway, finding one thing to help me start my morning will help keep holiday depression at bay.
Thank goodness for T. His cold nose tells me that he needs something from me. Right now. Like a walk. Or a hug. Time for me to get out of bed and begin the day.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for just one reason to get up in the morning.
You ask of my companions. Hills, sir, and the sundown, and a dog as large as myself that my father bought me. They are better than human beings, because they know but do not tell. ~Emily Dickinson
A morning person, I normally don't have any problems getting out of bed and starting the day. For some reason, holiday depression is already knocking at the door, having arrived early for her annual visit. I don't want to let her in. If she gets in, December will be unbearable for me and those around me. Anyway, finding one thing to help me start my morning will help keep holiday depression at bay.
Thank goodness for T. His cold nose tells me that he needs something from me. Right now. Like a walk. Or a hug. Time for me to get out of bed and begin the day.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Monday, 12 November 2007 - Teenagers
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for teenagers, especially the young men living in our neighborhood. S and I take very seriously our responsibility to listen to their concerns, encourage their efforts, applaud their achievements and help shape their journeys to adulthood.
Whether or not you have children yourself, you are a parent to the next generation. ~Charlotte Davis Kasl, Finding Joy, 1994
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for teenagers, especially the young men living in our neighborhood. S and I take very seriously our responsibility to listen to their concerns, encourage their efforts, applaud their achievements and help shape their journeys to adulthood.
Whether or not you have children yourself, you are a parent to the next generation. ~Charlotte Davis Kasl, Finding Joy, 1994
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Sunday, 11 November 2007 - Veterans Day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for America's veterans - for their courage and sacrifice in the name of peace, justice and freedom.
To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations. ~President Woodruff Wilson
Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America , do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 , as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.
~President Dwight D. Eisenhower
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for America's veterans - for their courage and sacrifice in the name of peace, justice and freedom.
To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations. ~President Woodruff Wilson
~President Dwight D. Eisenhower
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Saturday, 10 November 2007 - Stamina
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for stamina.
Our climbing adventure went somewhat awry today. We decide to visit the Coyote Wall, the southern most climbing area in Red Rock Canyon. The hike to the Coyote Wall has two uphill sections that test our fitness. Our packs are heavy - S and I each carry at least a gallon of water. Mine usually weighs about 25 pounds - I only weigh 107 pounds. S's pack weighs much more since he carries the gear and the rope. About half way up the second uphill, we step off the groomed trail and follow game trails to the climbing area.
Earlier in the year, we scouted the area but didn't realize that the better climbs on the left require the belayer to stand on the rock. As we approach the base of the climbs, T slips and refuses to step onto the rock. So, we reluctantly decide to try the routes on the right.
Despite S's successful lead, we must abandon the first climb. It turns out that we need two ropes - we only brought the 70 meter rope and the route is about 140 feet, ground up. So, 2.5 hours into our adventure, S pulls the rope. Then, we pack our gear and head northward to the Solar Slab.
The Solar Slab is one of our favorite walls so we're not disappointed by the change in venue. According to our records, we have not yet attempted two routes - a 5.11 and a 5.10. Since it's getting late, we decide to climb the 5.10. Despite the cold, we both climb very well and happily cross the 5.10 route off of our to do list. We'll try the 5.11 next time.
Anyway, nearly 6.5 hours later, we pack up. It's getting dark and colder. We don warm clothes. Our packs are much lighter thanks to the empty water bottles. T happily leads us down the main trail, stopping here and there to check out a good sniff. We're tired and thankful for the downhill path.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for stamina.
Our climbing adventure went somewhat awry today. We decide to visit the Coyote Wall, the southern most climbing area in Red Rock Canyon. The hike to the Coyote Wall has two uphill sections that test our fitness. Our packs are heavy - S and I each carry at least a gallon of water. Mine usually weighs about 25 pounds - I only weigh 107 pounds. S's pack weighs much more since he carries the gear and the rope. About half way up the second uphill, we step off the groomed trail and follow game trails to the climbing area.
Earlier in the year, we scouted the area but didn't realize that the better climbs on the left require the belayer to stand on the rock. As we approach the base of the climbs, T slips and refuses to step onto the rock. So, we reluctantly decide to try the routes on the right.
Despite S's successful lead, we must abandon the first climb. It turns out that we need two ropes - we only brought the 70 meter rope and the route is about 140 feet, ground up. So, 2.5 hours into our adventure, S pulls the rope. Then, we pack our gear and head northward to the Solar Slab.
The Solar Slab is one of our favorite walls so we're not disappointed by the change in venue. According to our records, we have not yet attempted two routes - a 5.11 and a 5.10. Since it's getting late, we decide to climb the 5.10. Despite the cold, we both climb very well and happily cross the 5.10 route off of our to do list. We'll try the 5.11 next time.
Anyway, nearly 6.5 hours later, we pack up. It's getting dark and colder. We don warm clothes. Our packs are much lighter thanks to the empty water bottles. T happily leads us down the main trail, stopping here and there to check out a good sniff. We're tired and thankful for the downhill path.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Friday, 09 November 2007 - Homemade focaccia
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for homemade focaccia.
Since our Air Force Academy cadet plans to visit more frequently, I decide to refresh my baking skills and try new recipes. A few days ago, Caprial made focaccia on her cooking show. She made it look so easy that I decide to give it a try this afternoon. S, being Italian, favors this type of bread.
I make my version using the breadmaker so I don't have to knead the dough. In my recipe, I substitute organic whole wheat flour for the all-purpose and add additional wheat gluten. Just before baking the bread on a hot stone, I sprinkle the top with Celtic salt, extra virgin organic olive oil, finely grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil from my winter herb garden. Twenty minutes later, the bread is done.
As soon as I remove the bread from the oven, I drizzle more olive oil over the top. The oil immediately soaks through the crust. A few minutes later, I slice the focaccia into small wedges, pick up a slice and take my first bite. It's absolutely delicious, especially when dipped in even more olive oil.
Next on my list: homemade cinnamon rolls.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for homemade focaccia.
Since our Air Force Academy cadet plans to visit more frequently, I decide to refresh my baking skills and try new recipes. A few days ago, Caprial made focaccia on her cooking show. She made it look so easy that I decide to give it a try this afternoon. S, being Italian, favors this type of bread.
I make my version using the breadmaker so I don't have to knead the dough. In my recipe, I substitute organic whole wheat flour for the all-purpose and add additional wheat gluten. Just before baking the bread on a hot stone, I sprinkle the top with Celtic salt, extra virgin organic olive oil, finely grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil from my winter herb garden. Twenty minutes later, the bread is done.
As soon as I remove the bread from the oven, I drizzle more olive oil over the top. The oil immediately soaks through the crust. A few minutes later, I slice the focaccia into small wedges, pick up a slice and take my first bite. It's absolutely delicious, especially when dipped in even more olive oil.
Next on my list: homemade cinnamon rolls.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Thursday, 08 November 2007 - The right prayer attitude
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the right prayer attitude.
I am not so worried about the things for which I pray but whether or not I submit my prayers with the right attitude. Humility is essential, but so is boldness.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the right prayer attitude.
Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers
but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain
but for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved
but hope for the patience to win my freedom.
I am not so worried about the things for which I pray but whether or not I submit my prayers with the right attitude. Humility is essential, but so is boldness.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Wednesday, 07 November 2007 - Potential
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for potential.
My prayer - for me and for others like me who crave to know their purpose in the world - is this: that we aim our eyes beyond the rigid box that bounds our current lives so we can begin to see our true potential in action. Then, may we answer the Universe's wake-up call and gather the courage, energy and imagination to step outside our boxes and become that potential.
This is how a human being can change: there's a worm addicted to eating grape leaves. Suddenly, he wakes up, call it grace, whatever, something wakes him, and he's no longer a worm. He's the entire vineyard, and the orchard too, the fruit, the trunks, a growing wisdom and joy that doesn't need to devour.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for potential.
My prayer - for me and for others like me who crave to know their purpose in the world - is this: that we aim our eyes beyond the rigid box that bounds our current lives so we can begin to see our true potential in action. Then, may we answer the Universe's wake-up call and gather the courage, energy and imagination to step outside our boxes and become that potential.
This is how a human being can change: there's a worm addicted to eating grape leaves. Suddenly, he wakes up, call it grace, whatever, something wakes him, and he's no longer a worm. He's the entire vineyard, and the orchard too, the fruit, the trunks, a growing wisdom and joy that doesn't need to devour.
~ Rumi (Translated by Coleman Barks)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Tuesday, 06 November 2007 - Brilliant things
Dear God:
Brilliant as in extraordinary genius, great ideas that work, Jon Stewart, sunshine, stars, fine crystal, Garrison Keillor, Robert Frost, a beautiful smile and diamonds.
For these brilliant blessings, I am grateful.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Monday, 05 November 2007 - 1,700 more words
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for 1,700 more words.
Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. ~William Wordsworth
Writing 1,700 words a day is really challenging and rather exhausting. When I begin to write, I never know where my words and thoughts will take me. I am, however, beginning to develop some interesting threads that explore the presence of angels, visits to a therapist and experiences growing up.
Fortunately, despite my insecurities, the novel is still on target with its total wordcount. Whether or not I'm developing a story worth reading is another thing. My wordcount as of day 5 is spot on - 8,583.
With a busy weekend ahead of us (our Air Force Academy cadet plans to spend it with us), I need to exceed the minimum output just in case I have to skip a day. Right now, I'm praying for divine inspiration.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for 1,700 more words.
Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. ~William Wordsworth
Writing 1,700 words a day is really challenging and rather exhausting. When I begin to write, I never know where my words and thoughts will take me. I am, however, beginning to develop some interesting threads that explore the presence of angels, visits to a therapist and experiences growing up.
Fortunately, despite my insecurities, the novel is still on target with its total wordcount. Whether or not I'm developing a story worth reading is another thing. My wordcount as of day 5 is spot on - 8,583.
With a busy weekend ahead of us (our Air Force Academy cadet plans to spend it with us), I need to exceed the minimum output just in case I have to skip a day. Right now, I'm praying for divine inspiration.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Sunday, 04 November 2007 - A fine, end of the season
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a fine end of the season.
This morning's perfect weather means only one thing. Today's the day S and I will attempt to climb the 5.10 route on the Wailing Wall at Red Rock Canyon that we've eyed for months. A strenuous 85-foot adventure. What a fine way to close our 2007 season.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mission accomplished!
S's lead was perfect. I followed with a Red Point. By session's end, I made three ascents while S completed five. T was well-behaved, enjoying the hike in and out. After we reached the Wailing Wall and began climbing, he basked in the brilliant sunshine and chewed on the scrub oak branches that littered the belay area. Good boy!
Yes, S and I will continue to climb as long as the weather cooperates. Our lower limit, however, is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit with no wind. With cooler temperatures certainly on the way, today was probably one of our last chances this year to accomplish this important goal. Now that we've done it, we're ready to move onward and upward, setting our sights on more difficult and challenging climbs.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a fine end of the season.
This morning's perfect weather means only one thing. Today's the day S and I will attempt to climb the 5.10 route on the Wailing Wall at Red Rock Canyon that we've eyed for months. A strenuous 85-foot adventure. What a fine way to close our 2007 season.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mission accomplished!
S's lead was perfect. I followed with a Red Point. By session's end, I made three ascents while S completed five. T was well-behaved, enjoying the hike in and out. After we reached the Wailing Wall and began climbing, he basked in the brilliant sunshine and chewed on the scrub oak branches that littered the belay area. Good boy!
Yes, S and I will continue to climb as long as the weather cooperates. Our lower limit, however, is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit with no wind. With cooler temperatures certainly on the way, today was probably one of our last chances this year to accomplish this important goal. Now that we've done it, we're ready to move onward and upward, setting our sights on more difficult and challenging climbs.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Saturday, 03 November 2007 - Extended service agreements
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for extended service agreements.
Whenever we buy a major appliance, S questions my insistence on purchasing the extended service agreement. Why do I want it? Just my intuition that says that new, high tech, top-of-the-line machines won't last 10 years without a fight. So, to S's surprise and my delight, my "just in case" attitude has paid off.
The supposedly very best front loading washing machine that money can buy is finally working again after the repairmen replaced the main drum and bearings for the third (and hopefully final) time and both motherboards. My beloved three year-old refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom no longer freezes lettuce thanks to the new motherboard.
Anyway, you get my point.
(BTW, my novel is now 5,752 words long.)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for extended service agreements.
Whenever we buy a major appliance, S questions my insistence on purchasing the extended service agreement. Why do I want it? Just my intuition that says that new, high tech, top-of-the-line machines won't last 10 years without a fight. So, to S's surprise and my delight, my "just in case" attitude has paid off.
The supposedly very best front loading washing machine that money can buy is finally working again after the repairmen replaced the main drum and bearings for the third (and hopefully final) time and both motherboards. My beloved three year-old refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom no longer freezes lettuce thanks to the new motherboard.
Anyway, you get my point.
(BTW, my novel is now 5,752 words long.)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Friday, 02 November 2007 - A clean culvert
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a clean culvert.
For the past three years, I've been asking the city to dredge the cement culvert that sits behind our house and adjacent to the park. The culvert had become home to opportunistic plants that grew in large mounds of soil that had accumulated on its floor for the past 20+ years, blocking its drainage function. The north end was a smelly swamp, complete with cattail reeds and other wetland flora. In the summer, we were concerned about mosquitoes.
This morning, T and I were elated when the work crew arrived. I spoke to the men briefly, thanking them them in advance for their work and attention.
In an age when the city council cares more about new housing developments and expansion, I relish this one small victory for our older, established neighborhood.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a clean culvert.
For the past three years, I've been asking the city to dredge the cement culvert that sits behind our house and adjacent to the park. The culvert had become home to opportunistic plants that grew in large mounds of soil that had accumulated on its floor for the past 20+ years, blocking its drainage function. The north end was a smelly swamp, complete with cattail reeds and other wetland flora. In the summer, we were concerned about mosquitoes.
This morning, T and I were elated when the work crew arrived. I spoke to the men briefly, thanking them them in advance for their work and attention.
In an age when the city council cares more about new housing developments and expansion, I relish this one small victory for our older, established neighborhood.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Thursday, 01 November 2007 - 2,687 words
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for 2,687 words.
The National Novel Writing Month 50,000 word challenge began at midnight. This morning, I wrote with surprising ease and discovered that I had a lot to say about all sorts of things.
Only 47, 313 words to go. (But, who's counting?!)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for 2,687 words.
The National Novel Writing Month 50,000 word challenge began at midnight. This morning, I wrote with surprising ease and discovered that I had a lot to say about all sorts of things.
Only 47, 313 words to go. (But, who's counting?!)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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