This year I will be blogging at:
Please come and visit me there! :-)
January 15, 2018
December 31, 2017
Ten Things of Thankful - Week 52, 2017
The image is of a beach sunset in soft shades of blue, pink and lavender. A quote by Steve Mariboli is written in four lines of white text that says "Start the New Year with a grateful and loving heart." The image is borrowed from GratitudeHabitat.com.
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On this, the final night of 2017, I would not only say Amen to the above quote, but I would add "end each year with a grateful heart." It hasn't been an easy year, and recent weeks have brought more losses, tragedy and sadness to family and friends. And yet, as always, we wipe our tears, pick our hearts up off the ground and dust them off to begin another year.
I am a survivor, I have been for many years now; but even more than that, I am thankful for all the blessings I've been given, and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I will be given the courage, strength, and even humor to see me through the days in the year to come. I believe in hope, I believe in celebrating life, and above all, I believe in the power of prayer and an attitude of gratitude.
In that frame of mind, I'd like to share some of the things I am truly thankful for this year...
I am thankful that with this post I have actually accomplished my goal to write a TToT post for all 52 weeks of 2017. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have trouble sticking with things long term, so it is an accomplishment for me to finish what I start with good intention. It is something I really wanted to do because I know the value to myself and other that comes from focusing on the positives.
I am thankful that Papa Bear and I remained happy and healthy and had a good year together. We are so blessed to have each other to navigate the sometimes scary senior years with!
I am thankful that my daughter got married and was able to sell her house and move to Dallas to join her husband at last. It is so nice that they can finally be together for all holidays and share their daily lives.
I am thankful for the wonderful relationship my son is in with his girlfriend. She is an awesome choice that was so worth waiting for! I love seeing how well he handles and enjoy the role of step-parent as well. When her kids are doing well, a mother's heart is happy!
I am thankful for the good relationship that now exists between my two sisters and I, I think after all these years we figured out how to finally make it work despite our very definite personalities.
I am so thankful for old friends and new that have blessed my life in so many ways this year, friendship is a real treasure to me, so uplifting, and I hope to be a better friend in return in the coming year.
I am thankful that our furkids are doing well, and that we share our lives and love with them. I'm thankful they have accepted each newcomer into the family and that formerly feral Smoky has settled right in and made himself at home. On that note, I am so thankful for a husband that has a heart for furkids as much as I do.
Our weather has gotten cold in recent days, unusually cold for West Texas, and we are so thankful for the new furnace/ac unit that keeps our house toasty warm now and will also keep it cool in the triple digit days this summer. I am thankful that we were able to come up with the funds to pay for it when we needed it.
I am thankful for the Internet, for my smartphone and tablet, for Blogger, Facebook, texting, and email... all of which have allowed me to develop closer relationships with people I care about and to offer support and encouragement where I can. We can use technology to uplift rather than to tear down.
Last but not least, in fact maybe most important of all... I am thankful for the many lessons I've learned this year, about myself, about others, about relationships, about faith and forgiveness, and about life in general. I have mellowed, I have grown, and I have become more loving toward others and myself. I am little by little becoming more kind, and the kind of person I want to be.
It's been a good year all in all, and yet I am also thankful that it's over. :-)
Blessings to each of you in the New Year... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
I am a survivor, I have been for many years now; but even more than that, I am thankful for all the blessings I've been given, and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I will be given the courage, strength, and even humor to see me through the days in the year to come. I believe in hope, I believe in celebrating life, and above all, I believe in the power of prayer and an attitude of gratitude.
In that frame of mind, I'd like to share some of the things I am truly thankful for this year...
I am thankful that with this post I have actually accomplished my goal to write a TToT post for all 52 weeks of 2017. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have trouble sticking with things long term, so it is an accomplishment for me to finish what I start with good intention. It is something I really wanted to do because I know the value to myself and other that comes from focusing on the positives.
I am thankful that Papa Bear and I remained happy and healthy and had a good year together. We are so blessed to have each other to navigate the sometimes scary senior years with!
I am thankful that my daughter got married and was able to sell her house and move to Dallas to join her husband at last. It is so nice that they can finally be together for all holidays and share their daily lives.
I am thankful for the wonderful relationship my son is in with his girlfriend. She is an awesome choice that was so worth waiting for! I love seeing how well he handles and enjoy the role of step-parent as well. When her kids are doing well, a mother's heart is happy!
I am thankful for the good relationship that now exists between my two sisters and I, I think after all these years we figured out how to finally make it work despite our very definite personalities.
I am so thankful for old friends and new that have blessed my life in so many ways this year, friendship is a real treasure to me, so uplifting, and I hope to be a better friend in return in the coming year.
I am thankful that our furkids are doing well, and that we share our lives and love with them. I'm thankful they have accepted each newcomer into the family and that formerly feral Smoky has settled right in and made himself at home. On that note, I am so thankful for a husband that has a heart for furkids as much as I do.
Our weather has gotten cold in recent days, unusually cold for West Texas, and we are so thankful for the new furnace/ac unit that keeps our house toasty warm now and will also keep it cool in the triple digit days this summer. I am thankful that we were able to come up with the funds to pay for it when we needed it.
I am thankful for the Internet, for my smartphone and tablet, for Blogger, Facebook, texting, and email... all of which have allowed me to develop closer relationships with people I care about and to offer support and encouragement where I can. We can use technology to uplift rather than to tear down.
Last but not least, in fact maybe most important of all... I am thankful for the many lessons I've learned this year, about myself, about others, about relationships, about faith and forgiveness, and about life in general. I have mellowed, I have grown, and I have become more loving toward others and myself. I am little by little becoming more kind, and the kind of person I want to be.
It's been a good year all in all, and yet I am also thankful that it's over. :-)
Blessings to each of you in the New Year... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
* Descriptions of the included photos are being provided for those who may be unable to view the illustrations.
December 26, 2017
Ten Things of Thankful - Week 51, 2017
The image above says simply "I am grateful" in hand-printed black lettering on a white background. At the top and bottom of the vertically oriented rectangle there is a wide border of Christmas greenery pointing inward, along with red berries and pinecones, all frosted with snow. The image source is unknown.
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Christmas has come and gone for another year, and I have to admit that I am always thankful for that. I had a nice Christmas, but it is just a very emotional time for me and for many. Today life returns to normal routine, well... almost!
I am delighted to report that Smoky, one of our outside feral boys who has been with us since last June, finally got brave enough (and chilly enough) this morning to come into the house and discover how warm and cozy it is inside. He has made himself right at home and is behaving so nicely, which is surprising for a cat that has no idea about things in a house. He is used to being submissive to the more dominant feral male outside, so has not bothered our four furkids at all. They were very cautious at first, but are going about their normal routines tonite as he naps peacefully on the cushion in the rocking chair. He is a snuggler and has been on my lap much of the day, even belly up for rubs, which is amazing considering how much trust it requires. I am thankful that I don't have to worry about him being out in the cold any longer. I am thankful that Papa Bear understands. I am thankful that I was able to find a low-cost neuter clinic and he has an appointment first thing in the morning. He isn't going to love the carrier, the car ride, or the experience, but it's definitely best for him and he will be able to recover inside, and potentially stay as an inside cat if he wants to. :-)
I am thankful for the fun time that Papa Bear and I had in San Angelo this past weekend. We ended up leaving home on Friday night so that we would be able to have all of Saturday and Saturday night to enjoy there, returning home on Sunday afternoon. We ate good food, spent a wonderful couple hours at nearby Lake Nasworthy in the beautiful sixty degree weather... seeing deer, wild turkeys, and John finding some live mistletoe! :-) Saturday night we drove through their Christmas lights display along the banks of the Concho River. It was so pretty with all the displays being reflected in the calm water of the river. We were so thankful for the perfect weather and the time shared!
I am thankful that both of my kids had good Christmases with their partners, were appreciative of the gifts they received, and called to visit with us and brighten our Christmas Day! I am thankful that everyone was well for Christmas, since flu, colds and bronchitis have been making the rounds. I am thankful that both of my sisters had good Christmas gatherings with their families too. Lots of happy memories made, a nice way to wrap up the year.
I am thankful that some of my friends who really struggle with Christmas have made it through recent weeks and even managed to have some fun times with friends and share a little in the spirit. That's what we do in life, we make the best of things and try to stay focused on the good.
This coming Saturday marks the 8th anniversary of my father's death. I miss him, but I am thankful that he passed quickly and without suffering. That was a blessing, as he was so opposed to ending his life in a nursing home. As it was he never reached that level of need. God is merciful and loving.
Always and above all, I am thankful for my Papa Bear, the one who makes everything good and fun, takes care of us and the house and the cars, loves our furkids as much as I do, and is so kind and caring. This week we celebrated out tenth Christmas together... he is one of the answered prayers/miracles in my life.
Blessings to you in the final days of this year... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
I am delighted to report that Smoky, one of our outside feral boys who has been with us since last June, finally got brave enough (and chilly enough) this morning to come into the house and discover how warm and cozy it is inside. He has made himself right at home and is behaving so nicely, which is surprising for a cat that has no idea about things in a house. He is used to being submissive to the more dominant feral male outside, so has not bothered our four furkids at all. They were very cautious at first, but are going about their normal routines tonite as he naps peacefully on the cushion in the rocking chair. He is a snuggler and has been on my lap much of the day, even belly up for rubs, which is amazing considering how much trust it requires. I am thankful that I don't have to worry about him being out in the cold any longer. I am thankful that Papa Bear understands. I am thankful that I was able to find a low-cost neuter clinic and he has an appointment first thing in the morning. He isn't going to love the carrier, the car ride, or the experience, but it's definitely best for him and he will be able to recover inside, and potentially stay as an inside cat if he wants to. :-)
I am thankful for the fun time that Papa Bear and I had in San Angelo this past weekend. We ended up leaving home on Friday night so that we would be able to have all of Saturday and Saturday night to enjoy there, returning home on Sunday afternoon. We ate good food, spent a wonderful couple hours at nearby Lake Nasworthy in the beautiful sixty degree weather... seeing deer, wild turkeys, and John finding some live mistletoe! :-) Saturday night we drove through their Christmas lights display along the banks of the Concho River. It was so pretty with all the displays being reflected in the calm water of the river. We were so thankful for the perfect weather and the time shared!
I am thankful that both of my kids had good Christmases with their partners, were appreciative of the gifts they received, and called to visit with us and brighten our Christmas Day! I am thankful that everyone was well for Christmas, since flu, colds and bronchitis have been making the rounds. I am thankful that both of my sisters had good Christmas gatherings with their families too. Lots of happy memories made, a nice way to wrap up the year.
I am thankful that some of my friends who really struggle with Christmas have made it through recent weeks and even managed to have some fun times with friends and share a little in the spirit. That's what we do in life, we make the best of things and try to stay focused on the good.
This coming Saturday marks the 8th anniversary of my father's death. I miss him, but I am thankful that he passed quickly and without suffering. That was a blessing, as he was so opposed to ending his life in a nursing home. As it was he never reached that level of need. God is merciful and loving.
Always and above all, I am thankful for my Papa Bear, the one who makes everything good and fun, takes care of us and the house and the cars, loves our furkids as much as I do, and is so kind and caring. This week we celebrated out tenth Christmas together... he is one of the answered prayers/miracles in my life.
Blessings to you in the final days of this year... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
* Descriptions of the included photos are being provided for those who may be unable to view the illustrations.
December 19, 2017
Ten Things of Thankful - Week 50, 2017
The image above says "Be thankful for friends who care about you." The quote is attributed to Victoria Osteen. The background image is of two small smiling snowmen wearing red hats and red checked scarves in front of a backdrop of winter branches and snow. Where would we be without our friends?!
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Christmas is less than a week away, and it's a very hectic time, it's also a very difficult time for many people, so along with all the magic and warmth of the season that I am ever so thankful for, I am also thankful that all the hoopla will soon be over, the year will come to a close, and we will return to our more-or-less normal life routines.
Most of all this week, I am thankful that a very scary allergic reaction which landed Papa Bear's granddaughter in the emergency room and then the hospital was resolved and she was able to return home twenty-four hours later. Allergic reactions can be life threatening, and this would have reached that status without rapid multiple intervention efforts. Now they are in the process of determining what caused this intense allergic reaction which occurred once before this year and at present remains a mystery. I am thankful for the many people praying that I know had a powerful effect on the outcome!
This past week I unbelievably received a second email from someone in Canada who has spotted the Don LaForte print I wanted on an auction site there and offered to bid on it and then send it to me if she could win it. I am humbled by the kindness of complete strangers who chose to reach out and assist me in regaining something I had lost. I am so thankful for the awareness that these kind of people still exist in the world, despite all the bad press we get these days.
I am thankful that I was able to complete the baking of candy and cookies to mail off to my kids in time for Christmas, and I am equally thankful for the gift of a wonderful box of goodies for us from a very special friend. My mother always sent boxes of Christmas treats when she was alive, so this gift really warmed my heart, especially the cranberry bread that tasted so much like hers. I just know my Mom was smiling as I opened that box!
I am thankful that Papa Bear was so appreciative when he returned home from work to find our Christmas tree lighted and decorated and a few favorite Christmas decorations set out to enjoy. He makes the effort fun because he always enjoys it and always says so! He retains his childlike Christmas spirit, loving colored lights and presents, cookies, cocoa and secrets, music and candles and all the things that evoke memories of when we were young. I am also thankful that the furkids have surprisingly shown no interest at all in our five foot tree that hangs on the wall and sits atop a table. I think having it up higher takes it out of their constant line of sight so they don't notice those shiny balls and snowflakes within reach.
I am thankful that my daughter and her husband found the perfect family with four little girls to assist in providing Christmas gifts for this year. This is something she has done each year since she doesn't have children of her own, and I am proud of her for making the effort to brighten the lives of little ones and make things easier for their parents. The mom of these young girls was extremely grateful and even brought her girls to meet the couple that that was responsible for the brightly wrapped gifts under their tree.
I am thankful that the winter weather has been mild thus far for my sisters and their families still living in the Midwest. I cannot remember a time as a child when there wasn't tall snowbanks and sub-zero temps in December. I won't go into climate change, and certainly they will need snow to come soon so that there will be adequate ground moisture for crops to grow next seasons, but for right now it means that the long, cold, dreary winter will be less so, making life easier and safer for them. We are not young anymore, and icy streets, steps, and sidewalks can be dangerous and scary!
I am thankful and excited that Papa Bear and I have decided to go away for an overnight on Saturday since he will have a three day weekend. We are going to San Angelo, a two hour drive, which is a wonderful little city on the Concho river, and we will enjoy some good dining, colored lights, and window shopping. We don't have the opportunity to get away often, and this will be more fun than exchanging token gifts. We like making memories together!
Although our kids will not be with us this Christmas, I am thankful that they each have a partner to share the holiday with and won't be home alone. We will all be in touch by text, phone and photos as we open gifts and share some love. I am also thankful for the sweet memories of Christmases when they were small.
Just as the quote at top says, more than anything this year I am thankful for friends who are there for me in so many ways and who share their days and lives with me and in doing so we encourage each other. I am thankful that I can return that caring, and I love the support we have found in each other. I remember a time in my life when I had no close friends, and realize how blessed I am now!
Blessings to you in this season of love and hope... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
Most of all this week, I am thankful that a very scary allergic reaction which landed Papa Bear's granddaughter in the emergency room and then the hospital was resolved and she was able to return home twenty-four hours later. Allergic reactions can be life threatening, and this would have reached that status without rapid multiple intervention efforts. Now they are in the process of determining what caused this intense allergic reaction which occurred once before this year and at present remains a mystery. I am thankful for the many people praying that I know had a powerful effect on the outcome!
This past week I unbelievably received a second email from someone in Canada who has spotted the Don LaForte print I wanted on an auction site there and offered to bid on it and then send it to me if she could win it. I am humbled by the kindness of complete strangers who chose to reach out and assist me in regaining something I had lost. I am so thankful for the awareness that these kind of people still exist in the world, despite all the bad press we get these days.
I am thankful that I was able to complete the baking of candy and cookies to mail off to my kids in time for Christmas, and I am equally thankful for the gift of a wonderful box of goodies for us from a very special friend. My mother always sent boxes of Christmas treats when she was alive, so this gift really warmed my heart, especially the cranberry bread that tasted so much like hers. I just know my Mom was smiling as I opened that box!
I am thankful that Papa Bear was so appreciative when he returned home from work to find our Christmas tree lighted and decorated and a few favorite Christmas decorations set out to enjoy. He makes the effort fun because he always enjoys it and always says so! He retains his childlike Christmas spirit, loving colored lights and presents, cookies, cocoa and secrets, music and candles and all the things that evoke memories of when we were young. I am also thankful that the furkids have surprisingly shown no interest at all in our five foot tree that hangs on the wall and sits atop a table. I think having it up higher takes it out of their constant line of sight so they don't notice those shiny balls and snowflakes within reach.
I am thankful that my daughter and her husband found the perfect family with four little girls to assist in providing Christmas gifts for this year. This is something she has done each year since she doesn't have children of her own, and I am proud of her for making the effort to brighten the lives of little ones and make things easier for their parents. The mom of these young girls was extremely grateful and even brought her girls to meet the couple that that was responsible for the brightly wrapped gifts under their tree.
I am thankful that the winter weather has been mild thus far for my sisters and their families still living in the Midwest. I cannot remember a time as a child when there wasn't tall snowbanks and sub-zero temps in December. I won't go into climate change, and certainly they will need snow to come soon so that there will be adequate ground moisture for crops to grow next seasons, but for right now it means that the long, cold, dreary winter will be less so, making life easier and safer for them. We are not young anymore, and icy streets, steps, and sidewalks can be dangerous and scary!
I am thankful and excited that Papa Bear and I have decided to go away for an overnight on Saturday since he will have a three day weekend. We are going to San Angelo, a two hour drive, which is a wonderful little city on the Concho river, and we will enjoy some good dining, colored lights, and window shopping. We don't have the opportunity to get away often, and this will be more fun than exchanging token gifts. We like making memories together!
Although our kids will not be with us this Christmas, I am thankful that they each have a partner to share the holiday with and won't be home alone. We will all be in touch by text, phone and photos as we open gifts and share some love. I am also thankful for the sweet memories of Christmases when they were small.
Just as the quote at top says, more than anything this year I am thankful for friends who are there for me in so many ways and who share their days and lives with me and in doing so we encourage each other. I am thankful that I can return that caring, and I love the support we have found in each other. I remember a time in my life when I had no close friends, and realize how blessed I am now!
Blessings to you in this season of love and hope... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
* Descriptions of the included photos are being provided for those who may be unable to view the illustrations.
December 12, 2017
Ten Things of Thankful - Week 49, 2017
The image above says "I am not lucky, I am blessed" printed in black typewriter font letters on a light gray background. A soft lavender and white flower with a green stem, appearing to be done in pastels or watercolor, is centered behind the text. The image is borrowed from LIVELIFEHAPPY.COM* This simple statement forms the core of my personal beliefs and is the reason my heart and mind are ever-grateful. Luck has nothing to do with it.
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Well, here I am yet again on Tuesday night as I scramble to collect my thoughts and write my Ten Things of Thankful post for the week. It apparently is my new "schedule",but not one I am fond of and I'm working on that. As you've most likely noted, I haven't been spending time in the blogsphere for the past month or so, even less time that I'd been spending here since the end of Summer. I've been working on re-evaluating and realigning my priorities, and I've spent a lot more time connecting one-on-one with people, both in "real life" and via the Internet. I feel good about that. I am thankful for the new perspective about being in the here and now and taking things moment by moment as they happen. It feels right.
That being said, it doesn't mean that I won't return to being an active presence here, just maybe in a slightly different way. I've always said that our Ten Things of Thankful blog isn't about me, it is not my personal ego trip. I simply am the facilitator in providing a weekly place for us to come together and share. I enjoy doing that and I will continue to do so as long as people continue to participate. I am so very thankful for the great turn-out we've been having at our TToT blog link-up each week... I love and appreciate you all!
Right now I am looking at a new format for my personal blog. I've used Blogger since I started blogging over ten years ago, and I am comfortable with it, but not with the changes that transpired when Google took it over. What was once easy is now a real pain in the butt in that several people are unable to comment on my posts no matter what level of access I use for settings, even the most open format Blogger has available. I also encounter this problem on a few other Blogger blogs that I am unable to comment on. It's frustrating! I have a Wordpress blog and I've tried it, but it feels very clumsy to me, and I can't say I really like it. So I'm checking out a couple other options and will hopefully be able to have something better in place by the beginning of the new year. I am thankful that I may have found something suitable for my very basic blogging style.
For awhile I considered just stopping writing altogether. Then I realized how many times a day something happens, I see something or read something, or someone says something, that inspires me to write about it, but I never get it done. I've come too far from the original "stream of consciousness/daily journal" concept of my original Josie Two Shoes blog, and I want to return to it. I go back and read some of the things I wrote long ago, and I miss that level of sharing. I am thankful for the wonderful record of life that blogging provides over several years time. I also think it is an awesome gift to pass onto my children someday. I wish I could go back and read my mother's thoughts or grandmother's thoughts about their lives!
That being said, I also want to do more creative writing, but only when I feel inspired and not under the pressure of a prompt. If one speaks to me, great, but sometimes I found myself feeling more like it was an assignment than a desire or inspiration, and that doesn't make for good writing. I am thankful that I have friends who will stop by to visit and see what I've written regardless of what I write about. Some of the very best friends I have in my life, I've met on the Internet and I am so very thankful for each one of you!
As we move closer toward Christmas, I am thankful for the fun we've been having with my children and their partners as we send gifts back and forth and take full advantage of Amazon free shipping. I am thankful that both of my kids have such giving hearts, and that they enjoy even the simplest things in return. They've always been that way. Right now fudge is high on their request list and I'll be getting that done and ready to mail in the next couple days.
I am thankful for the many warm days we've had so far this "winter". Nights are cool, often in the 30's, but we've had some really nice weather which keeps my spirits high, despite the fact that it doesn't feel a lot like Christmas here in Texas after growing up in South Dakota.
I am surprised, delighted and thankful that our new furnace is resulting in a much warmer home and a reduced electricity bill... win-win! How often does it happen that you end up paying less for something than you did previously?!
I am thankful for the many opportunities that have been given to me in recent weeks to reach out to others and offer some words of kindness and encouragement. I remember well what it feels like to have no hope, and I am most happy when I can share my story and present the possibility that things change and good things can happen when we least expect it.
I am thankful that my inside and outside furkids are healthy and happy and provide us endless affection and endless entertainment. They love the new cat trees that my daughter gave them, and the insiders enjoy visiting with the outsiders as they sit on opposite sides of the window. I am thankful that I am able to provide for their needs. I am thankful that Papa Bear and I have stayed healthy this year too!
And on that note, I am most thankful this year that we have been able to somehow stretch the budget and make ends meet with no feeling of deprivation and yet with learning ways to make our dollars go further. I can see how much we've learned by having less income to live on, and it's been good for us!
Bedtime coming up here, as is the deadline for this week's linkup, so I will close and be back with the new linkup for you on Friday. Thank you again for your kindness, your patience, and your understanding. I will continue to work on getting my life more organized so I can participate here more fully in the coming year. :-)
Blessings to you in this season of love and hope... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
That being said, it doesn't mean that I won't return to being an active presence here, just maybe in a slightly different way. I've always said that our Ten Things of Thankful blog isn't about me, it is not my personal ego trip. I simply am the facilitator in providing a weekly place for us to come together and share. I enjoy doing that and I will continue to do so as long as people continue to participate. I am so very thankful for the great turn-out we've been having at our TToT blog link-up each week... I love and appreciate you all!
Right now I am looking at a new format for my personal blog. I've used Blogger since I started blogging over ten years ago, and I am comfortable with it, but not with the changes that transpired when Google took it over. What was once easy is now a real pain in the butt in that several people are unable to comment on my posts no matter what level of access I use for settings, even the most open format Blogger has available. I also encounter this problem on a few other Blogger blogs that I am unable to comment on. It's frustrating! I have a Wordpress blog and I've tried it, but it feels very clumsy to me, and I can't say I really like it. So I'm checking out a couple other options and will hopefully be able to have something better in place by the beginning of the new year. I am thankful that I may have found something suitable for my very basic blogging style.
For awhile I considered just stopping writing altogether. Then I realized how many times a day something happens, I see something or read something, or someone says something, that inspires me to write about it, but I never get it done. I've come too far from the original "stream of consciousness/daily journal" concept of my original Josie Two Shoes blog, and I want to return to it. I go back and read some of the things I wrote long ago, and I miss that level of sharing. I am thankful for the wonderful record of life that blogging provides over several years time. I also think it is an awesome gift to pass onto my children someday. I wish I could go back and read my mother's thoughts or grandmother's thoughts about their lives!
That being said, I also want to do more creative writing, but only when I feel inspired and not under the pressure of a prompt. If one speaks to me, great, but sometimes I found myself feeling more like it was an assignment than a desire or inspiration, and that doesn't make for good writing. I am thankful that I have friends who will stop by to visit and see what I've written regardless of what I write about. Some of the very best friends I have in my life, I've met on the Internet and I am so very thankful for each one of you!
As we move closer toward Christmas, I am thankful for the fun we've been having with my children and their partners as we send gifts back and forth and take full advantage of Amazon free shipping. I am thankful that both of my kids have such giving hearts, and that they enjoy even the simplest things in return. They've always been that way. Right now fudge is high on their request list and I'll be getting that done and ready to mail in the next couple days.
I am thankful for the many warm days we've had so far this "winter". Nights are cool, often in the 30's, but we've had some really nice weather which keeps my spirits high, despite the fact that it doesn't feel a lot like Christmas here in Texas after growing up in South Dakota.
I am surprised, delighted and thankful that our new furnace is resulting in a much warmer home and a reduced electricity bill... win-win! How often does it happen that you end up paying less for something than you did previously?!
I am thankful for the many opportunities that have been given to me in recent weeks to reach out to others and offer some words of kindness and encouragement. I remember well what it feels like to have no hope, and I am most happy when I can share my story and present the possibility that things change and good things can happen when we least expect it.
I am thankful that my inside and outside furkids are healthy and happy and provide us endless affection and endless entertainment. They love the new cat trees that my daughter gave them, and the insiders enjoy visiting with the outsiders as they sit on opposite sides of the window. I am thankful that I am able to provide for their needs. I am thankful that Papa Bear and I have stayed healthy this year too!
And on that note, I am most thankful this year that we have been able to somehow stretch the budget and make ends meet with no feeling of deprivation and yet with learning ways to make our dollars go further. I can see how much we've learned by having less income to live on, and it's been good for us!
Bedtime coming up here, as is the deadline for this week's linkup, so I will close and be back with the new linkup for you on Friday. Thank you again for your kindness, your patience, and your understanding. I will continue to work on getting my life more organized so I can participate here more fully in the coming year. :-)
Blessings to you in this season of love and hope... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
* Descriptions of the included photos are being provided for those who may be unable to view the illustrations.
December 5, 2017
Ten Things of Thankful - Week 48, 2017
The festive image above says simply "I am grateful" in white typewriter font letters on a background that is awash with a bright left to right sweep of turquoise, blue, green, pink, red, and purple streaks that are covered in sparkles. The image is borrowed from AndreaReiser.com*
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Well, here I am at nearly the eleventh hour on Tuesday again, that seems to be a reoccurring theme, but just as the quote above says, I am truly grateful for all that has transpired in recent days and weeks, even if at times I grumble about life being too busy and my days too full.
Typically I list as many little reasons that I am grateful here as large ones, because I think the little ones make up the stuff of life that gives us encouragement and hope. But tonight I want to share just one REALLY BIG reason that I had to be thankful this week. It is such a special occurrence and has so much meaning in my life that it deserves to be a TToT post of it's own. If you are a reader of my main blog, you already know what I'm talking about, but if not... let me explain.
Back in September of 2013 I wrote a short story called Wild Child and illustrated it with an etching by Don LaForte. In the following post entitled A Note About This Sketch I provided information about this print and it's meaning to me, and how it went missing.
I have searched long and hard to replace the print for many years, always reaching dead ends. But, lo and behold, the Universe moved in my favor near the end of October and in the days and weeks since then things fell in place for this beautiful little girl to finally make it's way home to me... after forty long years, and all the way from Canada!! Here she is, newly matted and framed and hanging in a place of honor where I can see her every day... she truly takes my breath away.
This image is of a framed sepia-toned print made from an etching by indigenous Canadian artist Don LaForte in 1970 entitled "Trust". It depicts the face of a young native child half-hidden behind a strong arm reaching downward, with her small hand holding tightly to the larger one. The little girl's gaze is intense, her long hair a bit wild and unruly, and one cannot be sure if her look is one of uncertainty or knowing. For me, it is the latter. The large print is simply matted in shades that match the vanilla colored poster paper the print is made on, and it's 24"x28" wood frame is plain and dark brown. I wanted to focus to be on the image rather than the presentation.
Rather than rewrite this wonderful update here, I'll provide a link to my main blog that tells you all about it. The post is called Full Circle and it is without a doubt the most joyful post I've ever had the occasion to write. If you have the time to read these three linked posts I can promise you'll end up smiling! Once again, God has blessed me beyond measure, and something I thought would never happen in my lifetime has come to pass. Once again, my theme repeats... never give up hope, there is always hope!
As we begin this month and move into the holiday season may your life be filled with hope and joy that far outshines any of the stresses and sadness that might be lurking in the corners. The ultimate gift of Love and Hope is what this season is all about!
Blessings to you in the days ahead... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else! Typically I list as many little reasons that I am grateful here as large ones, because I think the little ones make up the stuff of life that gives us encouragement and hope. But tonight I want to share just one REALLY BIG reason that I had to be thankful this week. It is such a special occurrence and has so much meaning in my life that it deserves to be a TToT post of it's own. If you are a reader of my main blog, you already know what I'm talking about, but if not... let me explain.
Back in September of 2013 I wrote a short story called Wild Child and illustrated it with an etching by Don LaForte. In the following post entitled A Note About This Sketch I provided information about this print and it's meaning to me, and how it went missing.
I have searched long and hard to replace the print for many years, always reaching dead ends. But, lo and behold, the Universe moved in my favor near the end of October and in the days and weeks since then things fell in place for this beautiful little girl to finally make it's way home to me... after forty long years, and all the way from Canada!! Here she is, newly matted and framed and hanging in a place of honor where I can see her every day... she truly takes my breath away.
Rather than rewrite this wonderful update here, I'll provide a link to my main blog that tells you all about it. The post is called Full Circle and it is without a doubt the most joyful post I've ever had the occasion to write. If you have the time to read these three linked posts I can promise you'll end up smiling! Once again, God has blessed me beyond measure, and something I thought would never happen in my lifetime has come to pass. Once again, my theme repeats... never give up hope, there is always hope!
As we begin this month and move into the holiday season may your life be filled with hope and joy that far outshines any of the stresses and sadness that might be lurking in the corners. The ultimate gift of Love and Hope is what this season is all about!
* Descriptions of the included photos are being provided for those who may be unable to view the illustrations.
November 28, 2017
Ten Things of Thankful - Week 47, 2017
The bottom half of the above image shows a row of wood planks, possibly a boardwalk or an outdoor table, on which there are five Autumn leaves in rust and gold that are in the process of curling as they begin to decay. The top half of the image has a muted background of yellow, gold, green and rust that is probably a blurred image of Autumn foliage. Printed on the background in four lines of brown text is a quote by Katrina Mayer that says "Thanksgiving isn't just a day... It's a way we can live our lives every day." The image is framed in a double border of gold and rust, and is borrowed from KatrinaMayer.com*
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Well, here we are to the last week of November. It's funny how fast life goes by as you grow older. I can't believe we are just four weeks away from Christmas. It will never really feel like Christmas time here in Texas after growing up in the snow and cold of South Dakota.
How was your Thanksgiving Day? Ours was quiet and relaxing. With most of our family out of range and the others out of touch, we spent it by ourselves, watching the Macy's Parade, the Vikings win and our Texas Cowboys go down in flames once again. We also enjoyed a really good buffet that our nicest area hotel does for holidays. I am thankful for blessing of having each other to share the day with. We reflected on how much we have to be thankful for, despite the ups and downs of life. But just as the quote above says, Thanksgiving isn't just a day of gratitude, it should be a way of life, everyday should include Thanksgiving!
As I noted last week, Papa Bear, for the first time in 35 years, was given the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving off with pay. It was really nice to see him detach from the stress and weariness of six-day work weeks and just relax. I pray that we can make this happen for him in the future. I am thankful that the owners of the truck asscessories shop where he works realized that not everything is about profit, taking care of your employees is also good business.
I am thankful that both my daughter and son had partners to celebrate Thanksgiving with this year, both cooked at home and had great meals. My son worked Thanksgiving night but his work schedule is changing December 1st, and will give him more weekend time to spend with his girlfriend and her son. I am thankful her new job at the bank is going well and she really likes it! On Thanksgiving Eve as she was driving home from work in Nashville, a car pulled out in front of her and she was unable to avoid hitting them. The front driver's side of her car was badly damaged but by the grace of God she wasn't hurt, and we are all so thankful for that, and also that her young son wasn't in the car at the time. The other driver left the scene but later contacted police so a report has been filed and hopefully their insurance will take care of it. It was an upsetting start to her holiday, and she was sad about the damage to her car, which was only two years old. But the bottom line is that no one was injured. Things are replaceable.
I am thankful for the beautiful weather we are having this year, with many days in the 70's and nights in the 40's for good sleeping. Sweater weather in late November always feels like a treat to me! Yesterday Papa Bear and I were able to work on a couple outdoor projects because it was warm enough to do so.
I am SO THANKFUL for the new glass window pane which has finally replaced the Plexiglas one in our living room that came with the mobile home when we purchased it almost ten years ago! Plexiglas does not make for good widows, it was dirty and scratched and tended to bow out under strong winds, and I was afraid that one day it would sail away! Papa Bear did a beautiful job of replacing it with a new pane, I am very thankful for his handyman skills. Of course washing the window pane above it, giving us a crystal clear view out to the deck, made us quite aware of how badly the other windows need a good washing. Will put that on the ever-growing things to do list.
Blessings to you in the days ahead... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
The above photo is a click-button to the TToT link-up. It is photo of one of our beautiful Texas sunsets with blue still peeking through the clouds; yellow, orange and pink bands around the remaining sliver of bright sun, and a wide band of black earth below it on which I've written Ten Things of Thankful.*
How was your Thanksgiving Day? Ours was quiet and relaxing. With most of our family out of range and the others out of touch, we spent it by ourselves, watching the Macy's Parade, the Vikings win and our Texas Cowboys go down in flames once again. We also enjoyed a really good buffet that our nicest area hotel does for holidays. I am thankful for blessing of having each other to share the day with. We reflected on how much we have to be thankful for, despite the ups and downs of life. But just as the quote above says, Thanksgiving isn't just a day of gratitude, it should be a way of life, everyday should include Thanksgiving!
As I noted last week, Papa Bear, for the first time in 35 years, was given the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving off with pay. It was really nice to see him detach from the stress and weariness of six-day work weeks and just relax. I pray that we can make this happen for him in the future. I am thankful that the owners of the truck asscessories shop where he works realized that not everything is about profit, taking care of your employees is also good business.
I am thankful that both my daughter and son had partners to celebrate Thanksgiving with this year, both cooked at home and had great meals. My son worked Thanksgiving night but his work schedule is changing December 1st, and will give him more weekend time to spend with his girlfriend and her son. I am thankful her new job at the bank is going well and she really likes it! On Thanksgiving Eve as she was driving home from work in Nashville, a car pulled out in front of her and she was unable to avoid hitting them. The front driver's side of her car was badly damaged but by the grace of God she wasn't hurt, and we are all so thankful for that, and also that her young son wasn't in the car at the time. The other driver left the scene but later contacted police so a report has been filed and hopefully their insurance will take care of it. It was an upsetting start to her holiday, and she was sad about the damage to her car, which was only two years old. But the bottom line is that no one was injured. Things are replaceable.
I am thankful for the beautiful weather we are having this year, with many days in the 70's and nights in the 40's for good sleeping. Sweater weather in late November always feels like a treat to me! Yesterday Papa Bear and I were able to work on a couple outdoor projects because it was warm enough to do so.
I am SO THANKFUL for the new glass window pane which has finally replaced the Plexiglas one in our living room that came with the mobile home when we purchased it almost ten years ago! Plexiglas does not make for good widows, it was dirty and scratched and tended to bow out under strong winds, and I was afraid that one day it would sail away! Papa Bear did a beautiful job of replacing it with a new pane, I am very thankful for his handyman skills. Of course washing the window pane above it, giving us a crystal clear view out to the deck, made us quite aware of how badly the other windows need a good washing. Will put that on the ever-growing things to do list.
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I stopped after the last paragraph yesterday to run some errands in town, intending to come back and finish my post last night. As is typical, life took another turn. As I was sitting and watching a little television with Papa Bear after supper the Achilles tendon on my right heal decided to start throbbing/burning. I've dealt with ongoing plantar fasciitis and heel spurs on that foot for a couple years now, but it hasn't been nearly as much of a problem since retiring and spending less time on my feet. What or why it flared up last night is unknown, can't figure it out, but I spent most of the night awake in pain and today has found me hobbling around with a walker unable to put weight on that heel at all. Papa Bear took a day of sick leave to stay home and help me out, and after keeping it elevated and iced it is maybe a little less painful tonight, but I'm still not able to put weight on it. I will baby it for a few days and hope it heals quickly. While feeling sorry for myself I thought about all the people and families I know who are dealing with much bigger struggles, and I am thankful that my worries and problems are small. I am also thankful this year is almost over, it's been a challenging one and I'm claiming 2018 as a year of brighter/better/bolder living... fingers crossed! No matter what is or what comes to be, I am beyond the shadow of a doubt truly blessed. And on that note it's time for more Ibuprofen and another icepack. I'll be around in the next day or two to read your posts and comment. It seems like, despite my best intentions, behind is my current mode or operation, but I'm trying, and there is hope! :-)Blessings to you in the days ahead... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
* Descriptions of the included photos are being provided for those who may be unable to view the illustrations.
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