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. Diane2 months agoDianePilgrim….you have to scroll down quite far but I wanted to make sure you knew that I saw and responded to your post for me my friend ♥ 2 Reply Pilgrim2 months agoPilgrimDear Diane, thank you for pointing me to your post below. I have to admit that my heart feels rather broken. I am happy, though, that you are finding your way in your new home territory. To feel at home is so essential to our heart and spirit. I may or may not come back to this part of the site, as it has been coopted in another direction. I have a lot to think about. But I will always remember and be grateful for you, my dear friend, for other longtime friends ... Anna, Mary, Palm, Christine, a...Dear Diane, thank you for pointing me to your post below. I have to admit that my heart feels rather broken. I am happy, though, that you are finding your way in your new home territory. To feel at home is so essential to our heart and spirit. I may or may not come back to this part of the site, as it has been coopted in another direction. I have a lot to think about. But I will always remember and be grateful for you, my dear friend, for other longtime friends … Anna, Mary, Palm, Christine, and others I may have neglected to mention. Deep blessings from my heart to yours. Pilgrim Read More3 Reply Pilgrim2 months agoPilgrimI need to add Ose to the names above. We began on this site together, so long ago. At the beginning, as I recall. I cherish our connection, my friend! 2 Reply Ose2 months agoOseThank you for your kindness, dear Pilgrim. Yes, we began quite early, and we both joined the first e-course with David Whyte. You shed your shoes, and this was just beautiful. As well recalling Grateful sea, Alicia and Manda, who will also always stay in our hearts. They are missed dearly. If I may say so, I would really miss you dearly as well if you would be gone, dear Pilgrim. But may be expressing your kind of disappointment about the direction our contributions of late had taken is a start...Thank you for your kindness, dear Pilgrim. Yes, we began quite early, and we both joined the first e-course with David Whyte. You shed your shoes, and this was just beautiful. As well recalling Grateful sea, Alicia and Manda, who will also always stay in our hearts. They are missed dearly. If I may say so, I would really miss you dearly as well if you would be gone, dear Pilgrim. But may be expressing your kind of disappointment about the direction our contributions of late had taken is a start to share deeper again? I just saw Mary´s post up there, which I feel is such an invitation. Blessings to you, dear friend, and a big warm hug. Read More2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioDear Pilgrim, I am so sorry if I am partly the reason for your feeling like the site has been co-opted in another direction. Unfortunately, I can't conform to what this was like before. I don't know what that was and I can't very well be someone else. And I don't know what it is that you miss, besides Ursula, whom I never knew and whom no one can replace. I'm a simple person in some ways. I took literally what has probably been here since Ursula's time - the guidance provided at the top of t...Dear Pilgrim, I am so sorry if I am partly the reason for your feeling like the site has been co-opted in another direction. Unfortunately, I can’t conform to what this was like before. I don’t know what that was and I can’t very well be someone else. And I don’t know what it is that you miss, besides Ursula, whom I never knew and whom no one can replace. I’m a simple person in some ways. I took literally what has probably been here since Ursula’s time – the guidance provided at the top of the page. “This is a place where everyone belongs.” And I feel that I have been faithfully, “sharing [my] experience of grateful living.” It pains me deeply that doing this seems to be unpleasant for you. Perhaps what I share isn’t religious enough or poetic enough or is too mundane – I don’t know. But it is genuine and from my experience of grateful living. I do very much hope that you stay. You anchor us to what was before, and your own perspective is unique and precious. I value that you are not like me or like anyone else. One of the special things about this website, and why I stayed, is that it is so inclusive. There are different voices and people are at different places on their journey towards gratitude and I learn because we approach gratitude in different ways. It will certainly be diminished if you are not here. I hope you have room in your heart to accept the newer people like myself, and I hope you will talk to us more about what is bothering you. With love, dear Pilgrim. â¤ðŸ•Š Read More5 Reply Diane2 months agoDianeHello Holly....I hope you don't mind if I respond to your post to our dear friend Pilgrim. I don't presume to speak for her, but I want you to know that Pilgrim has always had "room in her heart" for any new people who have joined us here in this community. We all have. You are correct in saying that this is an inclusive community and those of us who have been here for many years have always honored that spirit. What Pilgrim (and I) have been conversing about is that the direction has ch...Hello Holly….I hope you don’t mind if I respond to your post to our dear friend Pilgrim. I don’t presume to speak for her, but I want you to know that Pilgrim has always had “room in her heart” for any new people who have joined us here in this community. We all have. You are correct in saying that this is an inclusive community and those of us who have been here for many years have always honored that spirit. What Pilgrim (and I) have been conversing about is that the direction has changed and yes, you are a major contributor to that change. With that being said, it is obvious that you have met a need here and that needs to be honored as well. You have provided a place for people to come and chat and that is lovely. But it is a big change and with any big change comes loss. It really has nothing to do with not “accepting” newer people. I can say with total conviction that Pilgrim has opened her arms and provided wisdom, compassion and unconditional acceptance to all of those who have come and gone over the years. Her heart has more than enough room and it’s important to me that you know that.. I hope that you will continue to bring your own unique self to this community….which many here seem to be thoroughly enjoying. ~Blessings to you Holly Read More1 Reply Diane2 months agoDianeMy dear friend...I'm glad you found my post. With you, my heart is heavy. This has been a painful loss for me and I've struggled and prayed over it. Perhaps we can find each other at the Daily Question? Although I have not yet posted there, I do read what others share each morning during my meditations. It's not quite the same as this site as we once knew it but I find the deep and heartfelt responses insightful and they often speak to my heart. My gratitude for you, and all those...My dear friend…I’m glad you found my post. With you, my heart is heavy. This has been a painful loss for me and I’ve struggled and prayed over it. Perhaps we can find each other at the Daily Question? Although I have not yet posted there, I do read what others share each morning during my meditations. It’s not quite the same as this site as we once knew it but I find the deep and heartfelt responses insightful and they often speak to my heart. My gratitude for you, and all those who have traveled with us on this journey, is beyond measure. I hold you, and all of them, close in spirit and always will. Change is always hard but inevitable I suppose. It seems that lately I’m learning much about acceptance of what is. It’s been a powerful and important lesson for me. The Serenity Prayer has always been meaningful to me and it’s become a sort of mantra for me as of late. Not only for my own personal journey but especially now during these troubling times in our suffering world. I’m reminded too of the words of Mother Teresa “We cannot all do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.” May it be so. ♥With my grateful love I share this beautiful prayer with you, my forever friend ♥ “God, grant me the Serenity To accept the things I cannot change… Courage to change the things I can, And Wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it. Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will. That I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with Him forever in the next.” Read More1 Reply Pilgrim2 months agoPilgrimDear Diane, I hope that you will find this. You may be on your family outing at this point. I would certainly be open to connecting (finding each other) at the Question of the Day. I do visit there every day, and occasionally post. Perhaps keeping Tuesday in memory of Ursula would be appropriate? We could post there if we are inclined, but we would at least know that we are keeping the connection we began. These are initial thoughts, anyway. I thank you for your inspirational words from Moth...Dear Diane, I hope that you will find this. You may be on your family outing at this point. I would certainly be open to connecting (finding each other) at the Question of the Day. I do visit there every day, and occasionally post. Perhaps keeping Tuesday in memory of Ursula would be appropriate? We could post there if we are inclined, but we would at least know that we are keeping the connection we began. These are initial thoughts, anyway. I thank you for your inspirational words from Mother Teresa and the Serenity Prayer. Your friendship has been important to me. Be well, my friend. May you find joy in your new home area! That is a journey and invitation for both of us in our new homes. Blessings and Peace. Read More1 Reply Diane2 months agoDianeGood morning friend. In honor of Ursula’s prayer Tuesdays I have posted a response to the Question of the Day. I just remembered a quote from my favorite 13th century Sufi mystic: “Somewhere beyond right and wrong, there is a garden. I will meet you there.†-Rumi ~With my grateful love ♥ 3 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaI'm remembering the milk bottles that the milkman brought when I was very young. The milk wasn't homogenized, so the top part was cream [like oil on water]. My mother poured most of it off to use with her coffee and cereal. The caps were round red foil ones, and we used the foil scraps to make Christmas ornaments in first grade. We rolled foil pieces around pencils and tied several of the rolls together to make little balls with red on the outside and silver on the inside of the rolls. I still h...I’m remembering the milk bottles that the milkman brought when I was very young. The milk wasn’t homogenized, so the top part was cream [like oil on water]. My mother poured most of it off to use with her coffee and cereal. The caps were round red foil ones, and we used the foil scraps to make Christmas ornaments in first grade. We rolled foil pieces around pencils and tied several of the rolls together to make little balls with red on the outside and silver on the inside of the rolls. I still have 2 of them, in the 2 ways the scraps could be rolled, to make rolls with flat ends or rolls with a piece of the foil sticking out at each end. Read More3 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioWhat delightful memories! 🤗 3 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaOh, thank you, Holly 🙂 It reminds me that I want to label the 2 ornaments and save them with things to be observed after I die, as opposed to having them go direct to ‘Got Junk’. I do hope you were joking about the sour cream as protein – that could do a job on one’s health, expecting protein from things like sour cream. Warm wishes to you – {{{hugs}}} 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioWe are so alike, Mica! I made a descriptive list of my oldest Christmas ornaments to put into the box where they are kept, and they include a glittery pinecone that I made in school and a red paper star Santa with a pencil drawn face and cotton fleece beard that my brother made in grade school! I have more protein in my diet today than is good for me. My body is sensitive in certain ways and too much meat makes me more arthritic, makes me gain weight, and have more digestive issues. My body d...We are so alike, Mica! I made a descriptive list of my oldest Christmas ornaments to put into the box where they are kept, and they include a glittery pinecone that I made in school and a red paper star Santa with a pencil drawn face and cotton fleece beard that my brother made in grade school! I have more protein in my diet today than is good for me. My body is sensitive in certain ways and too much meat makes me more arthritic, makes me gain weight, and have more digestive issues. My body does not seem to react to plant proteins and dairy, but it is a little hard to tell if this is for more complicated reasons, such as what comes with most proteins (I suspect the real issue for me is uric acid sources). My husband is the opposite of me in needs. His metabolism is unusually high, and he needs calorie-dense foods or he gets too thin and doesn’t feel well. He’s also a bit set in his ways. It is a struggle for me to get what I need for my body (more veg, nutrients, and fiber) and what he needs for his in the same meal. I like meat and high calorie foods too (like breads), so when I see it I eat it! Meat is served for most of our dinners, I just know that my body reacts badly when I get too much of it, and I’d probably have more than enough with just two servings in a week. I’ve tried serving plant protein dinners like dal or some WWII recipes that might be more to my husband’s liking – but no go. He tries to tolerate it, but he makes his disappointment clear, and then he also usually winds up snacking all evening when I serve something like that. So my compromise has been to try to avoid meat for myself at breakfast and lunch, and sometimes during dinner I might substitute meat substitute or beans on my plate, or take only half a serving of meat (about 2 oz)… but mostly I just eat what others eat, enjoy it, but then pay later when my joints become inflamed and my digestion goes wonky and keeps me up. So it is a work in progress trying to get what my body needs, and it is part of my intention for better self-care. I’m far from perfect. But I think you can stop worrying about my not getting enough protein. 😉😂 I read a very interesting article this week about WWII war rations, and if they would be healthy today. I suspect this way of eating would be much healthier for me, with perhaps more salads, tomatoes, and fruit. I think you might find this article interesting: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-465769/Can-modern-family-survive-wartime-rations.html Read More3 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaThank you, Holly, to you and Oscar Wilde :) What a fun search - nutrition and longevity. I'm trying to find out about blood pressure and longevity - I hate articles that just show some simple curve with no data points on it. I eventually realized that I have high spb - my bottom number is always 80 or below, but the upper number, systolic, is high. The old blood vessels are stiff! More bp meds certainly aren't making great improvements to my sbp, and it's not obvious that they can, but my dr is...Thank you, Holly, to you and Oscar Wilde 🙂 What a fun search – nutrition and longevity. I’m trying to find out about blood pressure and longevity – I hate articles that just show some simple curve with no data points on it. I eventually realized that I have high spb – my bottom number is always 80 or below, but the upper number, systolic, is high. The old blood vessels are stiff! More bp meds certainly aren’t making great improvements to my sbp, and it’s not obvious that they can, but my dr is still working on that assumption. And the extra meds have undesirable side effects 🙠Wishing you a good day! 🙂 Read More2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in Ohio(a response to below)Yes, exactly my thinking, Mica! Butter was bad, then it was good again, now I think it may be “bad†again. Now that hydrogenated fats are out of shortening and margarine, they are thought to be “good†fats again. There are so many different schools of thought on healthy eating! Eventually I kind of gave up and went to longevity studies instead of dietary studies, because when they look at the people who live on the planet longest and healthiest and with the most of t...(a response to below)Yes, exactly my thinking, Mica! Butter was bad, then it was good again, now I think it may be “bad†again. Now that hydrogenated fats are out of shortening and margarine, they are thought to be “good†fats again. There are so many different schools of thought on healthy eating! Eventually I kind of gave up and went to longevity studies instead of dietary studies, because when they look at the people who live on the planet longest and healthiest and with the most of their faculties at old age… it’s hard to argue then that they weren’t eating or exercising right! What I learned from that is we need more vegetables, less of foods that are not organic, are processed or have artificial preservatives, less sugar, less salt, and less meat but surprisingly, some small amounts of meat in the diet is more common in healthy 100+ year olds than is vegetarianism… go figure! Still, there is variety in ways of eating among healthiest peoples. As Oscar Wilde would say, “Everything in moderation, including moderation!†😂 Read More1 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaOh, good – you’re generally protein-wise. 3 ‘rasher’s of bacon – oh, my!, as my daughter would say. Eggs interest me, having worked on cholesterol-fed guinea pigs long ago. We had a very popular CA senator who wanted to legislate against eggs. Roslyn Alfin-Slater said eggs were fine – but she worked for the Egg Industry – Oh my! And now eggs Are fine. 2 Reply ch2 months agochTo Holly – a picture of our “Alive” mouse trap 🀠… for times when the cat is asleep (many times) 🙂 2 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaOh my ch – does it actually work? It’s quite creative 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioLol… or the cat is howling to get out of the room! I’m so glad you were able to post the picture, because it is not quite how I envisioned it. But how does the mouse still not get hurt by the springing bar? That was what I could not figure out. Is it because it is sprung by his squeezing under the dome and not by his stepping on the pad? Thank you so much for posting the photo! Cuddos on the creativity~! 😃 2 Reply ch2 months agochThe piece of wire on the left side with the screw on its left end is short enough to keep the springing bar from falling down completely. So the mouse is not hurt. The left side of the dome is standing on the screw and falls down, when the wire is drawn a short distance by the trap. Then most times the mouse is inside. Although some are clever enough not to step on the trap and sometimes it becomes a feeding station for a mouse family. Once we caught two young ones together. Whenever one mouse i...The piece of wire on the left side with the screw on its left end is short enough to keep the springing bar from falling down completely. So the mouse is not hurt. The left side of the dome is standing on the screw and falls down, when the wire is drawn a short distance by the trap. Then most times the mouse is inside. Although some are clever enough not to step on the trap and sometimes it becomes a feeding station for a mouse family. Once we caught two young ones together. Whenever one mouse is caught, we can be sure that a second one follows it the next day. We think that always couples were visiting us. It is the consequence of living in a log cabin 😉 Read More3 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioThank you for the full explanation. I do have a cheese dome, so I might see if I can construct one that works! Thank you!!! 1 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaThanks, ch, for the answer to my question. Delightful! 2 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryHere is my “kitten Bert. He is going on ten months old! 😺 Wishing all a peaceful Saturday evening. ♥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸ Mary 6 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaWhat a dear, Mary – the photos are heart-warming 2 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryThanks Mica! â™¥ï¸ 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioOh my gosh!!! He is a BEAUTY! That lovely orange! 😄 Look— even his eyes match! 2 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryThank you Holly! Yes his eyes do match.😊 His fur is very soft and thick and his temperament is very calm and relaxed. He is my favorite, but I also love his mother and sister of course. 😺😺😺♥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸ 2 Reply Palm2 months agoPalmThanks Mary, he will be officially an adult soon then, isn’t he? He is beautiful and your pictures too! This is Entropy, he is about 6 months old 4 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryPretty cat!! I LOVE tabbies. At 6 months he is still a baby! Love the bold stripes on his arms and face. (Yes, I call kitties’ front legs their arms.😸) My other “kittenâ€, Coco, also ten months, is the opposite of my relaxed little Bert. She is constant movement and still getting into everything. Lucky for her that she is so pretty. I rarely get mad at her, and when I do, it only lasts a few minutes. – I have been taking a photography class so my pictures are starting to improve. â€...Pretty cat!! I LOVE tabbies. At 6 months he is still a baby! Love the bold stripes on his arms and face. (Yes, I call kitties’ front legs their arms.😸) My other “kittenâ€, Coco, also ten months, is the opposite of my relaxed little Bert. She is constant movement and still getting into everything. Lucky for her that she is so pretty. I rarely get mad at her, and when I do, it only lasts a few minutes. – I have been taking a photography class so my pictures are starting to improve. – Your daughter is so smart to even know the word entropy and especially to think of using Entropy as his name! Love to you dear Palm, and to your daughter. â™¥ï¸ Mary Read More3 Reply Palm2 months agoPalmMary, thanks, I like the way you look at the details. I am glad you are doing a photography class, I can see the artistry in your pictures. Entropy has grown a little more since that photo was taken. Today I am a little nervous because I will have him sterilised. I think you have a good balance with two kittens that have opposed characters! Entropy’s favorite object to get on to is the toilet paper, he completely wrecks it! I’ve had to find a place where he cannot reach but it is a bit inc...Mary, thanks, I like the way you look at the details. I am glad you are doing a photography class, I can see the artistry in your pictures. Entropy has grown a little more since that photo was taken. Today I am a little nervous because I will have him sterilised. I think you have a good balance with two kittens that have opposed characters! Entropy’s favorite object to get on to is the toilet paper, he completely wrecks it! I’ve had to find a place where he cannot reach but it is a bit inconvenient for us too! Yes, Mary, I moved from South Africa to Italy but I am not so close to where Anna is, she is in the North, I am in the central part of the country. Sending love to you â¤ï¸ Read More1 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in Ohiooh my gosh, he is too cute for words!!!!!!!!!!!!! How nice to drop in to the Gratitude Lounge and see him at once! 😊 2 Reply Palm2 months agoPalmThank you, Holly! 😊 2 Reply ch2 months agochDear Mary and Palm, your cats are sooo sweet and beautiful â¤ï¸â¤ï¸ 2 Reply Palm2 months agoPalmThanks ch, I’m glad you enjoyed the picture of my cat â¤ï¸ 1 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryThank you ch! 😸 1 Reply Anna2 months agoAnnaDear friends in the Lounge, how are you doing? I hope well, for everyone. A warm embrace to each of you. …longing for peace on our borders, as well as around the world 6 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryDear Anna, Thank you so much for telling me about Sicut Cervus sung by the Cambridge Singers. It is so beautiful! It is uplifting music for my spirit. Are you well Anna? I send my love to you my friend. â™¥ï¸ Mary 3 Reply ch2 months agoch🕊ðŸ™ðŸ¼ 2 Reply Palm2 months agoPalmDear Anna, I am with you. Do you have a favorite praying time in the day? Maybe I can join you and send prayers for peace together. A warm embrace to you 🌴 2 Reply Anna2 months agoAnnaDear Palm, I am so happy to see you here! I hope you and your dear daughter are well and your parents too. In these tragic days, I pray while driving, with a special intent for peace between Russia and Ukraine. But we can also pray in our prayer Tuesday, don’t you think? 3 Reply Palm2 months agoPalmDear Anna, thanks I was so happy to see you too. We are all well, thankfully, and yes, at the moment it is a constant payer, I feel quite affected, so feel my company. 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioI'm longing for peace, also. It is heartbreaking what people are going through! We will have a warm, pleasant day here. My husband became a citizen yesterday! He said he didn't feel any different, (ha), but he was talking about three times his usual! He shared many stories from his experience. he said there were more than 100 people getting sworn in that day, and that he sat behind five Afghanis that he thinks had been interpreters and were being fast-tracked to get settled here. I wonder how...I’m longing for peace, also. It is heartbreaking what people are going through! We will have a warm, pleasant day here. My husband became a citizen yesterday! He said he didn’t feel any different, (ha), but he was talking about three times his usual! He shared many stories from his experience. he said there were more than 100 people getting sworn in that day, and that he sat behind five Afghanis that he thinks had been interpreters and were being fast-tracked to get settled here. I wonder how many people in the room were refugees? It was a timely reminder that some stories begin horribly, but end joyfully! My husband and I will spend some of today doing some spring cleaning and other household errands, since the weather is so lovely. I plan to take carpets outside to beat, and to open windows and doors to change the air in the house. And then I hope to go over to a neighbor’s house and sit on their porch and have a visit. ☺ How are you, Anna? I think of you often and hope things are well. Read More5 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryHappy things are going so well dear Holly. After all the cold weather you have had I can imagine how refreshing it will be to bring the warm weather and fresh air inside. Blessings to you and your family. 1 Reply Anna2 months agoAnnaDear Hollt, I am happy for you and your family! 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioThank you, Anna! And how are things with you? It’s fine if you don’t feel like answering, just know that I hope things are going well. ⤠2 Reply Palm2 months agoPalmI am happy for you all, Holly! 2 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryPalm, no place to reply below. I remember you moved from South Africa. Are you in Italy now? I do remember you are near Anna now. 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioThank you, Palm! 😃 It is a happy time for our family. I hope you are well. ⤠2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in Ohio(to below) Wonderful! That is great news, Palm! 😄 2 Reply Palm2 months agoPalmThanks, Holly â¤ï¸ We are settling more every day and this week I am grateful that they approved the school facilitators for my daughter 🙠2 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaCarpets to beat – wow, Holly, I thought vacuum cleaners had done away with that 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioSnowdrops at last, Christine! I thought I saw their green stalks coming up yesterday amidst the snow! 4 Reply Christine2 months agoChristineDear Holly, Beautiful! And these flowers convey the message “Spring is coming”. Together with the birds that are so busy I hear “the song of return” all around me. Mother nature is always great company.🌱ðŸðŸ•Š 4 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioWelcome to shared coffee & tea time! If you are new here, please feel free to introduce yourself. 🙂 3 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryThis is lovely Holly. 2 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaOh, dear – I’m late! But I slept til 8, and that was wonderful. I’m amused by the combo of ‘yogic’ quote and not particularly yogic photo – thanks 🙂 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioThose who know me, know I don't like to waste food. Wasted food unnecessarily contributes to climate change, and in America, we commonly waste about 25% of the food we bring home. Anyway, in trying not to waste food, I'm having an unusual breakfast and thought it might give others a laugh! We had some workers in our home for repairs yesterday afternoon, so we decided to order food for dinner from the Mexican restaurant. This morning I am having leftover fresh salsa and wheat tortillas for bre...Those who know me, know I don’t like to waste food. Wasted food unnecessarily contributes to climate change, and in America, we commonly waste about 25% of the food we bring home. Anyway, in trying not to waste food, I’m having an unusual breakfast and thought it might give others a laugh! We had some workers in our home for repairs yesterday afternoon, so we decided to order food for dinner from the Mexican restaurant. This morning I am having leftover fresh salsa and wheat tortillas for breakfast! It is surprisingly good for breakfast and I am very grateful. Very peppy! 😂 Read More2 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaFun! But don’t forget your protein, dear Holly 🙂 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioSour cream! 😂 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioThank you, Mica! 😊🥚 1 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaNo, dear Holly! Milk and yogurt have protein but not cream. 0.2 g Protein in 12 g [1 tbsp] sour cream. You want 1 g protein per 40 calories to get 10% protein, which is sort of a minimal daily level. 4 calories per gram protein = 0.8 calories of protein in 1 T sour cream. Don’t forget your protein, dear Holly 🙂 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioGood morning! I will see you in a couple hours for shared tea/coffee time, but I popped in to say that in an hour my husband is getting sworn in for citizenship here. I feel odd, not being allowed to go with him for so moving a ceremony, but there are Covid restrictions in place. He could not find the tie he had laid out to wear for it, so he was worked up already. Sigh. 2 Reply Drew Blanton2 months agoDrew BlantonI found the Free Rice game. 2 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaCongrats, Drew – I see ‘free rice hack,’ too, in my google search, and a youtube video “How to hack in free rice”. Are you playing the game? If so, are you enjoying it? Warm wishes 🙂 2 Reply Drew Blanton2 months agoDrew BlantonYes, I am. It seems to be a bit below my level, but I only care about fighting hunger. 1 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaPutin – gag! – one of my neighbors in this condo community adores Putin. My bro checked the recent posts on her org’s website and she’s happy with the invasion of the Ukraine. Ugh!! But, on a better note – Warm wishes to you, Drew 🙂 0 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaThank you, Drew, for approving my play. Actually I used to play spider solitaire, but my old mind is too feeble for that now. So be it. 1 Reply Drew Blanton2 months agoDrew BlantonI think people have a right to play whatever they want to. Depending on what they play, things could get ugly if they take it into reality. Maybe Putin was playing war games. 1 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaIndeed one doesn’t need to be functioning at a high level – especially when clearly doing something useful and important! I play lots and lots of freecell – it’s soothing and relaxing, and that’s ok now that I’m retired, isn’t it?? 1 Reply Drew Blanton2 months agoDrew BlantonYes, it is. 1 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioCool! Do you like it? 😃 2 Reply Drew Blanton2 months agoDrew BlantonYes, and the fact that I’m helping to fight world hunger by just answering multiple choice questions is amazing! 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioI’m glad you like it! 😃 2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioGood morning, community! I hope today is blessed for all of you with little joys. This morning, with a light snow, the cardinals have returned to my feeders. I've enjoyed watching them, the doves, and I even had a young Blue Jay this morning, along with the usual sparrows, juncos, and starlings enjoying the seed. This simple connection with nature gives me much more than moments of enjoyment. It is a daily reminder of how grounding the seasons and rhythms of nature are in this world, that has...Good morning, community! I hope today is blessed for all of you with little joys. This morning, with a light snow, the cardinals have returned to my feeders. I’ve enjoyed watching them, the doves, and I even had a young Blue Jay this morning, along with the usual sparrows, juncos, and starlings enjoying the seed. This simple connection with nature gives me much more than moments of enjoyment. It is a daily reminder of how grounding the seasons and rhythms of nature are in this world, that has so many human troubles, such as the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. The little birds remind me that the sun still comes up, and spring still arrives, no matter what. Yesterday I finished making a facial washcloth out of a hemp-cotton blend. It will look crisp and neat once washed and blocked. I will wrap it with a hand-crafted bar of soap and set it aside for a Christmas gift later this year. This is a very joyful way to let go of my craft supplies and some belongings. The mouse was caught, night before last. I feel guilty about it. It’s end was at least instantaneous. I don’t buy many things these days, but I will be purchasing some humane no-kill mouse traps to have on hand in case I ever need them in the future. I am thankful that my bedroom has not been disrupted the last two nights and that it and my psyche no longer feels creepy. Hopefully in the future I will be a better steward, for this beautiful planet, where the only thing that seems perfect is nature. 🌱♥ Read More 6 Reply ch2 months agochHolly, your washcloth is knitted beautifully! We have had a self made mouse trap for years, that does not kill them. It is made of a metal tray and a heavy glass cheese cover. A bought mousetrap is in the middle of the tray fastened on a board. There is a piece of wire with a screw fastened to the wire of the mousetrap. When the mouse is eating (semolina) and the mousetrap snaps, it does not kill the mouse, but the cheese cover that was held open by the screw, falls down on the tray. Then, more...Holly, your washcloth is knitted beautifully! We have had a self made mouse trap for years, that does not kill them. It is made of a metal tray and a heavy glass cheese cover. A bought mousetrap is in the middle of the tray fastened on a board. There is a piece of wire with a screw fastened to the wire of the mousetrap. When the mouse is eating (semolina) and the mousetrap snaps, it does not kill the mouse, but the cheese cover that was held open by the screw, falls down on the tray. Then, more often my husband – or I – carry the mouse to the next field and let them run. This has worked all over the years much better than the bought traps which keep mice alive. I thought that you might like to build a construction of your own. Sorry, my English is not good enough for explaining it better. ðŸ Read More2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioHow ingenious! 😃 Is it possible for you to post a photo? I’m in admiration of your engineering! 1 Reply ch2 months agochI will try tomorrow, for now it is too dark here. The trap is very old and worn now, but still working. It was my husband’s engineering many years ago 🙂 1 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaOh, dear, Holly - I'm sorry that the mouse's death bothers you, but I guess I'd feel the same. We had rats on our balconies a few yrs ago, but none were caught in the humane traps. I have holes at the tops of the screens as a reminder. Interesting that the holes would be at the Top of the screens instead of the bottom, especially for the screens for the sliding glass doors. Lovely wash cloth - I'm impressed! Occasionally I've passed things along to people who need them, which is rewarding. Litt...Oh, dear, Holly – I’m sorry that the mouse’s death bothers you, but I guess I’d feel the same. We had rats on our balconies a few yrs ago, but none were caught in the humane traps. I have holes at the tops of the screens as a reminder. Interesting that the holes would be at the Top of the screens instead of the bottom, especially for the screens for the sliding glass doors. Lovely wash cloth – I’m impressed! Occasionally I’ve passed things along to people who need them, which is rewarding. Little space heater and down comforter with cover to cleaning woman. Hammer, black paper light-blocking window coverings, and powdered guinea pig poop fertilizer[!] to a dear friend yesterday. I made 2 tiny Ukranian flags after the yoga teacher sent them warm thoughts, and I gave 1 of those to my friend too. The blue was about a 5″ square, which was clearly enough for 2 little flags. It’s a good reminder – how small my problems are! Read More2 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioWe are so fortunate, aren’t we, Mica? 🙂 Thank you for the compliment and sympathy! 2 Reply Christine2 months agoChristineHello beautiful 😉😠Holly, the weather in the Netherlands is completely different from yours in Ohio. Warm days are coming. Today I went for a walk without a coat on for the first time. So wonderful to feel the warm sun on my back. In the Netherlands we do not have washcloths, but wash hands. A kind of glove without thumb and fingers. Have a nice day to you and all our other friends.🌞🌷⤠3 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaThank you, Christine – like Holly, my fingerless gloves are hand warming – I bought them in New Zealand. I also have gloves for scrubbing myself – I’m finding them under ‘scrub gloves exfoliating’. And I’m reminded of my undergraduate foreign study in Europe, when I had a sort of terry cloth mitt washcloth – I guess we were told not to expect washcloths in the places where we stayed. 3 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioHi beautiful! 😄 We call those fingerless gloves, though usually we make them in warm fabric to keep our hands warm in winter, when we still need to use our fingers! I can picture one for washing. It sounds wonderful and practical. I think... The Netherlands is further north than Ohio! But you are surrounded by the sea, which tempers your weather, and I am in a land mass in the middle of a continent, and the winds come roaring down from upper Canada, brr! Where Elaine is, it is also wa...Hi beautiful! 😄 We call those fingerless gloves, though usually we make them in warm fabric to keep our hands warm in winter, when we still need to use our fingers! I can picture one for washing. It sounds wonderful and practical. I think… The Netherlands is further north than Ohio! But you are surrounded by the sea, which tempers your weather, and I am in a land mass in the middle of a continent, and the winds come roaring down from upper Canada, brr! Where Elaine is, it is also warmer because of the ocean. She is also further north than I am. Where my husband was from in Scotland it felt cold and they had frequent frosts in the night, but their ground did not freeze solid as it does here. We get in our area buried water mains (pipes) that sometimes burst in the coldest weather when the water in the ground freezes and pinches them. It is my happy thought today thinking of you and other friends here who are already experiencing spring! 🤗🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Read More2 Reply Robert Bushman2 months agoRobert BushmanI’m delighted to discover this group. To my mind, the path shown by this group is the more effective and satisfying way of creating the world of love and beauty that our hearts know is possible. 6 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioWelcome, Robert, to the Gratitude Lounge. 😄 1 Reply Christine2 months agoChristineLike Mica, I agree too, Robert. This is a very fine place to beðŸ€ðŸ¤. 2 Reply Mica2 months agoMicaI agree, Robert 🙂 2 Reply Mike S2 months agoMike SGreetings everyone from the Sunny South Carolina. Sunny days with temperatures in the afternoon up in the 70s. The early signs of spring are slowly pushing away the cold of winter. It’s a good time to be alive. 4 Reply Holly in Ohio2 months agoHolly in OhioSnow here this morning, Mike, but the birds know! And I have started looking for snow drops but we have a pile of snow shoveled from the driveway where they come up, so no sign of them yet. 🙂 1 Reply Mica4 days agoMicaOh, Ose, you were more polite than I about the loss of the welcoming photo. I guess I could delete my post, seeing that you posted about that… will do 🙂 0 Reply Holly in Ohio5 days agoHolly in OhioYou too, Ose! As my mother used to say, “Sweetest dreams and shining angels!” 1 Reply ch2 months agochDear Diane, thank you for you kind answer and blessings. I think we do need your thoughts here. Many of us do. Blessings to you and your family 🌼ðŸ™ðŸ½ 🪔 0 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryâ™¥ï¸ 0 Reply Diane2 months agoDianeYou are so sweet ch...thank you for your kind words. I am grateful to have been a part of a truly sacred community all these years. I feel that I have received so much more than I could possibly give. Lately, I had been limiting myself to posting on what was our "prayer Tuesday" but now that day has become a coffee clatch of sorts and, although I can see that many dear ones are blessed by this, I feel it is time for me to find another forum in which to share my own musings. Blessings upon ...You are so sweet ch…thank you for your kind words. I am grateful to have been a part of a truly sacred community all these years. I feel that I have received so much more than I could possibly give. Lately, I had been limiting myself to posting on what was our “prayer Tuesday” but now that day has become a coffee clatch of sorts and, although I can see that many dear ones are blessed by this, I feel it is time for me to find another forum in which to share my own musings. Blessings upon blessings to you friend during this beauitful Lenten and coming-of-spring season. ☘🌷🌺🌼 ~With grateful love ♥ Read More0 Reply ch2 months agochDear Diane, I have been grateful for all of your posts over the years and I will miss them. I wish you all the best and hope to read from you again â¤ï¸ 1 Reply Mary2 months agoMaryDear Diane, Please remember Diane that you have many friends here. I have always looked forward to hearing from you, often on Prayer Tuesdays. I care deeply about you Diane. You have inspired and comforted me. I have identified with many situations that you have dealt with over the years. Now, especially with losing your sister. Many, many tears. Please remember, dear Diane, that so many of us here love and care deeply about you. Sent with my love, â™¥ï¸ Mary 2 Reply Diane2 months agoDianeDearest Mary....I feel the same way about you my friend. You light up this sacred community with your love, compassion and faith and you have always been an inspiration to me as well. Our beloved Prayer Tuesday in honor of our sweet Ursula was always a blessing to me. It seems now there is a coffee clatch on Tuesdays here.....which is lovely too of course and it seems that so many are enjoying it. So be it. My last post for "prayer tuesday" was a blessing because Ursula's sister cp re...Dearest Mary….I feel the same way about you my friend. You light up this sacred community with your love, compassion and faith and you have always been an inspiration to me as well. Our beloved Prayer Tuesday in honor of our sweet Ursula was always a blessing to me. It seems now there is a coffee clatch on Tuesdays here…..which is lovely too of course and it seems that so many are enjoying it. So be it. My last post for “prayer tuesday” was a blessing because Ursula’s sister cp responded…it was a beautiful “coincidence” (although I know it was divinely inspired) that she visited when I mentioned Ursula’s family and wondered how they were doing. I decided then, that it would be my last “prayer tuesday” post since Tuesdays are now something different here. I will visit from time to time to keep up with so many of the beautiful dear souls who have journeyed with me these many years. Thank you so much for reaching out Mary….it was so kind of you. I hold you close in my heart. With grateful love ♥ Read More1 Reply Diane2 months agoDianeDear Pilgrim......indeed this lovely site has changed. Very different conversations and it seems it has gone in a different direction. I admit to being somewhat sad about that but change is inevitable and everyone seems to be enjoying the new direction and ethos so who am I to say. I am not engaging as much any more and so it was a delight to happen upon your post for me. Thank you my dear friend...so very grateful to know that you have been thinking of me. I am also grateful to be able to...