Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for practice time.
There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.
~Dale Carnegie
I finally finished the presentation on journaling that I'm delivering to a women's networking group on Wednesday. I'm pleased with the content and my Powerpoint slides. I need to cover a lot of ground in 45 minutes, so I engaged the KISS principle and edited like crazy.
Now, I'm practicing my speech over and over again. By tomorrow night, I should be able to recite it in my sleep with zero errors.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Sunday, 13 January 2008 - An untimely end to my NFL season
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an untimely end to my NFL season.
Although the Super Bowl is a few weeks away, I'm officially ending my NFL season today. Why? Because the Indianapolis Colts lead by Peyton Manning lost this afternoon to the San Diego Chargers. Since the Oakland Raiders had another dismal season, I adopted the Colts as my "other" team. Now, no team in the final four warrants my attention.
I'll let S and T watch the remaining games. They're guys and football is their thing. I already spend too many hours in front of the TV as it is. My saving grace is that I knit, read magazines or do Sudoku puzzles while watching football games. The best thing about this season? Watching Bob Sanders, the Colt's defensive superstar, on HDTV.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an untimely end to my NFL season.
Although the Super Bowl is a few weeks away, I'm officially ending my NFL season today. Why? Because the Indianapolis Colts lead by Peyton Manning lost this afternoon to the San Diego Chargers. Since the Oakland Raiders had another dismal season, I adopted the Colts as my "other" team. Now, no team in the final four warrants my attention.
I'll let S and T watch the remaining games. They're guys and football is their thing. I already spend too many hours in front of the TV as it is. My saving grace is that I knit, read magazines or do Sudoku puzzles while watching football games. The best thing about this season? Watching Bob Sanders, the Colt's defensive superstar, on HDTV.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Saturday, 12 January 2008 - A sunny afternoon, finally
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a sunny afternoon, finally.
I think that I am getting too old for Colorado winters. This year's prolongued cold spell just wears me out and down. Despite wearing layers of clothing, I'm having trouble staying warm. So much for staying thin for rock climbing and bouldering.
This afternoon, I am delighted that the sun decides to visit our chilly neighborhood long enough to melt some the thick ice patches decorating our street. Downstairs, I stand for several minutes with my back facing the patio door, soaking up the solar heat emanating from the glass panels.
T sleeps quietly near my feet. I think he is dreaming about his next hike through Red Rock Canyon or Ute Valley Park. I bend down and gently pat his head. Sorry, T. It's still too cold for our favorite outdoor adventures. Looks like we'll have to climb indoors for a while.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a sunny afternoon, finally.
I think that I am getting too old for Colorado winters. This year's prolongued cold spell just wears me out and down. Despite wearing layers of clothing, I'm having trouble staying warm. So much for staying thin for rock climbing and bouldering.
This afternoon, I am delighted that the sun decides to visit our chilly neighborhood long enough to melt some the thick ice patches decorating our street. Downstairs, I stand for several minutes with my back facing the patio door, soaking up the solar heat emanating from the glass panels.
T sleeps quietly near my feet. I think he is dreaming about his next hike through Red Rock Canyon or Ute Valley Park. I bend down and gently pat his head. Sorry, T. It's still too cold for our favorite outdoor adventures. Looks like we'll have to climb indoors for a while.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Friday, 11 January 2008 - Sir Edmund Hillary
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for Sir Edmund Hillary, 1919-2008.
I am a lucky man. I have had a dream and it has come true, and that is not a thing that happens often to men.
It is not the mountains that we conquer, but ourselves.
~Sir Edmund Hillary
By reaching the summit of Mt. Everest in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay inspired the dreams of explorers and mountain climbers around the world. Imagine that. Standing atop the highest peak on earth.
Although I never aspired to climb Everest, I think that S considered the possibility when we first moved to Colorado. Of course, we were much younger then and his circle of close friends included elite extreme athletes who often invited him to join their Colorado expeditions. I am glad that he accepted many of the invitations. I settled on climbing several 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado - enough of a challenge for this California girl. Then, life and work got in the way. As the years flew by, our mountaineering dreams faded, replaced by new outdoor adventures, experiences and priorities.
Sir Edmund was right. Each of us has our own Everest to climb. He made it to the top of his, an act that changed his life forever.
I am still ascending my Everest. And, like any seasoned mountaineer, I pray for perfect weather, a well-marked trail, at least one experienced climbing partner and a clear view of the summit.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for Sir Edmund Hillary, 1919-2008.
I am a lucky man. I have had a dream and it has come true, and that is not a thing that happens often to men.
It is not the mountains that we conquer, but ourselves.
~Sir Edmund Hillary
By reaching the summit of Mt. Everest in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay inspired the dreams of explorers and mountain climbers around the world. Imagine that. Standing atop the highest peak on earth.
Although I never aspired to climb Everest, I think that S considered the possibility when we first moved to Colorado. Of course, we were much younger then and his circle of close friends included elite extreme athletes who often invited him to join their Colorado expeditions. I am glad that he accepted many of the invitations. I settled on climbing several 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado - enough of a challenge for this California girl. Then, life and work got in the way. As the years flew by, our mountaineering dreams faded, replaced by new outdoor adventures, experiences and priorities.
Sir Edmund was right. Each of us has our own Everest to climb. He made it to the top of his, an act that changed his life forever.
I am still ascending my Everest. And, like any seasoned mountaineer, I pray for perfect weather, a well-marked trail, at least one experienced climbing partner and a clear view of the summit.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Thursday, 10 January 2008 - Gardening dreams
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for gardening dreams.
From December to March,
there are for many of us three gardens -
the garden outdoors,
the garden of pots and bowls in the house,
and the garden of the mind's eye.
~Katherine S. White
I almost laugh out loud when the January gardening newsletter urges me to get a head start on this year's garden by buying seeds this month and starting seedlings indoors. I look outside and note that my gardens lie under a heavy blanket of ice and snow. The daytime high temperature rarely rises above freezing. The nights are bitterly cold. I dread my walks with T when the North wind visits.
Actually, I have five months to go before the gardening season officially begins in Colorado. I have plenty of time to plan this year's garden, buy seeds and start seedlings indoors.
A lot can happen in five months. Since S has expanded his job search to other states, I can't predict what opportunities and decisions lie ahead of us.
I do know this, however. No matter where we live, I will have a garden.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for gardening dreams.
From December to March,
there are for many of us three gardens -
the garden outdoors,
the garden of pots and bowls in the house,
and the garden of the mind's eye.
~Katherine S. White
I almost laugh out loud when the January gardening newsletter urges me to get a head start on this year's garden by buying seeds this month and starting seedlings indoors. I look outside and note that my gardens lie under a heavy blanket of ice and snow. The daytime high temperature rarely rises above freezing. The nights are bitterly cold. I dread my walks with T when the North wind visits.
Actually, I have five months to go before the gardening season officially begins in Colorado. I have plenty of time to plan this year's garden, buy seeds and start seedlings indoors.
A lot can happen in five months. Since S has expanded his job search to other states, I can't predict what opportunities and decisions lie ahead of us.
I do know this, however. No matter where we live, I will have a garden.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Wednesday, 09 January 2008 - One inspiring teacher
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one inspiring teacher.
I "met" Rafe Esquith and the Hobart Shakespeareans for the first time in a 2006 PBS POV (Point of View) documentary. Since that initial meeting, I periodically borrow the video from the library and so I can watch their amazing story again.
In my heart of hearts, I wish Rafe Esquith had been one of my teachers. I think that he would have convinced me to major in English or Philosophy at UCLA and pursue a serious writing career straight out of college. I could have used the encouragement and validation since my parents never encouraged or praised my writing.
So, I watch Rafe work with his students. I smile at their exploits and applaud their accomplishments. Sadly, I find myself craving his encouraging and inpiring words. So, for just a moment, I pretend that his messages - especially the ones that acknowledge talent and individual worth - are addressed to me.
And, even though I am much older than his 9 year-old charges, I still try to internalize Rafe's simple, bottomline rules of life: Be nice. Work hard. There are no shortcuts.
Folr this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one inspiring teacher.
I "met" Rafe Esquith and the Hobart Shakespeareans for the first time in a 2006 PBS POV (Point of View) documentary. Since that initial meeting, I periodically borrow the video from the library and so I can watch their amazing story again.
In my heart of hearts, I wish Rafe Esquith had been one of my teachers. I think that he would have convinced me to major in English or Philosophy at UCLA and pursue a serious writing career straight out of college. I could have used the encouragement and validation since my parents never encouraged or praised my writing.
So, I watch Rafe work with his students. I smile at their exploits and applaud their accomplishments. Sadly, I find myself craving his encouraging and inpiring words. So, for just a moment, I pretend that his messages - especially the ones that acknowledge talent and individual worth - are addressed to me.
And, even though I am much older than his 9 year-old charges, I still try to internalize Rafe's simple, bottomline rules of life: Be nice. Work hard. There are no shortcuts.
Folr this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Tuesday, 08 January 2008 - Sturdy snow shovel, strong back
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one sturdy snow shovel and a strong back.
The bad news:
Each January, when S makes his annual pilgrimmage to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, snowy or icy weather visits the neighborhood. This year is no exception.
Yes, it snowed last night, quite heavily in fact. Yes, because of our home's location along the cul de sac, we got more snow than our neighbors. Yes, since S isn't home, I have to shovel the snow all by myself.
The solution:
It took three sessions to clear the snow - all completed under T's expert supervision.
During the first session, I shovelled a path from the garage to the mailbox along the south side of the driveway so I could set out the recycling bin and trash bag. I swept the front porch and steps. I also cleared a narrow path from the front porch to the end of the driveway so T and I could reach the street and proceed to the park for our morning walk.
During the second session, I shovelled the sidewalk in front of our house and Bill's house. I also widened the path from the front porch to the sidewalk. During the third session, I finished clearing the driveway. I also cleared a large 20' x 20' area of the cul de sac that sits in front of the driveway and mailbox - didn't want the mail delivery person to get stuck in front of our property like she did last year.
The good news:
I am finally finished with my task du jour. I am tired in a good way and won't have to workout this evening. Although I had a few near misses, I did not slip and fall on the ice. My front yard garden now lies beneath an extra thick blanket of fresh snow. I earned the right to eat a small piece of extra dark organic Belgian chocolate.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one sturdy snow shovel and a strong back.
The bad news:
Each January, when S makes his annual pilgrimmage to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, snowy or icy weather visits the neighborhood. This year is no exception.
Yes, it snowed last night, quite heavily in fact. Yes, because of our home's location along the cul de sac, we got more snow than our neighbors. Yes, since S isn't home, I have to shovel the snow all by myself.
The solution:
It took three sessions to clear the snow - all completed under T's expert supervision.
During the first session, I shovelled a path from the garage to the mailbox along the south side of the driveway so I could set out the recycling bin and trash bag. I swept the front porch and steps. I also cleared a narrow path from the front porch to the end of the driveway so T and I could reach the street and proceed to the park for our morning walk.
During the second session, I shovelled the sidewalk in front of our house and Bill's house. I also widened the path from the front porch to the sidewalk. During the third session, I finished clearing the driveway. I also cleared a large 20' x 20' area of the cul de sac that sits in front of the driveway and mailbox - didn't want the mail delivery person to get stuck in front of our property like she did last year.
The good news:
I am finally finished with my task du jour. I am tired in a good way and won't have to workout this evening. Although I had a few near misses, I did not slip and fall on the ice. My front yard garden now lies beneath an extra thick blanket of fresh snow. I earned the right to eat a small piece of extra dark organic Belgian chocolate.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Monday, 07 January 2008 - List of important things to do
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a list of important things to do. It's the familiar list that circulates on the Internet from time to time. Recently, a friend sent it to me. I read the list again, several times in fact. For whatever reason, its simplicity and practicality make more sense than ever. This year, it is one of the checklists that will guide my decisions and actions.
TODAY - Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in a word or deed.
TODAY - Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demand on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate, be kind, be gentle. Laugh a little more.
TODAY - Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude. Worship your God. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak it again. Speak it still again. Speak it still once again.
~Anonymous
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a list of important things to do. It's the familiar list that circulates on the Internet from time to time. Recently, a friend sent it to me. I read the list again, several times in fact. For whatever reason, its simplicity and practicality make more sense than ever. This year, it is one of the checklists that will guide my decisions and actions.
TODAY - Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in a word or deed.
TODAY - Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demand on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate, be kind, be gentle. Laugh a little more.
TODAY - Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude. Worship your God. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak it again. Speak it still again. Speak it still once again.
~Anonymous
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, 06 January 2008 - A snowy surprise
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an early morning snowy surprise.
The Snow Man by Wallace Stevens
One must have a mind of winter
To regard the frost and the boughs
Of the pine-trees crusted with snow;
And have been cold a long time
To behold the junipers shagged with ice,
The spruces rough in the distant glitter
Of the January sun; and not to think
Of any misery in the sound of the wind,
In the sound of a few leaves,
Which is the sound of the land
Full of the same wind
That is blowing in the same bare place
For the listener, who listens in the snow,
And, nothing himself, beholds
Nothing that is not there and the nothing that is.
When S awoke around 5 AM, the weather was clear and cold. Not a snowflake in sight. But, when he looked out at 6 AM, he discovered an inch or so of powder covering the neighborhood. Not such a good thing for S, who had to leave for the airport at 6:30 AM. Truly a delight for T and me, especially during our morning walk in the park.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an early morning snowy surprise.
The Snow Man by Wallace Stevens
One must have a mind of winter
To regard the frost and the boughs
Of the pine-trees crusted with snow;
And have been cold a long time
To behold the junipers shagged with ice,
The spruces rough in the distant glitter
Of the January sun; and not to think
Of any misery in the sound of the wind,
In the sound of a few leaves,
Which is the sound of the land
Full of the same wind
That is blowing in the same bare place
For the listener, who listens in the snow,
And, nothing himself, beholds
Nothing that is not there and the nothing that is.
When S awoke around 5 AM, the weather was clear and cold. Not a snowflake in sight. But, when he looked out at 6 AM, he discovered an inch or so of powder covering the neighborhood. Not such a good thing for S, who had to leave for the airport at 6:30 AM. Truly a delight for T and me, especially during our morning walk in the park.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Saturday, 05 January 2008 - First climbing adventure
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for our first climbing adventure of 2008. Our goal of climbing outdoors at least once each month regardless of the season hasn't changed.
S, T and I last climbed outdoors a month ago when we spent the afternoon bouldering in Ute Valley Park. We spent New Year's Eve at a private party at the indoor climbing gym where we climbed, bouldered, ate but did not drink.
Today's adventure took us back to our beloved Red Rock Canyon. We almost aborted the trip, however, due to the blustery conditions. Luckily, we ran into fellow climber, Bruce, in the parking lot. He advised that we would be okay as long as we climbed on the west canyon wall.
So, despite the very windy conditions, S and I each made eight ascents on familiar routes on The Whale. I felt very fit and strong but a little out of practice. S climbed very well. T also had a good time, chewing on his favorite scrub oak branches and catching a few rays of winter sun.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for our first climbing adventure of 2008. Our goal of climbing outdoors at least once each month regardless of the season hasn't changed.
S, T and I last climbed outdoors a month ago when we spent the afternoon bouldering in Ute Valley Park. We spent New Year's Eve at a private party at the indoor climbing gym where we climbed, bouldered, ate but did not drink.
Today's adventure took us back to our beloved Red Rock Canyon. We almost aborted the trip, however, due to the blustery conditions. Luckily, we ran into fellow climber, Bruce, in the parking lot. He advised that we would be okay as long as we climbed on the west canyon wall.
So, despite the very windy conditions, S and I each made eight ascents on familiar routes on The Whale. I felt very fit and strong but a little out of practice. S climbed very well. T also had a good time, chewing on his favorite scrub oak branches and catching a few rays of winter sun.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Friday, 04 January 2008 - A vote for change
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a vote for change.
Right now, I am watching rather than campaigning during the early Presidential primary season. I'm still burned out from the last election when I worked so hard to raise money and support for General Wesley Clark.
I'm waiting to see who rises to the top in the Democratic Party before I join the fray and work for positive change in our country's leadership. Privately, I support Barack Obama and John Edwards. And, to the chagrin of my feminist friends, I'm not very excited about Hillary Clinton's candidacy and won't support her in the primaries just because she's a woman.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a vote for change.
Right now, I am watching rather than campaigning during the early Presidential primary season. I'm still burned out from the last election when I worked so hard to raise money and support for General Wesley Clark.
I'm waiting to see who rises to the top in the Democratic Party before I join the fray and work for positive change in our country's leadership. Privately, I support Barack Obama and John Edwards. And, to the chagrin of my feminist friends, I'm not very excited about Hillary Clinton's candidacy and won't support her in the primaries just because she's a woman.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Thursday, 03 January 2007 - One fresh pineapple
*** Sorry for the late posting ... I'm having computer challenges.***
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one fresh pineapple.
I rarely break my own rules when it comes to the food I buy. So, I must confess my latest trespass.
I am shopping in the produce section of a local grocery store. I am so weary of the cold weather and yearn for a bit of summer in my diet. I am tired of eating apples and the ripe, whole pineapple smells heavenly. I know that the pineapple is not locally or organically-grown or even in season in the United States. Consequently, the cost of getting it to the local Colorado market was probably exorbitant. After a few minutes of deliberation, I select a ripe one and buy it.
Yes, I am guilty as charged given my pledge to buy locally-grown organic produce. I promise not to succumb to temptation next time.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one fresh pineapple.
I rarely break my own rules when it comes to the food I buy. So, I must confess my latest trespass.
I am shopping in the produce section of a local grocery store. I am so weary of the cold weather and yearn for a bit of summer in my diet. I am tired of eating apples and the ripe, whole pineapple smells heavenly. I know that the pineapple is not locally or organically-grown or even in season in the United States. Consequently, the cost of getting it to the local Colorado market was probably exorbitant. After a few minutes of deliberation, I select a ripe one and buy it.
Yes, I am guilty as charged given my pledge to buy locally-grown organic produce. I promise not to succumb to temptation next time.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Wednesday, 02 January 2008 - Silence
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for silence.
True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment. ~William Penn
We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence.... We need silence to be able to touch souls. ~Mother Teresa
Many days,
I prefer quiet hours -
No talking, no music, no radio, no TV, no audiobooks.
Just me, my thoughts and my imagination.
A lovely silence, really.
I slip into my cocoon for private, inner conversations:
Heart to soul to mind.
Call it what you like:
Contemplation,
Meditation,
Day dreaming.
Yes, I sit here on Earth.
But, in my mind's eye,
I am two steps from
Heaven.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for silence.
True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment. ~William Penn
We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence.... We need silence to be able to touch souls. ~Mother Teresa
Many days,
I prefer quiet hours -
No talking, no music, no radio, no TV, no audiobooks.
Just me, my thoughts and my imagination.
A lovely silence, really.
I slip into my cocoon for private, inner conversations:
Heart to soul to mind.
Call it what you like:
Contemplation,
Meditation,
Day dreaming.
Yes, I sit here on Earth.
But, in my mind's eye,
I am two steps from
Heaven.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Tuesday, 01 January 2008 - The new year
Dear God:
Today, I am grateful for the new year and its full slate of adventures and opportunities reserved for S, T and me.
We look with uncertainty
Beyond the old choices for
Clear-cut answers
To a softer, more permeable aliveness
Which is every moment
At the brink of death;
For something new is being born in us
If we but let it.
~Anne Hillman
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am grateful for the new year and its full slate of adventures and opportunities reserved for S, T and me.
We look with uncertainty
Beyond the old choices for
Clear-cut answers
To a softer, more permeable aliveness
Which is every moment
At the brink of death;
For something new is being born in us
If we but let it.
~Anne Hillman
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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