All posts by Ruth

About Ruth

I am married to Dave, my long lost love. We have 3 beautiful, wonderful daughters, and a home filled with peace and joy! I began writing gratitude lists about 15 years ago, and they have made a huge difference in my life. By taking the time to notice all the amazing goodness in my life, I open myself to receiving even more good. I've also found many new and wonderful friends through the gratitude community.

It’s always darkest before the dawn

Sadness feels suffocating. Breathing returns to normal as seemingly miraculous solutions appear to what seemed to be impossible situations.  I am so grateful for these friends, solutions and miracles!

A cherished family member who knows exactly what you are experiencing, because he has been there, and now he is here for me and for my family.

The kind, loving and generous spirit of my new sister, who has gone above and beyond to make it possible for me to focus on life and not on stress.   Infinite love!

The compassion, love, support and humor of my new daughter.  She moves so easily from one of us to another, lifting us up, making us laugh and keeping us sane.

The unconditional love, support, and acceptance of my husband.  Always kind, always reassuring, always patient, always tender, always gentle, always understanding and always ready to offer a wise-crack to make me laugh, even in the worst of situations.

Receiving a waterfall of caring text messages, phone calls, emails, and Facebook messages in one morning.

The lift from just a touch of make-up.

Making the most of insomnia by rising and writing lists, letters, ideas and notes, then sitting by our window to watch the glorious sunrise.

The gift of gas cards that will ease my daughter’s stress

Being together with my daughters and my husband for a favorite family meal.

A friend who is calm, cheerful, loving and generous.  Her gifts make me feel better, her laughter heals my heart, her easy, positive attitude help me focus on all the good,  And the waters she has provided made everything taste good.

Posting a gratitude list at 11:30 pm, and having 3 comments appear within one minute.

 

So much love….

There are many things for which to be grateful….  things that fill my heart with joy and infinite love!  I am so grateful for:

Family who travel from far distances to share their love and laughter

Heartfelt hugs!  Long, strong, tender hugs.

French-fried mushrooms – one of my favorite things to eat.   Made even sweeter because they were shared with me by someone I dearly love.

The gift of a  lucky, feel-good shirt brimming with so much meaning, that I cannot find adequate words to express how deeply it has touched me.

Standing face to face with every family member, looking into their eyes and sharing our deepest feelings for each other, without reservation.

Quiet time in the morning with my dear husband.

My partner’s constant support, encouragement and unconditional love.

The wonderful photographs of my favorite people in the world.  The time and care with which each one was chosen,  which has ensured the perfection of each one.  Some make me laugh. Some make me cry. All lift my spirits.

A very special picture of my husband and I, taken by my sister, when we dined with them recently, carefully framed and given to me.

A picture of a plaque on a desk in a museum, that explains that the desk is on loan from my family to the museum.  The inscription includes information about my father, and shares some of his many contributions to the local community.  He was a very humble man, and I was overjoyed to see that he is recognized for the work her did.

Each day brings joy, even in the midst of sorrow.  All it takes is some careful observation.

 

Precious Time

Not taking anything for granted

Learning that setting boundaries can be very freeing

Counting my blessings – and there are too many to name

The joy of true friendship and love

Listening to everyone’s hopes and dreams

Choosing the path that holds most meaning for me

Unwavering support of family and friends

The love and devotion of a perfect partner

The courage and strength and love of my daughters

Savoring each moment!

The 5 Senses

Text messages that let me keep in touch during a busy day

Chocolate chip cookies

Pulling all the dead flowers out of my Christmas bouquet and having it still look beautiful!

The aroma of fresh coffee in the morning

My husband’s singing

Leftover lasagna, tastes even better the second time

Cayenne pepper, hot and spicy

A chair with a padded seat

Bananas!

My Davey Crockett cookie jar

The Joy of Friends

*  Dinner with my friends

*  So excited to see each other that we jump for joy!

*  Catching up on each family’s news

*  Sharing problems

*  Offering possible solutions

*  Cheering for a friend’s success

*  Comforting a friend who has experienced a loss

*  Friends who jump to the defense of someone they only know through my stories

*  Supporting each other

*  Being honest with each other

*  Loving each other just the way we are

Food, Glorious Food!

1.  Grocery stores filled with every food imaginable

2.  Keeping fresh Florida oranges chilled in the garage

3.  Knowing what I’m going to make for dinner

4.  A filled freezer

5.  Trying new recipes

6.  Talking with another foodie

7.  The “yummy sounds” my husband makes when he eats

8.  The delicious smells that fill my kitchen

9.  Watching cooking shows on TV

10. Sharing a meal with family and friends

“If you’re afraid of butter, use cream.” 
 ― Julia Child

Naturally beautiful

I’m not a big fan of cold weather, but I love looking at it from inside our cozy house!  :)

1. Blue Jays flitting from tree to tree

2. Cat tracks in the snow

3. Crows winging across the sky

4. Patches of dark bare ground amidst the whiteness of the snow

5. The stark beauty of the bare branches against the blue winter sky

6. Sparrows hopping about under the pine trees pecking for seeds

7. A pale winter sunset

8. Pine trees filled with unseen chattering birds

9. Gradually shrinking piles of snow

10. Footprints leading to our front door, letting me know that someone stopped by

 

Happy, happy Sunday!

After a week of early mornings, being able to sleep in a bit on Sundays is such a gift!

  • I love that my husband and I sit and read the Sunday paper together, just the way my mom and dad did.
  • The power of focused intentions combined with gratitude.
  • Anticipating a day of watching football!  I love it!
  • Fresh oranges!  Tangy, sweet, juicy…  Delicious
  • The art of making lasagna – all those yummy layers!
  • Only 3 weeks until our local Dairy Queen opens – a sign of spring! 
  • The weather forecast for warmer weather!  Yippee!
  • Comfortable clothes.  

Willy Wonka: But Charlie, don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted.
Charlie Bucket: What happened?
Willy Wonka: He lived happily ever after.