Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for improvement.
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday. ~Author Unknown
Fall seven times, stand up eight. ~Japanese Proverb
We spent the evening rock climbing at our favorite Red Rock Canyon venue. I tried twice, but couldn't finish the top-roped climb my husband set-up. I did, however, climb higher the second time and completed moves that I never saw the first time.
The important thing is that I'm improving with each outing.
And, because I am a competitive person who thrives on challenge, I'm very determined to finish this climb next time.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Thursday, 13 July 2006 - A cool evening breeze
Dear God:Today, I am thankful for a cool evening breeze.
Summer returned with a vengeance this afternoon. Thank goodness the evening cools down dramatically after the sun sets over the mountains. (Photo - T lounges on the cool cement patio during the heat of the day.)
Tonight, as we watched the replay of today's Tour de France mountain stage for the fifth time, I completed the Sudoku and crossword puzzles, sipped a refreshing whisky sour and soaked up the cool Rocky Mountain air.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Wednesday, 12 July 2006 - Chores
Dear God:Today, I am thankful for chores.
On days like today when my mind is muddled, I do chores. My xeric garden is not maintenance-free so I pull weeds, deadhead plants, feed the tomatoes and gather seeds.
My house is messy so I straighten up the "public" areas and wash three loads of laundry. I sweep the kitchen floor, bundle the newspapers for recycling and water the indoor plants.
Not the most productive day when it comes to writing but a busy and satisfying one nonetheless.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Tuesday,11 July 2006 - Life without a lawn
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for life without a lawn.
A lawn is nature under totalitarian rule. ~Michael Pollan, Second Nature, 1991
I am not a lover of lawns. Rather would I see daisies in their thousands, ground ivy, hawkweed, and even the hated plantain with tall stems, and dandelions with splendid flowers and fairy down, than the too-well-tended lawn. ~W.H. Hudson, The Book of a Naturalist, 1919
My gardening exploits have rewarded my husband sweetly - no lawns to mow! My front yard boasts a thriving xeric garden. I'm landscaping the back yard with native shrubs and xeric plants. If we need to trim the native grass, I use clippers or the edger. Happily, my husband hasn't complained once this summer about the lack of mowing opportunities.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for life without a lawn.
A lawn is nature under totalitarian rule. ~Michael Pollan, Second Nature, 1991
I am not a lover of lawns. Rather would I see daisies in their thousands, ground ivy, hawkweed, and even the hated plantain with tall stems, and dandelions with splendid flowers and fairy down, than the too-well-tended lawn. ~W.H. Hudson, The Book of a Naturalist, 1919
My gardening exploits have rewarded my husband sweetly - no lawns to mow! My front yard boasts a thriving xeric garden. I'm landscaping the back yard with native shrubs and xeric plants. If we need to trim the native grass, I use clippers or the edger. Happily, my husband hasn't complained once this summer about the lack of mowing opportunities.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Monday, 10 July 2006 - A few hours of sunshine
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a few hours of sunshine (finally!).
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done. ~Author Unknown
There is a muscular energy in sunlight corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind. ~Annie Dillard
I am depressed, suffering from an unwelcome bout of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) triggered by over a week of cloudy skies, rain and cool temperatures. Staring out the back door during last night's thunderstorm, T again asked me, "When did we move to Oregon?" What we all need is a large dose of strong sunshine.
Lucky me! This morning's weather is sunny and bright. I leap out of bed just after sunrise, alert and full of energy. After walking T in the park, I linger in my gardens, doing this and that - anything to prolong my outdoor visit so I can soak up those warm and wonderful rays.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a few hours of sunshine (finally!).
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done. ~Author Unknown
There is a muscular energy in sunlight corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind. ~Annie Dillard
I am depressed, suffering from an unwelcome bout of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) triggered by over a week of cloudy skies, rain and cool temperatures. Staring out the back door during last night's thunderstorm, T again asked me, "When did we move to Oregon?" What we all need is a large dose of strong sunshine.
Lucky me! This morning's weather is sunny and bright. I leap out of bed just after sunrise, alert and full of energy. After walking T in the park, I linger in my gardens, doing this and that - anything to prolong my outdoor visit so I can soak up those warm and wonderful rays.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Sunday, 09 July 2006 - A sea of daisies
Dear God: 
Today, I am thankful for a sea of daisies.
I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. ~ Claude Monet
A flower touches everyone's heart. ~ Georgia O'Keefe
Although the cool and rainy weather has thwarted our plans to rock climb at least two times a week, it has transformed the backyard garden dramatically. The daisies, in particular, just love the extra moisture. And I love daisies because they make me smile.
The Shasta (white) daisies are among my garden's pioneers. The wildflower mix I sowed when I began the garden 19 years ago contained their hardy seeds. I also started the Gloriosa (yellow) daisies from seed about five years ago. Mine are an heirloom variety from Seeds of Change.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a sea of daisies.
I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. ~ Claude Monet
A flower touches everyone's heart. ~ Georgia O'Keefe
Although the cool and rainy weather has thwarted our plans to rock climb at least two times a week, it has transformed the backyard garden dramatically. The daisies, in particular, just love the extra moisture. And I love daisies because they make me smile.
The Shasta (white) daisies are among my garden's pioneers. The wildflower mix I sowed when I began the garden 19 years ago contained their hardy seeds. I also started the Gloriosa (yellow) daisies from seed about five years ago. Mine are an heirloom variety from Seeds of Change.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Saturday, 08 July 2006 - Night out with the guys
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a night out with the guys.
S's cycling buddy, TL, invited a few of his friends (including us) to his lovely home for a potluck dinner, excellent wine and a movie. As usual, I was the only woman there which means the topics of conversation had to extend beyond motorcycles, bicycles and cars. We actually discussed politics (including our favorite BBC America show, The Thick of It), opera, the Tour de France (naturally), summer travel plans (R is leaving for the Grand Canyon very early tomorrow morning), gardening challenges and our wacky weather.
I worried about the movie we'd watch since the guys prefer heavy duty action films that fully exploit the capabilities of TL's 52-inch HDTV and stereo system. I was relieved when the film du jour was the Oscar-nominated Johnny Cash biopic, Walk the Line.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a night out with the guys.
S's cycling buddy, TL, invited a few of his friends (including us) to his lovely home for a potluck dinner, excellent wine and a movie. As usual, I was the only woman there which means the topics of conversation had to extend beyond motorcycles, bicycles and cars. We actually discussed politics (including our favorite BBC America show, The Thick of It), opera, the Tour de France (naturally), summer travel plans (R is leaving for the Grand Canyon very early tomorrow morning), gardening challenges and our wacky weather.
I worried about the movie we'd watch since the guys prefer heavy duty action films that fully exploit the capabilities of TL's 52-inch HDTV and stereo system. I was relieved when the film du jour was the Oscar-nominated Johnny Cash biopic, Walk the Line.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Friday, 07 July 2006 - An evening out
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an evening out.
When S and I had well-paying jobs, we never thought twice about eating out two or three times a week at trendy restaurants. Now that he's self-employed and I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my life, we haven't had an evening out since he lost his last corporate America job in May 2004.
So, after aborting our rock climbing session due to the rain, we ended up at a local Greek restaurant. There, we enjoyed drinks, shots of ouzo (one each) and assorted appetizers (mezedes). Yasas!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an evening out.
When S and I had well-paying jobs, we never thought twice about eating out two or three times a week at trendy restaurants. Now that he's self-employed and I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my life, we haven't had an evening out since he lost his last corporate America job in May 2004.
So, after aborting our rock climbing session due to the rain, we ended up at a local Greek restaurant. There, we enjoyed drinks, shots of ouzo (one each) and assorted appetizers (mezedes). Yasas!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Thursday, 06 July 2006 - One very healthy canine son
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one very healthy canine son.
In moments of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag. ~W. H. Auden
T passed his annual physical with flying colors. The only issue is his thyroid - somewhat sluggish (not unusual for a 9.5 year-old dog).
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Wednesday, 05 July 2006 - Steps in the right direction
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for steps in the right direction.
A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it. ~Jean de La Fontaine
I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.
~Lillian Smith
To learn something new, take the path that you took yesterday. ~John Burroughs
T and I start our walk the same way each morning. We step quickly across the path I built earlier this spring from ten mustard-yellow pavers made from recycled tires - my own yellow brick road of sorts.
This short path takes us into the neighborhood - the immediate world that lives beyond the front door. Then, at journey's end, it leads us home again.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Tuesday, 04 July 2006 - Simple personal freedoms
Dear God:Today, I am thankful for simple personal freedoms like walking T around the neighborhood park or along the hiking trails without fear for our safety, choosing whether or not to eat a vegetarian diet, reading a radical book or viewing a controversial film, expressing my opinions aloud or in writing, attending the church of my choice and surfing the Internet at will.
I also have hope for the future, big dreams, people who care about me and a country - right or wrong - that regards me as valuable every April 15.
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ~Abraham Lincoln
Happy Birthday to our amazing, unpredictable and extraordinary United States of America.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Monday, 03 July 2006 - A good kind of tired
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a good kind of tired.
Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ~Plato
The bad kind of tired results from tension, anxiety, overwork and sleeplessness. The good kind of tired results from an excellent workout.
Today, we attempted two climbs in Red Rock Canyon. It was my fourth climbing session this summer and my best so far. To my surprise, I was able to complete both climbs (with a little help from my partners).
Right now, my feet are very tired, my triceps sore and my right knee slightly bruised. But I feel really, really good.
I think I'll fix myself a cold fruity drink, do the daily Sudoku and crossword puzzles, knit a few more rows of the "sweater from hell" and watch the replay of Stage 2 of the Tour de France.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a good kind of tired.
Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ~Plato
The bad kind of tired results from tension, anxiety, overwork and sleeplessness. The good kind of tired results from an excellent workout.
Today, we attempted two climbs in Red Rock Canyon. It was my fourth climbing session this summer and my best so far. To my surprise, I was able to complete both climbs (with a little help from my partners).
Right now, my feet are very tired, my triceps sore and my right knee slightly bruised. But I feel really, really good.
I think I'll fix myself a cold fruity drink, do the daily Sudoku and crossword puzzles, knit a few more rows of the "sweater from hell" and watch the replay of Stage 2 of the Tour de France.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Sunday, 02 July 2006 - A peaceful hike
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a peaceful hike down a familiar trail.
I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.
~John Muir, 1913
We missed our opportunity to rock climb yesterday. The France-Brazil World Cup game and a slow moving thunderstorm got in the way.
We went to Red Rock Canyon anyway so T could have an official outing. The trail was dry, the air temperature perfect.
I'm usually the family photographer which means I am rarely in the photos. During this hike, S managed the camera and snapped a few pics of T and me as we hiked along a familiar trail and posed as the sun set over Pikes Peak.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a peaceful hike down a familiar trail.
I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.
~John Muir, 1913
We missed our opportunity to rock climb yesterday. The France-Brazil World Cup game and a slow moving thunderstorm got in the way.
We went to Red Rock Canyon anyway so T could have an official outing. The trail was dry, the air temperature perfect.
I'm usually the family photographer which means I am rarely in the photos. During this hike, S managed the camera and snapped a few pics of T and me as we hiked along a familiar trail and posed as the sun set over Pikes Peak.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Saturday, 01 July 2006 - le Tour de France
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for le Tour de France.
My love affair with the Tour started when, as a seventh grader, began studying the French language. That affair intensified when I married S, a cyclist and cycling fan.
In spite of the controversies, scandals and unpredictable events, I still consider the Tour to be the premier sporting event of the year.
T will wear a canine version of le maillot jaune (yellow jersey) all month long. S and I will watch the race live each morning on OLN (we'll watch the rebroadcasts throughout the afternoon and evening as time permits). And, we'll cheer our favorite cyclists as they ascend the steepest mountains in the Pyrenees and Alps.
It's going to be an awesome month.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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