Ten Things of Thankful - Week 38, 2017

The above  square image has an off-white background. A wide border of painted roses in shades of pink, peach, yellow and white covers the left side of the image. A quote is printed in six rows of black text on the remaining off-white space and says "My life isn't perfect, but I'm thankful for everything I have." The image source is unknown.*

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I really like the above quote! If we wait for our lives to  be happy or content... or grateful... it will never happen. Gratitude is an attitude, and I'm holding tight to mine. And I have happy things to share today!

Biggest and best news... my daughter signed the closing papers on her house in Nashville on Friday, and yesterday afternoon she and her husband finished packing the moving van and headed out for Texas with him driving the truck and her following in her car with her kitties beside her in their big carrier.  It's an eleven hour trip from Nashville to North Dallas, so they stopped enroute to rest last night and got back on the road this morning.  They have just crossed the border into Texas, and all is going well, furkids snuggled in and napping when they aren't watching out the window. :-)  They have helpers to unload the furniture tomorrow morning, thankfully their beautiful third floor apartment has elevator access!  The last couple months have been so stressful for her, and worrisome for her mother, but they are on the home stretch now, and a new chapter of her life is beginning! <3 I am happy that we will get to go see them on a weekend early in October.

Saturday, 9/23, Papa Bear and I celebrated our 9th Wedding Anniversary, the years really do seem to fly by! Saturday afternoon we decided on the spur of the moment to drive to San Angelo (about 2 hrs away) for an overnight, and had such a wonderful time. It's a small, pretty city of about 100,000 people, wide streets, and lots and lots of trees, thanks to the Concho River which winds through the town.  They have lovely parks and roads all along the river, everything trimmed and mowed and it was just so refreshing to see green stuff!  We ate at fun places, window shopped at a big general store full of gift items (buying only fudge... had to have that!), drove through historical Fort Concho on the edge of town, and attended the annual Lilyfest which had huge above ground ponds of all kinds of water lilies that one man has been responsible for over the years.  Truly beautiful... Papa Bear's photos on my personal Facebook page if you are interested.  We also loved the hundreds of tiny bees happily visiting all those lilies!

I have done more than one post about Papa Bear's wonderful attributes, and have mentioned him "a time or two" in other TToT posts, but I can't help but say once again what a blessing he is in my life. If I was to make a list of attributes for the idea partner, he would check off all the boxes!  He is so fun, and patient, and kind, along with being responsible and taking care of things and me. He also takes pleasure in the little things like I do and is interested in what I am doing, what things I choose to wear and buy for the house, etc.  In short, he's the very best kind of friend, and I hope God blesses us with many more years to share.  I am so thankful that he had last week off to relax and rest up. While we didn't get a whole lot accomplished, it was just nice to stay up late, sleep in, and have the days to spend together.

One more quick thankful before I call it a wrap for this week.... I am so thankful for beautiful cool fall mornings like today!  Our weather forecast calls for rain all week long.  The past couple mornings, and again today, the sky has been overcast and it's been so nice to sit out on the deck visiting with the feral furkids and thinking on my thankfuls! I know we will still have some higher temperatures in the coming weeks, but the further we move into October the nicer days become here, and I am even willing to relinquish a little of the daylight hours to be able to spend time outside! While I may not have a perfect life, I have a very blessed one, and for that I am truly thankful! <3

Blessings to you in the days and weeks 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.*

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

Ten Things of Thankful - Week 37, 2017

The above image has a plain dark chocolate brown/nearly black background. At the bottom of the image there is a double row of small, overlapping, glowing, golden orbs of light. A quote by Master Cheng Yen is printed on the dark background in five rows of golden yellow text and says "Be grateful always, for everything and everyone, at every moment." The image is credited to GratitudeHabitat.com.*

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I loved the above quote, and the peaceful image presented, because to me this is the ideal to strive for... to maintain a grateful heart in all situations, and to appreciate the value of each moment as it occurs.  I am thankful for the understanding I have acquired in the weekly process of writing out my thankfuls to share. I have learned that a life of contentment doesn't mean we will always be experiencing joy, but that we can be at peace no matter what we are experiencing. This perspective has helped me so much to deal with issues that cause worry and anxiety. I truly believe that things will be okay. This might be naïve approach to life, but then again maybe not; at any rate, it keeps me going. :-)

This past week was one of several stressful situations involving various family members, and I was thankful that I could tell them with conviction that things are going to work out okay. Not always with the answers that we hope for, but in a manner that will be alright in the end.  Sometimes it feels like the people we care about are being assailed on all sides, and sometimes it feels that way in our personal lives too. But we need to realize that everyone goes through hard times and trying times, and often we aren't aware of what lies behind their quiet or their smile.  I am thankful that I know I am  not being singled out for a challenging week, it happens to all of us! :-)

I am thankful that I've learned over the years how far to delve into the problems of others, and when it's time to offer words of caring and then step back and turn it over to God to take care of. It is easy to become drained by too many things on your plate at once, or in the lives of those around you. We can't fix everything, perhaps there are lessons for them to learn in the process.  I am thankful that I have learn to Let Go, even though it is still difficult at times. It is my nature to want to "fix" things. :-)

I am thankful that my daughter is now down to her final week of preparations for the closing of her house in Nashville and packing for the move to Dallas which will take place next weekend. It has been a long, drawn out process, and an emotional one. I am praying that this next chapter of her life will bring more joy and contentment than she has known in the past, and that new work opportunities will be available.

I was thankful for finding the perfect greeting card to mail to my daughter as her final mail from home to her Nashville address.  It contained the quote from Winnie the Pooh about being strong and brave, and it was the first one I picked up off the card rack! I know it will make her  smile, and I will find another to send to her new address to greet her there, because unpacking isn't much fun either!

I am thankful for the sweet gift of purple nesting measuring spoons that my daughter gave me when I visited her.  She is familiar with my love of all things purple and every time I take them out to use I think of her.  Little gifts with thought behind them are the most precious kind!

I am thankful that someone I care about a great deal was able to spend time at the ocean this past weekend, many of us feel that nothing is more restorative than the smell of saltwater and the sound of waves!  As an added bonus, her dog had an awesome time at the beach too. :-)

I am thankful that Papa Bear will have this week off of work to stay home with me. He can sleep in a little later, we can work together on house and yard projects, and relax together too, enjoying the companionship that we cherish. At the moment he is reading in the chair beside me, having spent the morning mowing our big yard. I am so thankful for him to have an opportunity to rest from the daily grind of his job and long hours on his feet there.

While on the topic of his job, I am thankful beyond words that Papa Bear received a small pay increase last week. Two years ago all staff experienced a large pay reduction due to the economic recession in our area; this increase goes at least part way in returning the pay that had been taken away, and was definitely good for his morale... and our tight budget! :-)

I am thankful for the sharing of recipes among family members and friends, and on Facebook, which gives me new simple menus for supper, and I'm thankful that Papa Bear is always eager to try them!

I am thankful that we are fast approaching the Autumnal Equinox, and that although the daylight hours are slowly shrinking, we will soon begin to experience weather that is cooler than the 104 high of last week! Autumn is my favorite time of year.

Spanning everything, I am so thankful for the life I have now, and for the life I've led that has brought me here.  I deeply cherish love, peace, and freedom, having known what it's like to live without them.

Blessings to you in the days and weeks 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.*

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

Ten Things of Thankful - Week 36, 2017

The above image is of ominous dark clouds covering the sky above a green field that has red flowers which might be poppies in the right bottom foreground  and a large round full tree in the distance. The quote printed on the clouds in four rows of white lettering says "Stop focusing on how stressed you are and remember how BLESSED you are." The image is credited to Still Moments.*

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The weekend is here, and its time to talk about the good things in my life.  I think the image in the quote above fits this week well... dark skies like those where there are wildfires all over the Western United States, and dark skies where hurricane storms are bashing their way toward our shores in the Southeast.  Then there are the thousands of people in South Texas for whom life hasn't even began to return to normal yet. The ruined contents of flooded homes is piled high along the streets and roadways, homes must be gutted and treated for mold, and only then can rebuilding and repairs begin, and only if there was insurance. Schools and businesses have been damaged and destroyed. Jobs have been lost. More importantly, lives have been lost. The stories of hardship confront us with every news image. Stress levels are high, sadness abounds. Yet in the midst of all this darkness there are still blessings to be found, there are still reasons to be thankful.

I continue to be so very thankful for the way that people across this country, and even caring people from around the world, have come together to help us in this time of high crises. 

I am thankful for all the first responders, medical staff, military members, and individuals who continue to work long, exhausting hours to take care of those in need, while still having families of their own to look after.

I am thankful for the amazing advances that have been made in weather forecasting over the years which enables meteorologists to provide us with accurate information and visual images of  approaching storms so that people can be aware and have time to prepare for them.

I am thankful that many in Florida are heading the call for massive evacuation. Life is far more important than anything you own.  Staying behind means putting others at risk when they will be faced with trying to rescue you.

I am so thankful that the feed on our media and social networks has gone from the promotion of hate to promotion of caring and helping each other out.  Hate never solves anything, love moves mountains.

I am thankful that the older I get the less value I place on material possessions. While I have some things that I treasure, I realize that none are essential to my wellbeing or happiness, and that if everything was lost tomorrow I would still find a way to go on.  I am thankful for resilience and the survivor mentality that comes with hard experience.

I am thankful for the ability to stay connected with friends and family on a daily basis and to provide encouragement for each other.  Technology can be addicting, but it can also be uplifting and even lifesaving in so many ways.

I am thankful that I have learned to follow my intuition.  We have cancelled our planned trip to Galveston next week, because something in my gut tells me not to go. When I told Papa Bear about this he said he had been feeling the same thing but didn't want to disappoint me. Every time in the past that I ignored my gut feelings and pushed ahead it turned out to be a mistake. Older and wiser, I am at peace with the decision to postpone our trip until maybe next Spring. I may find out why this was a wise choice, I may never know, but for whatever reason, I am at peace with it.

I am thankful that I have learned how important faith and perspective are in life. Without hope, without reasons to be thankful, things can feel very bleak indeed. Realizing that there is always good to be found in people and in life gives us the courage to weather the storms, and we know that this too shall pass.

This week one of my sister's friends learned that she has very little time left due to a very aggressive form of cancer. I think we all hate cancer and the way it ravages lives and steals our loved ones, and yet I find myself able to say, in the end it will be okay, because she will get to go Home. As Ram Dass said "We are all just walking each other Home."

Blessings to you in the days and weeks 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.*

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

 

Ten Things of Thankful - Week 35, 2017

The above image is of a quote printed in seven lines on plain parchment with Hero written in large bold lettering at the top. It then goes on to define a hero as "An ordinary person facing extraordinary circumstances and acting with courage, honor and self-sacrifice." The parchment is centered on a background image of four wide, weathered boards that were once painted white, running horizontally, that might be part of a building.*

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Happy September! I smile as we head toward Autumn, which means here in Texas that we will soon experience relief from the triple-digit temperatures of summer, making it much nicer to be outside again.

While this has been a week of so much suffering and tragedy here in Texas, and into Louisiana, in connection with Hurricane Harvey, it has also been a time to witness the very best of the human spirit rising above and reaching out. I have watched and read of countless examples of ordinary individuals and business owners doing generous and heroic things to help others, creatures included. Just when we began to wonder if the American people had reached a collective low in compassion, we are reminded that the world is still full of good people who do the right thing, and go above and beyond, without thought to politics, race, religion, or gender. I am so grateful for this reminder about what is really important and where our energies should be focused.

I am thankful for the animal rescue groups who have been able to relocate many of the homeless cats and dogs that were already in the Houston shelters to other cities around the country, making room for those rescued from flooding or needing temporary shelter until their owners can reclaim them. Bless those who realize how important these animals are to family members who have lost everything.

I am thankful that Galveston sustained only minor flooding from the hurricane aftermath. This is something they are well-prepared to deal with. As of this weekend the port has reopened, and services for tourists are back up and running.  If all goes well, and an other hurricane doesn't strike before then, we will be headed there in two weeks to celebrate our ninth anniversary, as previously planned. Galveston is the place in Texas where my heart most longs to be, the ocean calls to me.

I am thankful that the inspection for my daughter's house went well, with only a couple minor issues and one allowance request. The Radon test is now in the process of being completed, and it looks like closing should remain on track for late September. All prayers appreciated. I am thankful, too, that her husband has a few days off work and was able to come and spend some time with her. They miss each other a lot while they wait to finally be together in Dallas. 

I am thankful that a friend who underwent surgery this week is at home recovering and doing well. She deals with so many medical issues and yet always has a cheering word and kind thought for others.

I am thankful that my younger sister got to spend a couple days caring for her new grandson. He is a precious bundle of joy.

I am thankful that a friend helped my older sister put up a fenced area in her back yard so that her two dogs can enjoy more supervised playtime outside without being tethered.

I am thankful that the feral kitty trio that adopted us are thriving, and becoming more social every day. They often hang out on our deck and run to greet us when we come out. They are sweet boys, and I am blessed to be tasked with making their lives easier.

I am thankful for all the life lessons I am learning, even if those lessons can be uncomfortable at times. Lessons help me grow in wisdom and compassion, so in the end it's all good.

I am thankful for each one of you that comes to share your thankfuls and comments each week. Positivity and encouragement are so wonderfully contagious! :-)
 

Blessings to you in the days and weeks 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.*

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