Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a heartful of love and poetry.
Fill my heart with Love,
that my every tear may become a star.
~Hazrat Inayat Khan
At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. ~Plato
Nobody has ever measured, even poets, how much a heart can hold. ~Zelda Fitzgerald
Even in my darkest moments, I am startled to discover that my heart brims with love felt and love received. Is that why my tears fall so easily?
Poetry is a different matter.
A passion to be sure.
Born of darkness and suffering and loss.
Words surface in my imagination,
Like sea mammals rising to catch their breath,
Determined to see the light of day.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Wednesday, 13 February 2008 - Bird songs
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for bird songs.
What is that I hear?
Bird songs.
I can't believe my ears. While walking around the neighborhood and park for the past few months, I have neither heard nor seen a single songbird.
Yes, indeed. The avian community is out in force today, frolicking in the pine tree, dancing in the garden, singing wherever they are. Chirp, chirp chirp. What lovely music.
Just for the record, I make this declaration: the temperature is in the low 50s while the bluest sky and most glorious mountainscape frame the region. In short, today is picture postcard perfect. Definitely tinged with spring dreams.
S, T and I decide to join the "celebration" by climbing, bouldering and hiking at Ute Valley Park. There, S sets up the top rope on the overhung route that I've yet to climb successfully. (Although, I've completed the bottom and top problems separately, I have yet to link the two sections). I think that today is the day that I send it. After all, how can I miss on such a perfect afternoon?
Sadly, winter plans to return early Thursday morning. I hope the birds are ready for the next onslaught of bitter cold weather.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for bird songs.
What is that I hear?
Bird songs.
I can't believe my ears. While walking around the neighborhood and park for the past few months, I have neither heard nor seen a single songbird.
Yes, indeed. The avian community is out in force today, frolicking in the pine tree, dancing in the garden, singing wherever they are. Chirp, chirp chirp. What lovely music.
Just for the record, I make this declaration: the temperature is in the low 50s while the bluest sky and most glorious mountainscape frame the region. In short, today is picture postcard perfect. Definitely tinged with spring dreams.
S, T and I decide to join the "celebration" by climbing, bouldering and hiking at Ute Valley Park. There, S sets up the top rope on the overhung route that I've yet to climb successfully. (Although, I've completed the bottom and top problems separately, I have yet to link the two sections). I think that today is the day that I send it. After all, how can I miss on such a perfect afternoon?
Sadly, winter plans to return early Thursday morning. I hope the birds are ready for the next onslaught of bitter cold weather.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Tuesday, 12 February 2008 - The "man with the long hair."
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the "man with the long hair."
As T and I round the northeast corner of the park for lap number two, we see the "man with the long hair" approaching. We've known him by sight for several years. Besides being a park regular, he is clearly the fastest and most efficient walker in the neighborhood. I admire his smooth footwork, easy arm swings and perfect posture. I just know that if he swung his hips more and adjusted his arm movements, he would be an excellent race walker.
Anyway, T and I are glad to see him. He always says hello as he passes us in the park or waves from across the street. Our conversations are always short - usually brief comments about the day's weather.
This morning, he remarks how lucky we are that the sun is shining. I smile, noting that the north wind is still quite cold. He nods in agreement. Then, before I can say another word, he's gone, already yards passed us, gliding down the sidewalk towards his chosen destination.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the "man with the long hair."
As T and I round the northeast corner of the park for lap number two, we see the "man with the long hair" approaching. We've known him by sight for several years. Besides being a park regular, he is clearly the fastest and most efficient walker in the neighborhood. I admire his smooth footwork, easy arm swings and perfect posture. I just know that if he swung his hips more and adjusted his arm movements, he would be an excellent race walker.
Anyway, T and I are glad to see him. He always says hello as he passes us in the park or waves from across the street. Our conversations are always short - usually brief comments about the day's weather.
This morning, he remarks how lucky we are that the sun is shining. I smile, noting that the north wind is still quite cold. He nods in agreement. Then, before I can say another word, he's gone, already yards passed us, gliding down the sidewalk towards his chosen destination.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Monday, 11 February 2008 - Recyclers
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for recyclers.
I am disgusted but not surprised to learn that Americans recycle only 50% of their used aluminum cans. When T and I walk around the park, I am amazed at how many soft drink cans I "rescue" from the trash bins and culvert. A sad situation, indeed.
Since my backward thinking city does not have mandatory recycling, I guess that people believe that saving a few cans is not worth the effort. Not a very good excuse, in my opinion. Like newspapers, used cans are easy to store until the next recycling pickup. But, then again, most people's thinking runs counter to my beliefs that one person can make a difference, that every little bit helps.
Anyway, this morning, I was glad to see that the young couple up the street now recycles their aluminum cans and newspapers. For a long time, the only regular recyclers on our block were baby boomers: our two neighbors to the south and us.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for recyclers.
I am disgusted but not surprised to learn that Americans recycle only 50% of their used aluminum cans. When T and I walk around the park, I am amazed at how many soft drink cans I "rescue" from the trash bins and culvert. A sad situation, indeed.
Since my backward thinking city does not have mandatory recycling, I guess that people believe that saving a few cans is not worth the effort. Not a very good excuse, in my opinion. Like newspapers, used cans are easy to store until the next recycling pickup. But, then again, most people's thinking runs counter to my beliefs that one person can make a difference, that every little bit helps.
Anyway, this morning, I was glad to see that the young couple up the street now recycles their aluminum cans and newspapers. For a long time, the only regular recyclers on our block were baby boomers: our two neighbors to the south and us.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sunday, 10 February 2008 - Weekend hat trick
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a weekend hat trick.
Sport is singularly able to give us peak experiences where we feel completely one with the world and transcend all conflicts as we finally become our own potential. ~George A. Sheehan
Tonight, S, T and I celebrate our weekend hat trick: hiking in the foothills on Friday, bouldering in Ute Valley Park on Saturday, climbing in Red Rock Canyon this afternoon. Not bad for a pair of baby boomer athletes and one very fit 11 year-old chocolate Lab.
I am tired and stiff from bouldering and climbing. Tomorrow will definitely be a rest day unless, of course, the weather is perfect for another outdoor adventure. In winter, we have to make the most of every climbing opportunity.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a weekend hat trick.
Sport is singularly able to give us peak experiences where we feel completely one with the world and transcend all conflicts as we finally become our own potential. ~George A. Sheehan
Tonight, S, T and I celebrate our weekend hat trick: hiking in the foothills on Friday, bouldering in Ute Valley Park on Saturday, climbing in Red Rock Canyon this afternoon. Not bad for a pair of baby boomer athletes and one very fit 11 year-old chocolate Lab.
I am tired and stiff from bouldering and climbing. Tomorrow will definitely be a rest day unless, of course, the weather is perfect for another outdoor adventure. In winter, we have to make the most of every climbing opportunity.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Saturday, 09 February 2008 - Night time work
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for night time work.
Night time is really the best time to work. All the ideas are there to be yours because everyone else is asleep. ~Catherine O'Hara
Recently, I find that I do most of my best writing at night - a peculiar admission from someone who claims to be a morning person. It's not that sunlit hours yield poorly written sentences and rambling paragraphs. I think it's because I've learned to "write" first drafts in my head while I go about my daily routine. Then, when evening falls, I replay my daytime musings and write down the most promising thoughts, ideas, plots, conversations and poems. Don't want to lose a single word, if I can help it.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for night time work.
Night time is really the best time to work. All the ideas are there to be yours because everyone else is asleep. ~Catherine O'Hara
Recently, I find that I do most of my best writing at night - a peculiar admission from someone who claims to be a morning person. It's not that sunlit hours yield poorly written sentences and rambling paragraphs. I think it's because I've learned to "write" first drafts in my head while I go about my daily routine. Then, when evening falls, I replay my daytime musings and write down the most promising thoughts, ideas, plots, conversations and poems. Don't want to lose a single word, if I can help it.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Friday, 08 February 2008 - One tired dog
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one tired dog.
Clear skies and bright sunshine beckon S, T and I outdoors for a hike in the foothills. Now, if only the winds would calm down for a few hours while we complete our trek.
We're lucky that the trailhead is only a half mile or so from the house - easy walking distance. After leaving the neighborhood, we hike westward and upward for a quarter of a mile to reach the National forest boundary and an array of trails.
T's enthusiasm skyrockets as soon he realizes that our outing is no ordinary walk around the park. He prefers the "real trail" to cement and asphalt walkways. Like an experienced mountain guide, he leads us up the muddy, snowpacked trail.
S and I aggressively attack each uphill segment - this hike is today's main workout. To our surprise, T is equally energized, literally pulling S up the steep, rocky grade while I follow close behind.
I think I know one chocolate Lab who will sleep very well tonight.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one tired dog.
Clear skies and bright sunshine beckon S, T and I outdoors for a hike in the foothills. Now, if only the winds would calm down for a few hours while we complete our trek.
We're lucky that the trailhead is only a half mile or so from the house - easy walking distance. After leaving the neighborhood, we hike westward and upward for a quarter of a mile to reach the National forest boundary and an array of trails.
T's enthusiasm skyrockets as soon he realizes that our outing is no ordinary walk around the park. He prefers the "real trail" to cement and asphalt walkways. Like an experienced mountain guide, he leads us up the muddy, snowpacked trail.
S and I aggressively attack each uphill segment - this hike is today's main workout. To our surprise, T is equally energized, literally pulling S up the steep, rocky grade while I follow close behind.
I think I know one chocolate Lab who will sleep very well tonight.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Thursday, 07 February 2008 - Time to imagine
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for time to imagine.
Imagine yourself coming back
10 years from today
Through time,
to help you where
you must now be.
~Jim Cohn
As I ponder Jim Cohn's quote, I'm having trouble envisioning my future. Mainly because my life is at a record low, and, through my tears and anxious moments, I can't imagine what things will be like ten years from now. So, I'm not sure what advice "future me" would offer "present me." Not a healthy situation for a visionary.
A friend who survived her season of tough times writes me. She says that a decade from now, as I look back on my life, I will be amazed at my journey - things I did, people I met, places I visited, pieces I wrote.
My regret, of course, is that I can't see this now. I can only imagine.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for time to imagine.
Imagine yourself coming back
10 years from today
Through time,
to help you where
you must now be.
~Jim Cohn
As I ponder Jim Cohn's quote, I'm having trouble envisioning my future. Mainly because my life is at a record low, and, through my tears and anxious moments, I can't imagine what things will be like ten years from now. So, I'm not sure what advice "future me" would offer "present me." Not a healthy situation for a visionary.
A friend who survived her season of tough times writes me. She says that a decade from now, as I look back on my life, I will be amazed at my journey - things I did, people I met, places I visited, pieces I wrote.
My regret, of course, is that I can't see this now. I can only imagine.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Wednesday, 06 February 2008 - Warming trend
Dear God,
Today, I am thankful for a warming trend.
Where man sees but withered leaves,
God sees sweet flowers growing.
~Albert Laighton.
As T and I circle the park, the morning's unexpected warmth embraces us. Perhaps the media was wrong and that darn groundhog didn't really see his shadow last Saturday.
The sun's heat easily penetrates my cold weather garb, loosening and energizing my stiff muscles. To my surprise, I'm comfortable without wearing my hat and gloves. Our pace reflects the weather shift. While we usually walk briskly, I tell T that it's all right if we take it slowly today. T is delighted. He seizes the opportunity to sniff every appealing grass clump and tree trunk. I merely want to soak up the precious depression-killing rays and absorb an extra dose of vitamin D.
With high spirits and smiling faces, T and I head for home. My joy ends as we approach the house. I sigh and shake my head. While we bask in the day's glorious sunshine, my beloved garden still sleeps soundly and peacefully beneath a thick blanket of ice and snow.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Tuesday, 05 February 2008 - Empowerment
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for empowerment.
For many years, I've rarely felt that our nation's leaders really care about me or my family. That's why I favor politicians who seek support via grassroots movements.
I believe that empowerment begins with personal participation in the political arena. I'm not talking about just donating money or wearing a campaign button, but making phone calls, attending debates and rallies, and talking to friends and neighbors about the candidates and issues I endorse.
I believe that if I don't do something to promote the change I seek, I relinquish my right to complain later. So, I welcome opportunities to:
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for empowerment.
For many years, I've rarely felt that our nation's leaders really care about me or my family. That's why I favor politicians who seek support via grassroots movements.
I believe that empowerment begins with personal participation in the political arena. I'm not talking about just donating money or wearing a campaign button, but making phone calls, attending debates and rallies, and talking to friends and neighbors about the candidates and issues I endorse.
I believe that if I don't do something to promote the change I seek, I relinquish my right to complain later. So, I welcome opportunities to:
- Work at the election polls
- Vote
- Volunteer for my candidate of choice
- Sign petitions
- Write letters to politicians
- Attend caucuses and conventions
- Plant a candidate's sign in the front yard
- Give money to candidates and causes
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Monday, 04 February 2008 - Underdogs
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for underdogs.
Growing up, I watched the popular Saturday morning cartoon show, Underdog. At the time, I did not know the meaning behind the term. To me, it was just the canine hero's quirky name. Underdog.
In time, I learned that, in any competition, the underdog is the person or team not favored to win. I also discovered that Americans often cheer for the underdog even in the most hopeless situations.
And, after RT asked me to join his UCLA Texas Rangers Fan Club (this was the 1970s), I understood that a fan who continually supports a losing team must have a strong sense of humor. (Of course, I soon realized that the club's official status was merely the means by which RT could secure student funds for special member "events" - the club had nothing to do with the Texas Rangers or baseball.)
This morning, as I consider the underdogs I've supported in sports and politics, I smile broadly. Last night, the New York Giants - super duper underdogs - beat the acclaimed New England Patriots, 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. Football doesn't get any better than this.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for underdogs.
Growing up, I watched the popular Saturday morning cartoon show, Underdog. At the time, I did not know the meaning behind the term. To me, it was just the canine hero's quirky name. Underdog.
In time, I learned that, in any competition, the underdog is the person or team not favored to win. I also discovered that Americans often cheer for the underdog even in the most hopeless situations.
And, after RT asked me to join his UCLA Texas Rangers Fan Club (this was the 1970s), I understood that a fan who continually supports a losing team must have a strong sense of humor. (Of course, I soon realized that the club's official status was merely the means by which RT could secure student funds for special member "events" - the club had nothing to do with the Texas Rangers or baseball.)
This morning, as I consider the underdogs I've supported in sports and politics, I smile broadly. Last night, the New York Giants - super duper underdogs - beat the acclaimed New England Patriots, 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. Football doesn't get any better than this.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Sunday, 03 February 2008 - Traditional Super Bowl Sunday
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a traditional Super Bowl Sunday.
The guys, S, M (our Air Force Academy cadet) and T, are watching the super-sized Super Bowl pre-game show - over four hours of hype and fluff. I can't justify all that TV time. So, after figuring out my cooking schedule and taking T for a walk, I retreat to my studio to read, check the Internet to see how Barack Obama is doing, do the Sunday crossword puzzle and write. I'll venture out for the kick-off and make sure the buffalo steaks, garlic smashed potatoes and broccoli are ready by half-time. I baked the dessert and focaccio earlier this afternoon so I need just about an hour to prepare dinner.
I don't plan to watch the game. For S and M's sake, I hope it's a good one - close score, well played, few penalties. I favor the New York Giants, mainly because of the Patriots' Spygate affair earlier in the season. If the team is that good, why do they need to cheat?
Well, it's a few minutes before kick-off. I offer this quote to honor the competition:
Life has meaning only in the struggles.
Triumph or defeat is in the hands of the Gods.
So let us celebrate the struggles.
~Swahili warrior song
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a traditional Super Bowl Sunday.
The guys, S, M (our Air Force Academy cadet) and T, are watching the super-sized Super Bowl pre-game show - over four hours of hype and fluff. I can't justify all that TV time. So, after figuring out my cooking schedule and taking T for a walk, I retreat to my studio to read, check the Internet to see how Barack Obama is doing, do the Sunday crossword puzzle and write. I'll venture out for the kick-off and make sure the buffalo steaks, garlic smashed potatoes and broccoli are ready by half-time. I baked the dessert and focaccio earlier this afternoon so I need just about an hour to prepare dinner.
I don't plan to watch the game. For S and M's sake, I hope it's a good one - close score, well played, few penalties. I favor the New York Giants, mainly because of the Patriots' Spygate affair earlier in the season. If the team is that good, why do they need to cheat?
Well, it's a few minutes before kick-off. I offer this quote to honor the competition:
Life has meaning only in the struggles.
Triumph or defeat is in the hands of the Gods.
So let us celebrate the struggles.
~Swahili warrior song
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Saturday, 02 February 2008 - Sweet honey
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for sweet honey.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for sweet honey.
Last night, as I was sleeping,
I dreamt--marvellous error!--
that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs
and sweet honey
from my old failures.
~Antonio Machado, Times Alone (Translated by Robert Bly)
Imagine that. Golden bees turning my old failures into honey, changing the bitter into sweet. A miraculous transformation.
Amen.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Friday, 01 February 2008 - More indoor climbing adventures
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for more indoor climbing adventures.
Because the weather isn't cooperating with our outdoor climbing plans, S and I decide to visit the rock climbing gym this evening for a hard workout. We're pleased that our climbing partner, Mark, will join us. The three of us last climbed together on New Year's Eve, so we welcome this impromptu reunion.
And, so, for nearly three hours, we take turns climbing and belaying. First, we warm up on the easiest climb on the vertical wall before attempting more challenging routes on the overhung wall. It's an exhausting and exhilarating session. During the final minutes, S and Mark attempt one more boulder problem while I happily do laps along the easier traverse on the far wall.
After Mark leaves, S and I watch a teenager climb along the roof of the "cave." We've seen him twice before, climbing with his friends. Tonight, he climbs alone.
We introduce ourselves. His name is Thomas. He's the founder and president of his high school's climbing club. We tell him how impressed we are with his climbing. I ask him for tips on climbing a roof (I've not yet tried this), and he explains the basic technique. Thomas is modest, polite and thoughtful. He obviously enjoys talking about climbing and his climbing exploits.
That's what I like best about the sport: the camaraderie among climbers regardless of age, physical size, experience and ability. To my surprise, even "celebrity" climbers stop to chat, offer advice and pet T when we visit Red Rock Canyon.
In my mind, shared experience and common challenges bring climbers together. The rock, after all, does not discriminate. The route may be easy for some and hard for others. Still, to reach the top successfully, each climber must make every move.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for more indoor climbing adventures.
Because the weather isn't cooperating with our outdoor climbing plans, S and I decide to visit the rock climbing gym this evening for a hard workout. We're pleased that our climbing partner, Mark, will join us. The three of us last climbed together on New Year's Eve, so we welcome this impromptu reunion.
And, so, for nearly three hours, we take turns climbing and belaying. First, we warm up on the easiest climb on the vertical wall before attempting more challenging routes on the overhung wall. It's an exhausting and exhilarating session. During the final minutes, S and Mark attempt one more boulder problem while I happily do laps along the easier traverse on the far wall.
After Mark leaves, S and I watch a teenager climb along the roof of the "cave." We've seen him twice before, climbing with his friends. Tonight, he climbs alone.
We introduce ourselves. His name is Thomas. He's the founder and president of his high school's climbing club. We tell him how impressed we are with his climbing. I ask him for tips on climbing a roof (I've not yet tried this), and he explains the basic technique. Thomas is modest, polite and thoughtful. He obviously enjoys talking about climbing and his climbing exploits.
That's what I like best about the sport: the camaraderie among climbers regardless of age, physical size, experience and ability. To my surprise, even "celebrity" climbers stop to chat, offer advice and pet T when we visit Red Rock Canyon.
In my mind, shared experience and common challenges bring climbers together. The rock, after all, does not discriminate. The route may be easy for some and hard for others. Still, to reach the top successfully, each climber must make every move.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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