More About Gratitude

On this last day of a month focused on thankfulness, it seems timely to take a few moments to think of some things that make me smile, brighten my life, and just generally improve my waking hours.

Language - It's hard to say how much language enriches my life. There is beauty and imagery in written forms. The spoken word evokes thought and can bring peace and comfort. This basic form of communication is something I love. I am grateful this passion led me to study language and literature.

Windows - I have spent the last couple of months at a desk on a floor that is above ground level. Natural light is a wonderful, beautiful thing. The sun rises and paints the mountains pink while the sky moves through shades of blue and lavender. And I get to watch it from the warmth of a climate-controlled building. When a storm blows in and the horizon disappears behind a veil of snow, I can experience it wrapped up in a quilt with a cup of cocoa.

Humor - A lot of life is un-fun. There is pain, rejection, hurt, and loss. Which makes me so grateful that I am often around people who help me see the humor in the small moments. Because I love to laugh. It has to be one of life's big blessings.

Merry Christmas...to me!

I am a self-proclaimed jewelry addict. Especially earrings. It is facinating how many different ways and shapes you can bring things together in a little tiny package to hang from your ear. Color and shape and texture and shine. Wait...I think I am channeling Stacy and Clinton from What Not To Wear. But I think it applies to jewelry as well!

Since I have a direct line to santa, I decided these needed to be in my stocking come Christmas morning.

Now if only those little reindeer would hurry their furry butts up, I might even get to wear them during the holiday season...

When I look at this picture I feel all warm inside and I can't figure out why.

Hardy-har-har-ha. Excuse me while I go wipe my eyes. I crack myself up so much sometimes it makes me cry!

On a different note, I sometimes have days when I interact with people and walk away thinking, "I don't really like people. They are kind of annoying." This might be one of those days. So people, I am sorry you find me abraisve. If you would stop being annoying maybe we could get along.

Some Thoughts on Gratitude

Over the last week and a half, I have had many many opportunities to think. Stress and grief and family "together" time give me reasons to examine some of the aspects of my life.

I am so grateful for my cousin, my aunt, and my uncle. I took for granted the work and planning that went into the services we had for my Grandmother back in August. And all of that at a time when they were struggling with the pain that comes with loss. Thank you. Thank you. thank you.

I have learned a little something about death. It's hard. And even 89 years of wonderful living does not prepare a person to leave this life. And 57 years together does not prepare a person to be parted from the one they love. I also don't think that anyone is too old to have hopes and dreams. I believe I will keep planning until the day I'm called to lay this body back to dust.

My family is my rock. It is hard to find the words to describe how much I can rely on them for strength. They can buoy me up mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We have the ability to make each other laugh by telling jokes at inappropriate times. I really think I would be lost without them. I am especially grateful for my sisters. They are cool beyond belief. And the brothers? Rock stars. Mom? A saint. Dad? The patience of Job.

I am grateful for my physical body. For all the things that I may consider flaws, it functions so marvelously for me on so many levels. I can walk. I can talk. I can reason and laugh and cry and read. I can yell and sing and touch.

It makes me feel good that I can do hard things. I will probably always have things that intimidate me, and that seem like they are beyond my capacity. But I have found that I have the ability to try things and fail. And sometimes I succeed!

And as a totally silly as it sounds, I am so grateful I can buy myself a Christmas present and be totally all right with it. That's all I have to say about that.

My Grandpa

This is my Grandpa (in the middle) and two of his buddies at Camp Irvine in 1943. He served in Europe in WWII. Today is Veteren's Day, and we honor those who have served our country and the cause of freedom. 

Today I found out that my Grandpa is in the ICU after a heart attack. The phrase seems overused to say that my prayers are with him and my Grandma and my Mom. But at moments like this, I don't know where else to turn for peace and comfort than my Heavenly Father. He can be there and touch people and comfort them when I can not.

This Thing

I have a headache.

He's been with me for 4 days now, and I decided he needs a name. It's a he, not an it. He is steady. I know he's going to be there. He's loyal. There is no way he would ditch me for someone else. And I am finding new and interesting ways to work my life around this relationship.

I also find him a little annoying.

Being the female in the relationship, I get to be a little indecisive. I'm torn between two names for my new...significant other. Gargamel or Vlad. On one hand, he's kind of lame - turtleneck-dress-wearing lame. Sort of a necessary foil for the sweetness of life. On the other hand, he's a life-sucking embodiment of all that is evil. And leaves me feeling a little drained.

Maybe he's really both. Sometimes it's kind of a Gargamel thing, and not so bad. Other times I feel a little closer to the undead.

While I figure it out, I will go to a happy place in the non-painful part of my brain. It's a gorgeous canyon. Full of autumn leaves and golden afternoon light.

And history.

And goats.

And some fish. :o)