Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a return to normalcy.
Now that the Beijing Olympics are finally over, our lives can return to normal. Well, as normal as things can be around here with the Democratic National Convention convening in Denver, the US Open Tennis Championship underway, the Vuelta a Espana (tour of Spain cycling race) set to begin on Saturday and the start of football season ... collegiate, high school, middle school and pro.
Sports and politics. We'll be living and dying both for the next few months. How normal is that!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday, 24 August 2008 - An August climbing adventure ... finally!
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an August climbing adventure ... finally!
The mid-summer monsoons delighted my gardens but ruined our August rock climbing schedule. So, today's adventure in Red Rock Canyon is a welcome one.
Two Air Force Academy cadets join S, T and me - M, who climbs with us whenever he can, and his friend, A, who is sport climbing for the first time.
Yes, the nearly six-hour session is busy, very tiring and lots of fun. An incoming storm alarms us. Fortunately, it brings only sporadic thunder and lightening - no show-stopping rain, this time.
The four of us take turns climbing and belaying (yes, even I take my turn belaying the 6-foot tall, 185 pound climbers). Twenty-five pitches later, S finally takes down the ropes. We carefully repack our gear before heading slowly down the trail.
T is the only one with any reserve energy. He sees the return hike as his chance to sniff, mark and jog to his heart's content. I can't keep up with T (I fell twice due his fast pace down the steepest part of the trail) so I hand S the leash. Back at the truck, M takes T on a bonus hike up the steep trail to the east (one of T's favorites).
I think I know of at least one chocolate Labrador retriever who will sleep very well tonight.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: While we climb, T chews on scrub oak bushes.
Today, I am thankful for an August climbing adventure ... finally!
The mid-summer monsoons delighted my gardens but ruined our August rock climbing schedule. So, today's adventure in Red Rock Canyon is a welcome one.
Two Air Force Academy cadets join S, T and me - M, who climbs with us whenever he can, and his friend, A, who is sport climbing for the first time.
Yes, the nearly six-hour session is busy, very tiring and lots of fun. An incoming storm alarms us. Fortunately, it brings only sporadic thunder and lightening - no show-stopping rain, this time.
The four of us take turns climbing and belaying (yes, even I take my turn belaying the 6-foot tall, 185 pound climbers). Twenty-five pitches later, S finally takes down the ropes. We carefully repack our gear before heading slowly down the trail.
T is the only one with any reserve energy. He sees the return hike as his chance to sniff, mark and jog to his heart's content. I can't keep up with T (I fell twice due his fast pace down the steepest part of the trail) so I hand S the leash. Back at the truck, M takes T on a bonus hike up the steep trail to the east (one of T's favorites).
I think I know of at least one chocolate Labrador retriever who will sleep very well tonight.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: While we climb, T chews on scrub oak bushes.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Saturday, 23 August 2008 - Laughter
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for laughter.
Remember, men need laughter sometimes more than food.
~Anna Fellows Johnston
A rare dinner out with friends. The food is delicious, European-inspired, exquisite flavors and just right portions. But, the food is a minor detail because Brenda is seated at the table. The day's gloom vanished the moment she walked into the lobby and said hello. And, her wonderful laugh. Contagious, of course.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for laughter.
Remember, men need laughter sometimes more than food.
~Anna Fellows Johnston
A rare dinner out with friends. The food is delicious, European-inspired, exquisite flavors and just right portions. But, the food is a minor detail because Brenda is seated at the table. The day's gloom vanished the moment she walked into the lobby and said hello. And, her wonderful laugh. Contagious, of course.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Friday, 22 August 2008 - A change in scenery
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a change in scenery.
Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time ... The wait is simply too long. ~Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
I'm struggling with writer's block again. My strategy between those rare inspirational moments is to keep on writing, one word after another.
S wants to go bouldering later this afternoon at Ute Valley Park. I'm sure that a change in scenery will do me good, that the act of climbing large boulders will anchor some of my ideas and thoughts in a well-written sentence or poem.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a change in scenery.
Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time ... The wait is simply too long. ~Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
I'm struggling with writer's block again. My strategy between those rare inspirational moments is to keep on writing, one word after another.
S wants to go bouldering later this afternoon at Ute Valley Park. I'm sure that a change in scenery will do me good, that the act of climbing large boulders will anchor some of my ideas and thoughts in a well-written sentence or poem.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Thursday, 21 August 2008 - A way out
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a way out.
The best way out is always through. ~Robert Frost
So, I've taken Robert Frost's road not taken many times and not regretted my decisions. Now, I will follow his advice and walk through - through this storm, through this desert, through this forest. I hope the way out is a well lit path and the exit sign, close by.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a way out.
The best way out is always through. ~Robert Frost
So, I've taken Robert Frost's road not taken many times and not regretted my decisions. Now, I will follow his advice and walk through - through this storm, through this desert, through this forest. I hope the way out is a well lit path and the exit sign, close by.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wednesday, 20 August 2008 - Another gardening lesson
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for another gardening lesson.
The watering of a garden requires as much judgment as the seasoning of soup. ~Helena Rutherford Ely
Another gardening lesson: The art of watering involves knowing just how much and exactly when. Plants, even xeric ones, need adequate water to thrive. In arid Colorado, a little goes a long way.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photos: The recent spell of cool, rainy weather has revived the backyard. Looks like S will have to mow the native grass lawn for only the second time this season.
Today, I am thankful for another gardening lesson.
The watering of a garden requires as much judgment as the seasoning of soup. ~Helena Rutherford Ely
Another gardening lesson: The art of watering involves knowing just how much and exactly when. Plants, even xeric ones, need adequate water to thrive. In arid Colorado, a little goes a long way.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photos: The recent spell of cool, rainy weather has revived the backyard. Looks like S will have to mow the native grass lawn for only the second time this season.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tuesday, 19 August 2008 - Hindsight
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for hindsight.
To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward. ~Margaret Fairless Barber, The Roadmender
20-20 hindsight.
Experience.
If only I knew then what I know now.
I glance backward for clues, an understanding, a new truth. Then, intrigued by what I see, I ask why this and that happened instead of something else, but reach no conclusion. I painstakingly dissect good and bad decisions, analyzing to death their tiny fragments.
I replay major themes and find new lyrics sung to the same old tune. I sense overt warning signs, detect subtle first hints and relive embarrassing slaps in the face. I find a fragrant rose here, a sunny daffodil there and bothersome weeds everywhere.
I succeed. I fail. I grieve. I reconsider. I learn. Then, I decide to move on. Sometimes willingly, other times reluctantly. Destination, unknown or nebulous at best. But at least I move on.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for hindsight.
To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward. ~Margaret Fairless Barber, The Roadmender
20-20 hindsight.
Experience.
If only I knew then what I know now.
I glance backward for clues, an understanding, a new truth. Then, intrigued by what I see, I ask why this and that happened instead of something else, but reach no conclusion. I painstakingly dissect good and bad decisions, analyzing to death their tiny fragments.
I replay major themes and find new lyrics sung to the same old tune. I sense overt warning signs, detect subtle first hints and relive embarrassing slaps in the face. I find a fragrant rose here, a sunny daffodil there and bothersome weeds everywhere.
I succeed. I fail. I grieve. I reconsider. I learn. Then, I decide to move on. Sometimes willingly, other times reluctantly. Destination, unknown or nebulous at best. But at least I move on.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Monday, 18 August 2008 - More courage
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for more courage.
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. ~Joseph Campbell
I've given up planning my life. Well, not entirely. I still need to plan a little. Just enough so I can get through the day. Just far ahead so my weekly grocery list makes sense. But, not so much that I damage dreams and relinquish hope.
But letting go completely. That's a real challenge. To get rid of a planned life and welcome destiny. I don't know if I have the courage to do it.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for more courage.
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. ~Joseph Campbell
I've given up planning my life. Well, not entirely. I still need to plan a little. Just enough so I can get through the day. Just far ahead so my weekly grocery list makes sense. But, not so much that I damage dreams and relinquish hope.
But letting go completely. That's a real challenge. To get rid of a planned life and welcome destiny. I don't know if I have the courage to do it.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday, 17 August 2008 - A repaired fence
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a repaired fence.
When a brown bear toppled the same section of fence a few years ago, he/she tore the gate from its hinges and broke two posts. S spent a full weekend digging out the old posts, setting new ones in concrete and building a new gate.
Last night or early this morning, the bear merely ripped the section from the posts. And, despite the rain, S repaired the damage in less than a hour. Now, T is safe and sound again in his fenced yard.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a repaired fence.
When a brown bear toppled the same section of fence a few years ago, he/she tore the gate from its hinges and broke two posts. S spent a full weekend digging out the old posts, setting new ones in concrete and building a new gate.
Last night or early this morning, the bear merely ripped the section from the posts. And, despite the rain, S repaired the damage in less than a hour. Now, T is safe and sound again in his fenced yard.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Saturday, 16 August 2008 - Impossible dreams
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for impossible dreams. Like Lance Armstrong winning the Tour de France for seven consecutive years and, now, Michael Phelps winning eight Olympic gold medals in Beijing.
The impossible can always be broken down into possibilities. ~Author Unknown
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for impossible dreams. Like Lance Armstrong winning the Tour de France for seven consecutive years and, now, Michael Phelps winning eight Olympic gold medals in Beijing.
The impossible can always be broken down into possibilities. ~Author Unknown
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Friday, 15 August 2008 - Dara Torres
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for Dara Torres.
U.S. Olympic swimmer, Dara Torres, inspires me with her "dreams have no age limit" message. At age 41, she consistently beats women half her age.
As an athlete, I will never be in her league. But, I can do my best with what I have - some natural talent, fitness, determination and passion.
When I took up rock climbing two years ago at age 52, I knew I had a lot to prove to myself. The sport clearly attracts teens, not baby boomers.
Still, I think I've done all right given my late start. Not exceptional according to the world's standards, but good enough for me.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for Dara Torres.
U.S. Olympic swimmer, Dara Torres, inspires me with her "dreams have no age limit" message. At age 41, she consistently beats women half her age.
As an athlete, I will never be in her league. But, I can do my best with what I have - some natural talent, fitness, determination and passion.
When I took up rock climbing two years ago at age 52, I knew I had a lot to prove to myself. The sport clearly attracts teens, not baby boomers.
Still, I think I've done all right given my late start. Not exceptional according to the world's standards, but good enough for me.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Thursday, 14 August 2008 - Passing grades
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for passing grades.
A bad grade is only one letter in the Essay of Life. ~Lee Drake
For the young people in our neighborhood, school begins in a few days. Whenever we get the chance, S, T and I encourage them to study hard and exploit their diverse talents. I'm excited to see what amazing things our young friends will accomplish in the classroom, on the field or in the studio. And, of course, I want them to pass all their classes!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for passing grades.
A bad grade is only one letter in the Essay of Life. ~Lee Drake
For the young people in our neighborhood, school begins in a few days. Whenever we get the chance, S, T and I encourage them to study hard and exploit their diverse talents. I'm excited to see what amazing things our young friends will accomplish in the classroom, on the field or in the studio. And, of course, I want them to pass all their classes!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Wednesday, 13 August 2008 - Bread pudding
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for bread pudding.
When I think of bread pudding, I think about my business trips to New Orleans. When I dined alone, I often feasted on a regional meal of salad, French bread, boiled crawfish and bread pudding with whiskey sauce.
Yesterday, anticipating another baking adventure, I made an extra loaf of French bread. Today, I decide to make bread pudding based on a Mark Bittman recipe.
My recipe combines day-old French bread, half and half, eggs, real maple syrup, homemade vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger and sliced almonds. Layer the bread in a large baking dish. Whisk together the remaining ingredients (except the almonds) and pour over the bread. Let soak for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle almonds over the top. Drizzle additional maple syrup over the almonds. Bake. Serve hot from the oven, warm, at room temperature or cold from the refrigerator.
This bread pudding is rich and flavorful, light (i.e., not soggy), not too sweet. The top crust sports toasted almonds glazed with maple syrup. The bread is moist and creamy yet firm, the flavors - maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger - delicate and complex. Better, I think, than the bread puddings I enjoyed in New Orleans.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for bread pudding.
When I think of bread pudding, I think about my business trips to New Orleans. When I dined alone, I often feasted on a regional meal of salad, French bread, boiled crawfish and bread pudding with whiskey sauce.
Yesterday, anticipating another baking adventure, I made an extra loaf of French bread. Today, I decide to make bread pudding based on a Mark Bittman recipe.
My recipe combines day-old French bread, half and half, eggs, real maple syrup, homemade vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger and sliced almonds. Layer the bread in a large baking dish. Whisk together the remaining ingredients (except the almonds) and pour over the bread. Let soak for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle almonds over the top. Drizzle additional maple syrup over the almonds. Bake. Serve hot from the oven, warm, at room temperature or cold from the refrigerator.
This bread pudding is rich and flavorful, light (i.e., not soggy), not too sweet. The top crust sports toasted almonds glazed with maple syrup. The bread is moist and creamy yet firm, the flavors - maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger - delicate and complex. Better, I think, than the bread puddings I enjoyed in New Orleans.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tuesday, 12 August 2008 - Mid-summer monsoons
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for mid-summer monsoons.
They're here, right on schedule. I didn't expect them this year, given the ongoing drought. So, while T did his rain sleep, I prayed extra hard for moisture, knowing the storms would spoil our rock climbing adventures.
O Lord, grant that in some way it may rain every day, say from about midnight until three o'clock in the morning, but, you see, it must be gentle and warm so that it can soak in; grant that at the same time it would not rain on campion, alyssum, heliaanthemum, lavender, and the others which you in your infinite wisdom know are drought loving plants - I will write their names on a paper if you like - and grant that the sun may shine the whole day long, but not everywhere (not for instance, on spiraea, or on gentian, plantain lily, and rhododendron), and not too much; that there may be plenty of dew and little wind, enough worms, no plant-lice and snails, no mildew, and that once a week thin liquid manure and guano may fall from heaven. Amen.
- Karel Capek, The Gardener's Year, 1929
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for mid-summer monsoons.
They're here, right on schedule. I didn't expect them this year, given the ongoing drought. So, while T did his rain sleep, I prayed extra hard for moisture, knowing the storms would spoil our rock climbing adventures.
O Lord, grant that in some way it may rain every day, say from about midnight until three o'clock in the morning, but, you see, it must be gentle and warm so that it can soak in; grant that at the same time it would not rain on campion, alyssum, heliaanthemum, lavender, and the others which you in your infinite wisdom know are drought loving plants - I will write their names on a paper if you like - and grant that the sun may shine the whole day long, but not everywhere (not for instance, on spiraea, or on gentian, plantain lily, and rhododendron), and not too much; that there may be plenty of dew and little wind, enough worms, no plant-lice and snails, no mildew, and that once a week thin liquid manure and guano may fall from heaven. Amen.
- Karel Capek, The Gardener's Year, 1929
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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