This morning, I sat outside in my little backyard patio, ate a snack, and hung out with my cat, and took in the sun. I’m trying to soak up as much of these waning days of summer as I can.
I just observed the sunset reflected in various types of clouds, at various altitudes from the NW horizon to the SE and the Sangre de Cristo range and the rising half-moon. Wearing just a light overshirt. Yes Charlie, the waning days of summer.
Just engage in it with awe.
I will read your comments this coming week but probably not post. I am taking a week away from medical issues, and some routines.
Be well
I went on a 3.5 mile hike near the ocean in Massachusetts. It was a clear blue sunny day with leaves just starting to change color. Many furns were already changing. There were many Osprey and Egrets on our walk. 🌞🍂
One of the first things I do in the morning
is to look out of the window
beside my bed . . .
some days the sun is rising,
all pink and gold,
some days the skies are grey
with rain beating against the window panes.
And some days there is white sky
filled with snow . . .
those days
will be here soon enough.
The weather
doesn’t tell me how grateful I will be
today,
for I am almost always happy
to see that I have woken up here
another day.
It is up to me
to be as grateful
(or not)
as I choose to be . . .
the day
works out so much better
when I choose gratitude.
Just being alive is enough . . .
feeling my heart beat,
hearing my breath,
holding the warmth of my living body
close.
I am under no illusions
that this is true for everyone . . .
there are those who cannot breathe well on their own,
those who can’t feel
or move their own bodies
or touch their skin–
can’t hear,
can’t see,
can’t talk,
can’t eat on their own.
Those who are prisoners
of their own infirmities.
Some of these people though,
are the most grateful people I know,
who celebrate that realization
that they live,
and they have a strength within them
that carries them above debility
and into an acceptance
I can only hope to achieve,
that shines out from their
beautiful souls.
I remind myself of this
when I complain about my sore knees ,
or my dry throat.
At least I can get myself a drink. ♥
After some time spent with working through some difficult aspects in my life, I am happy to be able to join in again. Being alive and to celebrate it with you all here and with all dear ones in my life is a gift of sorts. With deep gratefulness to all who were so kind to accompany me in this difficult journey and to help onward whereever possible. Without you all concerned, I would have never been able to transform what was deeply hurt and unseen. Your light, your trust and faith was helping me a lot and opened the door for change. In letting go of expectations, of fears, and to overcome fixed negative perspectives, alongside with some new beginning more into the direction of living shared values and possible gifts I may be able to contribute for the sake of all. I feel deeply supported and loved. May peace be with you all, dear friends. Thank you deeply, from my heart.
Ose, I’m glad you’ve come out of there on the other side. Having a support system goes a long ways. Since you mentioned a new beginning, I’m heading there now as my recording with Martin went well this afternoon from my answer this morning. Just to refresh, since I haven’t talked about Paw Mu much, she’s the strong strict caring Traditional collective Asian female friend I met at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind School known to tell it like it is on the spot. She’s like a big sister figure back in the day, especially with that stronger voice and shorter hair.
“Loc Gets Straight to the Point” and Paw Mu’s collective system run opposites of each other. As the former heads into falling action, the ladder heads into rising action.
I have thought of you often,
dear Ose,
and so very happy to see your name here . . .
grateful
that you have come through your recent travails
and can once again
share your wisdom
and your reflections on grace and gratitude
with love . . . ♥
I can take time to go for a walk, even though it’s a very windy day. I can be grateful for my ability to do this. It will ‘blow out the cobwebs’, as my beloved Mum would have said.
I can phone my Dad and be truly present for our conversation, and genuinely interested in what’s going on for him. I can be grateful for our relationship and the ability to connect this way.
I didn’t wake up feeling like it is a celebrate life kind of day. Thank you for this question.
This question points to all the ways I can bring mindfulness to my Saturday plans.
I’ll spend time today making sourdough bread, which relies on the life within the spores. I use heirloom wheat, grown and ground not that far from where I live, and appreciate how much I’m able to eat locally.
I’ll be in the garden picking raspberries and tomatoes, maybe mint to dry for tea, inspired by James Crews’ new poem “Gathering Mint”.
I plan to do yoga, which brings me into my body and settles my mind.
I’ll eat bran muffins I baked a couple of days ago with some of my good jam and savor the flavors, textures, and aromas, butter melting into the hot surface of the muffin and jam bringing sweet reward for my work in growing, picking, cooking and canning.
As I take a hot shower I’ll appreciate all the systems that make that possible.
I’ll talk with my oldest daughter and appreciate our closeness.
Every day brings the gifts of being alive, another reason to celebrate.
Gathering Mint
I was kneeling on the earth
picking peppermint leaves for tea—
clean, green scent leaping up
to meet me—when a bumblebee
briefly landed on a pale pink blossom
just long enough for me to wonder
at the droning Om of his speech.
You are endangered, I did not think
or say to him as he brushed my arm.
I am mortal, I did not think
or say to myself, though the signs
were all there: in each creaky knee,
in the little sigh that escaped
when I rose, bearing my handful
of gathered mint like a chalice
back to the house, the bee still
seeking his own treasure in the garden,
veering around shriveled tomatoes
and echinacea—like us, always
moving between bloom and ruin.
https://substack.com/@jamescrews/p-216280950. It’s worth subscribing to his Substack to get his new poems, his thoughts on what inspired him to write that poem, and his invitations to writing and reflection. The one that accompanies this poem fits today’s question.
Invitation for Writing & Reflection: Find some way to ground yourself in the actual world in the coming days, then describe the act using specific, sensory details. How do you move between bloom and ruin, continuing the work of staying alive even in a time of threat?
”How do you move between bloom and ruin, continuing the work of staying alive even in a time of threat?”
I’ve struggled with this
ever since I was a child,
as I was raised in a home
that did not flinch from want and need,
dear Barb,
and still do
to this day.
I saw that
in James Crews’ poem . . .
thank you for introducing him to me.
I will learn more. ♥
I can celebrate the gift of being alive today by giving thanks for all that this day presents,
and staying in the present to experience it all.
Enjoy this last weekend of summer everyone.
It’s a very rainy one where I live.🌧️🌧️🌧️
🕊️❤️
What a beautiful country you live in,
dear Misty! ♥
3
Carol Ann Conner
4 weeks ago
By being present to the gift that is today! I’ve heard several people credited with the following quote: “The past is history, The future is mystery but today is the gift. That’s why we call it the present.”
I’ll visit the housing apartment for elderly social activities with joy and love for the residents. I truly hope that they enjoy our time, too. Happy Saturday, everyone!
I can celebrate by remaining aware as I go thru my day. I’m about to take the dogs for a walk in the neighborhood. I’m also planning on pulling my surfboards out to reattach their fins so that I can be ready to go surfing soon. I will be most grateful to get that done! Surf or no surf, we will get out to the beach today and soak up some salty air and all of the blessings of our life. While there is still plenty to do at the new house, it’s also important to take a break!
Go see the fall colors in the high country. The trees are changing early this year, and I think this is the last weekend to see them in their full glory.
I will be enjoying time with family – tomorrow is my son’s 37th birthday. His girlfriend is hosting later this afternoon. My daughter, who now lives with my dad, will drive them both over there – he is happy about that. I am also going to be mowing the lawn in a bit, so some morning exercise for my body and I love how the yard looks after mowing.
Have a good weekend everyone 🙂
Thank you everyone – we had a really nice time. His gf, Erin, made delicious ham and cheese sliders, I had made broccoli salad. We had the best froyo cake – a ‘shark’ cake that was hilarious and delicious – bottom layer was yellow cake, then both vanilla and chocolate frozen yogurt, middle layers had caramel and pieces of heath bar candies – was outstanding.
if you want to see what it looked like, do a search for ‘menchies shark cake’
I will be enjoying family time today, too.
My brother & his wife will pick me up shortly & drive a couple of hours to a Jersey beach. Other family will join us there. While a emerging health issues challenge me now, I am inspired by this gratefulness community to lean into today, grateful to be alive & cared about by those who love me. May I return that 💓 in an attitude of gratitude for all. Blessings, friends.
My one daughter is also down at a NJ Beach – Ocean City for a few days – she already snapped boardwalk pizza that had me drooling! God I miss Boardwalk pizza, and fudge too.
By being present to everyone I encounter today. Allowing them to be the Divine expression. I can do this by smiling, listening, and being gentle. Have a beautiful day today!
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
This morning, I sat outside in my little backyard patio, ate a snack, and hung out with my cat, and took in the sun. I’m trying to soak up as much of these waning days of summer as I can.
I just observed the sunset reflected in various types of clouds, at various altitudes from the NW horizon to the SE and the Sangre de Cristo range and the rising half-moon. Wearing just a light overshirt. Yes Charlie, the waning days of summer.
Just engage in it with awe.
I will read your comments this coming week but probably not post. I am taking a week away from medical issues, and some routines.
Be well
Be well & Take care.
May you be well,
dear Yram . . .
we will miss you. ((( ♥ )))
Thank you for letting us know Yram – sending healing energy your way 🙂
Best to you, Yram.🍁
Thank you dear Yram.
I went on a 3.5 mile hike near the ocean in Massachusetts. It was a clear blue sunny day with leaves just starting to change color. Many furns were already changing. There were many Osprey and Egrets on our walk. 🌞🍂
One of the first things I do in the morning
is to look out of the window
beside my bed . . .
some days the sun is rising,
all pink and gold,
some days the skies are grey
with rain beating against the window panes.
And some days there is white sky
filled with snow . . .
those days
will be here soon enough.
The weather
doesn’t tell me how grateful I will be
today,
for I am almost always happy
to see that I have woken up here
another day.
It is up to me
to be as grateful
(or not)
as I choose to be . . .
the day
works out so much better
when I choose gratitude.
Just being alive is enough . . .
feeling my heart beat,
hearing my breath,
holding the warmth of my living body
close.
I am under no illusions
that this is true for everyone . . .
there are those who cannot breathe well on their own,
those who can’t feel
or move their own bodies
or touch their skin–
can’t hear,
can’t see,
can’t talk,
can’t eat on their own.
Those who are prisoners
of their own infirmities.
Some of these people though,
are the most grateful people I know,
who celebrate that realization
that they live,
and they have a strength within them
that carries them above debility
and into an acceptance
I can only hope to achieve,
that shines out from their
beautiful souls.
I remind myself of this
when I complain about my sore knees ,
or my dry throat.
At least I can get myself a drink. ♥
🙏
Sparrow, life is like the weather. It’s up to us on how we choose to approach it.
So true Loc Tran.
After some time spent with working through some difficult aspects in my life, I am happy to be able to join in again. Being alive and to celebrate it with you all here and with all dear ones in my life is a gift of sorts. With deep gratefulness to all who were so kind to accompany me in this difficult journey and to help onward whereever possible. Without you all concerned, I would have never been able to transform what was deeply hurt and unseen. Your light, your trust and faith was helping me a lot and opened the door for change. In letting go of expectations, of fears, and to overcome fixed negative perspectives, alongside with some new beginning more into the direction of living shared values and possible gifts I may be able to contribute for the sake of all. I feel deeply supported and loved. May peace be with you all, dear friends. Thank you deeply, from my heart.
Glad to see you here again, Ose, and that it sounds as if you have reached a new place in your heart’s journey.
Nice to see you back Ose.
Blessings & love to you.❤️
Welcome back Ose – you have been missed.
Continued blessings on your journey, Ose.🍁
Welcome back, Ose 🌺
I am glad for us and glad for you dear Ose.
I makes me happy to see you here again.
Welcome back.
💕Glad to hear that things are going better for you. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and glad you were here for support
Ose, I’m glad you’ve come out of there on the other side. Having a support system goes a long ways. Since you mentioned a new beginning, I’m heading there now as my recording with Martin went well this afternoon from my answer this morning. Just to refresh, since I haven’t talked about Paw Mu much, she’s the strong strict caring Traditional collective Asian female friend I met at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind School known to tell it like it is on the spot. She’s like a big sister figure back in the day, especially with that stronger voice and shorter hair.
“Loc Gets Straight to the Point” and Paw Mu’s collective system run opposites of each other. As the former heads into falling action, the ladder heads into rising action.
I have thought of you often,
dear Ose,
and so very happy to see your name here . . .
grateful
that you have come through your recent travails
and can once again
share your wisdom
and your reflections on grace and gratitude
with love . . . ♥
I can take time to go for a walk, even though it’s a very windy day. I can be grateful for my ability to do this. It will ‘blow out the cobwebs’, as my beloved Mum would have said.
I can phone my Dad and be truly present for our conversation, and genuinely interested in what’s going on for him. I can be grateful for our relationship and the ability to connect this way.
I didn’t wake up feeling like it is a celebrate life kind of day. Thank you for this question.
This question points to all the ways I can bring mindfulness to my Saturday plans.
I’ll spend time today making sourdough bread, which relies on the life within the spores. I use heirloom wheat, grown and ground not that far from where I live, and appreciate how much I’m able to eat locally.
I’ll be in the garden picking raspberries and tomatoes, maybe mint to dry for tea, inspired by James Crews’ new poem “Gathering Mint”.
I plan to do yoga, which brings me into my body and settles my mind.
I’ll eat bran muffins I baked a couple of days ago with some of my good jam and savor the flavors, textures, and aromas, butter melting into the hot surface of the muffin and jam bringing sweet reward for my work in growing, picking, cooking and canning.
As I take a hot shower I’ll appreciate all the systems that make that possible.
I’ll talk with my oldest daughter and appreciate our closeness.
Every day brings the gifts of being alive, another reason to celebrate.
Gathering Mint
I was kneeling on the earth
picking peppermint leaves for tea—
clean, green scent leaping up
to meet me—when a bumblebee
briefly landed on a pale pink blossom
just long enough for me to wonder
at the droning Om of his speech.
You are endangered, I did not think
or say to him as he brushed my arm.
I am mortal, I did not think
or say to myself, though the signs
were all there: in each creaky knee,
in the little sigh that escaped
when I rose, bearing my handful
of gathered mint like a chalice
back to the house, the bee still
seeking his own treasure in the garden,
veering around shriveled tomatoes
and echinacea—like us, always
moving between bloom and ruin.
https://substack.com/@jamescrews/p-216280950. It’s worth subscribing to his Substack to get his new poems, his thoughts on what inspired him to write that poem, and his invitations to writing and reflection. The one that accompanies this poem fits today’s question.
Invitation for Writing & Reflection: Find some way to ground yourself in the actual world in the coming days, then describe the act using specific, sensory details. How do you move between bloom and ruin, continuing the work of staying alive even in a time of threat?
”How do you move between bloom and ruin, continuing the work of staying alive even in a time of threat?”
I’ve struggled with this
ever since I was a child,
as I was raised in a home
that did not flinch from want and need,
dear Barb,
and still do
to this day.
I saw that
in James Crews’ poem . . .
thank you for introducing him to me.
I will learn more. ♥
I enjoyed this, Barb.
I can celebrate the gift of being alive today by giving thanks for all that this day presents,
and staying in the present to experience it all.
Enjoy this last weekend of summer everyone.
It’s a very rainy one where I live.🌧️🌧️🌧️
🕊️❤️
Agua es Vida
May you stay dry and safe, PKR.
Spring is springing on this side of the world!
what side of the world may I ask?
The Southern Hemisphere. In my case, Aotearoa – New Zealand.
What a beautiful country you live in,
dear Misty! ♥
By being present to the gift that is today! I’ve heard several people credited with the following quote: “The past is history, The future is mystery but today is the gift. That’s why we call it the present.”
I’ll visit the housing apartment for elderly social activities with joy and love for the residents. I truly hope that they enjoy our time, too. Happy Saturday, everyone!
I can celebrate by remaining aware as I go thru my day. I’m about to take the dogs for a walk in the neighborhood. I’m also planning on pulling my surfboards out to reattach their fins so that I can be ready to go surfing soon. I will be most grateful to get that done! Surf or no surf, we will get out to the beach today and soak up some salty air and all of the blessings of our life. While there is still plenty to do at the new house, it’s also important to take a break!
Go see the fall colors in the high country. The trees are changing early this year, and I think this is the last weekend to see them in their full glory.
I’ll be on a family trip to Montreal and Quebec Oct. 2-13. I’m hoping some fall glory will still be there to see.
I’m doing my annual fall trip to PA 10.6 – 10.11 and I’m excited for ‘some fall glory’ too and a change in weather from the hot humid Fl weather.
Oh, those trips sound beautiful and so seasonal.
It’s getting to that time of year in the Twin Cities as well.
Today is my “Loc Gets Straight to the Point” recording with Martin.
I will be enjoying time with family – tomorrow is my son’s 37th birthday. His girlfriend is hosting later this afternoon. My daughter, who now lives with my dad, will drive them both over there – he is happy about that. I am also going to be mowing the lawn in a bit, so some morning exercise for my body and I love how the yard looks after mowing.
Have a good weekend everyone 🙂
https://nationaltoday.com/today/
Thank you everyone – we had a really nice time. His gf, Erin, made delicious ham and cheese sliders, I had made broccoli salad. We had the best froyo cake – a ‘shark’ cake that was hilarious and delicious – bottom layer was yellow cake, then both vanilla and chocolate frozen yogurt, middle layers had caramel and pieces of heath bar candies – was outstanding.
if you want to see what it looked like, do a search for ‘menchies shark cake’
It also smells nice.
Mowing will be happening here too,
dear Michele,
along with the satisfaction
of a job well done.
Wishing your son
a very happy birthday. ♥
Happy birthday to your son, Michele!
I will be enjoying family time today, too.
My brother & his wife will pick me up shortly & drive a couple of hours to a Jersey beach. Other family will join us there. While a emerging health issues challenge me now, I am inspired by this gratefulness community to lean into today, grateful to be alive & cared about by those who love me. May I return that 💓 in an attitude of gratitude for all. Blessings, friends.
My one daughter is also down at a NJ Beach – Ocean City for a few days – she already snapped boardwalk pizza that had me drooling! God I miss Boardwalk pizza, and fudge too.
May the beach refresh you Josie.
Hope your health issues subside soon!
Enjoy your beach day, Josie!
By being present to everyone I encounter today. Allowing them to be the Divine expression. I can do this by smiling, listening, and being gentle. Have a beautiful day today!
You too Avril!