Ten Things of Thankful - Week 30, 2017

The above image is a quote by Mary Davis that says "I am thankful for this precious life, this precious day, this precious moment."  The black text is printed in three lines on a transparent banner that runs across the center of the image. The background photo of is of yellow-green growing shoots with tiny unfolding leaves. that appear to hold drops moisture such as rain or dew. Fading into the background above the shoots one can see slivers of blue sky.  The image is credited to Every Day Spirit *

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Just as the quote above says, I am so very thankful for this precious life I have! Papa Bear and I were talking this weekend about how both of our mothers died in their sixties after years of chronic illness, and how important it is to celebrate each day and each moment we are given to love and share. I am thankful that both Papa Bear and I are in relatively good health at the present time, and that our children and extended families are as well. Health is a precious gift.

This has been one of those weeks that calls to mind the image of a turtle that has turned over and is struggling to flip himself right side up. I am thankful that I know if life tips me over, I can pray for strength to get back on my good side and find my peaceful center and positive attitude again. I am thankful for the gift of perseverance. I am also thankful that I have learned to take life one day at a time, that way it isn't overwhelming or defeating. Each day has endless possibilities.

I am thankful for the hope of a week of cooler, rainy days as promised by the weather forecast. It is only 81 degrees this morning and slightly overcast, so much nicer than the sweltering triple-digit heat we were out in Saturday afternoon.  Heat drains our energy just like it does to batteries.

I am thankful for friends and strangers who take the time to share smiles. Kindness is contagious and brightens up everyone's day! I feel bad for people who walk around gloomy or grumpy all the time, what a waste of precious moments!

I am thankful that I have learned to be more gentle with myself, more accepting of my human flaws and failings, while still working on self-improvement.  I hear and read so many friends running themselves down, feeling that they somehow aren't good enough. It hurts my heart. We ARE good enough, don't listen to that garbage playing in your heads! We are a work in progress and progress is what we strive for, not perfection.

I am thankful for the little love notes Papa Bear often sends me while he is at work, it means he is thinking of me, and that's sweet!  I am also thankful that he is willing to take on the care and feeding of my indoor and outdoor kitty crew while I am away for a week in mid-August to visit my kids in Nashville.

I am thankful for Papa Bear's help in repotting our Christmas Cacti last night. His is old and root bound, it was grown from a piece of one that belonged to his great-grandmother! Mine is small yet, but very full and so ready for a larger pot. Papa Bear gave it to me a couple years ago at Christmas time. Today they both look really happy in their pretty new pots!

I am thankful for the never-ending entertainment of our furkids, both inside and out. Cats have funny, quirky personalities and always make us laugh at their antics. The outside feral trio are becoming quite comfortable, and could be seen napping on the deck after supper last night. Andy wraps around me like I am his long-lost best friend when I come out. :-) 

Last but definitely not least, I am thankful for friends who pop in with messages, Words With Friends and Yahtzee games, photos, etc. each day. It is such a blessing to have people to share life with and who care about you! Truly, we lift each other up, and that's what the TToT is all about too!  I am thankful you come to share the experience with me, life is much more fun when we do it together!

Blessings to you this week. 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.*

* Descriptions of the included photos are being provided for those who may be unable to view the illustrations.