Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a dose of inspiration.
The Ute Valley Park bouldering competition begins this morning. We're attending but not competing. I'm photographing the event while S spots climbers. We're taking our shoes and bouldering pads (we'll climb after the competition ends). T will keep me company.
I love to observe other climbers, especially women. I study their styles and moves, hoping to learn something that will improve my own skills.
This competition is a golden opportunity to witness really good local climbers attempt a series of difficult routes and succeed.
Good timing, too. I'm overdue for a dose of climbing inspiration and encouragement.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, 30 May 2008 - Washing machines and dryers
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for washing machines and dryers.
I didn't see it coming.
I'm talking about two enormous duffle bags stuffed with dirty laundry. The clothes and gear need to be washed and dried by 1 AM so M can make his 1:30 AM Air Force Academy curfew. It's already 4 PM.
The school year ended a week ago. The cadets are cleaning their rooms and moving to temporary summer quarters. M leaves Monday for an out-of-state internship.
Long story short, M does load after load of laundry, giving our efficient, high capacity front loading washing machine and dryer a workout. The dryer is the real star, completing its duties quickly. I can't imagine having to dry all those items on a clothesline.
Just before 1 AM, M is matching the last of his socks (I estimate that he washed at least 4 dozen pairs). In a few minutes, S will take him back to the Academy, clean laundry and all.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for washing machines and dryers.
I didn't see it coming.
I'm talking about two enormous duffle bags stuffed with dirty laundry. The clothes and gear need to be washed and dried by 1 AM so M can make his 1:30 AM Air Force Academy curfew. It's already 4 PM.
The school year ended a week ago. The cadets are cleaning their rooms and moving to temporary summer quarters. M leaves Monday for an out-of-state internship.
Long story short, M does load after load of laundry, giving our efficient, high capacity front loading washing machine and dryer a workout. The dryer is the real star, completing its duties quickly. I can't imagine having to dry all those items on a clothesline.
Just before 1 AM, M is matching the last of his socks (I estimate that he washed at least 4 dozen pairs). In a few minutes, S will take him back to the Academy, clean laundry and all.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Thursday, 29 May 2008 - Three more days
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for three more days.
Three days and counting to June 1. Then, let the planting ritual begin.
On Sunday, with little fanfare except for T's occasional sniff or nudge, I will carefully transplant tomato and pepper plants to larger pots. Then, I will set them in strategic spots around the perennial vegetable and herb patch where they'll get at least 10 hours of blissful summer sunshine daily.
I hope my waiting an extra week increases the harvest. Veteran gardeners warned me about planting too soon.
In June, daytime temperatures should easily top 75-80 degrees F and nighttime temperatures should stay above 40 degrees F.
As usual, I'm hoping for the best.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for three more days.
Three days and counting to June 1. Then, let the planting ritual begin.
On Sunday, with little fanfare except for T's occasional sniff or nudge, I will carefully transplant tomato and pepper plants to larger pots. Then, I will set them in strategic spots around the perennial vegetable and herb patch where they'll get at least 10 hours of blissful summer sunshine daily.
I hope my waiting an extra week increases the harvest. Veteran gardeners warned me about planting too soon.
In June, daytime temperatures should easily top 75-80 degrees F and nighttime temperatures should stay above 40 degrees F.
As usual, I'm hoping for the best.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wednesday, 28 May 2008 - A significant rain
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a significant rain.
For the first time since we moved to Colorado Springs 21 years ago, the weather does not cooperate with the Air Force Academy (AFA) graduation ceremony.
Rain falls early in the morning. Heavy cloud cover and fog dim the skies. No Thunderbird air show or fly-bys today.
The President addressed the AFA graduates during the ceremony. I wonder if the rain's significance goes beyond a welcome springtime watering for my gardens.
I'm thinking about tears from weeping angels and a wounded Mother Earth.
Tears that say enough is enough about his war, his policies, his divisiveness.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: Columbine buds drip with fresh raindrops
Today, I am thankful for a significant rain.
For the first time since we moved to Colorado Springs 21 years ago, the weather does not cooperate with the Air Force Academy (AFA) graduation ceremony.
Rain falls early in the morning. Heavy cloud cover and fog dim the skies. No Thunderbird air show or fly-bys today.
The President addressed the AFA graduates during the ceremony. I wonder if the rain's significance goes beyond a welcome springtime watering for my gardens.
I'm thinking about tears from weeping angels and a wounded Mother Earth.
Tears that say enough is enough about his war, his policies, his divisiveness.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Photo: Columbine buds drip with fresh raindrops
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - Self-forgiveness
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for self-forgiveness.
I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night. ~Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner
Self-forgiveness is something I must work at daily. My perfectionist tendencies and critical nature turn against me when I err. Which is often.
So, when I read the above sentence in The Kite Runner, I pause and consider how forgiveness works. That when I come to terms with my trespasses and shortcomings, I can release the guilt and pain quietly, almost effortlessly.
I fall asleep, murmuring the words, "I forgive me." During the night, my pain slips away - escapes - without saying good-bye. In the morning, my heart, already healing, bears no scar.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for self-forgiveness.
I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night. ~Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner
Self-forgiveness is something I must work at daily. My perfectionist tendencies and critical nature turn against me when I err. Which is often.
So, when I read the above sentence in The Kite Runner, I pause and consider how forgiveness works. That when I come to terms with my trespasses and shortcomings, I can release the guilt and pain quietly, almost effortlessly.
I fall asleep, murmuring the words, "I forgive me." During the night, my pain slips away - escapes - without saying good-bye. In the morning, my heart, already healing, bears no scar.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Monday, 26 May 2008 - Memorial Day, every day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for Memorial Day, every day.
I meet a woman whose husband, a Marine, was killed in Iraq a few years ago. She confesses that she's angry at herself because she's beginning to forget the "little things" about him.
You know what I am talking about. The mundane, boring details we take for granted about each other. The ordinary stuff of life not worth memorializing. Until it's too late.
Then, we wish we had taken more photographs or videos of his or her life as it unfolded, day after week after year. Because, that's how we want to remember the person. Not just enjoying an annual holiday or celebrating a birthday. But living.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for Memorial Day, every day.
I meet a woman whose husband, a Marine, was killed in Iraq a few years ago. She confesses that she's angry at herself because she's beginning to forget the "little things" about him.
You know what I am talking about. The mundane, boring details we take for granted about each other. The ordinary stuff of life not worth memorializing. Until it's too late.
Then, we wish we had taken more photographs or videos of his or her life as it unfolded, day after week after year. Because, that's how we want to remember the person. Not just enjoying an annual holiday or celebrating a birthday. But living.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sunday, 25 May 2008 - The Kite Runner
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for The Kite Runner (novel by Khaled Hosseini).
After watching the highly acclaimed movie, The Kite Runner, I knew I had to read the novel. So, on Thursday, I borrowed the book from the library and read it this afternoon. To my delight, I discovered that the movie faithfully followed the original story.
I now add The Kite Runner to my list of all-time favorite books and movies, a rare occurrence for me since I usually prefer the book to the movie. This time, I highly recommend both.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for The Kite Runner (novel by Khaled Hosseini).
After watching the highly acclaimed movie, The Kite Runner, I knew I had to read the novel. So, on Thursday, I borrowed the book from the library and read it this afternoon. To my delight, I discovered that the movie faithfully followed the original story.
I now add The Kite Runner to my list of all-time favorite books and movies, a rare occurrence for me since I usually prefer the book to the movie. This time, I highly recommend both.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Saturday, 24 May 2008 - Clarity
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for clarity.
Several years ago, a magazine article revealed Oprah's prayer strategy. Each year, it seems, her prayers focus on one attribute or quality. That year, she prayed for clarity.
Now, that is what I'm praying for.
Clarity.
Clarity of purpose.
Clarity of direction.
Clarity of action.
That which remains after I silence all distractions and eliminate extraneous information from my thoughts.
That which captures the essence of my journey and sets straight my path.
That which helps me see the forest for the trees and locate my own star within the night sky's glittery sea.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for clarity.
Several years ago, a magazine article revealed Oprah's prayer strategy. Each year, it seems, her prayers focus on one attribute or quality. That year, she prayed for clarity.
Now, that is what I'm praying for.
Clarity.
Clarity of purpose.
Clarity of direction.
Clarity of action.
That which remains after I silence all distractions and eliminate extraneous information from my thoughts.
That which captures the essence of my journey and sets straight my path.
That which helps me see the forest for the trees and locate my own star within the night sky's glittery sea.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday, 23 May 2008 - Mint plants
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for mint plants.
Okay. Despite my premature concerns (I'm a worrier), the Kentucky peppermint plants survived our very cold winter. As I inspect the backyard garden on the north side of the house, I discover several new patches of fragrant mint leaves. In fact, I am surprised to see so many.
At the recent plant sale, the herb lady reminded me of mint's invasiveness. I scoffed at her warning because last year's crop did poorly. I even told her that I didn't think the mint would return. She flashed that knowing smile as she advised me to wait a few more weeks.
Now, a week later, I'm a believer.
I don't know if I should celebrate (I keep thinking about drinking mug after mug of peppermint tea or sipping mojitos and mint juleps on warm summer evenings) or complain (surely mint plants are more amenable than weeds).
For now, I welcome the mint plants and exhort them to grow quickly. Of course, I reserve the right to think differently in a few months.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for mint plants.
Okay. Despite my premature concerns (I'm a worrier), the Kentucky peppermint plants survived our very cold winter. As I inspect the backyard garden on the north side of the house, I discover several new patches of fragrant mint leaves. In fact, I am surprised to see so many.
At the recent plant sale, the herb lady reminded me of mint's invasiveness. I scoffed at her warning because last year's crop did poorly. I even told her that I didn't think the mint would return. She flashed that knowing smile as she advised me to wait a few more weeks.
Now, a week later, I'm a believer.
I don't know if I should celebrate (I keep thinking about drinking mug after mug of peppermint tea or sipping mojitos and mint juleps on warm summer evenings) or complain (surely mint plants are more amenable than weeds).
For now, I welcome the mint plants and exhort them to grow quickly. Of course, I reserve the right to think differently in a few months.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Thursday, 22 May 2008 - Good Samarian dog catchers
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for good Samaritan dog catchers.
It takes a village to raise children to be responsible citizens. It also takes a village to catch a very frightened stray dog who's running back and forth across the busy boulevard.
I learn that this is a special canine, a beautiful white Husky named Aleska. According to her owner, Aleska's three years old and blind. She was adopted yesterday.
S, T, M (our Air Force Academy cadet) and I joined the chase, a necessary detour on our way to Red Rock Canyon for a late afternoon climbing adventure. The rescue squad of at least a dozen people chase Aleska up and down the steep cement culvert then back and forth across the busy boulevard. Finally, she heads towards the elementary school field. There, S corners her against the chain link fence and grabs her collar.
Aleska, now leashed and under her owner's watchful eye, lies exhausted on the sidewalk, bloody paws and all. I give her a generous bowlful of T's water. The owner thanks everyone for their time and efforts. We wish Aleska a speedy recovery from her ordeal. She's a very lucky girl.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for good Samaritan dog catchers.
It takes a village to raise children to be responsible citizens. It also takes a village to catch a very frightened stray dog who's running back and forth across the busy boulevard.
I learn that this is a special canine, a beautiful white Husky named Aleska. According to her owner, Aleska's three years old and blind. She was adopted yesterday.
S, T, M (our Air Force Academy cadet) and I joined the chase, a necessary detour on our way to Red Rock Canyon for a late afternoon climbing adventure. The rescue squad of at least a dozen people chase Aleska up and down the steep cement culvert then back and forth across the busy boulevard. Finally, she heads towards the elementary school field. There, S corners her against the chain link fence and grabs her collar.
Aleska, now leashed and under her owner's watchful eye, lies exhausted on the sidewalk, bloody paws and all. I give her a generous bowlful of T's water. The owner thanks everyone for their time and efforts. We wish Aleska a speedy recovery from her ordeal. She's a very lucky girl.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wednesday, 21 May 2008 - Reasonable expectations
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for reasonable expectations.
I don't know why I adopted the notion that my inability to grow a decent crop of tomatoes marks me a failed gardener.
My tomato growing struggles are legendary (at least to me, they are) not to mention the expense and mental anguish. I think my tomatoes would do just as well if I stuck the plants in unamended soil and forgot about them (except for regular watering, of course).
Anyway, if my tomato plants struggle again this year, I will abandon the effort in 2009 and concentrate on growing peppers, rhubarb, berries and herbs. To increase my odds of success, however, I'm planting four "tried-and-true" heirloom varieties.
And, if my crop fails, well, c'est la vie. I can buy tasty locally grown organic tomatoes for salsa and pasta sauce at the natural food store or farmer's market. So, I won't go without.
What I will relinquish, however, are my sacred bragging rights - the distinct privilege of confessing that these delicious tomatoes are home grown.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for reasonable expectations.
I don't know why I adopted the notion that my inability to grow a decent crop of tomatoes marks me a failed gardener.
My tomato growing struggles are legendary (at least to me, they are) not to mention the expense and mental anguish. I think my tomatoes would do just as well if I stuck the plants in unamended soil and forgot about them (except for regular watering, of course).
Anyway, if my tomato plants struggle again this year, I will abandon the effort in 2009 and concentrate on growing peppers, rhubarb, berries and herbs. To increase my odds of success, however, I'm planting four "tried-and-true" heirloom varieties.
And, if my crop fails, well, c'est la vie. I can buy tasty locally grown organic tomatoes for salsa and pasta sauce at the natural food store or farmer's market. So, I won't go without.
What I will relinquish, however, are my sacred bragging rights - the distinct privilege of confessing that these delicious tomatoes are home grown.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, 21 May 2008 - Productive first hours
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for productive first hours.
Early sunrises suit my schedule. In fact, my first waking hours are among my most productive.
Within the first 90-120 minutes, I take T for a walk in the park, make dough for a loaf of focaccio, start dinner (if the meal includes homemade pasta sauce or soup) and bake a dessert (M is visiting this and next week). I also tend my front and backyard gardens where I systematically inspect, water, trim, weed, mulch, rake, feed and photograph the perennials, vegetables, herbs and berries.
All this activity before I sit down in front of my laptop with a mug of freshly brewed rooibos tea and check out what's happening in the world.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for productive first hours.
Early sunrises suit my schedule. In fact, my first waking hours are among my most productive.
Within the first 90-120 minutes, I take T for a walk in the park, make dough for a loaf of focaccio, start dinner (if the meal includes homemade pasta sauce or soup) and bake a dessert (M is visiting this and next week). I also tend my front and backyard gardens where I systematically inspect, water, trim, weed, mulch, rake, feed and photograph the perennials, vegetables, herbs and berries.
All this activity before I sit down in front of my laptop with a mug of freshly brewed rooibos tea and check out what's happening in the world.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Tuesday, 20 May 2008 - A tidier garden
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a tidier garden.
Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration.
~Lou Erickson
Since Sunday, I've spent at least 12 hours in the backyard garden completing maintenance tasks and planting new additions. What a mess ... plant trimmings, overgrown penstemon, weeds.
I really should have pruned the shrubs and cleared most of the debris last fall, but I just wasn't up to it. I tidied the front yard garden in April lest my neighbors think I'm not an attentive caretaker (my backyard garden is private so no one else "sees" my neglectfulness).
Now, however, with summer only a month away, I don't have a choice.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a tidier garden.
Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration.
~Lou Erickson
Since Sunday, I've spent at least 12 hours in the backyard garden completing maintenance tasks and planting new additions. What a mess ... plant trimmings, overgrown penstemon, weeds.
I really should have pruned the shrubs and cleared most of the debris last fall, but I just wasn't up to it. I tidied the front yard garden in April lest my neighbors think I'm not an attentive caretaker (my backyard garden is private so no one else "sees" my neglectfulness).
Now, however, with summer only a month away, I don't have a choice.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Monday, 19 May 2008 - Good memories
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for good memories.
Our friend and colleague, George, finally succumbed to cancer a few days ago. The news, though expected for some time, saddens our household.
Tears won't bring him back. Still, in the privacy of my studio, I grieve quietly.
I think of George's infectious smile, sparkling eyes, droll sense of humor and unmatched optimism. I remember his insight, intellect and gratitude. I celebrate his dreams and talents.
My "livestrong" scorecard reveals the horrible truth. Cancer wins again. Damn it.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for good memories.
Our friend and colleague, George, finally succumbed to cancer a few days ago. The news, though expected for some time, saddens our household.
Tears won't bring him back. Still, in the privacy of my studio, I grieve quietly.
I think of George's infectious smile, sparkling eyes, droll sense of humor and unmatched optimism. I remember his insight, intellect and gratitude. I celebrate his dreams and talents.
My "livestrong" scorecard reveals the horrible truth. Cancer wins again. Damn it.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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