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. Honor our Community Terms & Conditions 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. Sandra2 weeks agoSandraGood morning everyone, It’s a damp, grey, quiet day outside. The autumn colours are much brighter in this weather so there is brightness in the leaves on the trees and shrubs as I look outside and brightness indoors from the electric lights which help to make the room feel warm and cosy. I am grateful for shelter and brightness this morning. Wishing you all a peaceful, productive day 🙏 6 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaDear Sandra and all, It’s a damp, grey, quiet day outside. There’s a pale red new leaf on the sunniest side of little green poinsettia plant on my balcony! There were old red poinsettia leaves when I found it by the dumpster, but they fell off and lots of new green leaves have grown. I think short days make it grow red leaves – I’ve been looking fwd to some red poinsettia leaves; I’ll water it well so it will grow lots of new leaves. 5 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioSweet! What a lovely rescue! Bravo, Mica! 👏 (That’s meant to be an emoji for clapping hands, Lol) I love the red leaf! 4 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaOh – a rescue of the poinsettia, Holly? It’s exciting – when I had 2, I put one in the bathroom to try to redden it up, but that didn’t work. Now I only have the better one, which was originally the worse one but grew and grew new leaves. 4 Reply Mike S2 weeks agoMike SThank you Sandra for sharing your peaceful singing scene. 3 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioAnd you, also, Sandra, in your cozy home! The day is younger here and it is clear. Our trees peaked in color a week or two ago, and now the outdoor scene will make its annual slow decline into a comforting brown. The sparrows are chittering in the trees, getting ready to leave and gather in the south. After a short exchange, my brother decided to come for Christmas instead of Thanksgiving, so he can see all of us, and so he can get more done on their farm before winter. I will pretend ...And you, also, Sandra, in your cozy home! The day is younger here and it is clear. Our trees peaked in color a week or two ago, and now the outdoor scene will make its annual slow decline into a comforting brown. The sparrows are chittering in the trees, getting ready to leave and gather in the south. After a short exchange, my brother decided to come for Christmas instead of Thanksgiving, so he can see all of us, and so he can get more done on their farm before winter. I will pretend Thanksgiving is still my deadline to finish some house projects before company! I hope all of you have a wonderful day! Read More5 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaThanks, HOlly, for sharing about your brother, and warm regards to you for providing a home where he can enjoy celebrating holidays! Good luck with your projects - I'm impressed. I have a $20 thrift store thing that I refinished. It's a beautifully made counter-height 2-shelf wooden thing that had a crappy black finish, and I bought it for a bedside night stand in one of the basement apartments I rented to live near my baby granddaughter in San Francisco for most of each month. It's now the cutt...Thanks, HOlly, for sharing about your brother, and warm regards to you for providing a home where he can enjoy celebrating holidays! Good luck with your projects – I’m impressed. I have a $20 thrift store thing that I refinished. It’s a beautifully made counter-height 2-shelf wooden thing that had a crappy black finish, and I bought it for a bedside night stand in one of the basement apartments I rented to live near my baby granddaughter in San Francisco for most of each month. It’s now the cutting table and a fabric storage unit for quilting projects in the back bedroom of my condo, where I now live full time a few blocks from my 14- and 11-yr-old granddaughters. Read More3 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioAnd you have a nice rescue, too, Mica! I'm taking a wee break from another sorting job. I think soon I will be taking another load to Good Will. Part of why I have so much is the downsizing thing, from a household of 5 people to 2. Also, while parenting, I didn't have the time for some of my pursuits, or extra time to sort, and many things would just get shoved into our large walk-in closet. Now I'm trying to dig my way through that closet, and sort what is still wanted and what is not! It fee...And you have a nice rescue, too, Mica! I’m taking a wee break from another sorting job. I think soon I will be taking another load to Good Will. Part of why I have so much is the downsizing thing, from a household of 5 people to 2. Also, while parenting, I didn’t have the time for some of my pursuits, or extra time to sort, and many things would just get shoved into our large walk-in closet. Now I’m trying to dig my way through that closet, and sort what is still wanted and what is not! It feels good, Mica. Read More3 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaThat’s great, Holly – thrift stores are a gift, aren’t they? 2 Reply sunnypatti2 weeks agosunnypattiI am grateful this morning that my family will be gathering together for Thanksgiving. We had a small meal last year with just my parents and brother, which was wonderful. But this year, we are headed back to my Mamaw's house, attempting to get back to the tradition of gathering everyone and sharing the day. My parents, my brother, my aunts and uncles and three sets of cousins along with their kids. My Mamaw has a huge covered carport and we are all praying it is warm enough that day so that we ...I am grateful this morning that my family will be gathering together for Thanksgiving. We had a small meal last year with just my parents and brother, which was wonderful. But this year, we are headed back to my Mamaw’s house, attempting to get back to the tradition of gathering everyone and sharing the day. My parents, my brother, my aunts and uncles and three sets of cousins along with their kids. My Mamaw has a huge covered carport and we are all praying it is warm enough that day so that we can stay outside and be together but distanced. I have missed seeing everyone, and am excited that they will have the opportunity to get to know my husband… they only met him two years ago at Thanksgiving and then Covid hit a few months later. A lot has happened since then, and I know this is the case for all of us! Read More6 Reply Sandra2 weeks agoSandraThis sounds wonderful Sunnypatti. And not long to wait. Thanksgiving, and for us in the UK Christmas, will be especially meaningful this year, 4 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioThat’s exciting! The last year-and-three-quarters has felt like ten years. Thanksgiving will take on a new level of meaning! 😄 3 Reply Drew Blanton2 weeks agoDrew BlantonMaybe negative experiences are really blessings in disguise. 8 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaThank you Drew for that – I saved it to my gratefulness document. The last quote of yours that I saved was about the door to a room being locked, “but at least there’s a lot more than one way to unleash the magic of gratefulness.” Warm wishes to you 🤗🥰 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioIt is sometimes very difficult with negative experiences to feel blessed, but I have come to feel strongly that these experiences bear great gifts, but only if we seek them. Sometimes it is a deeper understanding, sometimes it is a new path, sometimes it is a broadening of our appreciation, or any of many other unique gifts that would not have come about without the experience we did not want. 🌹. 2 Reply Mike S2 weeks agoMike SThanks for bringing up the subject Holly. Challenging times or moments in which we find a deeper will of God’s grace in our life. 4 Reply Sandra2 weeks agoSandraI think you are right, Drew 🙂 4 Reply sunnypatti2 weeks agosunnypattiMaybe they are… I am one to believe that everything is a lesson and everything happens for a reason, so while it may not be easy going through a negative experience, if we can make it to the other side a stronger, wiser, more compassionate (or whatever we need to learn from what happened), then we have gained from it in the end. 6 Reply Mary2 weeks agoMaryHi Drew! After being away, it’s good to see you here! I guess I would say to your comment, maybe so. I think much of my spiritual growth has come from working through hardships. I also know that good things can come out of hard times. This is very deep, Drew. What do you think? I wonder what others think. 5 Reply Drew Blanton2 weeks agoDrew BlantonYes, they can. 5 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in Ohio“Realize deeply that this moment is all you ever have. Make the now the primary focus of your life.” -Eckhart Tolle I have been enjoying maple tree seeds on sidewalks and thinking of making a small terrarium for someone with the seeds and some moss before the last of things start dying away before winter. I have a jar and found a plastic lid that fits it, and I can find some stones for the bottom. “Rule of 3” says I should find one more thing to go in there. 6 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaI’m amazed that you can keep a closed terrarium growing for years! I could use mica flakes for the Perlite 🙂 Maybe I’ll make one some day. 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioWould that be…. vermiculite? Or is that something completely different? 2 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaYes, Holly – vermiculite is sort of a mica – I forget the details. There’s also mica flakes that are used for fake snow in decorations and stuff like that. But it’s not good to inhale mica flakes – they’re sharp. 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioWOO-HOO! I’m surprised I got that, Mica! Geology is not one of my strong points. I will see if I can locate my stones today. We had quite a household adventure yesterday with a wild animal, that quite upset my plans for the day, but today, knock on wood, should be a day where I can get some things done. 2 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaWhat fun, Holly! My son recently sent me a photo of a handful of maple seeds in which there were 3 seeds in 1 of them! The 3 seeds were arranged in a triangle – it’s the one on the left 3 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioWOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s like finding a four leaf clover! 😁 2 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaMy goodness – what wild animal?? We had a skunk in the dining room under the ‘metal desk’ one night, and we shut ourselves in the bedroom with the dog. There was a dresser drawer that smelled faintly of skunk when I opened it for a long time afterwards. 2 Reply Sandra2 weeks agoSandraA lovely idea, Holly. Have you decided on your third thing yet? 4 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioI’m thinking of putting in thyme seeds, or germinating them first and then putting in the plants. I want something to contrast the tree and moss. It needs to be a smaller kind of plant. I thought first of alyssum, but I don’t have any on hand, and our garden shops aren’t open all year, as they are in the U.K. (What a lovely idea!) With a little luck, neither the moss nor thyme will dominate. I also have some miniature sedum, and that might be nice instead. I’m an amateur at this. 6 Reply Sandra2 weeks agoSandraIt sounds just lovely, Holly! 2 Reply Ose2 weeks agoOseInspiring! What about a caterpillar to be added, dear Holly? 4 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioWhat a lovely idea. I have kept caterpillar/chrysalis over winter and they have successfully turned into butterflies, but it is not easy to catch them at the right moment when they start to open, to prevent the butterfly from becoming damaged. Hopefully this terrarium will be balanced when sealed, and be a complete ecosystem. I will check it during the first weeks for the right amount of water. It is going to a child so I'm trying to eliminate the need for care. With moisture inside and the li...What a lovely idea. I have kept caterpillar/chrysalis over winter and they have successfully turned into butterflies, but it is not easy to catch them at the right moment when they start to open, to prevent the butterfly from becoming damaged. Hopefully this terrarium will be balanced when sealed, and be a complete ecosystem. I will check it during the first weeks for the right amount of water. It is going to a child so I’m trying to eliminate the need for care. With moisture inside and the lid on, it will create its own weather. Read More5 Reply Mica2 weeks agoMicaWow – what a project! I wonder how much light will be ideal for it. I’m impressed with your energy and your creativity. 3 Reply Holly in Ohio2 weeks agoHolly in OhioThey are easier to make than you might think. As for light, trial and error helped me to discover you always want it somewhere OUT of sun, like say, a northern window, or just out of reach of a window. I had a lovely one for myself that ran for years without my doing anything, and then one day I was cleaning a table and I made the mistake of moving it -- not into the sun, but I left the room and the sun moved to it and AEEAAAH! It died in just an hour or two from over-heating. 😒😪 Oh wel...They are easier to make than you might think. As for light, trial and error helped me to discover you always want it somewhere OUT of sun, like say, a northern window, or just out of reach of a window. I had a lovely one for myself that ran for years without my doing anything, and then one day I was cleaning a table and I made the mistake of moving it — not into the sun, but I left the room and the sun moved to it and AEEAAAH! It died in just an hour or two from over-heating. 😒😪 Oh well. I will take a picture when I build it but at the moment I can’t find my rocks! Rocks or pebbles go in the bottom, then I usually put in a bit of Perlite because I have it but you could use something else, and then the soil. This allows for a lower reservoir. The soil is not very deep, and this keeps the tree from over-growing, much like with a bonsai. Seriously, this is pretty easy, and if it doesn’t work you just start over. Read More5 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeGood morning lovely people So grateful to be here with all of you in this sacred community on another Prayer Tuesday. And like Anna, my thoughts turn to our dear sweet Ursula...and all of those who are missed here. Thank you mio caro amica for bringing back beautiful memories of our forever friends. Grateful sea, Debbie, Aine, Nancy and our sweet Manda-Panda. But especially today, I am holding our friend Pilgrim close in my heart and in my prayers. Pilgrim....I am sending you all love ...Good morning lovely people So grateful to be here with all of you in this sacred community on another Prayer Tuesday. And like Anna, my thoughts turn to our dear sweet Ursula…and all of those who are missed here. Thank you mio caro amica for bringing back beautiful memories of our forever friends. Grateful sea, Debbie, Aine, Nancy and our sweet Manda-Panda. But especially today, I am holding our friend Pilgrim close in my heart and in my prayers. Pilgrim….I am sending you all love and light on this your moving day. I’m so very happy for you to be starting this new chapter in your journey. I am also very aware of the hard work and inevitable stress involved in moving. You are courage, you are strength, you are always an inspiration to me. So grateful for you! Blessings on your new home. May it bring you joy, peace, comfort and an awareness of God and His angels within its walls. ~Om Shanti dear friend ♥ Read More10 Reply Pilgrim2 weeks agoPilgrimOh my friend, thank you SO very much for these kind and inspiring words. I am still much in chaos (with the occasional weeping), but making progress with the help and creativity of family. I have felt every prayer from you and others here on this site, and am utterly grateful. We took a wonderful drive yesterday and, as it hasn't been super cold here or frosted yet, the leaves were in full and glorious array. (They don't cut down a tree here unless necessary.) I felt myself breathe deeply and my...Oh my friend, thank you SO very much for these kind and inspiring words. I am still much in chaos (with the occasional weeping), but making progress with the help and creativity of family. I have felt every prayer from you and others here on this site, and am utterly grateful. We took a wonderful drive yesterday and, as it hasn’t been super cold here or frosted yet, the leaves were in full and glorious array. (They don’t cut down a tree here unless necessary.) I felt myself breathe deeply and my eyes drinking in every bit. This is one of the huge reasons I wanted to live here … along with the wondrous Lake Michigan, which we also visited. I am so grateful for this opportunity and for the prayers and support of all. Om Shanti, my friend. Know that your kind words settle deeply within. Read More2 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeDear Pilgrim....my heart is rejoicing with yours. I am grateful with you. And yes...the occasional weeping, I understand this. Grateful weeping, cleansing weeping, the weeping that comes with the overwhelming emotions that are a part of these life changes. I am so very happy for you to be amongst the trees....they are our spirit sisters! And your beloved Lake Michigan....I imagine that it has been awaiting your return. I've no doubt you will continue to soak up these early days in your...Dear Pilgrim….my heart is rejoicing with yours. I am grateful with you. And yes…the occasional weeping, I understand this. Grateful weeping, cleansing weeping, the weeping that comes with the overwhelming emotions that are a part of these life changes. I am so very happy for you to be amongst the trees….they are our spirit sisters! And your beloved Lake Michigan….I imagine that it has been awaiting your return. I’ve no doubt you will continue to soak up these early days in your new surroundings and with your loving family. Your gratitude is a gift to all of us. ~Abundant blessings my dear friend ♥ Read More2 Reply Pilgrim2 weeks agoPilgrimYour heart hears mine, my friend. Kindred spirits, as Anne of Green Gables would say. 0 Reply Cintia2 weeks agoCintiaHello lovely and grateful friends! I wish you a peaceful new week! 8 Reply Sandra2 weeks agoSandraHello Cintia, your wishes are just what I need today. Thank you! ❤️️ 6 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioToday I am grateful for a beautiful day, and even for the work I am doing. My middle son will be sharing Thanksgiving with us and helping with the cooking, and my brother has asked to come too (he lives in N.H.). My brother is normally a bit uncomfortable with holidays, but he has recently found he is very comfortable in our home and I think prefers holidays here. He asked to come to Christmas last year, and it pained me but I had to say no because of Covid and the added risk to our son in coll...Today I am grateful for a beautiful day, and even for the work I am doing. My middle son will be sharing Thanksgiving with us and helping with the cooking, and my brother has asked to come too (he lives in N.H.). My brother is normally a bit uncomfortable with holidays, but he has recently found he is very comfortable in our home and I think prefers holidays here. He asked to come to Christmas last year, and it pained me but I had to say no because of Covid and the added risk to our son in college who was coming home and then returning to the university after testing. My brother’s wife and others are welcome, too, but his wife hosts and it sounds like it is quite something. I appreciate her sacrifice with letting my brother come here. So… I thought I had until Christmas to finish some of my house projects… and now I don’t! Lol. That’s okay. They are understanding and it does light a fire under me to get back to work. I have two chairs sitting in the back yard today where I am re-staining a poor staining job. I’m setting up my hydroponics system for winter lettuce (a little late), washing some things brought in from the dusty porch, and I hope to get back to repairing and painting a kitchen cabinet door today, among other things. When I was young, I did not appreciate work and purpose as much as I do now. And I am grateful that our home is a “safe space” for others. 🏡 Read More6 Reply Anna3 weeks agoAnnaIt is such a wonderful thing that people consider a home as “safe space”. No doubt that yours is one among these, dear Holly. May you be blessed. 3 Reply Mary3 weeks agoMaryI think it says so much about you, Holly, that your brother who is uncomfortable during the holidays, enjoys staying with you over the holidays. 😊 3 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in Ohiothank you! It took years before I could get him to visit me any time of the year. 😄 I won’t take it for granted. 4 Reply Mary3 weeks agoMaryThat is interesting and really wonderful! 3 Reply Sandra3 weeks agoSandraHolly, that’s a wonderful compliment that your brother has asked to come and feels comfortable. Sounds like a busy few weeks ahead for you! 3 Reply Mike S3 weeks agoMike SGreetings Sll, I am happily back to good health. Cooler day today but full sun. We will take our walk a little later when it warms up. 8 Reply Anna3 weeks agoAnnaSo happy for you Mike! 3 Reply Mary3 weeks agoMaryHi Mike. I am Mary and live in Florida. I have not been here in the gratefulness lounge for close to a year, but I am glad to be back now. It feels like home. I’m glad you are feeling better. I hope you enjoyed your sunny day. I also enjoyed a bright sunny day today after several days of rain. ☀️☀️☀️ 3 Reply Mike S3 weeks agoMike SWelcome Mary to this very loving space. You will find a lot of kindness and support here. May you be well. 3 Reply Mary3 weeks agoMaryThank you so much Mike! I agree with you. The people on this site are so supportive and kind. I actually have been coming to this gratefulness site for a number of years. I was away for a while, and now I am back. 3 Reply Sandra3 weeks agoSandraI’m very pleased to hear this, Mike. I hope you and your wife enjoyed your walk. 3 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioYAY! Glad to hear it, Mike. 2 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaThat IS good news, Mike – 2 Reply Pilgrim3 weeks agoPilgrimDear Friends, moving day tomorrow. I would be more than grateful for your prayers and positive energy. It is a wonder, the support and friendship we find for one another here. Thank you. 10 Reply Anna3 weeks agoAnnaDear Pilgrin, my heart is with you during your moving day. May you be kindly blessed and your new home as well. With love. 3 Reply Pilgrim3 weeks agoPilgrimThank you, dear Anna. Your words are very kind and much appreciated. 4 Reply Mary3 weeks agoMaryHi Pilgrim! I don’t know your details yet, but I am sure you are making a positive move! I will surely be thinking of you, and sending love and energy your way! I am grateful for your friendship, Pilgrim, and wishing all good things for you!!!♥️ Mary 3 Reply Pilgrim3 weeks agoPilgrimThank you, dear Mary. I have always wanted to live near the water and now I will. So for sure positive! Thank you for your kind words of friendship and support! 3 Reply Ose3 weeks agoOseMay all be well tomorrow and onward in your new place, dear Pilgrim. May good support and kind helping hands be available for you for the move. My prayers will be with you, dear friend since so long. May your home be blessed always, so as you also. 4 Reply Pilgrim3 weeks agoPilgrimDear Ose, thank you for your words of support, blessing, and our longtime friendship here. I am excited to move to this new home. May you be well, my friend. 4 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaI’ll light a candle for you, Pilgrim – “To Pilgrim – may this candle lighten your load a bit as you move, with warm wishes” 4 Reply Pilgrim3 weeks agoPilgrimThank you, Mica, for lighting a candle on my behalf, and your very kind words. I am so very grateful. 4 Reply ch3 weeks agochThinking of you and sending a prayer <3 4 Reply Pilgrim3 weeks agoPilgrimThank you, ch, for your thoughts and prayers! 2 Reply Palm3 weeks agoPalmThinking of you, dear Pilgrim, and sending positive energy. I am happy for you, changes are good. 3 Reply Pilgrim3 weeks agoPilgrimThank you, dear Palm, for positive energy and kind words. I am looking forward to these changes! 3 Reply Sandra3 weeks agoSandraHello Pilgrim, I don’t know the circumstances of your move but understand how momentous it can be. And how exhausting. I hope that after tomorrow, when you have made the move, a new chapter opens which brings you peace and joy. Sending positive energy and many warm thoughts for tomorrow 🙏 4 Reply Pilgrim3 weeks agoPilgrimThank you, Sandra, for your understanding and positive words. I am moving to a place I have wanted to live for years … and near the water. It is a blessing to have this opportunity. 5 Reply Sandra2 weeks agoSandraHow wonderful! All the upheaval will be worth it ❤️️ 2 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioI have been thinking of you daily, Pilgrim. I’m glad the day has finally come because I know the editing and packing process must have been difficult. I’m sure it is very emotional for you to leave this home, but you are going to another, and I pray you are very happy there. 🙏 3 Reply Pilgrim3 weeks agoPilgrimThank you, Holly, for thinking of me through these days. I admit to being exhausted, yet at the same time quite excited. I appreciate your thoughts and prayer. 2 Reply Sandra3 weeks agoSandraGood morning dear friends 🙏 I've missed spending time with you all here. It's because I have begun the Wake-Up Grateful course which is wonderful. I'm finding it so inspiring and I'm learning so much. After one week I feel I could spend the remaining five weeks just learning from this first one! Anna, your message is much appreciated, thank you. Gita, to be writing a book is a large commitment; I wish you every success and I hope the writing is going well for you. Holly, S...Good morning dear friends 🙏 I’ve missed spending time with you all here. It’s because I have begun the Wake-Up Grateful course which is wonderful. I’m finding it so inspiring and I’m learning so much. After one week I feel I could spend the remaining five weeks just learning from this first one! Anna, your message is much appreciated, thank you. Gita, to be writing a book is a large commitment; I wish you every success and I hope the writing is going well for you. Holly, Stop Look Go has been a focus for me this past week. It has provided answers more than once already 😊 Mary, I love to watch the birds too. This morning I watched two hen pheasants as they preened themselves. I’ve not seen that before. Their feathers seemed so thick and luxurious as they ruffled them about. Mica, I hope your sleep patterns settle; I sense this is a recurrent thing for you though. As you wisely say, resting peacefully when you are able is almost as good as a refreshing sleep. Thinking of you all and those I’ve not mentioned, including Mike. I hope you are starting to feel better, Mike. For several days I’ve been meaning to post this photo of a tree in my garden. I don’t know its Latin name but it is commonly known as Liquid Amber. Here it is, taken about 10 days ago, just beginning to put on its autumn dress. I am reminded of The Book of Tea which Holly mentioned a while back. I’m still reading it, just a few pages at a time. In the book, tea is referred to as liquid amber. Among other things I’m learning from the book is the difference between western and eastern appreciation of art and other beautiful things. In Japan (at the time the book was written, about 100 years ago) it was and maybe still is customary to have a single piece of art for contemplation and appreciation, unlike the western tendency to group together many items either in museums or in our homes. My liquid amber tree is a single specimen tree in the middle of the lawn. I have been watching it, taking a few moments each time I’m outside and in sight of it to notice the changing pattern of the colours, the scattering of fallen leaves, the colour of the sky behind it and the effect of different light levels on the tree’s appearance overall. It’s bringing me such joy. I’m very grateful for all the learning I’m doing at present and for the ways in which it is manifesting practically each and every day. I’m also grateful for the warmth and presence of each of you here ❤️️ Wishing everyone a peaceful and grateful day 😊 Read More 8 Reply Mary3 weeks agoMaryLovely! Reading about you observing your tree reminds me of the French Impressionist Painters in the latter part of the 1800’s. Monet, in particular would paint the same subject outdoors at different times of day. He would show how differently light bathed and reflected on everything outdoors at different times of day. I especially enjoyed his Haystacks series and his gorgeous series of paintings of the Rouen Cathedral. You probably know of these, but after reading about your observations of...Lovely! Reading about you observing your tree reminds me of the French Impressionist Painters in the latter part of the 1800’s. Monet, in particular would paint the same subject outdoors at different times of day. He would show how differently light bathed and reflected on everything outdoors at different times of day. I especially enjoyed his Haystacks series and his gorgeous series of paintings of the Rouen Cathedral. You probably know of these, but after reading about your observations of your tree at different times of day, I just had to mention these paintings! Read More4 Reply Sandra2 weeks agoSandraMary thank you! The haystacks series I do know but I am going to look at the Rouen Cathedral pictures shortly, even if just online. (Hopefully I will find them.) I love the connection that you’ve made: a reminder that we can take so much from a single object or view. Nothing is ever the same 😊 2 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioWhat a wonderful connection you have shown us, Mary! 3 Reply Mary3 weeks agoMaryThank you Holly! I didn’t know if my comment would be noticed or read, but Sandra’s experiencing her tree in this way reminded me so much of the Impressionists that I just had to say something. Thanks for reading and being interested in this as I was!! 😊 3 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaLiquid Amber, Sandra – I love them and have many near me! On the other side of the country, we called them ‘Sweet Gum’. Their seed pods are delightful, too, as long as one is careful not to step on them on sidewalks. Your garden is amazing. Yes, The Book of Tea is not complimentary about my decorating style, which involves much stuff on many of my walls, but I enjoy it. The Japanese art object was to be changed periodically, too, as I recall. Interesting ideas. 4 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioLol. My decorating style, too, Mica. Rather than “cluttered” I prefer the term, “maximalist,” which makes it sound posh. 😜 That is very interesting about “Sweet Gum,” and I’m wondering is it the same tree as the ones I see? Is the leaf like this? 4 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaThat’s the tree, Holly. Well, I need to be moving on. The day has mostly passed, and I still haven’t done my 15 min of writing on the paper that’s due New Year’s Eve. 3 Reply Sandra3 weeks agoSandraI'd never heard of this tree before, Mica. We inherited this one when we moved in and I thought it was a form of maple. The knowledgeable man who cares for the trees told me its proper name. And now I know another one - Sweet Gum! Ours has never produced seed pods. Interesting. As for The Book of Tea and decorating styles, you're right, in the tea house there would be a single piece of art, changed periodically. I do find the ideas interesting and can see the basis for the approach. ...I’d never heard of this tree before, Mica. We inherited this one when we moved in and I thought it was a form of maple. The knowledgeable man who cares for the trees told me its proper name. And now I know another one – Sweet Gum! Ours has never produced seed pods. Interesting. As for The Book of Tea and decorating styles, you’re right, in the tea house there would be a single piece of art, changed periodically. I do find the ideas interesting and can see the basis for the approach. Right now though, I’m glancing round at the various pictures on my walls and I do love them all. Like you, I enjoy what I have here! Read More4 Reply Mica3 weeks agoMicaYes, the leaves are maple-like, aren’t they, Sandra? And Holly found a picture with a seed pod. 3 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioInteresting. When I read this book one of the things I treasured was coming to understand the aesthetic, but it never made me feel like I needed to adopt it completely (though I do sometimes play with it and set up my own interpretation of a tokonoma).. Perhaps because I was dragged around to many museums as I grew up I felt I could appreciate, but not necessarily adopt, the same aesthetic. Traditional Japanese aesthetic is quite formal and subtle. As you will see in this little book, it can als...Interesting. When I read this book one of the things I treasured was coming to understand the aesthetic, but it never made me feel like I needed to adopt it completely (though I do sometimes play with it and set up my own interpretation of a tokonoma).. Perhaps because I was dragged around to many museums as I grew up I felt I could appreciate, but not necessarily adopt, the same aesthetic. Traditional Japanese aesthetic is quite formal and subtle. As you will see in this little book, it can also be quite communicative. Little variation or individuality is allowed, and yet, within that language, it does not feel restrictive. I enjoyed the book because it allowed me to step into the mindset and appreciate it fully. For me, it was the best book of zen I have read, even though it is not about zen. Ironic, yes? … and far better at explaining than say, reading Alan Watts who approaches zen from a very western analytical mind and never quite seems to manage to leave his western mind behind. Read More3 Reply Sandra2 weeks agoSandraI am taking a lot from the book, Holly, and I'm very grateful to you for drawing it to my attention. I've always been drawn towards the Japanese perspective. I find the clean and simple minimalist lines calming and spacious. My mind empties. In my own life I try to adhere to the famous quote from William Morris: Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. Some years ago I visited one of Morris' homes, Kelmscott Manor. It was beautiful. Very sp...I am taking a lot from the book, Holly, and I’m very grateful to you for drawing it to my attention. I’ve always been drawn towards the Japanese perspective. I find the clean and simple minimalist lines calming and spacious. My mind empties. In my own life I try to adhere to the famous quote from William Morris: Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. Some years ago I visited one of Morris’ homes, Kelmscott Manor. It was beautiful. Very sparsely furnished but each piece crafted with great skill and care. I felt that same sense of calm and spaciousness in that house. My house is not like this! And that’s ok 😊 Read More1 Reply Palm3 weeks agoPalmThank you, Sandra. This tree is so beautiful and better than a piece of art because it’s a changing work of art! I have been meaning to tell you that I lived in Cornwall for about 6 months and looking at this picture brings me back to your beautiful country and great memories of people. 5 Reply Sandra3 weeks agoSandraPalm, the world seems so small sometimes! I agree with you totally – nature is a constantly changing work of art 🌳 Can you recall where in Cornwall you lived? And where do you live now? 4 Reply Palm3 weeks agoPalmWell, Sandra, I also have to work hard not to be envious! :) for a long time I wanted to go back to Cornwall and was even planning to do so before I decided to come back to Italy. I looked up Looe, I remember the name, yes, everywhere in Cornwall is beautiful. And you were in South Africa too, this is really a small world. It is a challenge to be a long way from family but I am happy for you that you are in the same country and that you love where you live, it's important. We have settled qui...Well, Sandra, I also have to work hard not to be envious! 🙂 for a long time I wanted to go back to Cornwall and was even planning to do so before I decided to come back to Italy. I looked up Looe, I remember the name, yes, everywhere in Cornwall is beautiful. And you were in South Africa too, this is really a small world. It is a challenge to be a long way from family but I am happy for you that you are in the same country and that you love where you live, it’s important. We have settled quite easily in Italy, now we have only the challenge for my daughter to settle at school, as she doesn’t speak the language and had been homeschooled so far but, with patience, we’ll get there. Read More2 Reply Palm3 weeks agoPalmSo true, Sandra, small world 🌍 I was living in Redruth and studying gardening at Duchy College in Camborne. I didn’t finish the course. Instead, I decided to join my husband in South Africa and lived there for 16 years till recently. I now live with our daughter in Abruzzo, Italy, close to my family. In which part of beautiful Cornwall are you? 3 Reply Mary3 weeks agoMaryOh Palm, you moved! How has living near family in Italy been for you and your daughter? 3 Reply Sandra3 weeks agoSandraPalm, I'm now having to work very hard not to be envious! 😄 You've named two of my favourite places! I visited South Africa as my father worked in neighbouring Mozambique for some years. Though I visited several times I saw just a fraction of the country but I loved it. I've only visited Italy once when we stayed in Umbria. Like S Africa, I've always wanted to go back and see more, experience more. And who knows, maybe I will one day! You were in the far west of Cornwall in your time ...Palm, I’m now having to work very hard not to be envious! 😄 You’ve named two of my favourite places! I visited South Africa as my father worked in neighbouring Mozambique for some years. Though I visited several times I saw just a fraction of the country but I loved it. I’ve only visited Italy once when we stayed in Umbria. Like S Africa, I’ve always wanted to go back and see more, experience more. And who knows, maybe I will one day! You were in the far west of Cornwall in your time here. I live in the SE corner, near Looe. Everywhere in Cornwall is beautiful and I love it. My only challenge is that it’s a long way from my family. Not as far as S Africa to Italy though! I hope you’ve settled into your new home, Palm 😊 Read More3 Reply Holly in Ohio3 weeks agoHolly in OhioThat tree is gorgeous, Sandra. 🤤 2 Reply sunnypatti3 weeks agosunnypattiGood morning, friends! I'm grateful for this space and all that you share to make the world a better place. I got an unexpected package in the mail the other day. Some of you know I was in this course to become a Certified Cheese Professional. It ran from this past spring to the beginning of August. It was a great experience, but I did not pass the exam. And that's okay, as I decided even before the exam that I was going to apply to be the Team Leader in another department. I interviewed for...Good morning, friends! I’m grateful for this space and all that you share to make the world a better place. I got an unexpected package in the mail the other day. Some of you know I was in this course to become a Certified Cheese Professional. It ran from this past spring to the beginning of August. It was a great experience, but I did not pass the exam. And that’s okay, as I decided even before the exam that I was going to apply to be the Team Leader in another department. I interviewed for and got that position and am loving it. Anyhow, back to the package. I open it up, and it’s a reusable shopping bag that says Comte (a classic French cheese), a little thing to use on my phone, and a really nice journal. There was a note inside that thanked me for my participation in the course, and I just had to laugh. I felt like a kid who got a trophy for participation, even though I failed. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I know that this would have been a slap in the face to the old me. But I did laugh, and I did appreciate being able to participate despite the outcome. I’m proud of myself for that! And even if I’m truly grateful to be in the wellness department at our store, I still love and appreciate cheese and all that I know about it. But still… I never expected a participation prize. hahahaha! Read More6 Reply
