Gratitude Lounge

Hello everyone. Again it’s been a while. In some ways a lot has happened and in other ways things seem to be standing still. I was going to write in last night but instead I read posts on this site and tried to catch up with all of you. I am wishing all of you good health and peace of mind. I have had lots of peaceful times and much time to reflect on my many blessings. I am thankful that this site is here. It is so essential for my peace of mind to remember to be grateful. When I come back after being away for a while, I remember the importance of being grateful.
I have felt some confusion and felt rather baffled over the situation with Covid. My husband and I have been invited to several family gatherings as of late, each of which include 20 people or more. So far these family members have been able to do this and not get sick, or at least not get sick with symptoms. Covid cases are spiking in Florida and are going way up in my area. I know people are tired of it and so many are acting like things are normal and we don’t need to be careful. My husband and I mostly stay home. We go to the grocery store and out for bike rides. I keep up with some friends and family on the telephone and do FaceTime with my Mom who is in assisted living but that is about it for socializing and getting out. At this time teachers have been told we will be back in the classroom in the fall. I am not going back into the classroom in the Fall. Way, way too risky. My husband decided to retire and wants me to do the same. That doesn’t even seem real to me. I have a hard time wrapping my head around a lot of things lately.

Something that I have enjoyed lately is taking pictures. That’s my new thing to do. I continue to love taking pictures of the sky. Unfortunately this causes me to go charging out of the house after spotting some great clouds through a window. I have not done my “ballerina” slippers any favors charging outside wearing them, often times walking several blocks from home to get the picture I want. I think I can safely say that I am also not exactly wearing my most attractive outfit at times like these. As Barney Fife from Andy of Mayberry used to say, “ Its a compelsion!!! It’s a compelsion!!!” (Compulsion for those unfamiliar with Barney Fife and Andy of Mayberry)
Question for Cathy. Your orangey angel image of clouds!!!!! Wow!!! Was this something a lot of people saw? Was it fleeting or did it remain for several minutes? How fabulous to have caught that image! Can you tell me more about this? Also Cathy, I loved the story about the blue heron on a neighbor’s roof and your dog having an animal version of a shouting match!! So funny! I can definitely see that happening.
So, back to me taking pictures, I am going to buy a new iPhone with a good camera or maybe I’ll buy a camera. Decisions, decisions. My current iPhone is old, has a so so camera, and the phone part no longer works. 🙃

So I lost my very dear cat Marvin about three weeks ago. He was pretty sick with kidney disease but was doing quite well. He was taking all of his meds and even enjoying his prescription cat food. He had gained back the weight he had lost. And it is no exaggeration to say I was really doting on him and enjoying him as well. But one minute he was fine and the next he wasn’t. All of a sudden he couldn’t use his back legs due to a blood clot blocking his femoral artery. So we had him euthanized right away because he was in pain and it was not likely to get better. So that has been hard. I am okay but things are different. I was putting so much energy and love into taking care of him. What I miss most is picking him up and holding him. He was never a lap kitty but he would let me hold him and I loved holding him..
Yes, that is what I miss most.
Also, this is the first time in 34 years that I have been without a cat so that seems strange too. I am not rushing into getting another cat, although I would feed one if it came to my door. And that is how I had so many cats over the years. I took in strays and they were always great cats.
So I am enjoying my very laid back way of life about half of the time.
Other times it feels like something is missing.
I love taking pictures but I really should get out my paint and paintbrushes and create some art with paint. I’ve been thinking about painting clouds and using my photos as a reference.

Palm, if you are still with me in this very long post, I want you to know I am sending you my love. I know its been difficult for you these days. I believe you mentioned having some anxiety. I’ve been having some of that too and I know that it is not fun. I would love to hear more from you about this difficult time if you feel like writing about it. Grateful Sea, my heart is with you too as I imagine things are continuing to be quite difficult with your parents. I have thought of you many times and I am sending my love to you. Anna, I hear things are getting better in Italy and I hope you are well. Are your sons still with you? Have you been able to sing? Have you ever tried singing with other choir members on FaceTime or Skype? Is that completely ridiculous or would that be worth doing?
I would like to mention each one of you by name as I have thoughts that I would like to share with everyone here, but I don’t want to accidentally leave someone out. Also that would make for a very long post.

So I am wishing each of you, those who are new here, and those I have known for quite a while, peace, love, patience, and gentleness with yourselves. I wish the very best for all of us including those who are with us quietly reading, and those who drop in from time to time.
Alicia, I am wondering how you are doing? I don’t think I saw anything from you in the last month. Either way I send my love to you Alicia. I hope you are well.
Love, peace, and gentleness to all.
Mary