Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a pedestrian opportunity.
(Sigh.) We're enduring another bitter cold day. This morning, the North wind was so cruel that T and I barely survived one lap around the park. Now, S mentions that he needs to go the the credit union to deposit a check - a branch office is about a mile from the house. He's hesitant about driving the short distance - the trip would not be good for the truck since the engine would not warm up properly.
Around 2:30 PM, I take T for another spin around the park. It's beginning to snow. To my surprise, the wind has died down considerably. After one lap, we race home to give S an updated weather report. The decision: we will walk to the credit union so S can complete his important errand.
So, there we are. Two baby boomers and their dog, walking through the neighborhood on a wintry Wednesday afternoon. Our first destination: the credit union branch that resides in the strip center near the entrance to the neighborhood. I wait outside with T while S deposits the check. Passers-by say hello and comment about T's exceptionally good behavior.
Our second stop, the local Starbucks. S takes in the two commuter mugs I carried in my backpack and fills them with hot coffee (decaf for me). I sip the steamy liquid as we cross the street and begin the short journey home. The route is now uphill all the way - at least the exercise will warm us. T happily leads us up one street and then another. Soon, our house is in sight.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Tuesday, 30 January 2007 - A wandering sort of day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a wandering sort of day. Despite my inability to concentrate, I hope to accomplish a few important things before bedtime.
A. A. Milne, one of my favorite authors, captured my mood perfectly in this poem.
Where am I Going? I don't quite know.
Down to the streams where the king-cups grow -
Up to the hill where the pine-trees blow -
Anywhere, anywhere, I don't know
Where am I going? The clouds sail by,
Little ones, baby ones, over the sky.
Where am I going? The shadows pass,
Little ones, baby ones, over the grass
If you were a cloud, and sailed up there,
You'd sail on the water as blue as air,
And you'd see me here in the fields and say:
"Doesn't the sky look green today?
Where am I going, The high rooks call:
"It's awful fun to be born at all,"
Where am I going? The ring-doves coo:
"We do have beautiful things to do."
If you were a bird, and lived on high,
You'd lean on the wind when the wind came by,
You'd say to the wind when it took you away:
"That's where I wanted to go today!"
Where am I going? I don't quite know.
What does it matter where people go?
Down to the wood where the blue-bells grow -
Anywhere, anywhere. I don't know.
- A. A. Milne, When We Were Very Young
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a wandering sort of day. Despite my inability to concentrate, I hope to accomplish a few important things before bedtime.
A. A. Milne, one of my favorite authors, captured my mood perfectly in this poem.
Where am I Going? I don't quite know.
Down to the streams where the king-cups grow -
Up to the hill where the pine-trees blow -
Anywhere, anywhere, I don't know
Where am I going? The clouds sail by,
Little ones, baby ones, over the sky.
Where am I going? The shadows pass,
Little ones, baby ones, over the grass
If you were a cloud, and sailed up there,
You'd sail on the water as blue as air,
And you'd see me here in the fields and say:
"Doesn't the sky look green today?
Where am I going, The high rooks call:
"It's awful fun to be born at all,"
Where am I going? The ring-doves coo:
"We do have beautiful things to do."
If you were a bird, and lived on high,
You'd lean on the wind when the wind came by,
You'd say to the wind when it took you away:
"That's where I wanted to go today!"
Where am I going? I don't quite know.
What does it matter where people go?
Down to the wood where the blue-bells grow -
Anywhere, anywhere. I don't know.
- A. A. Milne, When We Were Very Young
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Monday, 29 January 2007 - Barbaro
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for Barbaro (4.29.03 - 1.29.07).
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
~Cecil F. Alexander
The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears. ~Arabian Proverb
To ride a horse is to ride the sky. ~Author Unknown
Ah, steeds, steeds, what steeds!
Has the whirlwind a home in your manes?
Is there a sensitive ear, alert as a flame, in your every fiber?
Hearing the familiar song from above,
all in one accord you strain your bronze chests and,
hooves barely touching the ground,
turn into straight lines cleaving the air,
and all inspired by God it rushes on!
~Nikolai V. Gogol, Dead Souls, 1842, translated from Russian
(this quote combines translations by Bernard Guildert Guerney, Richard Peaver, and Larisa Voloklonsky)
I am not a horse person. Yet, this 1,200 pound thoroughbred captured my imagination with his spectacular Kentucky Derby win in 2006. Then, his courageous eight-month struggle to recover from a freak accident at the Preakness stole my heart. Now, I grieve Barbaro's untimely death.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Related post: http://gratefuljournal.blogspot.com/2006/08/tuesday-01-august-2006-prayers-for.html
Today, I am thankful for Barbaro (4.29.03 - 1.29.07).
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
~Cecil F. Alexander
The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears. ~Arabian Proverb
To ride a horse is to ride the sky. ~Author Unknown
Ah, steeds, steeds, what steeds!
Has the whirlwind a home in your manes?
Is there a sensitive ear, alert as a flame, in your every fiber?
Hearing the familiar song from above,
all in one accord you strain your bronze chests and,
hooves barely touching the ground,
turn into straight lines cleaving the air,
and all inspired by God it rushes on!
~Nikolai V. Gogol, Dead Souls, 1842, translated from Russian
(this quote combines translations by Bernard Guildert Guerney, Richard Peaver, and Larisa Voloklonsky)
I am not a horse person. Yet, this 1,200 pound thoroughbred captured my imagination with his spectacular Kentucky Derby win in 2006. Then, his courageous eight-month struggle to recover from a freak accident at the Preakness stole my heart. Now, I grieve Barbaro's untimely death.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Related post: http://gratefuljournal.blogspot.com/2006/08/tuesday-01-august-2006-prayers-for.html
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sunday, 28 January 2007 - Book friends
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for book friends.
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. ~Sir Francis Bacon
I've begun my annual reading of Alice Koller's book, An Unknown Woman: A Journey to Self-discovery. I bought my copy at the B. Dalton bookstore in Beverly Hills on January 8, 1983 (I still have the original receipt - paid $15.92 for the hardback edition ). I read it nonstop that afternoon. Since my first reading, this book has remained one of my very best friends.
I've never met Alice Koller and, despite my best efforts, haven't found her mailing address. If I had the opportunity, I would invite her to lunch at a quiet cafe. While we waited for our meals, I would thank her for writing this extraordinary book. Through it, she has helped shape my own journey to self-discovery by asking key questions. More importantly, however, she has forced me to find the answers.
And, so, I begin on page 1. "The October morning sunlight pours against my reflection in the bathroom mirror ..."
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for book friends.
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. ~Sir Francis Bacon
I've begun my annual reading of Alice Koller's book, An Unknown Woman: A Journey to Self-discovery. I bought my copy at the B. Dalton bookstore in Beverly Hills on January 8, 1983 (I still have the original receipt - paid $15.92 for the hardback edition ). I read it nonstop that afternoon. Since my first reading, this book has remained one of my very best friends.
I've never met Alice Koller and, despite my best efforts, haven't found her mailing address. If I had the opportunity, I would invite her to lunch at a quiet cafe. While we waited for our meals, I would thank her for writing this extraordinary book. Through it, she has helped shape my own journey to self-discovery by asking key questions. More importantly, however, she has forced me to find the answers.
And, so, I begin on page 1. "The October morning sunlight pours against my reflection in the bathroom mirror ..."
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Saturday, 27 January 2007 - New parka
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my new red Eddie Bauer winter parka ($129.50 value, bought online for $27.99 + shipping, handling and sales tax).
During this morning's maiden wearing, it successfully blocked the wind and snow while keeping my head, core and derriere warm. Unfortunately, it couldn't warn me about the icy sidewalk near the park entrance. Oops. I slipped and fell on my right bun for the second time this season.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for my new red Eddie Bauer winter parka ($129.50 value, bought online for $27.99 + shipping, handling and sales tax).
During this morning's maiden wearing, it successfully blocked the wind and snow while keeping my head, core and derriere warm. Unfortunately, it couldn't warn me about the icy sidewalk near the park entrance. Oops. I slipped and fell on my right bun for the second time this season.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Friday, 26 January 2007 - The Thrift House
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for The Thrift House, a local organization that runs a thrift store just south of the downtown area. The Thrift House invests its profits in our community, supporting over 50 charities.
My friend, Kim, first told me about this charitable organization. Now, it's where I donate my gently-used clothes, shoes and accessories. The best part - if you give regularly like I do, they set up an account for you. As you donate, the volunteers value the items. At the end of the year, you get a statement that reports the dollar value of your donations (great for tax time).
This afternoon, I donated all the clothes, shoes and accessories that I have not worn in one year or that are now too big (I've lost inches thanks to rock climbing and weight lifting). The volunteers greet me by first name and are always glad to see me and my "stuff."
I guess could sell the items on Ebay, but the amount of money I'd make won't change my life. My donations to The Thrift House, however, are making a difference in our community.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for The Thrift House, a local organization that runs a thrift store just south of the downtown area. The Thrift House invests its profits in our community, supporting over 50 charities.
My friend, Kim, first told me about this charitable organization. Now, it's where I donate my gently-used clothes, shoes and accessories. The best part - if you give regularly like I do, they set up an account for you. As you donate, the volunteers value the items. At the end of the year, you get a statement that reports the dollar value of your donations (great for tax time).
This afternoon, I donated all the clothes, shoes and accessories that I have not worn in one year or that are now too big (I've lost inches thanks to rock climbing and weight lifting). The volunteers greet me by first name and are always glad to see me and my "stuff."
I guess could sell the items on Ebay, but the amount of money I'd make won't change my life. My donations to The Thrift House, however, are making a difference in our community.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Thursday, 25 January 2007 - First climbing adventure
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for our first climbing adventure of 2007.
Where: Red Rock Canyon
Route: Quarry Wall, Mono-Smear 5.8
(a really smeary climb with very few edges)
Despite the month-long hiatus, S climbed quite well. T thoroughly enjoyed the hike along the snow-packed and occasionally slushy/muddy trail. I was rusty and awkward - my climbing, far from fluid and elegant (still, I managed to complete four ascents).
I still say that a mediocre day climbing beats any day away from the rocks.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
S and T enter the climbing area.
The sun's rays bless today's journey.
A snow-capped Pikes Peak peers over the duck pond.
S and T
T and I
S and T near the edge of the quarry wall.
We climbed a 5.8 route that begins just around the corner.
Today, I am thankful for our first climbing adventure of 2007.
Where: Red Rock Canyon
Route: Quarry Wall, Mono-Smear 5.8
(a really smeary climb with very few edges)
Despite the month-long hiatus, S climbed quite well. T thoroughly enjoyed the hike along the snow-packed and occasionally slushy/muddy trail. I was rusty and awkward - my climbing, far from fluid and elegant (still, I managed to complete four ascents).
I still say that a mediocre day climbing beats any day away from the rocks.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
S and T enter the climbing area.The sun's rays bless today's journey.
A snow-capped Pikes Peak peers over the duck pond.
S and T
T and I
S and T near the edge of the quarry wall.We climbed a 5.8 route that begins just around the corner.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Wednesday, 24 January 2007 - A great thing to attempt
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a great thing to attempt.
What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? ~Robert H. Schuller
Last night, the PBS show, Independent Lens, aired a program entitled, "Beyond the Call."
In an Indiana Jones-meets-Mother Teresa adventure, three middle-aged men, former soldiers and modern-day knights, travel the world delivering life-saving humanitarian aid directly into the hands of civilians and doctors. Ed Artis, James Laws and Walt Ratterman inspire through deeds, not words, in some of the most dangerous yet beautiful places on Earth — the front lines of war. (http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/)
I was captivated by how these "ordinary" men accomplish great humanitarian deeds with limited personal resources. Now, inspired by their work, I long for my own "make a difference" adventure.
This morning, I read that a New Orleans school district is having a tough time recruiting teachers or prospective teachers for the most at-risk high schools in the Katrina-ravished region. They're recruiting nationwide for qualified people.
I first fell in love with New Orleans - the place and the people - nearly ten years ago. I was the marketing manager for a start-up company, and we were exhibiting our products at a major trade show. Since then, I've visited several times on business. I wonder if the school district would be interested in a 50-something writer from the West, a UCLA graduate who would love to teach high school writing and math? In any event, I'll talk it over with S and T. I am seriously thinking about applying.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a great thing to attempt.
What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? ~Robert H. Schuller
Last night, the PBS show, Independent Lens, aired a program entitled, "Beyond the Call."
In an Indiana Jones-meets-Mother Teresa adventure, three middle-aged men, former soldiers and modern-day knights, travel the world delivering life-saving humanitarian aid directly into the hands of civilians and doctors. Ed Artis, James Laws and Walt Ratterman inspire through deeds, not words, in some of the most dangerous yet beautiful places on Earth — the front lines of war. (http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/)
I was captivated by how these "ordinary" men accomplish great humanitarian deeds with limited personal resources. Now, inspired by their work, I long for my own "make a difference" adventure.
This morning, I read that a New Orleans school district is having a tough time recruiting teachers or prospective teachers for the most at-risk high schools in the Katrina-ravished region. They're recruiting nationwide for qualified people.
I first fell in love with New Orleans - the place and the people - nearly ten years ago. I was the marketing manager for a start-up company, and we were exhibiting our products at a major trade show. Since then, I've visited several times on business. I wonder if the school district would be interested in a 50-something writer from the West, a UCLA graduate who would love to teach high school writing and math? In any event, I'll talk it over with S and T. I am seriously thinking about applying.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Tuesday, 23 January 2007 - Neighborhood teachers and mentors
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for neighborhood teachers and mentors.
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. ~Mark Van Doren
There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child. ~Frank A. Clark
I am thinking about some very special people: our next-door neighbor, Bill, a veteran educator who teaches art at a middle school; our other next-door neighbor, Dennis, who diligently coaches his two high school-aged sons in baseball, basketball and football; my husband, S, who patiently shows the neighborhood kids how to maintain and adjust their bicycles; the man in the park who enthusiastically coaches two young but promising athletes in the art of playing football (he seems strict, but the boys always seem to love the attention and experience).
And, yes, I am trying to do my part. Even if it's simply saying a cheerful, "good morning" when T and I meet a child walking to the bus stop. Or asking "how was school today?" when I see someone I know walking home. Or supporting a fundraising effort (the kids know that I never say "no").
It's all about being accessible and showing we care.
It's all about treating children with high regard.
It's all about sharing our experiences and knowledge.
It's all about being generous with our time, talents and resources.
It's all about investing in our future.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for neighborhood teachers and mentors.
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. ~Mark Van Doren
There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child. ~Frank A. Clark
I am thinking about some very special people: our next-door neighbor, Bill, a veteran educator who teaches art at a middle school; our other next-door neighbor, Dennis, who diligently coaches his two high school-aged sons in baseball, basketball and football; my husband, S, who patiently shows the neighborhood kids how to maintain and adjust their bicycles; the man in the park who enthusiastically coaches two young but promising athletes in the art of playing football (he seems strict, but the boys always seem to love the attention and experience).
And, yes, I am trying to do my part. Even if it's simply saying a cheerful, "good morning" when T and I meet a child walking to the bus stop. Or asking "how was school today?" when I see someone I know walking home. Or supporting a fundraising effort (the kids know that I never say "no").
It's all about being accessible and showing we care.
It's all about treating children with high regard.
It's all about sharing our experiences and knowledge.
It's all about being generous with our time, talents and resources.
It's all about investing in our future.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Monday, 22 January 2007 - More answered prayers
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for more answered prayers. Nothing earth shaking. Just some wonderful results that matter in my everyday life.
The Indianapolis Colts reaching the Super Bowl.
After the Oakland Raiders' dismal season, my loyalty switched to the Indianapolis Colts during the play-offs. Yesterday's AFL championship game was a classic nail biter. Just before the Patriots' final play of the game, I prayed, "Please God. Let Peyton Manning go to the Super Bowl." Moments later, the Colts intercepted Tom Brady's pass, ensuring their trip to the Super Bowl.
A break in the weather so we can rock climb.
Looks like we'll get our wish at least once, maybe twice. The temperatures are suppose to hover in the high 40s on Wednesday and Thursday. Tomorrow, S plans to pick up our resoled shoes at the local climbing shop. I'll bake an extra loaf of bread so I can pack sandwiches for our lunch. T has no idea that an outing to Red Rock Canyon is imminent. If he knew, he'd be nervous about getting to join us. Silly boy. Of course you get to go.
Peace about releasing a few people from my life.
I've been praying for permission to let these people go from my life. After talking to my sister, E, I realized that I have the power and right to let them go. And, so I did. Peacefully, sans regrets.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for more answered prayers. Nothing earth shaking. Just some wonderful results that matter in my everyday life.
The Indianapolis Colts reaching the Super Bowl.
After the Oakland Raiders' dismal season, my loyalty switched to the Indianapolis Colts during the play-offs. Yesterday's AFL championship game was a classic nail biter. Just before the Patriots' final play of the game, I prayed, "Please God. Let Peyton Manning go to the Super Bowl." Moments later, the Colts intercepted Tom Brady's pass, ensuring their trip to the Super Bowl.
A break in the weather so we can rock climb.
Looks like we'll get our wish at least once, maybe twice. The temperatures are suppose to hover in the high 40s on Wednesday and Thursday. Tomorrow, S plans to pick up our resoled shoes at the local climbing shop. I'll bake an extra loaf of bread so I can pack sandwiches for our lunch. T has no idea that an outing to Red Rock Canyon is imminent. If he knew, he'd be nervous about getting to join us. Silly boy. Of course you get to go.
Peace about releasing a few people from my life.
I've been praying for permission to let these people go from my life. After talking to my sister, E, I realized that I have the power and right to let them go. And, so I did. Peacefully, sans regrets.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Sunday, 21 January 2007 - Outdoor adventures on an indoor day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for outdoor adventures on an indoor day.
To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life.
~John Burroughs
So what if it's cold, windy and snowing. So what if we're tired of winter and yearn for a sunny and warm rock climbing-worthy afternoon.
T and I are not going to let inclement weather spoil our Sunday. So, it's off to the park - not one or two but three times.
If we hadn't made the third trip, we would have missed the flock of songbirds scavenging for seeds in the south meadow. Their winter feathers perfectly matched the frozen gray earth and dull brown grasses. We didn't see the birds until they took flight, probably startled by our approach to their feeding ground.
I noticed how noisy snow can be, crunching and squeaking with each step especially when I wear my heavier boots. T's steps are silent. I wonder if he hears my steps (or is walking on snow like eating a raw carrot - I hear every crunchy bite but no one else does)?
The cold air refreshes.
The walk invigorates.
The snow crunches.
The dog and his person rejoice.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for outdoor adventures on an indoor day.
To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life.
~John Burroughs
So what if it's cold, windy and snowing. So what if we're tired of winter and yearn for a sunny and warm rock climbing-worthy afternoon.
T and I are not going to let inclement weather spoil our Sunday. So, it's off to the park - not one or two but three times.
If we hadn't made the third trip, we would have missed the flock of songbirds scavenging for seeds in the south meadow. Their winter feathers perfectly matched the frozen gray earth and dull brown grasses. We didn't see the birds until they took flight, probably startled by our approach to their feeding ground.
I noticed how noisy snow can be, crunching and squeaking with each step especially when I wear my heavier boots. T's steps are silent. I wonder if he hears my steps (or is walking on snow like eating a raw carrot - I hear every crunchy bite but no one else does)?
The cold air refreshes.
The walk invigorates.
The snow crunches.
The dog and his person rejoice.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Saturday, 20 January 2007 - Evidence of birds
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for evidence of birds.
Those little nimble musicians of the air, that warble forth their curious ditties, with which nature hath furnished them to the shame of art.
~Izaak Walton
During the past few weeks, I haven't seen any birds except for an occasional magpie or crow in the park. I miss them. I'm sure they're struggling to survive the cold winter.
So, when I went to get the mail, I was glad to see several bird tracks in the snow near the garage door and by the mailbox. Hopefully, as the neighborhood thaws, the birds will return to our yard and treat us to a winter concert or two.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for evidence of birds.
Those little nimble musicians of the air, that warble forth their curious ditties, with which nature hath furnished them to the shame of art.
~Izaak Walton
During the past few weeks, I haven't seen any birds except for an occasional magpie or crow in the park. I miss them. I'm sure they're struggling to survive the cold winter.
So, when I went to get the mail, I was glad to see several bird tracks in the snow near the garage door and by the mailbox. Hopefully, as the neighborhood thaws, the birds will return to our yard and treat us to a winter concert or two.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Friday, 19 January 2007 - Puppies
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for puppies.
On days like today, only a puppy can make me smile. This time, it's a playful blond labradoodle who is strolling by the park. When he sees T, he pulls on his lead, straining to walk towards us. His owner has other ideas and drags him away before T has a chance to say a proper canine hello. I smile and wave to the owner and puppy as they head for home.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for puppies.
On days like today, only a puppy can make me smile. This time, it's a playful blond labradoodle who is strolling by the park. When he sees T, he pulls on his lead, straining to walk towards us. His owner has other ideas and drags him away before T has a chance to say a proper canine hello. I smile and wave to the owner and puppy as they head for home.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Thursday, 18 January 2007 - Sunshine
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for sunshine.
The earth has received the embrace of the sun and we shall see the results of that love. ~Sitting Bull
The sun is the epitome of benevolence - it is life-giving and warmth-giving and happiness-giving, and to it we owe our thanksgiving. ~Jessi Lane Adams
We awaken early to brilliant sunshine and blue skies. Before taking T for a walk, I grab my hat and gloves - just in case. I'm glad I had the foresight. It's actually bitter cold.
As we turn the corner and approach the park and open spaces, the breeze picks up. The frosty air quickly ices my face before penetrating my gloves and freezing my fingers. I wish I had have grabbed the heavily padded ski gloves. T doesn't mind the cold. He's moving aggressively towards the park, pulling me along the snow-packed sidewalk. I guess he's anxious to investigate new sniffs (aka pee-mail) left by his canine buddies and other four-legged friends.
When we walk towards the mountains, the wind is at our backs. During this short stretch, I luxuriate in the sun's warmth. I feel the heat and energy soak through my heavy winter jacket, thawing my neck and shoulders, rallying my sagging spirits. A most welcome event.
The sun. The warmth. The cloudless blue sky. The promise of a good day.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for sunshine.
The earth has received the embrace of the sun and we shall see the results of that love. ~Sitting Bull
The sun is the epitome of benevolence - it is life-giving and warmth-giving and happiness-giving, and to it we owe our thanksgiving. ~Jessi Lane Adams
We awaken early to brilliant sunshine and blue skies. Before taking T for a walk, I grab my hat and gloves - just in case. I'm glad I had the foresight. It's actually bitter cold.
As we turn the corner and approach the park and open spaces, the breeze picks up. The frosty air quickly ices my face before penetrating my gloves and freezing my fingers. I wish I had have grabbed the heavily padded ski gloves. T doesn't mind the cold. He's moving aggressively towards the park, pulling me along the snow-packed sidewalk. I guess he's anxious to investigate new sniffs (aka pee-mail) left by his canine buddies and other four-legged friends.
When we walk towards the mountains, the wind is at our backs. During this short stretch, I luxuriate in the sun's warmth. I feel the heat and energy soak through my heavy winter jacket, thawing my neck and shoulders, rallying my sagging spirits. A most welcome event.
The sun. The warmth. The cloudless blue sky. The promise of a good day.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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