Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an early start to spring cleaning.
I am on a roll and no one can stop me. Spring cleaning began today. My closet is in good shape, but my studio/office needs a major makeover.
Oh, Lord,
Give me wisdom and discernment so I know what things I need to keep for this leg of my journey.
Release me from material burdens that hinder my travels and clutter my space.
Please help me discard my nagging "just in case" excuse for keeping things.
And, help me see that the things worth having in this life are already at home in my heart.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
Monday, 27 February 2006 - The color, yellow
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the color, yellow.
While growing up, I never liked the color, yellow. Probably my reaction to yellow's racial connotations since I am Japanese. "Yellow peril" is the negative phrase I remember best. I never wore yellow because it was too bright for my conservative style and didn't complement my complexion's golden undertones.
Today, I think differently about yellow - it's now a color I adore.
Yellow is:
the sun's life-giving energy
the sunflower's regal crown
a candle's hopeful glow on a cold winter's night
ripe corn on the cob
a patch of spring daffodils in full bloom
a basket of fresh, fragrant lemons
the Tour de France's maillot jaune
a sparkling canary diamond
anonymous wildflowers that grace my summer garden
how sunshine feels from the inside out
Thanks to my knitting adventures, my once drab wardrobe now includes bright yellow accents - a bulky cardigan sweater, a long scarf, a felted wool handbag. And, I never leave the house without wearing a "livestrong" wristband (yellow is Lance Armstrong's favorite color).
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the color, yellow.
While growing up, I never liked the color, yellow. Probably my reaction to yellow's racial connotations since I am Japanese. "Yellow peril" is the negative phrase I remember best. I never wore yellow because it was too bright for my conservative style and didn't complement my complexion's golden undertones.
Today, I think differently about yellow - it's now a color I adore.
Yellow is:
the sun's life-giving energy
the sunflower's regal crown
a candle's hopeful glow on a cold winter's night
ripe corn on the cob
a patch of spring daffodils in full bloom
a basket of fresh, fragrant lemons
the Tour de France's maillot jaune
a sparkling canary diamond
anonymous wildflowers that grace my summer garden
how sunshine feels from the inside out
Thanks to my knitting adventures, my once drab wardrobe now includes bright yellow accents - a bulky cardigan sweater, a long scarf, a felted wool handbag. And, I never leave the house without wearing a "livestrong" wristband (yellow is Lance Armstrong's favorite color).
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Sunday, 26 February 2006 - Elbow grease
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for lots of elbow grease.
We washed, waxed and polished our vehicles today - my husband's Ford Ranger truck and Mrs. TC (my Toyota Camry). The weather cooperated beautifully - mild temperatures and very little wind. I did most of the work on Mrs. TC while S went for a bike ride. Then, I helped him wax and polish the truck (a big task for one person). T sat or lay on the driveway the entire time, supervising our work and keeping an eye on the neighbors.
Can spring be far away? Everyone was out and about this afternoon so we had the chance to catch up on the latest news. I think it's time to organize the year's first BBQ.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for lots of elbow grease.
We washed, waxed and polished our vehicles today - my husband's Ford Ranger truck and Mrs. TC (my Toyota Camry). The weather cooperated beautifully - mild temperatures and very little wind. I did most of the work on Mrs. TC while S went for a bike ride. Then, I helped him wax and polish the truck (a big task for one person). T sat or lay on the driveway the entire time, supervising our work and keeping an eye on the neighbors.
Can spring be far away? Everyone was out and about this afternoon so we had the chance to catch up on the latest news. I think it's time to organize the year's first BBQ.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Saturday, 25 February 2006 - The small things
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the small things.
Things like ...
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the small things.
Things like ...
- My daily wake-up call courtesy of T's cold wet nose touching my cheek
- Irish cream liquor (homemade)
- The sweet-tart taste of blood oranges
- The tips of bulbs breaking through the frozen earth (a sure sign that spring is near)
- The prayer of Jabez
- A large bowl of very spicy homemade tortilla soup laden (my own recipe)
- A freshly ironed pair of jeans
- Flannel sheets
- Circular knitting needles
- Spider plants
- Wool yarn dyed in a vibrant colorway
- A new tube of lipstick
- Mint dental floss
- Red Teva boots
- Mechanical pencils that use #7 or #9 lead
- Sharp chopping knives
- Towels made from microfiber
- New batteries
- Online bill paying
- Staples
- Ott-Lite lamps
- Sparkling clean mirrors
- The just-in-case safety pin I carry in my wallet
- Cell phones
- The smell of damp mulch
- Perfectly cooked brown rice
- The newspaper's plastic sleeve (we use it to pick-up T's poops in the park)
- ...
Amen.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006 - Gardening dreams
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for gardening dreams.
The mild temperatures have returned and so have my gardening dreams. I've been so busy working and knitting that I haven't studied the stack of seed and plant catalogues that began arriving in December. Nevertheless, my list of gardening chores grows longer each time I survey the various plots. Needs trimming. Needs mulch. Needs to be hoed. Needs to be repotted. Needs to be reseeded.
I managed to order three Goji berry bushes last fall (they're suppose to be easy to grow in arid conditions). I expect them in early April. I also received a High Country Gardens gift certificate for Christmas so I can buy some of the "must have" perennials on my wish list.
This year, I'm considering growing some edible plants. Nothing exotic. Just a few items that I use repeatedly in my summer cuisine. Jalapeno and habanero peppers for salsa. Basil for pesto. Gourmet lettuce for salads. Raspberries for dessert.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for gardening dreams.
The mild temperatures have returned and so have my gardening dreams. I've been so busy working and knitting that I haven't studied the stack of seed and plant catalogues that began arriving in December. Nevertheless, my list of gardening chores grows longer each time I survey the various plots. Needs trimming. Needs mulch. Needs to be hoed. Needs to be repotted. Needs to be reseeded.
I managed to order three Goji berry bushes last fall (they're suppose to be easy to grow in arid conditions). I expect them in early April. I also received a High Country Gardens gift certificate for Christmas so I can buy some of the "must have" perennials on my wish list.
This year, I'm considering growing some edible plants. Nothing exotic. Just a few items that I use repeatedly in my summer cuisine. Jalapeno and habanero peppers for salsa. Basil for pesto. Gourmet lettuce for salads. Raspberries for dessert.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Thursday, 23 February 2006 - Learning new tricks
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the ability to learn new tricks.
I have much to learn this week - the critical how to's of the Toyota Camry (like how to turn on the heater and fill the gas tank) and how to use my new Sony-Ericsson Z520a cell phone.
Learning about the car is easy since it's similar to other cars I've driven. Learning how to use the new cell phone with it's myriad capabilities, settings, customizations and "cool" features is an Olympic-sized challenge.
My husband, eager to master his new "toy," has already spent many hours learning about his complex pocket PC-phone device. In sharp contrast, I am content just knowing how to answer the phone while wearing a Bluetooth ear piece. We both love technology but I dread becoming a slave to its possibilities.
(Ask me a month from now about how I'm doing with my cell phone. By then I should have learned at least five new tricks!)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the ability to learn new tricks.
I have much to learn this week - the critical how to's of the Toyota Camry (like how to turn on the heater and fill the gas tank) and how to use my new Sony-Ericsson Z520a cell phone.
Learning about the car is easy since it's similar to other cars I've driven. Learning how to use the new cell phone with it's myriad capabilities, settings, customizations and "cool" features is an Olympic-sized challenge.
My husband, eager to master his new "toy," has already spent many hours learning about his complex pocket PC-phone device. In sharp contrast, I am content just knowing how to answer the phone while wearing a Bluetooth ear piece. We both love technology but I dread becoming a slave to its possibilities.
(Ask me a month from now about how I'm doing with my cell phone. By then I should have learned at least five new tricks!)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Wednesday, 22 February 2006 - The scrub oak
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the scrub oak.
God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools. ~John Muir
The construction workers are back at work, clearing the last section of our neighborhood's open space to make room for some luxury homes. Their work involves removing more scrub oak - the venerable trees that have graced the land for many decades, providing nesting sites for the birds, shelter for the rabbits, camouflage for the deer, coyotes and foxes, and scenery for local hikers who frequent the trail (includes S, T and me).
We tearfully said our good-byes last fall when the earth movers began to level the land. Now, in the midst of winter, I am saddened again as I watch more of my old friends succumb to a developer's greed.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the scrub oak.
God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools. ~John Muir
The construction workers are back at work, clearing the last section of our neighborhood's open space to make room for some luxury homes. Their work involves removing more scrub oak - the venerable trees that have graced the land for many decades, providing nesting sites for the birds, shelter for the rabbits, camouflage for the deer, coyotes and foxes, and scenery for local hikers who frequent the trail (includes S, T and me).
We tearfully said our good-byes last fall when the earth movers began to level the land. Now, in the midst of winter, I am saddened again as I watch more of my old friends succumb to a developer's greed.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Tuesday, 21 February 2006 - Mrs. Jeep
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for Mrs. Jeep.
Mrs. Jeep, a silver 1987 Cherokee Laredo, was my car, road companion and faithful servant for nearly 19 years. Recently, we discovered a problem that made her undriveable (i.e., too expensive to repair given her worth). So, I had to find another car to replace her. I am pleased with my "new" car, a 1994 Toyota Camry that runs beautifully and looks great for an older vehicle. With some TLC, it should serve me well for the next few years.
I admit that I was sad to say good bye to Mrs. Jeep. I didn't cry but my heart ached a bit. Now, she's off on a new adventure. I pray that her new owner treats her well.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for Mrs. Jeep.
Mrs. Jeep, a silver 1987 Cherokee Laredo, was my car, road companion and faithful servant for nearly 19 years. Recently, we discovered a problem that made her undriveable (i.e., too expensive to repair given her worth). So, I had to find another car to replace her. I am pleased with my "new" car, a 1994 Toyota Camry that runs beautifully and looks great for an older vehicle. With some TLC, it should serve me well for the next few years.
I admit that I was sad to say good bye to Mrs. Jeep. I didn't cry but my heart ached a bit. Now, she's off on a new adventure. I pray that her new owner treats her well.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Monday, 20 February 2006 - Technology
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for technology.
I feel very lucky to be living in the age of technology. I am old enough to remember the "old days" when I used a slide rule to solve complex equations and had to go to the library to conduct research. I am also young enough to be adept at using computers and to appreciate the value of the Internet (I am an expert online shopper).
I love technology even though I don't own the latest and greatest laptop, phone or home entertainment system. Although the devices I do own feature older technology, they meet my needs. I am very practical and frugal when it comes to buying machines. My husband, S, loves high tech gadgets but buys only what he really needs to do his work.
So, today, when we bought new cell phones, we each chose devices that reflect our styles and requirements. My new Sony-Ericsson phone has a digital camera and Bluetooth technology. S chose a device that combines state-of-the-art telephony with a pocket PC (very cool device - now he won't have to carry a laptop each time he travels). My favorite accessory: the Bluetooth ear piece (when I wear it, I feel and look like a very hip baby boomer).
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for technology.
I feel very lucky to be living in the age of technology. I am old enough to remember the "old days" when I used a slide rule to solve complex equations and had to go to the library to conduct research. I am also young enough to be adept at using computers and to appreciate the value of the Internet (I am an expert online shopper).
I love technology even though I don't own the latest and greatest laptop, phone or home entertainment system. Although the devices I do own feature older technology, they meet my needs. I am very practical and frugal when it comes to buying machines. My husband, S, loves high tech gadgets but buys only what he really needs to do his work.
So, today, when we bought new cell phones, we each chose devices that reflect our styles and requirements. My new Sony-Ericsson phone has a digital camera and Bluetooth technology. S chose a device that combines state-of-the-art telephony with a pocket PC (very cool device - now he won't have to carry a laptop each time he travels). My favorite accessory: the Bluetooth ear piece (when I wear it, I feel and look like a very hip baby boomer).
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Sunday, 19 February 2006 - Hearing
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my hearing.
I'm listening to a favorite program that airs on the local public radio station. This week's topic is "loss" and "living without." One story discusses hearing - compromised in one person due to tinnitus and diminished in another due to a birth defect. As I listen intently to the discussion, I am suddenly very aware of my ability to hear normally.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for my hearing.
I'm listening to a favorite program that airs on the local public radio station. This week's topic is "loss" and "living without." One story discusses hearing - compromised in one person due to tinnitus and diminished in another due to a birth defect. As I listen intently to the discussion, I am suddenly very aware of my ability to hear normally.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Saturday, 18 February 2006 - Shelter from the cold
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for shelter from the cold.
This afternoon, in the heat of the day, the temperature barely reached the low single digits so I was perfectly content to stay indoors. Though drafty in spots, our home keeps us safe and sound during the worst winter weather.
T and I ventured out around 2 PM for a quick romp in the park. He did just fine although the icy sidewalks irritated his front paws (I think he'll have to wear snow booties for protection). I wore expedition weight clothes and was comfortable except when walking into the headwind. Just before we left the house, the radio announcer proclaimed that it was a frigid 1 degree downtown - definitely sub-zero with the wind chill.
Relief is just around the corner. Sunday's high temperature is suppose to reach the 30s (a good thing since I still need to pick-up my "new" car).
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for shelter from the cold.
This afternoon, in the heat of the day, the temperature barely reached the low single digits so I was perfectly content to stay indoors. Though drafty in spots, our home keeps us safe and sound during the worst winter weather.
T and I ventured out around 2 PM for a quick romp in the park. He did just fine although the icy sidewalks irritated his front paws (I think he'll have to wear snow booties for protection). I wore expedition weight clothes and was comfortable except when walking into the headwind. Just before we left the house, the radio announcer proclaimed that it was a frigid 1 degree downtown - definitely sub-zero with the wind chill.
Relief is just around the corner. Sunday's high temperature is suppose to reach the 30s (a good thing since I still need to pick-up my "new" car).
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Friday, 17 February 2006 - A wish come true
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a wish come true.
Be careful what you wish for because wishes do come true.
I guess I need to be more specific when I wish for a winter day. The current storm brought snow and sub-zero temperatures (much colder than I wanted but I'm happy about the snow). T and I finally made it to the park this afternoon after the wind died down - one extremely cold lap was all we could tolerate.
The weather service reported a high of 9 degrees in the city (a record low for February 17). I know it was colder in our neighborhood since our altitude is about 600 feet higher. Right now, the "feels like" temperature is -10 degrees. We expect a sub-zero low as the deep freeze continues.
I'm staying warm and comfortable inside the house by wearing four layers on top (all made from high-tech fabrics - otherwise I would look like a stuffed bear), fleece pants, heavy wool socks and Ugg slippers. We keep the thermostat at 60-62 degrees during the day, 58 degrees at night.
My current wish: that we get lots more snow so we can snowshoe along the local trails or cross country ski in the park.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a wish come true.
Be careful what you wish for because wishes do come true.
I guess I need to be more specific when I wish for a winter day. The current storm brought snow and sub-zero temperatures (much colder than I wanted but I'm happy about the snow). T and I finally made it to the park this afternoon after the wind died down - one extremely cold lap was all we could tolerate.
The weather service reported a high of 9 degrees in the city (a record low for February 17). I know it was colder in our neighborhood since our altitude is about 600 feet higher. Right now, the "feels like" temperature is -10 degrees. We expect a sub-zero low as the deep freeze continues.
I'm staying warm and comfortable inside the house by wearing four layers on top (all made from high-tech fabrics - otherwise I would look like a stuffed bear), fleece pants, heavy wool socks and Ugg slippers. We keep the thermostat at 60-62 degrees during the day, 58 degrees at night.
My current wish: that we get lots more snow so we can snowshoe along the local trails or cross country ski in the park.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Thursday, 16 February 2006 - Our good luck
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for our good luck in finding a new car.
Well, I think we found a car to replace Mrs. Jeep thanks to a good friend who owns a used car business. If everything works out, I could be back on the road this weekend driving a 1994 Toyota Camry. The best part - MB gave us such a good deal on the car that we'll be able to pay cash. The last thing I need is a monthly car payment.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for our good luck in finding a new car.
Well, I think we found a car to replace Mrs. Jeep thanks to a good friend who owns a used car business. If everything works out, I could be back on the road this weekend driving a 1994 Toyota Camry. The best part - MB gave us such a good deal on the car that we'll be able to pay cash. The last thing I need is a monthly car payment.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Wednesday, 15 February 2006 - A piece of chocolate
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a piece of chocolate.
When written in Chinese the word "crisis" is composed of two characters - one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. ~John F. Kennedy, 12 April 1959
This week has been really tough (and I'm not talking about Americans at the Olympics). I need to turn some very sour lemons into lemonade (including buying a reliable used car to replace Mrs. Jeep).
What I really need right now is comfort, the kind that chocolate, alone, can offer. My favorite: Chocolove's Extra Strong Dark Chocolate with 77% cocoa content.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a piece of chocolate.
When written in Chinese the word "crisis" is composed of two characters - one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. ~John F. Kennedy, 12 April 1959
This week has been really tough (and I'm not talking about Americans at the Olympics). I need to turn some very sour lemons into lemonade (including buying a reliable used car to replace Mrs. Jeep).
What I really need right now is comfort, the kind that chocolate, alone, can offer. My favorite: Chocolove's Extra Strong Dark Chocolate with 77% cocoa content.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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