29 Days of Gratititude

I've written about the 29 Gifts giving challenge and book, and what an amazing wonderful experience it is.  Today I'm beginning it again, along with 29 days of gratitude.  This seems like a perfect season for a focus on thankfulness.  So each day I will write about my gift to give and my gift of thanksgiving.


Day 1:  Today I woke up so thankful for my children, for everything they have taught me and the way they love me no matter what happens in our lives.  I told my childbirth class on Monday evening, "Don't let the stereotype scare you - teenagers are WONDERFUL."  They may not be cute and cuddly in the same way that newborns are, but they are such good listeners.  And they can make you laugh and teach you so much about being silly and being in the moment.  I am so grateful to be right where I am right now, a mom of two sleeping-in-late, fingernail polish and boy obsessed, sass-talking girls.

My gift for today - letting these two lovely sleep in on their day-before-Thanksgiving day off and trusting them to make the pies for tomorrow's celebration - chocolate pecan and Elvis, all by themselves.  Yum.

I'm also mailing off, with lots of love, a little baby hat for one of my sweet doula mama's second baby.  I wish I could hug her in person.

Here's what the hat looks like:

Only the color is a soft cream, like French vanilla ice cream.  I hope it keeps little Celeste nice and toasty warm.

Welcome home

I've been on a bit of a blogging hiatus but it's good to be back and starting my Monday with this post.

Our family took a little vacation to visit family in Park City Utah, celebrating my daughter's sweet 16th birthday while we were there.  I think it was one of our best vacations ever - even though we didn't even leave the house on many days.  We just hung out, cooked, ate, played games, watched the little ones chase each other through the house.  It was love filled and felt very full.  I woke up last Monday, back home in my own bed, feeling revived and just filled up with love and the good feeling of abundance that comes when you've been surrounded by those who love you.  Every morning since I've woke with the same feelings, and begun my day with some affirmations - Om Shanti, Om Mani Padme Um, Thank you God, May all beings know love.......

This last week brought a surprise visit from out of town friends and a nice long soak in the hot springs while we caught up.  I was also inspired listening to a talk by one of my favorite children's authors - Jeanne Duprau, author of the City of Ember series, which I'm in the middle of right now.  Jeanne spoke of writing about what you love, and big ideas that you never stop being curious about.  I'm not aspiring to a novel, but even a dabbler like me can be inspired by a master to write a little more, and hopefully, improve a bit.

Last night we had a dinner and Apples to Apples with old friends.  It feels so good to connect again.  And to enjoy Bella's dark chocolate cheesecake - amazing with friend Kim's brownies.  (I know that sounds like too much - but honestly, it was heaven).

Today I am working on some new Indian slow cooker recipes, baking bread, taking the dogs for a hike, and hanging out with Bella this afternoon.  She is beginning a new adventure and I'm so excited for her - more to come later about that.

This morning I want to end with a prayer of gratitude for one of my best friends in the whole world - our Lab-Kelpie mix Bear Cub, 12 years young and not quite himself these days.  I think he's losing his sight, and he's sore a lot, he doesn't follow me around all day like he used to.  Once upon a time there was just me and Buddy on the trail, and I could never ask for a more loyal friend.  He is good and sweet and tolerant.  For you Buddy - may you know love and happiness and comfort today.  May your heart be light.  I love you. 

Living with no regrets

Today I read a post on FB about a mom in my community who lost her little boy, just a toddler.  He never woke from his nap, after spending the day at his first friend's birthday party, seeing horses out his window and giving love and kisses to his family.  It's hard not to feel your heart breaking just knowing this.

His mom encouraged each person reading to live each moment, just like he did.  And to love.  She has no regrets.  When you live each moment, when you truly see the love in each human, there is nothing to regret.  What a kind gift for a grieving mother to pass to each of us.  Thank you.

I will do my part and remember this lesson today.  And tomorrow I will wake up and remember it all over again.  That is all we can ever do.

I've learned so much about the moment from my girls.  Little ones know better than to waste this precious time worrying the future or regretting the past.

Gratitude and gifts

Autumn is my favorite time of year.  I love the colors and the clean air, the clear blue sky and putting on a sweater again.  I love the way fall inspires gratitude in my heart.  It must have something to do w/ canning or garden harvesting, or maybe just the beauty of the world around me.

These a few of my favorite fall images - favorites because they recall a beautiful day spent with those I love.

Autumn in Yellowstone Park

2012 at the Gallatin River, September

2010 October at the Gallatin River

Today I continue my 29 Day Giving cycle and I feel more grateful each day for the insights this practice is bringing.  Some meaningful gifts in the past few days - a gift of friendship and reconnection with several women I admire, a workshop that helped me understand my own reactions better and interact with more empathy with all those in my life, some lovely simmering potpourri on the stove making the whole house smell like cinnamon and oranges and cloves, the chance to eat lunch with my daughters today.  When I start thinking deeply about the gifts in my life, it all begins to feel like a gift.