Gratitude Lounge Welcome! We are glad you are here. This is an open space where everyone belongs, and everyone is welcome. Please introduce yourself as you feel comfortable and join in sharing your experience of grateful living. To get started you might reflect upon questions such as these: What am I grateful for? What is grateful living inspiring me to do? What are some blessings in my life (including ones in disguise)? How am I being supported right now? What connects me to wonder, awe, or a sense of the sacred? You are welcome to include images and links for videos to illustrate your reflections. Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Notify me when someone replies to my comment via e-mail. amacord1 day agoamacordI am intentionally detaching from news of the outside world. It’s challenging and some may say capricious but I cannot cultivate serenity and gratitude when I feed the beasts of fear and anxiety with more than a very quick scan of the daily load. I want to be whole, grounded and a practitioner of wise actions. I do know that the weeks and months ahead are fraught and will be a challenge to navigate. My prayer is that we all stay well, safe and hopeful. We are living through a dramatic, histori...I am intentionally detaching from news of the outside world. It’s challenging and some may say capricious but I cannot cultivate serenity and gratitude when I feed the beasts of fear and anxiety with more than a very quick scan of the daily load. I want to be whole, grounded and a practitioner of wise actions. I do know that the weeks and months ahead are fraught and will be a challenge to navigate. My prayer is that we all stay well, safe and hopeful. We are living through a dramatic, historic time…let’s be steady and clear headed. Read More3 Reply Cathy11 hours agoCathyI agree! For the past several months I no longer read the news when I awaken. I do not watch/listen to it on TV. I notice that just as soon as my husband starts to talk about something that has happened out in the world my anxiety level starts to shoot up and I graciously back away from the conversation. Is my head stuck in the sand? Perhaps. But it is my sandbox and I get to determine who/what plays in it for now. Staying well, safe, and hopeful, my dear friends is a precious prayer. May you al...I agree! For the past several months I no longer read the news when I awaken. I do not watch/listen to it on TV. I notice that just as soon as my husband starts to talk about something that has happened out in the world my anxiety level starts to shoot up and I graciously back away from the conversation. Is my head stuck in the sand? Perhaps. But it is my sandbox and I get to determine who/what plays in it for now. Staying well, safe, and hopeful, my dear friends is a precious prayer. May you all be well. Read More 2 Reply amacord7 hours agoamacordCathy: I support you in taking care of yourself and your sandbox! Best wishes to you. Shelley 2 Reply Mica20 hours agoMicaYes, amacord – detach! It’s wise, not capricious 1 Reply Diane2 days agoDianeLovely friends: Even though the "official" start of fall is not until the autumnal equinox on September 22 here in the U.S. it has been feeling like fall all week. The leaves are just beginning their magical transformation into their fall colors and in the evenings it is cool enough to need a sweater. Our marigolds and geraniums are still hanging in there, our tomato and pepper plants still producing their bounty, and just this week our morning glories have finally made an appearance. This...Lovely friends: Even though the “official” start of fall is not until the autumnal equinox on September 22 here in the U.S. it has been feeling like fall all week. The leaves are just beginning their magical transformation into their fall colors and in the evenings it is cool enough to need a sweater. Our marigolds and geraniums are still hanging in there, our tomato and pepper plants still producing their bounty, and just this week our morning glories have finally made an appearance. This past week we also had the delight of watching once again, the farmers harvesting the hay in the field behind our little farmhouse. It is quite a show and brings me joy each and every time. I love when I connect with the farmhands and we give each other a wave and a smile. So grateful for this gift. The heavy blanket of not only summer’s heat, but the anxiety and melancholy that has visited me lately, seems to be lifting with the arrival of this new season. For that I am very grateful. And although I am a self-described “technophobe” I have to admit to being grateful for the science fiction-like technology that allowed me to talk to my daughter and see her at the same time through my cell phone….amazing! I am grateful to hear all about her life as a new middle school teacher and see the joy on her face as she talks about her lessons and her students. And since I also taught middle school (me-science, her-spanish) I can totally relate to how challenging (but fun!) it can be to teach that age group…they are a unique bunch! No matter the season where you are I hope you are all finding a way to connect with our sister, Mother Earth. Immersing myself in Native American spirituality these past days has helped my spirit to feel lighter. ~With grateful love ♥ “We should understand well that all things are the work of the Great Spirit. We should know that he is within all things: the trees, the rivers, the mountains, and all the four-legged animals and all the winged peoples.” – Black Elk (Oglala Lakota holy man 1863-1950) Read More3 Reply Pilgrim1 day agoPilgrimDear Diane, I am happy to know that your spirits are lifting these days. Mother Nature's gifts of beauty on and around your land sound wonderful! Autumn is my favorite season, as well. While I don't really have my own land, I have gone rather all out in my house with seasonal decor, including a little witch sitting on a pumpkin reading a book. She brings a smile every morning, sitting near my own reading area. I need a little whimsy these days! I always look forward to the cooler fall temps, whi...Dear Diane, I am happy to know that your spirits are lifting these days. Mother Nature’s gifts of beauty on and around your land sound wonderful! Autumn is my favorite season, as well. While I don’t really have my own land, I have gone rather all out in my house with seasonal decor, including a little witch sitting on a pumpkin reading a book. She brings a smile every morning, sitting near my own reading area. I need a little whimsy these days! I always look forward to the cooler fall temps, which make walking outdoors a lot easier for me. Blessings of the season, my friend! Read More1 Reply Cathy1 day agoCathyWhat a wonderful post, Diana! I enjoyed reading every moment of it. Happy almost-Fall to you and may your spirits continue to rise. xo 1 Reply Drew Blanton3 days agoDrew BlantonDisney Haiku by Drew Blanton Disneyland is fun! I wish I could go there, stay. Money drives me nuts! 8 Reply Diane2 days agoDianeHi Drew…..thank you for sharing this fun haiku! Money drives me nuts too! 🙂 1 Reply Anna3 days agoAnnaðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘🌸🌸 2 Reply Pilgrim3 days agoPilgrimLove it! Thanks for sharing, Drew. 2 Reply Pilgrim5 days agoPilgrimI am grateful for the firefighters and other first responders in the western U.S. states, working tirelessly and at risk to put out the many forest fires. My daughter and her family live in one of those states, so this is especially personal. I am praying for rain … 4 Reply Anna5 days agoAnnaDear Pilgrim and Diane, I too hold your families in prayer and I am very sorry for these devastating fires. This is a difficult year, with Covid-19, climate disasters, fires, loss of a good political conscience and wise discernment, broken relations between countries and people. It is not easy to keep hope or trust in better times. I think of Mary Magdalene, who seeks her beloved Lord, confident even in the face of death. I believe that as women we know how to wait. Women have always been wai...Dear Pilgrim and Diane, I too hold your families in prayer and I am very sorry for these devastating fires. This is a difficult year, with Covid-19, climate disasters, fires, loss of a good political conscience and wise discernment, broken relations between countries and people. It is not easy to keep hope or trust in better times. I think of Mary Magdalene, who seeks her beloved Lord, confident even in the face of death. I believe that as women we know how to wait. Women have always been waiting since the beginning of time and every woman since the beginning of her life. Mary Magdalene saw Jesus after his death. We are walking together dear friends, something will get better. A warm embrace Read More4 Reply Pilgrim4 days agoPilgrimDear Anna, I wrote a response yesterday and I see that it is not here. Thank you for your kind reflection, your unending support and friendship from afar. I am today and always very grateful to find you here. May you and your family be well. 3 Reply Diane5 days agoDianeGood morning my friend: I am with you in gratitude for all those who are serving during these horrific fires...and I will say a prayer for your daughter and her family. My husband's sister and her family in Montana were ordered at one point to evacuate. And my daughters in Colorado could see and feel the smoke coming from the Rockies. All the devastation and loss is heart breaking. Please let us know in the days ahead how your daughter is doing. Calling on the angels to surround them. â...Good morning my friend: I am with you in gratitude for all those who are serving during these horrific fires…and I will say a prayer for your daughter and her family. My husband’s sister and her family in Montana were ordered at one point to evacuate. And my daughters in Colorado could see and feel the smoke coming from the Rockies. All the devastation and loss is heart breaking. Please let us know in the days ahead how your daughter is doing. Calling on the angels to surround them. ♥ Read More2 Reply Pilgrim6 hours agoPilgrimDear Diane, this is to let you know that when I spoke with my daughter yesterday, she said it had rained where she is and the skies had cleared enough to go out. I suspect she will still not spend too much time outside for a few days, but at least now she can venture out if she needs to, and their dog will get to have a walk. Thank you for your prayers. 0 Reply Pilgrim5 days agoPilgrimThank you, my friend. We find out in these unusual times just how far and wide our hearts stretch and embrace. Holding your family in prayer, as well. 1 Reply F Brad6 days agoF BradGrateful for the sounds of hawks and crows and chirping crickets as I sip my morning coffee. 6 Reply Cathy6 days agoCathyThe majesty of yesterday’s sunrise. In times of uncertainty, we are grateful for what we know to be true. One of these being the fact that the sun does rise every new day. â˜€ï¸ 6 Reply Anna5 days agoAnnaDear Cathy, you always have the perfect image for every deep reflection! 1 Reply Cathy5 days agoCathyWhen I see something that moves me I run for the camera, Anna. Sometimes it is days later I remember to take a peek. Occasionally, I’ll get a little lost looking at one, like a sunrise, and then the words seem to follow. And here we are! I am so grateful for this outlet because really, where else could I post these kind of thoughts? Namaste, my friend. 5 Reply Diane5 days agoDianeDear Cathy: Your lovely picture reminds me of a prayer that I say each morning…in both English and Spanish: “Thank you Father God for the miracle of another day of life” “Gracias Papito Dios por el milagro de un otra dia de la vida” ~Blessings on your day ♥ 1 Reply Cathy5 days agoCathyThanks, Diane. I need to start brushing up on at least some conversational Spanish for a trip I’m taking in May- what a great place to start! 1 Reply Mica5 days agoMicaWow! thanks 1 Reply Etta1 week agoEttaI talked to my Great-Aunt last week. Her cognitive decline was challenging for me to hear. Then she said how she thanks God first thing in the morning and last thing at night that she is able to do things (i.e. bathing, dressing) without assistance. Her gratitude inspires me! 5 Reply Pollyanna Gladwell1 week agoPollyanna GladwellI have tried twice to post this as a reply to Diane, but it isn't showing up! Don't know why. Thank you for the clarification, Diane. I had heard of George MacLeod and his work on Iona, and your posts have rekindled my interest in it, although I have never been. Perhaps I’ll go when I can visit Scotland again. I found the poem, The Glory in the Grey, that your quote came from online at: https://standrewscobourg.ca/2016/08/prayer-the-glory-in-the-grey/ It’s wonderful! As is ...I have tried twice to post this as a reply to Diane, but it isn’t showing up! Don’t know why. Thank you for the clarification, Diane. I had heard of George MacLeod and his work on Iona, and your posts have rekindled my interest in it, although I have never been. Perhaps I’ll go when I can visit Scotland again. I found the poem, The Glory in the Grey, that your quote came from online at: It’s wonderful! As is Macleod’s rewriting of St Patrick’s Breastplate which I found here: http://fullnessoflife-john.blogspot.com/2015/03/st-patricks-breastplate-as-re-written.html And I discovered another that moved me here: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/1468095-i-simply-argue-that-the-cross-be-raised-again-at And thank you also for the introduction to John Philip Newell. I see he made the same journey between Scotland and Canada that I did – although in the reverse direction! I was in Canada for over 30 years before moving to Ireland in 2006. I now live in the next county to Limerick (I think I mentioned this before!) I see Newell did pilgrimage to Iona in the days before and hopes to resume them next year. Perhaps I’ll make my visit with his group! I checked on the availability of “Listening For The Heartbeat of God: A Celtic Spirituality†and I hope to pick up a copy next week. I somehow stubbed my toe very hard on the wheel of a supermarket trolley a few days ago resulting in the nail tearing off and a fracture! It has been too painful to walk/drive, but much better today so I should be mobile again by Monday and will visit the bookstore. Beannachtaà (Blessings in Irish this time!) Read More3 Reply Anna5 days agoAnnaThank you Pollyanna for posting the links! 1 Reply Pollyanna Gladwell1 week agoPollyanna GladwellFinally! 3 Reply Cathy1 week agoCathyI threw a couple of handfuls of wildflower seeds against the fenceline about six weeks ago. Now they are heartily blooming among the tomato plants and a rogue pineapple. The insect house looks like it has had some visitors, too. September begins the growing cycle in southeastern Florida. 9 Reply Annie6 days agoAnnieLove it !!! Oh Cathy I adore wildflowers! You are blessed.Thank you for sharing this photo. 2 Reply Cathy6 days agoCathyI never realized the adventure of tossing wildflower seeds and waiting to see what happens! I’ve enjoyed this so much I now have a little bag full of wildflower seeds and some days I take them outside and spread a few in some areas that seem to need a little joy. Thanks, Annie! 2 Reply Annie5 days agoAnnieThat is my idea of pure joy!!! I wish I could do the same. But i only have a little balcony garden. I wonder if I could sprinkle wildflower seeds in my two little planters? ?? Given my location..Rhode Island, and Fall weather…not too sure about that. But I do plan on getting a pot of Mums soon. I wish you great joy with your wildflowers, dear Cathy. Keep us posted…please. Love …Annie 1 Reply Cathy5 days agoCathyOh try it, Annie! I just got one of those seed packets from Lowe’s to try it out! 2 Reply Mica1 week agoMicaBeautiful, Cathy. Insect house – that’s a novel idea. I’m more familiar with trying to get rid of insects, but it also makes sense to provide habitat for them, as their natural habitats disappear. 1 Reply Cathy1 week agoCathyAnd some insects are very beneficial to a garden. For example, Ladybugs eat Aphids, Caterpillars, and Mealybugs. That’s very helpful! And ants, bees, beetles, butterflies, flies, moths, and wasps are the insects that share in the pollinating responsibility. But I’m with you, Mica – I don’t enjoy being bugged by bugs! 3 Reply Etta1 week agoEttaBeautiful flowers! I have never seen an insect house before. What a great way to honor the natural order of things. Happy gardening! 2 Reply Cathy1 week agoCathyThanks, Etta! 4 Reply Drew Blanton1 week agoDrew BlantonI’m vulnerable to COVID because my immune system was compromised. The good news is that I don’t think I’ll get it. 6 Reply reality1 day agorealityThanx to Güray Dere for one-time use of his photo, ‘Sunflowers’, above. Stay safe, you’re in my thoughts 🙂 reality 2 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeGood morning Drew….take extra good care of yourself my friend! And I wish for you to have a peace-filled heart during this challenging COVID time. ~Blessings ♥ 2 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeGood morning lovely friends Grateful to be here with you on this grey and cloudy day. I'm reminded of a beautiful poem from the Celtic spiritual tradition. Written by the 17th century Celtic mystic Norman MacLeod...I share it in part with my grateful love ♥ "Almighty God...... In all created things thou art there. In every friend we have the sunshine of thy presence is shown forth. In every enemy that seems to cross our path, thou art there within the cloud to challenge us to love....Good morning lovely friends Grateful to be here with you on this grey and cloudy day. I’m reminded of a beautiful poem from the Celtic spiritual tradition. Written by the 17th century Celtic mystic Norman MacLeod…I share it in part with my grateful love ♥ “Almighty God…… In all created things thou art there. In every friend we have the sunshine of thy presence is shown forth. In every enemy that seems to cross our path, thou art there within the cloud to challenge us to love. Show to us the glory in the grey. Awake for us thy presence in the very storm till all our joys are seen as thee and all our trivial tasks emerge as priestly sacraments in the universal temple of thy love. “ Read More5 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaDear Diana, thank you for reminding me of a prayer I heard from you years ago! The first time you posted it, I was struck by “Show us the glory in the grey”, and now “thou art there within the cloud to challenge us to love”. There is matter to meditate on, for at least a week !!! 1 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeCara Anna…..this prayer keeps calling out to me. Did you see the Listening Practice Invitation on this website? And the book that this prayer is from is called “Listening For The Heartbeat of God.” I am taking this as a sign from God and I signed up for the Practice Invitation this morning and I am also spending time in the book again. I try to pay attention when I get these messages! I am off to bed my friend…..buona notte ♥ 2 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaYes Diane, I subscribed the pratice! It is a new opportunity to meditate on listening. I am a work in progress about that. 1 Reply Pollyanna Gladwell1 week agoPollyanna GladwellOh Diane! Thank you so much for this. I especially appreciate these lines that remind me of the “challenge to love†people and circumstances that are -ahem- NOT TO MY LIKING! In every enemy that seems to cross our path, thou art there within the cloud to challenge us to love. Although I am a Scot by birth and I thought I was fairly well educated in the old songs and poetry of my native land, until today I was completely unaware of this Norman MacLeod. I have spent the last hour req...Oh Diane! Thank you so much for this. I especially appreciate these lines that remind me of the “challenge to love†people and circumstances that are -ahem- NOT TO MY LIKING! In every enemy that seems to cross our path, thou art there within the cloud to challenge us to love. Although I am a Scot by birth and I thought I was fairly well educated in the old songs and poetry of my native land, until today I was completely unaware of this Norman MacLeod. I have spent the last hour requesting information on him from the Google Oracle to discover that there have been several poets of that name. I think this must be Norman MacLeod (1783-1862) also known as Caraid nan Gà idheal (The friend of the Gael). But I can’t find the poem you are quoting “in partâ€. I would love to find the source, so if you can point me in the right direction I would be most grateful. Beannachdan! (Blessings in Gaelic.) Read More1 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeGood morning Pollyanna: I’m so happy to be introducing you to this mystic. However, I must apologize. Norman MacLeod (1812-1872) greatly influenced the Church in Scotland….but it was his grandson GEORGE MacLeod who wrote the prayer I shared yesterday. I’m so sorry that I quoted the wrong MacLeod! I learned about, and fell in love with, Celtic spirituality by reading a book that I still treasure and from which the prayer I shared yesterday is found. It is called “Listening For The ...Good morning Pollyanna: I’m so happy to be introducing you to this mystic. However, I must apologize. Norman MacLeod (1812-1872) greatly influenced the Church in Scotland….but it was his grandson GEORGE MacLeod who wrote the prayer I shared yesterday. I’m so sorry that I quoted the wrong MacLeod! I learned about, and fell in love with, Celtic spirituality by reading a book that I still treasure and from which the prayer I shared yesterday is found. It is called “Listening For The Heartbeat of God: A Celtic Spirituality†by J. Philip Newell, whom you no doubt are familiar with? Pollyanna….I heartily recommend this book to you! I suspect it would speak to your heart as it did mine. Over the years, I have been drawn back to this beautiful book over and over again and I am so grateful to have it in my little library! Perhaps you have heard MacLeod’s prayer from the “Breastplate†hymn of St. Patrick? According to Newell, it is one of his best known. If you google “George MacLeod breastplate prayer†as I just did, you should find it. In the meantime, my sincerest apologies for leading you down the wrong Google path! And here is an excerpt…the entire prayer can also be found in Newell’s book. ~With grateful love and Beannachdan to you as well. ♥ (ps. my Celtic roots are from my paternal great-great grandmother, who was from Ireland, County Limerick) “Invisible we see you, Christ beneath us. With earthly eyes we see beneath us stones and dust and dross….. But with the eyes of faith, we know you uphold. In you all things consist and hang together. The very atom is light energy, the grass is vibrant, the rock pulsate, All is in flux; turn but a stone and an angel moves†Read More1 Reply Pollyanna Gladwell1 week agoPollyanna GladwellThank you for the clarification, Diane. I had heard of George MacLeod and his work on Iona, and your posts have rekindled my interest in it, although I have never been. Perhaps I’ll go when I can visit Scotland again. I found the poem, The Glory in the Grey, that your quote came from online at: https://standrewscobourg.ca/2016/08/prayer-the-glory-in-the-grey/ It’s wonderful! As is Macleod’s rewriting of St Patrick’s Breastplate which I found here: http://fullnessoflife-jo...Thank you for the clarification, Diane. I had heard of George MacLeod and his work on Iona, and your posts have rekindled my interest in it, although I have never been. Perhaps I’ll go when I can visit Scotland again. I found the poem, The Glory in the Grey, that your quote came from online at: It’s wonderful! As is Macleod’s rewriting of St Patrick’s Breastplate which I found here: http://fullnessoflife-john.blogspot.com/2015/03/st-patricks-breastplate-as-re-written.html And I discovered another that moved me here: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/1468095-i-simply-argue-that-the-cross-be-raised-again-at And thank you also for the introduction to John Philip Newell. I see he made the same journey between Scotland and Canada that I did – although in the reverse direction! I was in Canada for over 30 years before moving to Ireland in 2006. I now live in the next county to Limerick (I think I mentioned this before!) I see Newell did pilgrimage to Iona in the days before and hopes to resume them next year. Perhaps I’ll make my visit with his group! I checked on the availability of “Listening For The Heartbeat of God: A Celtic Spirituality†and I hope to pick up a copy next week. I somehow stubbed my toe very hard on the wheel of a supermarket trolley a few days ago resulting in the nail tearing off and a fracture! It has been too painful to walk/drive, but much better today so I should be mobile again by Monday and will visit the bookstore. Beannachtaà (Blessings in Irish this time!) Read More1 Reply Diane5 days agoDianeDear Pollyanna: It is a joy to share this love of Celtic spirituality with you. And I am cheering you on to join the Newell pilgrimage…what a wonderful experience that will be! I’m sorry to hear about your injury…please take it slow and gentle my friend. ♥ ~Sending a virtual hug across the Atlantic to you in our beloved Ireland.☘ 1 Reply Serafina1 week agoSerafinaHello friends of gratefulness!  We thought you might like to know about this “Grateful Living Dialog” opportunity; a way to connect via Zoom with folks from around the world.  The next event will be on Wednesday, September 9th and details can be found on our Events page at: https://gratefulness.org/connect/events/ Please feel free to share this information with others. Thanks!    3 Reply reality1 day agorealityGreat photo collage, thanx 🙂 reality 2 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeThank you Serafina…..for this and all that you do! ♥ 3 Reply Annie1 week agoAnnieHello dear friends! I am grateful for time I spent in prayer today. I experienced such a peaceful feeling ..I can’t even put into words. A feeling I didn’t want the time to end. It was a WOW moment. Hope you all had a lovely day. Sending love your way. 4 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaI am happy with you, dear Annie. During prayer, some peak moments happened also to me. Their intensity is a surprise. Maybe mystical fellows often have these moments. I am taking part to the course of Spirituality and Practice, and right yesterday Brother David’s video and the lesson spoke about mystical experience. Nothing impossible, nothing only for the saints, letting go with the joy of prayer, flying up higher and higher like a lark…. Many blessings dear friend 2 Reply Annie1 week agoAnnieAwesome dear Anna …Awesome !!! 3 Reply Pollyanna Gladwell1 week agoPollyanna GladwellThis beautifully written article touched me immensely today. I wanted to share it with those who will appreciate it – my gratefulness.org friends. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/07/terminal-cancer-live-cancer-life-death 3 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaDear Pollyanna, I tell you my truth, I am unable to read the article you refer to. I'm sorry, but maybe there is something difficult that I cannot dismiss. The first feeling is despair and I don't find another way to turn my feelings into something different. When I was 25, a close friend died of leukemia and she was 25 like me. I saw her when she suffered. I have never gotten rid of that feeling of deep despair, at least that is the reason I find in my soul for this refusal to engage in the...Dear Pollyanna, I tell you my truth, I am unable to read the article you refer to. I’m sorry, but maybe there is something difficult that I cannot dismiss. The first feeling is despair and I don’t find another way to turn my feelings into something different. When I was 25, a close friend died of leukemia and she was 25 like me. I saw her when she suffered. I have never gotten rid of that feeling of deep despair, at least that is the reason I find in my soul for this refusal to engage in the reading of such a death. And, I fear for my father who has mesothelioma due to his past work with asbestos. It is not in bad shape, for the moment I have to admit it. That said, thanks for your suggestion and, more generally, for the answers to the questions of the day. I warmly wish you many blessings and a joyful week. Read More1 Reply Pollyanna Gladwell1 week agoPollyanna GladwellDear Anna: I feel your pain and grief. Thank you for sharing them. I hope your father’s illness progresses very very slowly. Peace, joy and love. 2 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaThank you dear Pollyanna! 1 Reply Cathy1 week agoCathyAt first, I so selfishly thought, "oh no, I'm not reading a cancer story this morning; I can't handle a depressing article during my coveted quiet time." As soon as I realized just how self-serving that way of thinking was, I copied the URL, refilled my coffee cup, fed the cat, and then settled back down to paste that URL to my reading browser. Oh, dear Pollyanna, what a piece, right? So beautifully written, so vulnerable and transparent. As we all have, I've lost my share of people to cancer...At first, I so selfishly thought, “oh no, I’m not reading a cancer story this morning; I can’t handle a depressing article during my coveted quiet time.” As soon as I realized just how self-serving that way of thinking was, I copied the URL, refilled my coffee cup, fed the cat, and then settled back down to paste that URL to my reading browser. Oh, dear Pollyanna, what a piece, right? So beautifully written, so vulnerable and transparent. As we all have, I’ve lost my share of people to cancer, including my father, when he was just 43. I used to live in desperate fear of cancer, but the years have tempered those feelings, and I have become better equipped to search for the beauty and wisdom of dying moments. This article you presented us to read adds one more leg of support toward the understanding that “impermanence is life’s only promise to us” (Jennifer Welwood). That settles me. It helps me feel grounded, cloaking me in sensations of peace and safety. I am so grateful you shared this article, Pollyanna. Namaste. Read More2 Reply Pollyanna Gladwell1 week agoPollyanna GladwellYou express so eloquently what I felt, Cathy. Tanx! 3 Reply Sandra2 weeks agoSandraI am thankful today for life, love, peace, happiness, and excellent health. I am thankful for family, friends, and the present moment. Sending everyone lots of love. SBP 5 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaThank you Sandra for sharing your reflection. Many blessings. 1 Reply naiad2 weeks agonaiadVery beautiful Sandra – sending love back to you. 1 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeDear Sandra…..thank you for sharing your gratitude with us. Have a blessed day! ♥ 1 Reply Zenith2 weeks agoZenithIt is my birthday today. I am 66. It doesn't feel that old. And indeed, I don't even know what 66 is supposed to feel like. A generation ago, someone this old was very different from those I know now. Age doesn't define me except in my physical shell. But in relation to my time on this beautiful planet, it is strange to realize that I only have a few good years left. Maybe 5-8 in which I may move about freely and not be restricted. I do not want my world to shrink. So I must be ruthless in defyi...It is my birthday today. I am 66. It doesn’t feel that old. And indeed, I don’t even know what 66 is supposed to feel like. A generation ago, someone this old was very different from those I know now. Age doesn’t define me except in my physical shell. But in relation to my time on this beautiful planet, it is strange to realize that I only have a few good years left. Maybe 5-8 in which I may move about freely and not be restricted. I do not want my world to shrink. So I must be ruthless in defying convention and being a Daredevil. May I live fearlessly from this time forward. Now I must generate the means to do so financially. Love all of you. Read More3 Reply Annie1 week agoAnnieHappy Birthday Zenith …I hope your special day was great! I will be 67 in November…I feel fantastic …it’s just a number right ? May God bless you today and always. Sending love your way. 1 Reply Cathy1 week agoCathyHappy Belated Birthday, dear Zenith! Live Fearlessly! 1 Reply naiad2 weeks agonaiadHappy Birthday Zenith. Such a wonderful philosophy. Be thoughtfully fearless! 1 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaHappy birthday Zenith, many blessings!🌹 1 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeDear Zenith….thank you for sharing so generously from your heart. I just had my 65th birthday and you have inspired me! Let us be ruthless together! Happiest of birthdays and abundant blessings 🎂🎈ðŸŽðŸŽ‰ðŸ˜Š 1 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaHappy Birthday, Zenith, and hugs to you – ฅʕ•̫͡•ʔฅ 1 Reply Cathy2 weeks agoCathyToday my middle son and his wife leave for their new home in Colorado, a 30-hour drive from here. They have been staying with us for the past week and I’m forever grateful for all this time we’ve had to share. I am especially thankful for the past ten years he and his two brothers and their wives have lived in this same area we do. We’ve created wonderful memories and have had the times of our lives 💗 My heart breaks at their leaving, yet it is filled with joy thinking of this exciting ...Today my middle son and his wife leave for their new home in Colorado, a 30-hour drive from here. They have been staying with us for the past week and I’m forever grateful for all this time we’ve had to share. I am especially thankful for the past ten years he and his two brothers and their wives have lived in this same area we do. We’ve created wonderful memories and have had the times of our lives 💗 My heart breaks at their leaving, yet it is filled with joy thinking of this exciting new journey they’ve so looked forward to. This will be a day. Read More1 Reply naiad2 weeks agonaiadI can relate Cathy. My oldest grandson lived with me for two years before moving to Denver. He went with my love, blessings and support – – but with a heavy heart. Sending a hug and blessings to you. 1 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeOh Cathy.....I understand your heartbreak AND your joy! Both of my daughters now live in Colorado too. My older daughter and her husband have been there for about 5 years now...and at the end of July my younger daughter joined them. I think it's only a matter of time, God-willing, before my husband and I head out there as well. We will see. But, in the meantime, like you I am grateful for the memories of years together here. Colorado is a beautiful place to visit! I hope that your h...Oh Cathy…..I understand your heartbreak AND your joy! Both of my daughters now live in Colorado too. My older daughter and her husband have been there for about 5 years now…and at the end of July my younger daughter joined them. I think it’s only a matter of time, God-willing, before my husband and I head out there as well. We will see. But, in the meantime, like you I am grateful for the memories of years together here. Colorado is a beautiful place to visit! I hope that your heart is at peace today….if you are like me, you will have your moments! ~Much love friend ♥ Read More1 Reply Cathy2 weeks agoCathyThanks, Diane. I think my heart is at peace, but my eyes keep leaking….. 2 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeDear Cathy….my eyes leak a lot too! 😂 1 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaDear Cathy, thank you for sharing such an important part of your life. 1 Reply Ose2 weeks agoOseAnother beautiful day begins. Mild sunshine already, a beautiful late summer day, and the producer´s market in town is awaiting it´s customers, having the opportunity to buy real fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes they apply special decoration for their visitors, which really is giving joy to every eye and of which I add a photo for your pleasure. I am happy and grateful to experience another day of beauty and whatever it may bring along. Thinking of you and sending light and love your way...Another beautiful day begins. Mild sunshine already, a beautiful late summer day, and the producer´s market in town is awaiting it´s customers, having the opportunity to buy real fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes they apply special decoration for their visitors, which really is giving joy to every eye and of which I add a photo for your pleasure. I am happy and grateful to experience another day of beauty and whatever it may bring along. Thinking of you and sending light and love your way. Read More 3 Reply naiad2 weeks agonaiadSuch beautiful, smiling sunflowers! 2 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeThank you for sharing my friend. Just yesterday I visited one of our local farmer’s markets…so fun! I love this picture….I have always thought that sunflowers were magical. And after our recent hurricane, when mighty trees all around us were knocked down, our sunflowers remained unscathed! I am even more convinced of their magic now! 😊🌻 ~Blessings ♥ 2 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaI am so fascinated by this photo, dear Ose! The brightness of colors speaks of a joyful and pleasant day. I wish you a good and pleasant week. 2 Reply Pilgrim2 weeks agoPilgrimThis looks like a delightful place and way to shop, dear Ose! The closest I have experienced is a visit to Pike’s Market in Seattle, Washington, which is a huge and ever-interesting place. To have such a market nearby would be a great treat. Thank you for sharing this. It warms my heart to find you here this morning, my friend. 2 Reply Cathy2 weeks agoCathyOh this brings me such a feeling of joy and puts a big smile on my face, Ose! We call them farmer’s markets here and I love a leisurely stroll through their space, admiring all of the flowers, handmade soaps and candles, spices and oils. Try this, test that. And, of course, fresh vegetables and fruits! What a happy post you made this morning! 2 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeFor Kathy and all my lovely friends: These are the trees I spoke of in a previous post. They bring me great joy.....these lovely twin maples that I have named Romulus and Remus. As you can see they are perfectly spaced and happy to hold our hammock! Lying there beneath their canopy of leaves I can look out over our beloved farmland and feel peace enfold me. For days like today, when my fibromyalgia pain has spiked and my nebulous anxiety has decided to drop by for a visit....it brings ...For Kathy and all my lovely friends: These are the trees I spoke of in a previous post. They bring me great joy…..these lovely twin maples that I have named Romulus and Remus. As you can see they are perfectly spaced and happy to hold our hammock! Lying there beneath their canopy of leaves I can look out over our beloved farmland and feel peace enfold me. For days like today, when my fibromyalgia pain has spiked and my nebulous anxiety has decided to drop by for a visit….it brings me a measure of calm….and overflowing gratitude. I like to listen to Native American music while there and I feel so connected to our sister Mother Earth it makes me weep cleansing tears. Grateful for acceptance of all the variety of emotions that have been part of my day. ~Blessings ♥ Read More 3 Reply naiad2 weeks agonaiadI’m so sorry for your pain and anxiety Diane. ” I like to listen to Native American music while there and I feel so connected to our sister Mother Earth it makes me weep cleansing tears.” So deeply beautiful. Mother Nature teaches, soothes and heals. Have you ever heard “Amazing Grace” in Cherokee by Walela? There is a beautiful video on Youtube. No matter that I don’t understand the language, it brings me to a quiet place when I’m feeling overwhelmed by life.. Blessings to you 2 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeDear naiad.....I found the video you mentioned and watched it during my morning meditations yesterday. Thank you for sharing it with me....it was a blessing in my day. I have always felt deeply connected to the Native American traditions and spirituality. Theirs is a unique sacredness. With grateful love I offer you this Cherokee prayer blessing ♥ "May the Warm Winds of Heaven Blow softly upon your house. May the Great Spirit Bless all who enter there. May your Mocassins Make h...Dear naiad…..I found the video you mentioned and watched it during my morning meditations yesterday. Thank you for sharing it with me….it was a blessing in my day. I have always felt deeply connected to the Native American traditions and spirituality. Theirs is a unique sacredness. With grateful love I offer you this Cherokee prayer blessing ♥ “May the Warm Winds of Heaven Blow softly upon your house. May the Great Spirit Bless all who enter there. May your Mocassins Make happy tracks in many snows, and may the Rainbow Always touch your shoulder.” Read More2 Reply naiad2 weeks agonaiadThe words peace, solitude and embraced by nature is reflected in your pic. Very beautiful 1 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaIt’s wonderful Diane, you live on a fantastic farmland. I wish you peace of mind during your recovery, dear friend. The incoming season is not the best for your suffering, but I trust your resilience, you always see the sun behind the clouds, and the farm around you is a supporting balm. Warmly 1 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeThank you for your wishes my friend…..I am so grateful for you! ♥ 2 Reply Pilgrim2 weeks agoPilgrimDear Diane, thank you for sharing with us your place of respite and the photo of the farmland you are able to enjoy! I can imagine relaxing here as the seasons begin to transition once again. My fibro has been quite forthright these days, as well, so I apply any measures possible. I think of you often and hold you in my heart, my longtime friend. Blessings and peace. 1 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeDearest Pilgrim….I treasure our longtime cyber-friendship. I will be holding you in my heart as well with gratitude that we travel this journey together. I pray for our mutual relief from this persnickety fibro. ~With grateful love ♥ 1 Reply Cathy2 weeks agoCathyHow nice of you to photograph and share, Diane! They are magnificent trees and a perfect place for your hammock. I love the way they frame your view of the splendid farmland, too. I hope your fibro calms today and the anxiety subsides so that you easily slide into moments of pain-free calm and peace. xo 1 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeDear Cathy….thank you for your gentle wishes. Each day is an adventure living with fibro and anxiety! I am ever grateful for our beloved farmland that is a supporting balm to me, as our friend Anna has said. ~Blessings ♥ 1 Reply naiad2 weeks agonaiadI’m grateful for the blessings I’m aware of and grateful for the blessings that I am not aware of 4 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeHello naiad…thank you for sharing your gratitude with us. And this beautiful picture! 1 Reply naiad2 weeks agonaiadThank you so much Diane. I love my roses! 1 Reply Cathy2 weeks agoCathyHow beautiful your roses are, naiad! The yellow is really stunning!
