Gratitiude

 SOOC on a Frosty Morning

I've been struggling with my gratitude post this week.  Not because I have nothing to be grateful for, but because I have so many blessings that I can't decide which ones to write about. So I'm doing a free thought writing exercise...from head to fingers to blog.

Early in the week I received marvelous news from a friend that the health scare he had a few weeks ago isn't so scary after all because a broken elbow is much easier to mend than a broken heart.  My heart sings for CP and gratitude overflows for both the good news and the friendship we share.

If I had to describe my friend MJ in two words it would be this...loving heart.  She is the most generous, loving person I know.  I thank my lucky stars that we became friends those many years ago and have stood steadfast by each other. 

This morning I took a walk in the yard soaking up the frost, in the air and on the ground.  The yard was lovely, leaves clinging to branches reminded me of the gentle Fall of Freddie the Leaf,

and the little rose that's still budding and blooming spoke of the courage to keep on even when the odds are against you.  For nature's subtle reminders I am grateful. 

Have a lovely day!  

November Gratitude

Like the November rose I photographed on Sunday, I'm a bit ragged at times and bruised by life's hard edges, but I'm ever so thankful for joys and simple blessings. 

   
 I'm going to take Sarah Ban Breathnach's advice and share five things I'm thankful today...today when gray skies opened and rain falls on the chilled November ground.

1. I am thankful for family.  They are the foundation that continually holds me up.

Photograph of my daughter and grandson by Nicole Lovins

2. There are two men who came into my life 8 years ago.  One delights me every day with his brown eyes and silly antics.  The other has encouraged and supported me through good & bad decisions. For these two special people I give thanks.  

3. It's the small, unexpected blessings that are often overlooked, like the fact that I forgot to turn off the coffee maker before I left the house this morning.  My negligence provided a hot cup of coffee when I  came home chilled and damp and boy did it taste good. 

4. Cloves, cinnamon, & nutmeg.  Oh yes, I'm thankful for those three spices that add a layer of delicious to cookies, pies, apples, and my home.   

5. I got my mojo back and oh how I thankful I am that I'm writing with passionate fervor once again.

So what are you grateful for today?  Anything in particular?  Wanna share? 

Have a grand day!

 



Simple Gifts & Gratitude

This fall I have experienced a renewing of my spirit through simple gifts that nature has bestowed upon me. 

I've watched trees don brilliant gowns of orange, red, and yellow.  Though rain fell heavy and the wind blew hard I found pleasure in watching leaves soar high before finding peace on the soft earth. There's been backyard hot dog roasting over an open fire and sticky s'more eating.   Then for one evening the world turned magical as children came a knocking for treats.

I found myself lost in writing, once again, as I continue working on my first fiction novel determined to submit it to be published...somewhere...somehow.

How easy it is to take for granted the simple gift of walking until a knee is injured and walking from one room to the next brings tears of pain  and frustration. And what elation when that knee bends with only a twinge of discomfort.   

 I am grateful for these small gifts and like diamonds on a leaf each one holds a treasure trove of wonder and possibilities.  

Throughout November I'm planning gratitude posts much like the gratitude journal suggested by Sara Ban Breathnach in her book Peace and Plenty. She says, "The gratitude journal is a polite, daily thank you note to the Universe."  Although I won't be posting daily gratitude thoughts, I will at least once a week. 

Have a wonderful fall day and a may you find grace in your November days!

November Outside My Window

The scene outside my window has noticeably changed over the last month. The two trees that I gaze at when words elude me went from green to golden yellow with tinges of orange to become a colorful carpet on the neighbor’s lawn and finally raked into a pile along side the street. A study in simplicity, dark limbs stretch toward the sky creating outlines and negative space. I may be in the minority, but I believe the beauty of trees in late fall and winter continues.

Gone are the garments that covered long thick branches. Maple, oak, beech and birch reveal the strength of character that houses birds, squirrels, insects, and sometimes hold a swing for childhood glee. Again, I may be in the minority, but I look forward to the time when snow frosts the trees bringing yet another magical moment outside my window.

It’s Mr. Noodle
The ferocious black cat in my Halloween post was none other than Mr. Noodle who had a hard time playing the part. What he wanted to do was roll onto his back so I would scratch his belly. Out of five shots he was slightly spooky in one.


"I like spring, but it is too young. I like summer, but it is too proud. So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colours are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and its content."

-Lin Yutang