Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for warmth on cold winter days.
Winter either bites with its teeth or lashes with its tail. ~Proverb
Winter is the season in which people try to keep the house as warm as it was in the summer, when they complained about the heat.
~Author unknown
I've been cold since Thanksgiving Day. That's the day winter settled in, nearly a month before its official December start.
I know the beginning of winter very well. This is my 22nd Colorado winter which means I can rightfully claim experience. Anyway, the signs are obvious - somber gray skies, bitter cold winds, snow flurries and an overworked furnace.
I greet winter's onset with my usual arsenal of edible remedies: pots of spicy homemade soup or stew, steaming mugs of ginger-laced green tea, drops of grapefruit seed extract in orange juice and hot toddies. I wear layers of high-tech, expedition weight clothing and drape Polarfleece blankets over my lap when I work at the computer or watch television. I dread getting out of bed in the morning.
Only T tolerates the cold. Actually, he prefers cooler weather. His dense oily coat is perfect for winter's sub-freezing temperatures. The North wind is his seasonal friend. Morning, afternoon and evening, T patrols his snow laden yard, investigating new scents with typical Labrador retriever delight.
I watch T from the kitchen window. Brrrrr. It's really cold outside. I take another sip of hot tea, feeling quite envious of his ability to stay warm.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Saturday, 29 November 2008 - Glimpses of heaven
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for glimpses of heaven.
There are glimpses of heaven in every act, or thought, or word that raises us above ourselves. ~Arthur Stanley
Imagine that. Glimpses of heaven. Rare insights into the divine and holy nature of life and beyond.
Miracles occur daily when we do exactly what we're suppose to do for ourselves and for each other. No heroic deeds or deep pockets required. Just step up to the plate and swing at the next pitch with intention and passion. Nothing more, nothing less.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.,
Today, I am thankful for glimpses of heaven.
There are glimpses of heaven in every act, or thought, or word that raises us above ourselves. ~Arthur Stanley
Imagine that. Glimpses of heaven. Rare insights into the divine and holy nature of life and beyond.
Miracles occur daily when we do exactly what we're suppose to do for ourselves and for each other. No heroic deeds or deep pockets required. Just step up to the plate and swing at the next pitch with intention and passion. Nothing more, nothing less.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.,
Friday, November 28, 2008
Friday, 28 November 2008 - Giving and receiving
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for giving and receiving.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
~The Golden Rule (variation)
I don't buy anything on the day after Thanksgiving, honoring Black Friday boycotts. Who needs the nasty crowds, the annoyance or the stuff?
So, I'm speechless after learning that an early morning stampede of Wal-Mart shoppers killed one man and injured several others.
I wonder what heavily discounted item on aisle 15 was worth one man's life. None, in my book.
My thoughts are these:
+ On giving.
We battle feelings of inadequacy because, for the first time, many of us have little to give others but a smile, a hug and an encouraging word. My cup simply does not runneth over this year. Of course, by placing dollar signs on everything, we fail to realize the true scope of our generosity. Simple gifts are always best. Gifts of oneself, priceless.
+ On receiving.
To receive is humbling, forcing me to test the limits of my pride and gratitude. Giving is easier, receiving more difficult to rationalize. But, when times are hard, random acts of kindness abound. The trick is to find the balance - I give, I receive - trying at all times, to do the right thing.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for giving and receiving.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
~The Golden Rule (variation)
I don't buy anything on the day after Thanksgiving, honoring Black Friday boycotts. Who needs the nasty crowds, the annoyance or the stuff?
So, I'm speechless after learning that an early morning stampede of Wal-Mart shoppers killed one man and injured several others.
I wonder what heavily discounted item on aisle 15 was worth one man's life. None, in my book.
My thoughts are these:
+ On giving.
We battle feelings of inadequacy because, for the first time, many of us have little to give others but a smile, a hug and an encouraging word. My cup simply does not runneth over this year. Of course, by placing dollar signs on everything, we fail to realize the true scope of our generosity. Simple gifts are always best. Gifts of oneself, priceless.
+ On receiving.
To receive is humbling, forcing me to test the limits of my pride and gratitude. Giving is easier, receiving more difficult to rationalize. But, when times are hard, random acts of kindness abound. The trick is to find the balance - I give, I receive - trying at all times, to do the right thing.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thursday, 27 November 2008 - A day of Thanksgiving
Dear God:
Today, as I reflect on the things for which I am thankful, I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Let our hearts be filled with kindness,
Our minds be calm and light,
May thanks arise within us
For all we share tonight.
~Susan Smalley
I've been away for some time ... entangled in frenzy of Senator Obama's Presidential campaign, suffering from severe writer's block that made me feel like I had nothing important or new to say and watching depression's gray fog creep towards me as the holidays approach. This week, I'm feeling much better about life in general and am ready to begin writing again.
So, on this Thanksgiving Day, I give special thanks for:
Good health
At the Air Force Academy's human performance lab, I had a DEXA full body scan. The results confirmed that my self-prescribed diet and exercise routine has worked miracles. My bone density now falls solidly in the normal range, a result that negates past diagnoses of osteopenia (early osteoporosis). To my surprise, my nonessential body fat content is below 15%, equaling that of NCAA Division 1 women athletes at the Academy - not bad for a 54-year-old woman.
Senator Barack Obama's win in the Presidential election.
Change is definitely upon us, and it feels marvelous. S and I worked hard, especially during the Democratic Party primary, to nominate and elect Senator Obama. On November 4, after MSNBC declared an Obama victory, I turned to S and exclaimed, "We did it!" I am still fired up and ready to go. Yes we can!
Blue state cheers.
Colorado turned blue this election season (although El Paso County, where we live, remained bright red). Imagine that. Two Democratic US senators and an overall win for Senator Obama. I'm elated to be residing once again in a blue state. I say "yes" to progressives and those who support 21st century solutions to our country's problems.
Work.
Because no matter its nature, complexity or opportunities, work adds value and purpose to my life.
First snow.
Snow arrived late this season ... October 21, 2008 to be exact. T, of course, was delighted by the flurries and small drifts. He thrives in cooler weather. His high energy level and spirits continue to impress S and me. T turns 12 next month ... a sad reminder that he won't be with us forever.
More climbing adventures.
Autumn's cooler weather and shorter days don't deter our outdoor climbing adventures. We're still regulars at Red Rock Canyon and the Ute Valley Park boulders. My current favorite is the 5.10b route that S and I climbed earlier this month. It resides on the notorious Wailing Wall in Red Rock Canyon and presents climbers with 90 feet of sustained 5.10 climbing. Because I'm so short (only 5'2"), climbing from bolt to bolt requires three or four sequential bouldering-type moves. Needless to say, I fell a few times during my first ascent. Next time we attempt this route, I plan to redpoint the climb.
Extended family.
Our Colorado Springs family includes neighbors, business colleagues and climbing friends. I'm pleased that our two Air Force Academy cadet friends continue to spend time with us on a regular basis - climbing, bouldering, watching NCAA or pro football, hanging out in the house with T and eating meals that showcase my cooking and baking skills.
Thanksgiving traditions.
Each Thanksgiving Day, S, T and I gather near the radio to listen to Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant" on KRCC, the local public radio station. For dinner, we usually join friends and neighbors, contributing a few bottles of wine or a side dish or two (my best are homemade cranberry relish with a splash of whisky and sweet potatoes/yams flavored with rum). This year, we're joining our next door neighbor's celebration. The day after Thanksgiving, I cook our own feast (except I won't this year because I have to work). I don't shop on Black Friday ... just because it feels like the right thing to do.
Love.
I feel it ... love ... the Universe's assurance that my mere existence makes a difference on Earth. I think Mother Teresa said it best - "Every act of love is a work of peace, no matter how small." Here's to love, to peace.
For these blessings, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Photo: T poses near the Wailing Wall in Red Rock Canyon.
Today, as I reflect on the things for which I am thankful, I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Let our hearts be filled with kindness,
Our minds be calm and light,
May thanks arise within us
For all we share tonight.
~Susan Smalley
I've been away for some time ... entangled in frenzy of Senator Obama's Presidential campaign, suffering from severe writer's block that made me feel like I had nothing important or new to say and watching depression's gray fog creep towards me as the holidays approach. This week, I'm feeling much better about life in general and am ready to begin writing again.
So, on this Thanksgiving Day, I give special thanks for:
Good health
At the Air Force Academy's human performance lab, I had a DEXA full body scan. The results confirmed that my self-prescribed diet and exercise routine has worked miracles. My bone density now falls solidly in the normal range, a result that negates past diagnoses of osteopenia (early osteoporosis). To my surprise, my nonessential body fat content is below 15%, equaling that of NCAA Division 1 women athletes at the Academy - not bad for a 54-year-old woman.
Senator Barack Obama's win in the Presidential election.
Change is definitely upon us, and it feels marvelous. S and I worked hard, especially during the Democratic Party primary, to nominate and elect Senator Obama. On November 4, after MSNBC declared an Obama victory, I turned to S and exclaimed, "We did it!" I am still fired up and ready to go. Yes we can!
Blue state cheers.
Colorado turned blue this election season (although El Paso County, where we live, remained bright red). Imagine that. Two Democratic US senators and an overall win for Senator Obama. I'm elated to be residing once again in a blue state. I say "yes" to progressives and those who support 21st century solutions to our country's problems.
Work.
Because no matter its nature, complexity or opportunities, work adds value and purpose to my life.
First snow.
Snow arrived late this season ... October 21, 2008 to be exact. T, of course, was delighted by the flurries and small drifts. He thrives in cooler weather. His high energy level and spirits continue to impress S and me. T turns 12 next month ... a sad reminder that he won't be with us forever.
More climbing adventures.
Autumn's cooler weather and shorter days don't deter our outdoor climbing adventures. We're still regulars at Red Rock Canyon and the Ute Valley Park boulders. My current favorite is the 5.10b route that S and I climbed earlier this month. It resides on the notorious Wailing Wall in Red Rock Canyon and presents climbers with 90 feet of sustained 5.10 climbing. Because I'm so short (only 5'2"), climbing from bolt to bolt requires three or four sequential bouldering-type moves. Needless to say, I fell a few times during my first ascent. Next time we attempt this route, I plan to redpoint the climb.
Extended family.
Our Colorado Springs family includes neighbors, business colleagues and climbing friends. I'm pleased that our two Air Force Academy cadet friends continue to spend time with us on a regular basis - climbing, bouldering, watching NCAA or pro football, hanging out in the house with T and eating meals that showcase my cooking and baking skills.
Thanksgiving traditions.
Each Thanksgiving Day, S, T and I gather near the radio to listen to Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant" on KRCC, the local public radio station. For dinner, we usually join friends and neighbors, contributing a few bottles of wine or a side dish or two (my best are homemade cranberry relish with a splash of whisky and sweet potatoes/yams flavored with rum). This year, we're joining our next door neighbor's celebration. The day after Thanksgiving, I cook our own feast (except I won't this year because I have to work). I don't shop on Black Friday ... just because it feels like the right thing to do.
Love.
I feel it ... love ... the Universe's assurance that my mere existence makes a difference on Earth. I think Mother Teresa said it best - "Every act of love is a work of peace, no matter how small." Here's to love, to peace.
For these blessings, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Photo: T poses near the Wailing Wall in Red Rock Canyon.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Sunday, 07 September 2008 - Two things
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for two things.
First, that our high school neighbor, E, did not break his arm in last night's football game. Fortunately, the crushing blow to his arm merely bruised the bone and soft tissue. Since he's a senior, we didn't want an injury to end his season after only two games. He insists that he will play in next weekend's game.
Second, that our Air Force Academy cadets, M and A, really enjoyed climbing with us (two 50-somethings) at Red Rock Canyon. This time, we tackled climbs on the Australian wall. Notable firsts: M practiced leading while A belayed, and I tried out my new Mad Rock climbing shoes.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for two things.
First, that our high school neighbor, E, did not break his arm in last night's football game. Fortunately, the crushing blow to his arm merely bruised the bone and soft tissue. Since he's a senior, we didn't want an injury to end his season after only two games. He insists that he will play in next weekend's game.
Second, that our Air Force Academy cadets, M and A, really enjoyed climbing with us (two 50-somethings) at Red Rock Canyon. This time, we tackled climbs on the Australian wall. Notable firsts: M practiced leading while A belayed, and I tried out my new Mad Rock climbing shoes.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Saturday, 06 September 2008 - Restraint
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for restraint.
M and A, our Air Force Academy cadets, stop by before heading to Ute Valley Park where they plan to climb some of the top-roped routes. Despite the fact that we have a lot to do at home, S and I decide to join them for an hour or so - they'll sport climb while we boulder.
I don't want to overdo it, however. Restraint must temper my enthusiasm. The four of us (plus T) plan to visit Red Rock Canyon tomorrow for a full day of climbing. At age 20, M and A can recover overnight. At age 50+, I need at least one full rest day - preferably two - between climbing adventures.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for restraint.
M and A, our Air Force Academy cadets, stop by before heading to Ute Valley Park where they plan to climb some of the top-roped routes. Despite the fact that we have a lot to do at home, S and I decide to join them for an hour or so - they'll sport climb while we boulder.
I don't want to overdo it, however. Restraint must temper my enthusiasm. The four of us (plus T) plan to visit Red Rock Canyon tomorrow for a full day of climbing. At age 20, M and A can recover overnight. At age 50+, I need at least one full rest day - preferably two - between climbing adventures.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Friday, 05 September 2008 - A new friend
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a new friend.
Our newest friend is Austin, a sixth grader who lives down the street. For whatever reason, he decided that knowing S, T and me is a good thing.
We don't mind. Austin is bright, energetic and considerate - someone to replace Dominic who has all but disappeared from our lives. Anyway, interacting with young people keeps us, well, young.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a new friend.
Our newest friend is Austin, a sixth grader who lives down the street. For whatever reason, he decided that knowing S, T and me is a good thing.
We don't mind. Austin is bright, energetic and considerate - someone to replace Dominic who has all but disappeared from our lives. Anyway, interacting with young people keeps us, well, young.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Thursday, 04 September 2008 - Tired feet
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for very tired feet.
My feet are so tired tonight. Their tenderness and discomfort mean just one thing, that I rock climbed long and hard this afternoon.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Today, I am thankful for very tired feet.
My feet are so tired tonight. Their tenderness and discomfort mean just one thing, that I rock climbed long and hard this afternoon.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Wednesday, 03 September 2008 - Seasonal transitions
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for seasonal transitions.
A merchant writes in her newsletter that her mother, a teacher, knows that the beginning of the new school year is near when the goldenrod blooms.
Mine, on the brink of showing its golden mane for weeks, finally bloomed last week. Since the local schools opened in mid-August, the goldenrod's flowers mean something else in Colorado - the onset of autumn weather.
I waited a few days to mention the seasonal transition, just in case the cooler weather was actually a red herring. Today, I announce fall's official start (retroactive to September 1). The night's low temperature hovers around 40 degrees, so I must cover the tomatoes, peppers and eggplants at sunset with old sheets and pillow cases (I still want the "fruit" to set). I will continue this practice until the first hard freeze. In the meantime, I'm praying for a lovely Indian summer with warm days, vegetables and herbs to harvest and excellent climbing adventures.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Tuesday, 02 September 2008 - FBorFW
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the comic strip, For Better or For Worst (FBorFW).
For many years, I've faithfully followed Lynn Johnson's chronicle of the Patterson family. I like comics where time moves forward, characters age and life lessons abound. So, when Ms. Johnson announced her decision to end the story on August 31 and restart the strip from the very beginning on September 1, I was sad and disappointed.
I know too much about the characters to wonder what will happen next. And, of course, I know the end of the story. Such knowledge, however, won't keep me from reading the strip. But, I won't be in a big hurry to read it daily. Perhaps catching up on weekends will suffice this time around.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the comic strip, For Better or For Worst (FBorFW).
For many years, I've faithfully followed Lynn Johnson's chronicle of the Patterson family. I like comics where time moves forward, characters age and life lessons abound. So, when Ms. Johnson announced her decision to end the story on August 31 and restart the strip from the very beginning on September 1, I was sad and disappointed.
I know too much about the characters to wonder what will happen next. And, of course, I know the end of the story. Such knowledge, however, won't keep me from reading the strip. But, I won't be in a big hurry to read it daily. Perhaps catching up on weekends will suffice this time around.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Monday, 01 September 2008 - Common ground
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for common ground.
You don't have a garden just for yourself. You have it to share. ~Augusta Carter
When you have a garden, you also have a conversation topic, information to share, questions to ask, complaints to register, aspirations and dreams to ponder. Nearly everyone listens - at least for a little while - when one speaks of gardens and gardening and homegrown tomatoes. Strangers nod in silent agreement, friends commiserate, family members try to understand.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for common ground.
You don't have a garden just for yourself. You have it to share. ~Augusta Carter
When you have a garden, you also have a conversation topic, information to share, questions to ask, complaints to register, aspirations and dreams to ponder. Nearly everyone listens - at least for a little while - when one speaks of gardens and gardening and homegrown tomatoes. Strangers nod in silent agreement, friends commiserate, family members try to understand.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sunday, 31 August 2008 - More laughter
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for more laughter.
We join M, his parents and brother for dinner at a favorite Thai restaurant. M's father and S are expert storytellers and willingly entertain us for a few hours. We smile and laugh as they tell funny stories and share quirky observations of the world at large.
Before going to bed, I wash my face as usual. I glance in the mirror and for once, actually like what I see. I think I look younger, even without makeup. Must be the laughter ... my own.
(Note to self: laugh more.)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for more laughter.
We join M, his parents and brother for dinner at a favorite Thai restaurant. M's father and S are expert storytellers and willingly entertain us for a few hours. We smile and laugh as they tell funny stories and share quirky observations of the world at large.
Before going to bed, I wash my face as usual. I glance in the mirror and for once, actually like what I see. I think I look younger, even without makeup. Must be the laughter ... my own.
(Note to self: laugh more.)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Saturday, 30 August 2008 - The end of a difficult phase
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the end of a difficult phase.
If I had my life to live over ...
I would have invited friends over to dinner
even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
~Erma Bombeck
A house that does not have one worn, comfy chair in it is soulless. ~May Sarton
Yes, I am finally over "my home is unfit for company" phase. I open the front door and let friends enter.
They already know, anyway.
My home, far from House Beautiful perfect, reflects my unbalanced and uncertain life, perfectly.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the end of a difficult phase.
If I had my life to live over ...
I would have invited friends over to dinner
even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
~Erma Bombeck
A house that does not have one worn, comfy chair in it is soulless. ~May Sarton
Yes, I am finally over "my home is unfit for company" phase. I open the front door and let friends enter.
They already know, anyway.
My home, far from House Beautiful perfect, reflects my unbalanced and uncertain life, perfectly.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday, 29 August 2008 - Three good books
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for three good books.
Recently, a "fan," interested in my reading list, asked me to recommend a few books. Fortunately, I've been reading more than cooking, gardening and knitting texts and offered three interesting titles. These books were so good (in my opinion, at least) that I could not put them down and read them straight through into the early morning hours.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for three good books.
Recently, a "fan," interested in my reading list, asked me to recommend a few books. Fortunately, I've been reading more than cooking, gardening and knitting texts and offered three interesting titles. These books were so good (in my opinion, at least) that I could not put them down and read them straight through into the early morning hours.
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon (fiction)
- Swallow the Ocean by Laura M. Flynn (memoir)
- Listen by Wendy Salinger (memoir)
Amen.
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