Thankful Thursday

"Be like the bird who, pausing in her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing she hath wings." ~Victor Hugo

Today I appreciate music. Enjoying music is more than listening to a favorite recording artist or singing a song. I think of so many of life’s every day sounds as music setting the rhythm for the day. From the birds outside my window, my husband getting ready for work, the soft bubble of water boiling and then sloshing into my morning cup of tea, to the patter of paws running to their dishes to await their morning feeding, all these are mellow melodies. These simple sounds are the music that bring me the most joy. The birds singing promise of love in the air and the hope of future generations. The sound of my husband getting ready for work is just one of the many ways he shows his love and devotion to our life together. My morning tea allows time to gather my thoughts and plans for the day. The patter of paws are joyful expressions of appreciation and mutual unconditional love. So appreciate all of life’s music from the overture to the final encore!

Wonderful Wednesday Gratitude

“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.” ~Thomas Merton

The morning started out with bright sunshine and has now clouded over to a cold rain. Today I find myself reflecting on life in much the same way. We all start out bright and cheerful but we each face times when the clouds roll in and we find ourselves amid life’s storms. With each storm we go through though, we become stronger, less fearful, and experience teaches us that good things always follow. Like the green grass and beautiful flowers that follow a spring rain, we can each look forward to unexpected blessings from each life challenge. So, the next time one of life’s storms pops up, know there will be good to follow and maybe – just maybe – you’ll see the rainbow!

Terrific Tuesday Gratitude

"Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life." ~Buddha

Our humidity is low and last night the temperatures dipped below freezing and some stiff winds have spread flames over 40 acres of a favorite state park in my area. So today I’m grateful for selfless firefighters staying safe, for the homes in the area that are threatened but not consumed, for knowing that this fire can lead to positive transformation by removing the overgrown underbrush, that the ashes will enrich the soil and all this will make way for new growth. When we allow the divine to inspire and guide us tragedies turn into opportunities through acceptance of change. It may only be a change of perspective but it is change none the less. Embrace change!

Monday Gratitude

"Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!" ~Sitting Bull

Today I’m grateful that the weather has turned cooler again. It gives me the chance to appreciate the heat of the greenhouse and perhaps it will prolong some of the blooms on the flowering trees for just a wee bit longer than they could have lasted with the unusual heat wave we had for this time of year. Every day we enjoy a bit more sunshine, a bit more of the earth wakes from its winter rest and we can witness the wind dancing with the trees to the lively tune played by the bright golden sun. We need to get in step with mother nature and join in the dance of life!

Grateful for Friday Gratitude

"If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies." ~Nadine Stair

The weather here has been unusually warm and for that I’m grateful. Grateful for not thinking about the cost of heating my home because I’ve been able to open windows! Grateful for the birds that are returning to the area along with the many others that lend their beautiful songs as I putter in the yard or simply enjoy a cup of tea on the back porch. Grateful for flowering trees, shrubs, and plants welcoming an early spring with their colors flowing like giggles among the fresh green growth. Grateful for the bees and butterflies that have made a rare appearance at this time of year and can find nectar. I’m grateful to drink in the amazing scents that dance through this spring air bringing and making memories celebrating life with all it’s hopes and dreams of wonderful things past, present, and future!

Thirsty for Thursday Gratitude

"One must learn a different... sense of time, one that depends more on small amounts than big ones." ~Sister Mary Paul

Oh my how time has been slipping away from me of late, and for that I am grateful! It means I’m not standing still nor ignoring other areas of interest. My life has always been full of twists and turns, so it’s not really a surprise that I’ve been “derailed” a bit lately by some surprises. Some surprises are good and others not so good but it is exactly those unexpected moments that bring us to realize our core selves and appreciate both our relationships and the wisdom in our bones. Today take a moment today to tell someone EXACTLY how much they mean to you – from the heart – the words don’t have to be poetic, just honest. Do it now before time slips away!

Thankful Thursday Gratitude

I am grateful…

"Love the moment, and the energy of the moment will spread beyond all boundaries." ~Corita Kent

A restless night’s sleep led to a quiet morning with the sun staying under the grey flannel cloud cover. The simple pleasures are at play today. My morning cup of tea while reviewing today’s “to do list” interrupted by loving affectionate cats warms the heart and lap. I’m reminded that it’s just as important to stay in the moment while remaining focused on my goals. This applies to goals for a day, a week, a month, a year, or a lifetime. It’s so easy to miss those every day simple things that can bring such joy in life because we are too busy thinking of everything OTHER than what we’re doing at a given moment. So at this moment, close your eyes and take a long slow breath in and an equally long breath out. Repeat. Repeat again. Now I’m feeling grateful and ready for my “to do list”, are you?

Tuesday Gratitude

"Truth is the torch that gleams through the fog without dispelling it." ~Claude Adrien Helvetius

 As I prepared my morning cup of tea, I looked out the window and watched the waves of fog raise like smoke lifting gently from the snow. I could see the sun seeping its way through soft grey curtain to ignite the glow of silver tree branches dripping with melted snow and the condensation caused by the welcome warmth. A truly mystical site that reminded me of cherished spring mornings from my childhood filled with wonder and curiosity. Days like today stir the spirit to explore, expand, and experience each moment to its fullest. For that and more I am truly grateful.

Manic Monday Gratitude

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence." ~Henry David Thoreau

It’s almost impossible to express the inner peace and joy available when you know you’re on the right path. It’s a lot like having interior armor because few things can ruffle your feathers. Any problems that occur are addressed easily, life’s drama may swirl around you but it can’t take hold of your spirit, and your spirit is free to be at peace while celebrating the joys that are available with every breath. For this and more, I am grateful!

Snowy Friday Gratitude

I am grateful…

"As soon go kindle fire with snow, as seek to quench the fire of love with words." ~William Shakespeare

With the snow last night and more predicted for tomorrow I’m grateful for warmth. Not just the physical warmth of a comfortable home, a cozy sweater, hot tea, and a warm meal but the inner warmth that comes from the regular recognition of gratitude. That inner warmth creates a glow. That glow well tended creates a flame. That flame creates a beacon of love and hope that can help yourself as well as others see life paths more clearly. Wishing everyone warm and bright blessings for a wonderful weekend ♥