Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for endings and beginnings.
I share May Sarton's reflection because it mirrors my own feelings about the year about to end and the one about to begin.
The last day of what has been an uneasy and painful year for me. I look forward to dawn tomorrow and, as the days get longer, to begin to feel my way into renascence. It is not strange though it is mysterious that our "New Year" comes at the darkest time in the seasonal cycle. When there is personal darkness, when there is pain to be overcome, when we are forced to renew ourselves against all the odds, the psychic energy required simply to survive has tremendous force, as great as that of a bulb pushing up through icy ground in spring, so after the overcoming, there is extra energy, a flood of energy that can go into creation. ~May Sarton
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sunday, 30 December 2007 - A winter hike
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a winter hike.
What luck!
All is right for a winter hike.
Not a long, strenuous trek, mind you.
Despite clear blue skies and bright sun,
Cold temperatures and chilly breezes
Still prevail outdoors.
Plus, the days, though slightly longer now,
Still turn to shadow early in the foothills.
So, I embark on a regular hike,
One that requires sturdy boots
And a backpack
And extra clothing, just in case.
I park my ordinary suburban life
At the trailhead
And step into the wilderness,
Ready to navigate the mountainous territory
Along a steep snow and icepacked trail
Shaded by tall firs and fluffy pines.
Nothing too strenuous this afternoon
Since I only have a few hours.
Just a casual hike that will lead me
To quiet places,
Where I can shake off the dust
Of cabin fever,
Clear my lungs of
Stale, indoor air,
And hear my heart beat
One more time.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a winter hike.
What luck!
All is right for a winter hike.
Not a long, strenuous trek, mind you.
Despite clear blue skies and bright sun,
Cold temperatures and chilly breezes
Still prevail outdoors.
Plus, the days, though slightly longer now,
Still turn to shadow early in the foothills.
So, I embark on a regular hike,
One that requires sturdy boots
And a backpack
And extra clothing, just in case.
I park my ordinary suburban life
At the trailhead
And step into the wilderness,
Ready to navigate the mountainous territory
Along a steep snow and icepacked trail
Shaded by tall firs and fluffy pines.
Nothing too strenuous this afternoon
Since I only have a few hours.
Just a casual hike that will lead me
To quiet places,
Where I can shake off the dust
Of cabin fever,
Clear my lungs of
Stale, indoor air,
And hear my heart beat
One more time.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Saturday, 29 December 2007 - A touch of Robert Frost
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a touch of Robert Frost, one of my favorite American poets.
Dust of Snow by Robert Frost
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a touch of Robert Frost, one of my favorite American poets.
Dust of Snow by Robert Frost
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday, 28 December 2007 - A better weather day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a better weather day.
Winter either bites with its teeth or lashes with its tail. ~Proverb
The weather is improving. A slight breeze has replaced the North Wind. Although the temperature still hovers in the teens, the air definitely feels warmer. Just in time for me run a few errands: visit the library, check out the fabric boutique's sale, and buy freshly-made chicken and gouda sausages at the meat market
Yes, S, T and I are looking forward to warmer days. Based on the latest forecast, we could be rock climbing or bouldering late next week. I can't wait.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a better weather day.
Winter either bites with its teeth or lashes with its tail. ~Proverb
The weather is improving. A slight breeze has replaced the North Wind. Although the temperature still hovers in the teens, the air definitely feels warmer. Just in time for me run a few errands: visit the library, check out the fabric boutique's sale, and buy freshly-made chicken and gouda sausages at the meat market
Yes, S, T and I are looking forward to warmer days. Based on the latest forecast, we could be rock climbing or bouldering late next week. I can't wait.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Thursday, 27 December 2007 - One lap around the park
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one lap around the park.
The latest weather report: 10 degrees F, -4 degrees F if you factor in the wind chill. Probably colder in the "Rocky Mountain foothills where we live.
Still, T wants to go for a walk. I postpone the outing for as long as I can. Although my blood has thickened considerably during the past few months, I don't relish the exposure or walking on icy pavement.
Well, T's persistence finally pays off. Out we go for our afternoon walk. I'm wearing my warmest gear including a fleece muffler wrapped around my nose and lower face. Yup. It's that cold.
OK, T. Here we go. Just one lap around the park. That's all I can endure this afternoon.
Every mile is two in winter. ~George Herbert
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one lap around the park.
The latest weather report: 10 degrees F, -4 degrees F if you factor in the wind chill. Probably colder in the "Rocky Mountain foothills where we live.
Still, T wants to go for a walk. I postpone the outing for as long as I can. Although my blood has thickened considerably during the past few months, I don't relish the exposure or walking on icy pavement.
Well, T's persistence finally pays off. Out we go for our afternoon walk. I'm wearing my warmest gear including a fleece muffler wrapped around my nose and lower face. Yup. It's that cold.
OK, T. Here we go. Just one lap around the park. That's all I can endure this afternoon.
Every mile is two in winter. ~George Herbert
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - A little warmth
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a little warmth.
O, wind,
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
~Percy Bysshe Shelley
It is so cold today! Even though the thermostat is set at 58 degrees F to conserve energy, the furnace is working overtime. I am doing whatever I can to warm up the house. And that means cooking.
On the stove sits a large pot of Irish oatmeal, simmering on low heat so it thickens slowly. My version of Italian macaroni and cheese bakes in a hot oven. When it's done, I'll bake a large focaccio. We'll eat the casserole and focaccio for an early dinner.
Finally, I'm writing and knitting in my studio where a little space heater takes the chill out of the air.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a little warmth.
O, wind,
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
~Percy Bysshe Shelley
It is so cold today! Even though the thermostat is set at 58 degrees F to conserve energy, the furnace is working overtime. I am doing whatever I can to warm up the house. And that means cooking.
On the stove sits a large pot of Irish oatmeal, simmering on low heat so it thickens slowly. My version of Italian macaroni and cheese bakes in a hot oven. When it's done, I'll bake a large focaccio. We'll eat the casserole and focaccio for an early dinner.
Finally, I'm writing and knitting in my studio where a little space heater takes the chill out of the air.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Tuesday, 25 December 2007 - The true spirit of Christmas
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the true spirit of Christmas. S, T and I wish everyone the blessings and joys of this holiday season.
And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
~Dr. Seuss
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the true spirit of Christmas. S, T and I wish everyone the blessings and joys of this holiday season.
And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
~Dr. Seuss
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Monday, 24 December 2007 - Ordinary December days
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for ordinary December days.
How much can come, how much can go
When the December moon is bright,
What worlds of play we'll never know
Sleeping away the cold white night
After a fall of snow.
~ May Sarton, December Moon
A baby's birth. A father's death.
A birthday. An anniversary. A memorial service.
A jazz concert. A football game. A trip to the airport.
A tight deadline. An invitation. A haircut appointment.
A lost set of keys. A broken digital camera. A new watch battery.
A skein of silk yarn. A yard of wool fabric. A designer sewing pattern.
An extra blanket on the bed. A cozy hat and scarf. A pair of waterproof boots.
A sink of dirty dishes. A sprig of fresh basil. An extra dash of cinnamon.
A walk around the park. An hour on the boulders. A hike into the canyon.
A glass of homemade Irish cream. A mug of Irish coffee. A sip of hot green tea.
A raging snowstorm. A bitter cold night. An icy sidewalk.
That's my December ... so far.
Today, I am thankful for ordinary December days.
How much can come, how much can go
When the December moon is bright,
What worlds of play we'll never know
Sleeping away the cold white night
After a fall of snow.
~ May Sarton, December Moon
A baby's birth. A father's death.
A birthday. An anniversary. A memorial service.
A jazz concert. A football game. A trip to the airport.
A tight deadline. An invitation. A haircut appointment.
A lost set of keys. A broken digital camera. A new watch battery.
A skein of silk yarn. A yard of wool fabric. A designer sewing pattern.
An extra blanket on the bed. A cozy hat and scarf. A pair of waterproof boots.
A sink of dirty dishes. A sprig of fresh basil. An extra dash of cinnamon.
A walk around the park. An hour on the boulders. A hike into the canyon.
A glass of homemade Irish cream. A mug of Irish coffee. A sip of hot green tea.
A raging snowstorm. A bitter cold night. An icy sidewalk.
That's my December ... so far.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Sunday, 23 December 2007 - Children
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for children.
Childhood is a short season. ~Helen Hayes
Just the other day, I realized that that nearly all the children in the neighborhood are in middle or high school. When did they grow up? When did they discover their own lives?
When we walk to the park, several young men and young women still run to us to pet T. But, they no longer ring the doorbell after school, asking if T can come out to play. They no longer hang out with S and I when we work in the front yard or garage.
I miss them. Young people are gifts. The more I interact with them, the more I believe that the world will be in good hands when the next generation inherits the Earth.
And, sadly, I accept this hard truth: as children grow older, so do we.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for children.
Childhood is a short season. ~Helen Hayes
Just the other day, I realized that that nearly all the children in the neighborhood are in middle or high school. When did they grow up? When did they discover their own lives?
When we walk to the park, several young men and young women still run to us to pet T. But, they no longer ring the doorbell after school, asking if T can come out to play. They no longer hang out with S and I when we work in the front yard or garage.
I miss them. Young people are gifts. The more I interact with them, the more I believe that the world will be in good hands when the next generation inherits the Earth.
And, sadly, I accept this hard truth: as children grow older, so do we.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Saturday, 22 December 2007 - A good day for writing
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a good day for writing. My musings won't pay the bills but I'm compelled to write ... a curse, I suppose.
And though I ebb in worth, I'll flow in thanks. ~John Taylor
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a good day for writing. My musings won't pay the bills but I'm compelled to write ... a curse, I suppose.
And though I ebb in worth, I'll flow in thanks. ~John Taylor
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Friday, 21 December 2007 - Winter's official arrival
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for winter's official arrival.
'Tis not the season of
the leaf whose
fragile body’s broken veins
disintegrate in
gusts of winds while
winter blows a frosty coat that
caps the barren land.
~Lucille Younger
According to the calendar, winter is officially here. Given our recent spate of cold weather, all I can say is "It's about time!"
Actually, T and I feel Winter's arrival during our noontime walk around the park. During the first lap, we enjoy the sunshine, clear blue skies and unseasonable warmth. But, as we turn the corner for lap #2, we suddenly detect Winter's presence.
The evidence includes the North wind's wild bluster, the sudden temperature drop, the blowing snow. I shiver and wish I had worn a hat. Lucky T. The abrupt weather change doesn't bother him at all. His dense coat keeps him warm and dry as we circle the park one more time.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thursday, 20 December 2007 - Completed projects
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for completed projects.
Out of the strain of the doing,
Into the peace of the done.
~Julia Woodruff, Gone
I think I'm done with business stuff for a few days. Now, I can finally concentrate on personal ones. Like making Christmas gifts.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for completed projects.
Out of the strain of the doing,
Into the peace of the done.
~Julia Woodruff, Gone
I think I'm done with business stuff for a few days. Now, I can finally concentrate on personal ones. Like making Christmas gifts.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wednesday, 19 December 2007 - Inspiration and patience
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for inspiration and patience - enough of each so I can finish writing a series of boring press releases for a client that drives me nuts.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for inspiration and patience - enough of each so I can finish writing a series of boring press releases for a client that drives me nuts.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Tuesday, 18 December 2007 - Happy Birthday, T
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for T as we celebrate his 11th birthday.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras
Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull
We begin the celebration in grand style with an early morning walk to the park with a detour through the snow crusted alley. During our first lap around the park, I let T sniff at will and walk at a leisurely pace. During the remaining laps, however, I make him walk faster so we get some exercise.
Anyway, T's more spoiled than usual today. His gifts include an Oakland Raiders fleece blanket, special food treats and lots of hugs and kisses.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for T as we celebrate his 11th birthday.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras
Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull
We begin the celebration in grand style with an early morning walk to the park with a detour through the snow crusted alley. During our first lap around the park, I let T sniff at will and walk at a leisurely pace. During the remaining laps, however, I make him walk faster so we get some exercise.
Anyway, T's more spoiled than usual today. His gifts include an Oakland Raiders fleece blanket, special food treats and lots of hugs and kisses.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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