Saturday, October 31, 2009 - The end of the month

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the end of the month.

It's been one of those months - the ones that try one's patience and test one's endurance. S had three surgeries, winter storms ruined too many commutes to the office, the Swine Flu epidemic kept me at home on weekends (my apologies to the local shops I regularly frequent), my dad had neurosurgery, Halloween arrived with a vengeance at work, I received a Jury Duty summons ... Yes, just another October of record.

I don't want to repeat my October experience. I want to accomplish something of note. That's why I'm starting November with two important personal goals.

1. I will participate in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and write a 50,000 word manuscript (this means almost no TV watching - sorry Project Runway). 
2. I will be back in the climbing gym at least 3 times a week.

There. Let the new month begin.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, October 17, 2009 - Cool weather greens

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for cool weather greens.

My vegetable garden still feeds me. The cool weather-loving chard, kale and beet greens continue to thrive. Tonight I added a small harvest to my tofu-Japanese eggplant-Anaheim chili stir fry with a very spicy black bean/red chili sauce. I served the dish over a mound of quinoa. Very yummy.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, October 16, 2009 - A novel in waiting

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a novel in waiting.

I am thinking about whether or not I will participate in November's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

After "winning" in 2007, I skipped the event last year. Now, as November 1 quickly approaches, I am uncertain about my participation.

50,000 words. All written in one month. Conceive a novel then give the story life in 30 days. Can I do it again?

Somewhere in my imagination, a novel waits. It's storyline is clear and compelling, it's characters insightful and memorable. Perhaps this year, I will find it.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, October 15, 2009 - A community of rock climbers

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a community of rock climbers.

The 2009 Reel Rock Film Tour came to town tonight, a big deal for the Colorado Springs climbing community. This year, the tour featured previews of two episodes of First Ascent: The Series, from National Geographic/Sender Films and the highly-anticipated, just released DVD, Progressions, from Big Up Productions. In Progressions, my climbing hero, American Chris Sharma, finally redpoints his Clark Mountain project, Jumbo Love (5.15b).

S and I attended with one of our Air Force Academy cadets. After Lacrosse practice, he rushed over to our house where we had pizza and orange juice waiting for him. We left on time and arrived at Colorado College's Armstrong Hall with time to spare (I'm a stickler for promptness).

As the crowd settled down, I looked around me, observing only a handful of baby boomers. No matter. For some reason, I didn't feel out of place sitting among a few hundred college kids. I actually felt that I belonged in the audience. After all, I am a rock climber and I support climbing events. And, despite my age, I laughed, groaned, cringed and applauded with everyone else as each film's story unfolded.

Many years ago, a man asked me to name the tribes to which I belonged. Only 30-something, I didn't really understand what he meant. I could only think of three "tribes": my birth family, my work colleagues and my neighbors.

Today - 20 years later - if he asked me the same question, I would answer with ease. I belong to many tribes - each one embracing an essential aspect of my identity. Of these, I am most proud of my affiliation with the tribe of writers and, of course, the tribe of rock climbers.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - A simple prayer

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a simple prayer.

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight,

and give your angels charge over those who sleep.

Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.

Rest your weary ones.

Bless your dying ones.

Soothe your suffering ones.

Pity your afflicted ones.

Shield your joyous ones.

And for all your love's sake.
Amen.
~Saint Augustine of Hippo

The prayer is a gift
from someone I do not know.
She whispers it in my ear.
Softly,
but loud enough
that my heart can hear each word
above the drip, drip, drip
of my tears.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - Anonymity

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for anonymity.

For 364 out of 365 days of the year, I'm relieved that I've attained non-celebrity status in the world. I am no one to nearly every person now living. And, I like that. For the remaining 24 hours - divvied up over the course of the year - I crave just a teeny bit of notoriety. Maybe someone will notice me - just for a few minutes.

One of these days, I know that I will have my proverbial day in the sun. And, my writing will be the reason for my good fortune.

Over the past few months, I've been working on ideas for new writing projects. Very exciting stuff. I guess I'm fortunate that demands on my creativity are at an all time low at work. I'm free to devote my time, imagination and energy to writing my own stories.

But then again, does anybody care?

Oh, yeah. I forgot. You do.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.