counted thread cross stitch – crow sampler

New Yorker magazine

“A Walk in the Woods” – Bill Bryson. (walking the Appalachian Trail

laptop

more writing

dinner with grandson Nate and Andrew and their friend Aaron

conversational circles in the Gulf Coast water

sending out more postcards – about 40 altogether!

A Zoom meeting this morning with our writing group. What an honor to share our love of writing with each other. Because of this group, sometimes the floodgates of writing open for me. Wowzers!

Lunch with my friend Barb – 2 1/2 hours, a true girlfriend lunch!

Ate at Turtle Restaurant in Sarasota for lunch and for dinner. Our favorite dining place!

Dinner with some of our family and beach buddies. We had the same waitress (Catherine) as Barb and I had at lunch – efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable – who could ask for more?

“Big Bang Theory” on TV with Tom. Ever since I read an oral history about it, I have become somewhat of a fanatic about about watching it because I have inside information! ha ha ha ha

Beginning the day with writing and ending it with writing too! Having this much writing time has been amazing. When I get home, I will have to make time for this word nerd’s writing practice!

Grateful to have everything I need!

Sick Hubby makes me appreciate well one.

Meal give away. Grateful for those who didn’t panic when we ran short. All got something though the last meals were creative. Grateful for my creative crew.

Thankful for those who gave their time and their energy when our chief cook and bottle washer was sidelined.

Air quality alert makes me glad for days the air is refreshing.

Back to swimming. Why am I tired? I have earned my weary.

Getting the house cleaned up grateful for my things. The call to downsize does not recognize I love my stuff.

Powerball at astronomical figure. Its fun to dream but better to appreciate!

I have a good life!

1. Goddess

2. Breakfast at the diner, and the wonderful service I receive there.

3. A meditation gathering.

4. Lunch with my girlfriends.

5. The movie theatre.

6. My children, Hannah, David, and Emily.

7. A chocolate malted frappe at the ice cream store on a hot and humid day.

8. Phone call from Ashley. She got a job!

9. Phone call with Eileen and reading together.

10. Phone call with Julie.

11. Phone call with Lisa.

12. Face Time with my mother.

books, books, books

magazines

art supplies

needlework

fun on the beach!

hanging out at dinner

late night quiet time

and Jeopardy almost every night

and sending out lots of postcards!

Grateful for the quiet rain. Many challenges this week but the rain calms me.

Hubby is better. Never realized how much I would miss him or worry about him till he got sick.

Friends stepping up to prep for meal. Didn’t hear any complaining! But heard lots of laughter!

Simple supper. Baby steps. Keep drinking Hubby!

Feeling in control is soothing!

Today, I find myself overflowing with gratitude. I am grateful for my physical body, which allows me to move through the world with ease and comfort. I am thankful for the clothes that I am able to wear, and for the feeling of confidence that comes with knowing I can present myself to the world in any way I choose.

I am grateful for the changing of the seasons, and for the opportunity to bundle up in warm, cozy winter jackets. I am grateful for the abundance that surrounds me, including the many blessings that have come my way, such as promotions and professional success.

I am grateful for my commitment to my physical fitness, and for the strength and resilience that comes with a dedicated workout routine. I am thankful for my health and my teeth, which allow me to nourish my body and to fully experience all the joys of life.

I am grateful for the gift of reflection, which helps me to remember important moments and to appreciate the beauty in each passing day. I am grateful for the love and support of my family, especially my light-hearted father and my kind mother.

I am grateful for the restorative power of a good night’s sleep, and for the ability to find joy and laughter in the simple pleasures of life, such as the comedy series “King of Queens.”

Finally, I am grateful for the transcendent beauty of music, such as the awe-inspiring compositions of Anton Bruckner. And I am grateful for the technology that allows us to capture and preserve the precious moments of our lives through the simple act of taking photos with our phones.

I am filled with gratitude for the long and loving relationship I have with:

復Food. Each day is a new opportunity to express my gratitude for the nourishment that sustains me. From the grocery stores that provide us with an abundance of choices, to the hardworking harvesters and the factories and machines that process our food, every step of the journey is worthy of appreciation. I am grateful for the plates, forks, knives, spoons, and all the tools that allow us to enjoy our food. Even the digestion process is a wonder to be thankful for, as it enables our bodies to extract the nutrients we need to thrive. Every day is a chance to renew my commitment to mindful eating, healthy living, and deliberate exercise. Though it can be a challenge to overcome former and current binge eating patterns, I embrace each day as an opportunity to learn more about my triggers and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness.

️Clothes. I used to hold unhelpful beliefs about the importance of others’ impressions of me and how I look. But now, I have adopted a more positive and empowering perspective. Each day is a celebration of my unique style and how I choose to express myself through my wardrobe. I revel in the way my clothes complement my skin tone and bring out the best in me. Every piece in my wardrobe has a story, whether it’s the day I bought it or the person who gave it to me. Dressing up is an art form, a way of painting a canvas with fabrics and colors that reflect my innermost self. Even the act of caring for my clothes is a form of gratitude, a way of saying thank you to life for the gift of existence.

Flowers. The beauty and creativity of flowers never cease to amaze me. I remember being captivated by them as a child, watching the leaves dance in the early morning breeze on the way to school with my dad. Now, I find myself smiling at the sight of flowers, marveling at their intricate designs and unique personalities. Some stand tall and proud, like majestic towers crafted by a master artist, while others bow their heads in graceful surrender, like ballerinas in the final scenes of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Each one is a testament to the wonder and diversity of nature, and I am grateful for the opportunity to witness their beauty.

Reading. Learning how to read and write at an early age was a gift that I am forever grateful for. I owe a debt of gratitude to my teachers, especially those who left a lasting impression on me with their passion and dedication to their craft. I am thankful for the books that have filled my life with joy and knowledge, transporting me to new worlds and expanding my understanding of the human experience. In today’s world, there are even more ways to learn and grow, from digital books and PDFs to videos and blogs. I am grateful for each new opportunity to enrich my mind and broaden my horizons.

Three years ago, when the world was gripped by the pandemic’s uncertainty, I found myself thrust into a forced solitude. For five months, I had no outings, no travel, and no shopping. But amidst the stillness, I discovered a newfound rhythm—a chance to listen to my inner voice and awaken something deep within.

As I grappled with the question, “What would you do if it was the end of the world?” I faced boredom, hopelessness, and unhealthy habits. But I knew deep down that I had the power to rebuild, to start anew. And in that moment of realization, I felt a sense of empowerment like never before.

As I dedicated myself to home workouts and savored every moment of newfound time, I found myself gaining precious insights. It was as if the world was whispering to me, “Slow down and take a break. Listen to the rhythm of your soul.”

And when the latter half of 2020 arrived, I embraced life with a newfound appreciation. I traveled extensively, relishing the freedom of solitude and the joys of connecting with strangers. In my single room by the sea, I found myself lost in the beauty of the world, contemplating the mysteries of life.

In those quiet moments, I realized that sometimes, the greatest treasures are found in the simplest of experiences. And so I continue to savor the journey, always seeking to embrace the stillness and find beauty in the most unexpected of places.

As I open my heart to gratitude, I am filled with a deep sense of joy and wonder at all of the blessings that surround me. From the gift of waking up each day happy and healthy, to the simple pleasures of trying something new, I am reminded of the beauty and abundance that infuse every moment of my life.

In this moment of reflection, I am also grateful for the health of my grandfather, and for the way that he continues to improve each day. It reminds me of the power of faith and the importance of cherishing our loved ones while they are with us. The words of Psalm 91 come to mind: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” I am grateful for the sense of safety and comfort that I find in the divine, and for the way that it sustains me through life’s challenges.

As I consider the abundance in my life, I am grateful for the deep relationships and friendships that sustain me, for the connection that I feel to nature, and for the spiritual growth that I am experiencing on my journey. The words of Proverbs 17:17 come to mind: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” I am grateful for the love and support of those around me, and for the way that they lift me up and encourage me to be my best self.

In my career, I am grateful for the opportunities to learn and grow, and for the ways that my work allows me to make a positive impact in the world. The words of Colossians 3:23-24 come to mind: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” I am grateful for the sense of purpose and meaning that I find in my work, and for the way that it allows me to use my talents and abilities to make a difference in the world.

And so I end this reflection with a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of connection to the divine. I am reminded of the words of Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” And so I rejoice, grateful for the many blessings that fill my life each day.