Today I give thanks for...
The love of my family.
Happy day of togetherness yesterday. We spent the day at Grandma and Grandpa's and were treated to a delicious spread, although the kids were completely satisfied with the turkey and mashed taters. They really have this feast mastered.
A home. A place to feel safe, taken care of and inspired.
Nature. It is in the wildness of the world where I always feel so big and, yet, so small.
Kids who are grateful. Thoughtful and kind too.
Sun and stars and seasons. Morning and night. The gift of each new day, the holiness of every night, and the reminders of each season.
Generous friends who lend ears and hands and hearts.
Ideas and innovation. The way we are always evolving as individuals and as a community.
Vitality and health.
Inspiration to live and love...to do good and be good.
Now. Today. The desire to be present.
God.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.
W.J. Cameron
Share your gratitude with all you touch today. Don't count your blessings...cherish them. And don't think twice about a second serving of mashed potatoes and stuffing drenched in gravy.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Right On Cue
I've started this post half a dozen times. I'm not sure exactly what I want to say. I woke feeling happy and grateful today right on cue. Cute Little Red was patiently waiting for his breakfast. I took him some nuts, seeds and fruit, and he had his own feast. He preferred the pear. Gobbled every slice up. Then I made the girls pancakes and bacon, and sang along to carol after carol. Miss Bit had an impromptu sleepover last night. I'm in a yes mood. An up yo. I sang as I cleaned up breakfast and made meatballs stuffed with fresh mozz for dinner tonight. They are beauts. A crowd pleaser too when placed between a garlicky toasted hoagie. Jess is coming over after work. There will be wine. Dinner. Games too perhaps. Maybe a tear or two. The holidays are hard for her too, but that's her story to tell.
As the morning wears on, I'm feeling a tad sad and a bit nostalgic. My Mom loved Thanksgiving. It was her favorite holiday so I always find myself missing her more painfully right about now. Right on cue. She would have been at the market when it opened first thing this morning, and be busy in her kitchen right about now. She despised shopping and crowds and having to wait. Patience was not one of her virtues, but she had many others that more than made up for the one lacking. She'd come over tonight too. Probably just for a little cheer because she'd be up at the crack of dawn stuffing that bird Thanksgiving morning. Her table would have been set on Sunday.
It's been six years since we celebrated Thanksgiving at her table. I cannot wrap my mind around that. Right on cue time marches on and yet so much of my heart is filled with the past. Longing, and not just for my Mom, but for other loved ones lost or not present for one reason or another. Therein lies the sadness. The down yo.
So as December is fast approaching, I'm reminded that the joy of the holidays is shared with the sadness. In many ways both large and small it is the most wonderful, magical time of the year. At times though, the traditions, memories, merriment make me melancholy and blue. There is no other time of year that I find myself so often smiling through my tears. Today is simply one of them.
As the morning wears on, I'm feeling a tad sad and a bit nostalgic. My Mom loved Thanksgiving. It was her favorite holiday so I always find myself missing her more painfully right about now. Right on cue. She would have been at the market when it opened first thing this morning, and be busy in her kitchen right about now. She despised shopping and crowds and having to wait. Patience was not one of her virtues, but she had many others that more than made up for the one lacking. She'd come over tonight too. Probably just for a little cheer because she'd be up at the crack of dawn stuffing that bird Thanksgiving morning. Her table would have been set on Sunday.
It's been six years since we celebrated Thanksgiving at her table. I cannot wrap my mind around that. Right on cue time marches on and yet so much of my heart is filled with the past. Longing, and not just for my Mom, but for other loved ones lost or not present for one reason or another. Therein lies the sadness. The down yo.
So as December is fast approaching, I'm reminded that the joy of the holidays is shared with the sadness. In many ways both large and small it is the most wonderful, magical time of the year. At times though, the traditions, memories, merriment make me melancholy and blue. There is no other time of year that I find myself so often smiling through my tears. Today is simply one of them.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Today I'd Be Grateful For 30 More Days Of November
This morning as I sat surveying my yard and sipping my coffee, I tried desperately to focus on these first peaceful morning moments. There is no other time of day when my cup feels this full. I'm not meditating...I am practicing being solely in the moment. I'm not praying...I am paying reverence and feeling grounded, shored up and lifted at once. It's difficult to keep my mind from going where it wants to go: to all the coulds and shoulds of the day ahead. During this five minute span, fifteen if I'm lucky, I seek to notice things and honor the day. Then I often end up here because I want to capture these feelings of contentment and gratitude. I want to share them. Celebrate them.
This morning I looked up to see at least a half dozen squirrels. They were still sleepy in the now barren branches of a tree and tucked in tail over body. It warmed my heart to realize that their tails are really built in blankets. It wasn't snowing, but every so often a random flake would waft onto the now white ground. The yard is covered in snow. The snow is covered in tracks. It's a virtual legend for the critters who call our yard home.
There are ski tracks too. T. Bone decided to hang up his snowboard and give skiing a try this year. Last night he put on his gear and tried it out in our hill-less yard. I would say he's a tad eager. And determined. Ah, but he's waited so long to hit the slopes again. This is the earliest we've had snow in years so I'm hopeful for a long and stellar ski season.
He came home from his guitar lesson last night and started strumming away. I recognized Winter Wonderland and Jingle Bell Rock. It sounded great, but out of place. I don't know what it is with my internal clock and the calendar this year. They are not in sync.
It's snowing now. So fine are the flakes they are deceiving to the naked eye. Yet I can see it's almost winter. I'm listening to carols. Vince Guaraldi's Skating is sounding through the house. The holidays are here I can hear. Thanksgiving is this week and then the countdown to Christmas commences. I know it, but I don't feel it.
Yet.
This morning I looked up to see at least a half dozen squirrels. They were still sleepy in the now barren branches of a tree and tucked in tail over body. It warmed my heart to realize that their tails are really built in blankets. It wasn't snowing, but every so often a random flake would waft onto the now white ground. The yard is covered in snow. The snow is covered in tracks. It's a virtual legend for the critters who call our yard home.
There are ski tracks too. T. Bone decided to hang up his snowboard and give skiing a try this year. Last night he put on his gear and tried it out in our hill-less yard. I would say he's a tad eager. And determined. Ah, but he's waited so long to hit the slopes again. This is the earliest we've had snow in years so I'm hopeful for a long and stellar ski season.
He came home from his guitar lesson last night and started strumming away. I recognized Winter Wonderland and Jingle Bell Rock. It sounded great, but out of place. I don't know what it is with my internal clock and the calendar this year. They are not in sync.
It's snowing now. So fine are the flakes they are deceiving to the naked eye. Yet I can see it's almost winter. I'm listening to carols. Vince Guaraldi's Skating is sounding through the house. The holidays are here I can hear. Thanksgiving is this week and then the countdown to Christmas commences. I know it, but I don't feel it.
Yet.
Monday, November 25, 2013
two day pass
we were a family of three this weekend.
coach headed to deer camp with his father, brother and nephews.
ted was invited too, but he had a party to attend Saturday.
the theme was candy...need i say more.
i think it was probably for the best.
i don’t see him handling the lack of running water for his nightly shower well.
or the sound of many men snoring in a small space.
they probably wouldn’t have enjoyed listening to him sniffle either.
the boys got a cold, and he's rather gender typical when afflicted.
we had our usual pizza night friday, after which t. bone took his before bed shower and passed out with the help of nyquil.
after swim practice and morning workouts, we three met grandma to see catching fire and eat popcorn for lunch.
i was lukewarm on the film choice, but i left with the intention to get my hands on a copy of mocking jay.
i don’t think i can wait for the movie release to find out what happens.
we took ted to his bat mitzvah party and came home to play wii.
miss bit was practicing archery inspired by katniss herself.
i opted for a dance off that left me sweaty and sitting in front of the fan.
the only song i received more stars for than my 9 year old was a barry white classic.
it figures.
after church, the better part of our sunday was devoted to football, hanging out and holiday decorating.
it felt strange and too soon, but then we woke to snow this morning and it felt more right.
hopefully it melts soon so coach can light up our outside too.
coach came home and headed straight for the shower, the kids played football in the yard and i started miss bit's choice dinner: pork chops, applesauce and rice.
my brother and sil stopped in for a little end of weekend before dinner cheer.
they declined a last minute dinner invitation.
i blame the rice a roni.
at the end of the weekend, we were all looking forward to a short week, lots of time together and a day to be extra thankful for all of our blessings.
coach headed to deer camp with his father, brother and nephews.
ted was invited too, but he had a party to attend Saturday.
the theme was candy...need i say more.
i think it was probably for the best.
i don’t see him handling the lack of running water for his nightly shower well.
or the sound of many men snoring in a small space.
they probably wouldn’t have enjoyed listening to him sniffle either.
the boys got a cold, and he's rather gender typical when afflicted.
we had our usual pizza night friday, after which t. bone took his before bed shower and passed out with the help of nyquil.
after swim practice and morning workouts, we three met grandma to see catching fire and eat popcorn for lunch.
i was lukewarm on the film choice, but i left with the intention to get my hands on a copy of mocking jay.
i don’t think i can wait for the movie release to find out what happens.
we took ted to his bat mitzvah party and came home to play wii.
miss bit was practicing archery inspired by katniss herself.
i opted for a dance off that left me sweaty and sitting in front of the fan.
the only song i received more stars for than my 9 year old was a barry white classic.
it figures.
after church, the better part of our sunday was devoted to football, hanging out and holiday decorating.
it felt strange and too soon, but then we woke to snow this morning and it felt more right.
hopefully it melts soon so coach can light up our outside too.
coach came home and headed straight for the shower, the kids played football in the yard and i started miss bit's choice dinner: pork chops, applesauce and rice.
my brother and sil stopped in for a little end of weekend before dinner cheer.
they declined a last minute dinner invitation.
i blame the rice a roni.
at the end of the weekend, we were all looking forward to a short week, lots of time together and a day to be extra thankful for all of our blessings.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Grateful Friday
Today I give thanks for...
The sirens that sent us to the basement Sunday morning did not announce any tornadoes. Not here anyhow. My heart is heavy for our neighbors to the south who were not so lucky.
Finally starting to feel some Christmas spirit. I heard a holiday commercial jingle the other day and was forced out of denial. It is mid November and the holidays are fast approaching. I have been resisting not in a bah humbug way, but more of a I don't want it to come and be over way. I'm an anticipation junkie.
Christmas music...the first step.
I spent most of Sunday in bed. It was stormy and we were all tired from weekend sleepovers and late night parties so it was a perfect day to cozy in with my cats, books and glut of recorded shows. I was guilt ridden, but happily so. I rose only to go to my in laws and then cozy into their couch for football and then family dinner.
Miss Bit didn't even call home from her Saturday night sleepover. She had a blast and didn't think to miss us, but I think she was glad that she decided to bring Allie and Ellie after all. She and her BFF, coincidentally, have stuffed animals named after one another. I think that's sweet.
SNL. I think it's finally got its groove back.
Allowing myself a couple hours to watch a movie one morning this week. It was an entertaining diversion and I was extra inspired to be productive the rest of the day.
Clean closets. I did the first sweep. There will be at least one more.
Gooey grilled cheese sandwiches with regular American cheese on good sourdough bread.
T. Bone's choir concert this week. They really rocked it. I got chills during a few of the lines they sang from Home. They also sang Dust in the Wind and Joy to the World. I doubt they know who Dylan or Three Dog Night are, but the audience of parents and grandparents was certainly nostalgic. When he came home inspired, he got right on his guitar to practice.
The Big Chill. I've got to see that again.
Coach is enjoying a guy's weekend in the north woods.
Miss Bit is completely engrossed in The Hunger Games right now. She started reading a classmate's copy at school last week. I relented and picked it up from the library for her. I haven't read it, but Coach has and thought it was ok. Plus she's seen the movie. But still I worry. Now she wants a bow and arrow for Christmas.
I woke up to snow flurries this morning. It made me feel happy.
I am going to decorate my dining room tree tomorrow. It's the one on which I display all my Mom's ornaments so it's a little emotional for me. I have a chat with her while I trim away, and I'm in need of a mother daughter heart to heart.
The sirens that sent us to the basement Sunday morning did not announce any tornadoes. Not here anyhow. My heart is heavy for our neighbors to the south who were not so lucky.
Finally starting to feel some Christmas spirit. I heard a holiday commercial jingle the other day and was forced out of denial. It is mid November and the holidays are fast approaching. I have been resisting not in a bah humbug way, but more of a I don't want it to come and be over way. I'm an anticipation junkie.
Christmas music...the first step.
I spent most of Sunday in bed. It was stormy and we were all tired from weekend sleepovers and late night parties so it was a perfect day to cozy in with my cats, books and glut of recorded shows. I was guilt ridden, but happily so. I rose only to go to my in laws and then cozy into their couch for football and then family dinner.
Miss Bit didn't even call home from her Saturday night sleepover. She had a blast and didn't think to miss us, but I think she was glad that she decided to bring Allie and Ellie after all. She and her BFF, coincidentally, have stuffed animals named after one another. I think that's sweet.
SNL. I think it's finally got its groove back.
Allowing myself a couple hours to watch a movie one morning this week. It was an entertaining diversion and I was extra inspired to be productive the rest of the day.
Clean closets. I did the first sweep. There will be at least one more.
Gooey grilled cheese sandwiches with regular American cheese on good sourdough bread.
T. Bone's choir concert this week. They really rocked it. I got chills during a few of the lines they sang from Home. They also sang Dust in the Wind and Joy to the World. I doubt they know who Dylan or Three Dog Night are, but the audience of parents and grandparents was certainly nostalgic. When he came home inspired, he got right on his guitar to practice.
The Big Chill. I've got to see that again.
Coach is enjoying a guy's weekend in the north woods.
Miss Bit is completely engrossed in The Hunger Games right now. She started reading a classmate's copy at school last week. I relented and picked it up from the library for her. I haven't read it, but Coach has and thought it was ok. Plus she's seen the movie. But still I worry. Now she wants a bow and arrow for Christmas.
I woke up to snow flurries this morning. It made me feel happy.
I am going to decorate my dining room tree tomorrow. It's the one on which I display all my Mom's ornaments so it's a little emotional for me. I have a chat with her while I trim away, and I'm in need of a mother daughter heart to heart.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Dear Teddy and Lily,
• Speak smartly. Never underestimate the seductive power of a decent vocabulary or the impressive power of good grammar.
• Don’t swear: it makes you sound uneducated and bitter. There are many more intelligent, descriptive, expressive words than the 4 letter variety. Please use them.
• No put downs. We rise by lifting others.
• Be kind. We are all just walking each other home. (Ram Dass)
• Have fun. Explore. Create. Taking time to live life and have rich experiences will only inspire your work.
• Be nice to yourself. Value your mind, body and spirit. The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others. You teach people how to treat you.
• Be nice to others. The world is a small town.
• Ask questions. Don’t believe everything you hear (especially on the Internet).
• Keep an open mind. Don’t believe everything you think.
• Listen. Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.
• Think you can like the Little Engine That Could. Optimism is the very foundation of courage.
• Don’t gossip. Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people. (Eleanor Roosevelt) Be great.
• Read every day. Everything. Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are. Books expand our horizons and our minds.
• Be open to new experiences, places, people, foods, ideas. It is when we step outside of our comfort zones that we grow.
• Remember you have choices. One of the hardest parts of life is deciding whether to walk away from relationships, tasks, trials, dreams or goals, or try harder.
• Choose carefully. You become like the 5 people you spend the most time with, and what you do every day matters much more than what you do every once in awhile.
• Disagree, disapprove, dislike, but do not hate. Hate. It has caused a lot of problems in this world, but it has not solved one yet. (Maya Angelou)
• Forgive yourself. Forgive others. We all make mistakes. Carrying a grudge holds you back...down.
• Don’t worry. Worrying is like praying for what you don’t want.
• Find the good or interesting in everyone you encounter. Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t. (Bill Nye) Let them be a lesson or a blessing.
• Be thoughtful and have a warm heart. People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. (Maya Angelou)
• Steer clear of envy. Comparison is the thief of joy. (Theodore Roosevelt) Jealousy is an ugly sin.
• Be realistic. Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.
• Be a voice not an echo. Be a leader not a lemming. Blaze your own trails. Stand up for yourself and others. Be uniquely you.
• Walk away and say no from time to time. You don’t have to attend every argument or party you’re invited to, or share all you know or think.
• Make your own fun. Only boring people are bored.
• Be.Here.Now. Live all the moments of your life. The present is our greatest gift.
Love,
Your Mom who must be reminded daily to live by these very rules.
• Don’t swear: it makes you sound uneducated and bitter. There are many more intelligent, descriptive, expressive words than the 4 letter variety. Please use them.
• No put downs. We rise by lifting others.
• Be kind. We are all just walking each other home. (Ram Dass)
• Have fun. Explore. Create. Taking time to live life and have rich experiences will only inspire your work.
• Be nice to yourself. Value your mind, body and spirit. The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others. You teach people how to treat you.
• Be nice to others. The world is a small town.
• Ask questions. Don’t believe everything you hear (especially on the Internet).
• Keep an open mind. Don’t believe everything you think.
• Listen. Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.
• Think you can like the Little Engine That Could. Optimism is the very foundation of courage.
• Don’t gossip. Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people. (Eleanor Roosevelt) Be great.
• Read every day. Everything. Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are. Books expand our horizons and our minds.
• Be open to new experiences, places, people, foods, ideas. It is when we step outside of our comfort zones that we grow.
• Remember you have choices. One of the hardest parts of life is deciding whether to walk away from relationships, tasks, trials, dreams or goals, or try harder.
• Choose carefully. You become like the 5 people you spend the most time with, and what you do every day matters much more than what you do every once in awhile.
• Disagree, disapprove, dislike, but do not hate. Hate. It has caused a lot of problems in this world, but it has not solved one yet. (Maya Angelou)
• Forgive yourself. Forgive others. We all make mistakes. Carrying a grudge holds you back...down.
• Don’t worry. Worrying is like praying for what you don’t want.
• Find the good or interesting in everyone you encounter. Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t. (Bill Nye) Let them be a lesson or a blessing.
• Be thoughtful and have a warm heart. People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. (Maya Angelou)
• Steer clear of envy. Comparison is the thief of joy. (Theodore Roosevelt) Jealousy is an ugly sin.
• Be realistic. Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.
• Be a voice not an echo. Be a leader not a lemming. Blaze your own trails. Stand up for yourself and others. Be uniquely you.
• Walk away and say no from time to time. You don’t have to attend every argument or party you’re invited to, or share all you know or think.
• Make your own fun. Only boring people are bored.
• Be.Here.Now. Live all the moments of your life. The present is our greatest gift.
Love,
Your Mom who must be reminded daily to live by these very rules.
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