My 2015 Resolutions

I've finished planning my 2015 resolutions!   I mentioned how I went about it this year in this earlier post.   I'm taking a new approach, and am trying to make resolutions that will help me feel the way I want to feel this year, rather than being a list of habits to break or places to visit or pounds to lose.  I'm going to post the list here, and then make weekly updates to hold myself accountable and stay on track.  I hope you'll join me each week!   

Gratitude - Day 363-364 - Dec 29-30, 2014

All our family visitors have gone home. The kitchen has been emptied of sweet treats that were delicious but too tempting for my own good. The laundry is busy washing towels and sheets, and the wrapping paper and glitter and cookie crumbs have been vacuumed up.   The house looks neat again. 

Creating My List of Resolutions

As we approach the end of the Christmas season and head into 2015, it's time for a little reflection.   A look back and a look ahead.  Normally I don't really make a list of "New Year's Resolutions" per se, but for some reason, this year I'm feeling a real and urgent need to set some direction for myself in the coming year.   I don't know why.  But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that I need to listen when my heart is telling me something.  And right now, it's definitely telling me to get myself organized for 2015.

I've had two major influences this year for how I'm going to approach my resolutions.   One comes from the Desire Map concept, originated by Danielle LaPorte.   I'm intrigued by the concept of making plans based on How I Want To Feel, rather than what I want to accomplish.   I want my life to  feel good, not be a list of things to do or stuff to accumulate.  I've been mulling over the last few weeks, thinking about what feelings I experience now that I want to keep experiencing, and what feelings I don't yet experience but want to.    It's been in the back of my mind for a while now.

The other influence is Mavis Butterfield's 2014 project where she came up with a list of 12 things she wanted to accomplish in the new year, and then she posted weekly about her progress against that list.    I like the idea of publishing my list, and reporting weekly on my progress.  Not because I have anything to prove to anyone, but because getting into a regular practice of reviewing my resolutions will undoubtedly keep me more faithful to the list than if I just declare it in January and never return to it again.  I like the idea of a regular check-in, and publishing it on the blog makes it more real and more official, somehow.

Right now I'm working on creating my list.  Here's my process:

1.  I created five categories:    Self, Family, Home, Friends/Community, and Sweet Adelines.     I wrote them all down on a sheet of paper, leaving lots of room for brainstorming under each category.

2.   For each of those categories, I'm writing down how I want to feel this year within that category.   For example, under the "Family" category, I want to feel Loved/Loving, Connected, Fun, Supportive. Under the "Sweet Adelines" category, I want to feel Artistic, Invigorated, Challenged, Creative, Fun.  And so on, for each of the categories.  There's no right or wrong answer here.  There can be overlap between the categories - you'll see "fun" show up on almost all of my category lists.  

3.   Next, I'm brainstorming.   I am listing what kinds of things I can do so that I can end up feeling the way I want to feel.    This step is a true brainstorm - no judgment or evaluation of the ideas yet, just list anything that comes to mind that could contribute to the feelings I'm seeking.   For example, under the Sweet Adelines category, if I want to feel Challenged, then I could take vocal lessons, try new kinds of music, take on a more active coaching role, etc.   I'm making a big, long list of ideas, and really putting some "crazy" ideas down that will stretch me and put me a little bit out of my comfort zone.

4.  Next, I'm rearranging, organizing, and prioritizing the list of things to do.   This is the step I'm at right now.  I've got way more ideas listed than I'll realistically be able to do, mainly due to time and money limitations.   So I have to make some choices about which ones will be most likely to help me get to those feel-good feelings I'm looking for.  What do I really want out of my 2015?   What things will really help me get there?   I'm paring down my list, choosing things that might cross categories, choosing things that will stretch me, or will most likely satisfy my wishes for feeling good.

5.  Next, (when I'm done with step 4), I'll make my list of Resolutions, and publish them here.   I'll do a weekly check-in here too.  I'm committing to myself to not lose sight of my goals, to give myself the gift of follow-through.   I'll have the weekly chance to evaluate and re-evaluate, and if things aren't working I'll be able to change things up to get back on track.


I'm in the middle of Step 3 and Step 4 right now.   In the next day or two, I hope to have this process complete, and ready to publish.

This is by far the most thorough and involved New Year's Resolution activity I've ever completed.   It sounds like over-kill maybe.   Too structured?  Too intense?    I don't know.   Maybe.  But maybe it's just what I need right now.   I'll give it a go, and check in later to see how it feels.

How about you?  Are you making any resolutions for 2015?  Or do you swear off resolutions?  Are you doing something else to guide your path through the coming months?  I'd love to hear about it.  Please do drop a message in the comments, let's chat!

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The Hankful House - Get Your DIY On

Gratitude - Day 360-362 - Dec 26-28, 2014

We've been spending the last few days just hanging out with our grown kids, our future daughter-in-law, and my husband's father, and it's been wonderful.  

The Work of Christmas Lies Before Us

Advent 2014 - Christmas Day - Celebration

"As we find ourselves wrapped in the season of wonder and light, the astonishment that is life ignites our spirits, and we feel, if merely for a moment, that we are as we were meant to be.

"May we hold fast to this sliver of mystery, this truth upon which we set the whole of who we are. May we call ourselves back to it time and again, until we are filled with the wonder that is our life– its hope, its peace, its joy, its love. Infused, then, with all that we are, may our energies be given to the transformation of this world–from despair into hope; from darkness into light; from fear into love. May we be bold. May we be daring. May we be love."

by Greta Vosper

Gratitude - Day 357-359 - Dec 23-25, 2014

Amidst the busyness of this holiday, the noisiness of the gathered family, the continuous dishwashing and cookie decorating, the bits of wrapping paper and ribbon, I'm so grateful for all of my blessings.

Gratitude - Days 355-356 - Dec 21-22, 2014

I've been enjoying the last few days and reflecting on how our Christmas this year is different than years past.   We're all older, there are no young kids who are bouncing with excitement of the season.  No school concerts, no scouts or church youth parties, no trips to Toys R Us for us this year.  

Advent 2014 - Week 4 - Love

"As this season of sparkle and bright unfolds around us the welcome beauty of love is found, woven into the simplicity of every moment. 

"May love flow from our hearts with abundance filling every moment with the season’s gifts of hope and peace and joy. May it be shared truly and deeply that all who encounter it?be charged with its message and become, themselves, the agents of love. And may our children, who love without reckoning, teach us the truth of this most precious gift–we are nothing without each other. Let us live, then, in the blessing of love."

by Greta Vosper

Gratitude - Day 354 - Dec 20, 2014

Today was an excellent day, one of those days where everything just falls into place nicely.  I got great news about my friend's recovery process from her brain tumor surgery.  My daughter is here for winter break.  My father in law arrived for the Christmas holiday.  My husband is recovering from his flu bug.  I had a great chat with my mom.  I got a lot of Christmas gift and candy preparations taken care of. 

Gratitude - Day 353 - Dec 19, 2014

My girl is home for Christmas, and that makes me one happy mama!

Gratitude - Day 352 - Dec 18, 2014

Warm home.   Plenty of clothes.   Gas in my car.  My car.  Food in the fridge.  Access to excellent health care.  Family members who love me, and to love in return.  Friends to share fun times and special memories.   

A Little Bit Of Winter Cleanup

I took an hour or so this morning to get out into the yard.   It's one of the great things about living in the warmer southern climate - there's good weather for gardening almost all year long!

I've had a large box of daffodil and other spring bulbs in my back porch for a couple months now, awaiting time and energy to get them planted.  Well, today I put a huge chunk of them into the ground, and did some general yard cleanup while I was at it.

Advent 2014 - Week 3 - Joy

"As this season of “sparkle and bright” unfolds around us the transforming wonders of joy await discovery like shimmering sugar crystals on a favourite treat. 

"May we create joy in all our surroundings as we share gifts, meals, and simple pleasures with family and friends. May the easy gift of a smile bring the power of joy’s touch to those we meet through these busy days. And may we experience the joy of this season as though with the eyes and hearts of children that we might be transfixed by power of what could be."

by Greta Vosper

Christmas at Walt Disney World

My husband and I just returned from a wonderful four night, five day vacation at our favorite place, Walt Disney World.  We've been there a lot of times, but never at Christmas.  Being the big Disney fans that we are, it's been dream of mine for a long time to visit during the holiday season to see all the decorations.  So this trip was really a dream come true!

Gratitude - Day 351 - Dec 17, 2014

I'm thinking today of my friend who recently was diagnosed with three cancerous tumors, including one on her brain.   She had surgery a week ago to remove the brain tumor and has been recovering since then.   Now she's moving to a rehab center to do some occupational therapy, because even though the surgery went well, it turns out of course that you can't really just cut a tumor off of your brain with no side effects.  Her body is missing some of those brain cells and needs to re-learn some things, like how to keep her right arm from floating around randomly in space, and how to walk steadily, and how to keep track of time, how to read her Facebook timeline.   You know, the important things in life.

Gratitude- Day 346-350 - Dec 12-16, 2014

I spent these days in Walt Disney World with my dear husband, and it was a wonderful trip!   We enjoyed a slow pace, no rushing allowed.  We took in all the beautiful sights of the Christmas decorations that are everywhere, and we enjoyed special holiday attractions and events, and of course lots of delicious foods at new-to-us restaurants and some tried and true favorite places.

Gratitude - Day 343-345 - Dec 9-11, 2014

I've been busy these last few days, all in a good way.

2014 Christmas Home Tour

Welcome to the Harris Home!

Cozy and Comfy Christmas in the Study

Welcome to the coziest room in the house! 

Gratitude - Day 342 - Dec 8, 2014

I'm thankful today for a friend who always makes me smile and who has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know.   

I'm not at all thankful for the horrible diagnosis of Stage IV cancer that she received last night.

Christmas in the Living Room

Welcome to our living room at Christmas time!

Advent 2014 - Week 2 - Peace

"As this season of “sparkle and bright” unfolds around us, the silent prayers of peace lie like stars hidden in a clouded night. 

"May we inspire the world with peace. May we touch it to our lives that in every place of stress, frustration, or fear, we might feel the presence of peace easing our hearts and transforming our lives. And may we share the its healing power with our children, that they might become the inspiration through which peace makes its way to a new yet-dreamt-of world."

by Greta Vosper

Gratitude - Day 341 - Dec 7, 2014

I had a chance this weekend to rehearse with my quartet and sing at a Christmas party this afternoon. The weekend was a quickie trip up to Baltimore - I left home on Friday 4pm and arrived back home tonight at 10pm.  But it was just right.

Gratitude - Day 339-340 - Dec 5-6, 2014

Another couple of days, and another string of sorrowful news.   Friends whose family members are suffering from cancer.  Friends who experience horrific medical issues.   

When will it end?   Why so much suffering?

I must take this time to reflect on my many blessings, and enjoy every single moment of this life.  It's so fragile.  

So thankful today in the midst of this sorrow.

______________________

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Christmas Village Display

Our Christmas Village display is up!

Gratitude - Day 337-338 - Dec 3-4, 2014

Do you ever stop to think about how joy and sorrow coexist in the same world?   It's probably the most fundamental dichotomy in life.  How can celebration and despair exist in the same space?   In the same moment?

White, Gold and Green Christmas Tree

I'm excited to share one of our Christmas trees today.  This tree is in the Bonus Room which is a large TV room above our garage.  This is an "extra" tree - Santa will visit a different one in the living room, so this one is just for my own creative enjoyment.  :-)

Gratitude - Day 336 - Dec 2, 2014

Today was another good day.  OK, pretty much all the days are good days, aren't they?

Gratitude - Day 335 - Dec 1, 2014

I'm grateful for the arrival of December.

This song perfectly sums up the reasons why.

Advent 2014 - Week 1 - Hope

"As this season of “sparkle and bright” unfolds before us, the glimmering promises of hope lie like boxed jewels awaiting an adoring light. 

"May we hold fast to hope’s patient possibilities. May we lift them high that they might catch the light of our dreams and shine bright in our broken world.And may we instil hope’s challenge in the hearts of our children that they, too, will live it into meaning–pouring their lives, as we do ours, into making it real–for themselves, for each other, for the world.

by Gretta Vosper

Gratitude - Day 334 - Nov 30, 2014

We made great progress today on our Christmas decorating.

Decorating the Family Tree Christmas Tree

This year, I have put together a "Family Tree" themed Christmas tree.   I'd like to show you how it came together.

Gratitude - Day 333 - Nov 29, 2014

I spent the day today at home with my family and my Christmas decorating projects.  

Family Photo Ornaments

Today I'm sharing a fun and easy craft project that turns any photo into a cute Christmas tree ornament.  

Thanksgiving Table 2014

Though the holiday has just passed, I thought I'd share our very simple Thanksgiving table setting this year.  

Gratitude - Day 332 - Nov 28, 2014

This time of year I just revel in the feelings of home and family.   

Gratitude - Day 330-331 - Nov 26-27, 2014

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Christmas Console

Let the Christmas decorating begin!

Gratitude - Day 329 - Nov 25, 2014

This week the holiday season begins in earnest in our home, as we celebrate Thanksgiving together on Thursday.

Gratitude - Day 328 - Nov 24, 2014

I spent my day today looking at family photos, and creating ornaments for a "family tree" Christmas tree.  I really enjoyed the project, and am grateful for it.

Gratitude - Day 327 - Nov 23, 2014

Lots going on here at home today, and for that I'm grateful

Gratitude - Day 326 - Nov 22, 2014

Grateful for friends, old and new.

Gratitude - Day 325 - Nov 21, 2014

Back at home, back in my familiar spaces, back in my routine.

Gratitude - Day 324 - Nov 20, 2014

I finished up my visit with my mom today, and had the chance to stop by and see two of my sisters for brief visits as well, before I headed home.   I'm grateful for this trip - we all need each other, and heaven knows I spend enough time traveling for my hobby, I could certainly make time to see my family too.  

Gratitude - Day 323 - Nov 19, 2014

Still visiting with family today.  And it's still tough, but better than it would have been in years past. 

Gratitude - Day 322 - Nov 18, 2014

Family can be difficult.

Gratitude - Day 321 - Nov 17, 2014

Thankful today for just simply being still.

Thanksgiving Burlap Art

Welcome to a step-by-step guide to making this cute Thanksgiving burlap art project.

Gratitude - Day 320 - Nov 16, 2014

Today I'm grateful for my snuggly family room.

Gratitude - Day 319 - Nov 15, 2014

I'm grateful today for my friend and chorus director, Michael Gellert.

Gratitude - Day 318 - Nov 14, 2014

Grateful for slow days.  For days where I have no agenda, no obligations

Christmas Crafts Inspiration

I've been getting into the frame of mind to begin Christmas crafting lately.  It's a lot of fun for me to gather inspiration from lots of sources.   While I have declared a no shopping rule for my Christmas decorations this year, that doesn't mean I can't craft new things from items I already have in my stash!  

Gratitude - Day 317 - Nov 13, 2014

Grateful today for my husband. 

Easy Fall Decorating

Happy Fall, y'all!

Christmas Decorating - Using What You Have

It has begun.

Gratitude - Day 316 - Nov 12, 2014

I've been in a bit of a funk in the last few days. 
  

Gratitude - Day 315 - Nov 11, 2014

Today we take a moment to show our gratitude to those who have served in the Armed Forces to protect America.
  

John P. Bird, 1939-2014

Hand-crafted Cardinal Pillow Appliqué

Now that the Sweet Adelines convention is over, I'm ready to begin preparations for the upcoming holiday season.   I started my Christmas shopping online today, and I've gathered a bunch of pinecones for decorations.  The first craft project on my list is a hand-appliquéd throw pillow that I'm crafting for my mom. 

Gratitude - Day 306-314 - Nov 2-10, 2014

Lustre Quartet - SAI 2015 International 6th Place Finalists

Spent the week immersed in Sweet Adelines International convention.    Looking back, the week is one big blur - so many wonderful things happened, so many great friends made and re-connected.   

Gratitude - Day 305 - Nov 1, 2014

A quiet day, cool and drizzly outside, cozy and warm inside.

Next Week is a Big Deal

We're coming up on the most important week of the Sweet Adeline's year:  the annual International contest and convention.     Once each year, the top choruses and quartets from around the world gather together for education and for a week's worth of contests.  

Gratitude - Days 300-304 - Oct 27-31, 2014

Time is flying.  I've totally lost the rhythm of this Gratitude Project 2014, and find myself only popping in here once a week or less.   I'm not going to beat myself up over it, though, because 

Gratitude - Day 299 - Oct 26, 2014

Grateful today for warm, breezy weather allowing us to get out in the yard and do lots of fall clean-up.

Grateful for the pictures I see on Facebook of my daughter and her friends on their camping trip this weekend.   They're having a great time getting out and doing fun things on weekends while also doing great as college students.

Grateful for the flip-of-a-switch gas fireplace which gives us great ambiance and a little snugly heat in the early morning and late evening, letting us keep the furnaces off until real cold weather hits.

Grateful for the small things that are comforting on this weekend day... time spent with my husband, comfort food on the stove, good music on the speaker.

Happy times, friends.  I hope you're enjoying your weekend, too.

Gratitude - Day 298 - Oct 25, 2014

Now, how do I turn off all the political ads that we will see on TV and the internet until Nov 4?  ;-)

Gratitude - Day 297 - Oct 24, 2014

Well, I decided today was the day to try making a slipcover for my very favorite chair. 

Gratitude - Day 296 - Oct 23, 2014

Went for a walk around a local lake today, in the company of a friend.   The weather was perfect - a cool, crisp breeze with a bright warm sun that kept us both comfortable.   

Gratitude - Day 290-295 , Oct 17-22, 2041

Life is full.

Life is good.

Things are happening.

Passions intersect with opportunity, and Poof!  Time flies.

Ever grateful, friends, ever grateful.

Gratitude - Day 289 - Oct 16, 2014

Today would have been my Dad's 75th birthday.   

His passing last March was too quick, too early.  He was still young, at least at heart.   

I miss him every day, and yet I feel him with me now all the time.  I feel him when I do something that he used to do, some mannerism or turn of a phrase or something. I feel him when I see something that he would have enjoyed.  I feel him when I'm reliving memories of him.   

I'm very grateful for his presence in my life.  It's very comforting to feel that he's still with me, even though he's passed on.

Happy Birthday, Dad.  I love you.

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Gratitude - Day 288 - Oct 15, 2014

Grateful today for the community of friends that I'm developing here in Raleigh.   I am lucky enough to know a group of women who support each other through thick and thin.   One of our friends is going through a rough medical situation, and the way these women have flocked together to support her is truly amazing.   

Very thankful indeed.

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Gratitude - Day 287 - Oct 14, 2014

I woke up this morning to grey skies and heavy, sticky air.  The rain comes and goes, just enough to dampen the patio before it tapers off again.   There's a thick breeze, slow, damp, not quite cool.  It's going to be another humid, uncomfortable fall day here in Raleigh.

Gratitude - Day 286 - Oct 13, 2014

I'm so grateful today for my wonderful son, who came into our lives 23 years ago today.   He's grown into such a great person, and I'm so very proud of him!  I love him to the moon and back.   

Happy Birthday, Mike!

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Gratitude - Day 284-285 - Oct 11-12, 2014

On the road again...

Drove up to Virginia on Saturday morning to sing on a barbershop show on Saturday night.

Had a great rehearsal on Sunday morning, then drove back to Raleigh on Sunday night.

Whew!

Very grateful for reliable transportation, fun and friendly hobbyists, responsive and appreciative audiences, like-minded quartet mates, and an understanding husband. 

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Gratitude - Day 283 - Oct 10, 2014

It's been a quiet "stay around the house" kind of week here in the Harris Home, and for that I'm grateful.   

Poor, Neglected Fall Garden

My garden is looking very sad these days.  Too many trips away from home, too few rainy days, too little attention, and too many hot sunny days in late summer.  All of this adds up to some dried up and crunchy plants around the yard. 

  

Gratitude - Day 282 - Oct 9, 2014

If my mornings could talk, they would begin by saying, "Jenny... hey Jenny... hey sleepy head... it's time to wake up.  

Then they'd say, "What would you like to do this morning?   How about a cup of coffee while we decide?"    

Then they'd say, "Oh, wow, yes, this couch is so comfortable, this coffee so good, let's just sit here quietly for a while and look through all the blog posts that were published overnight."

Gratitude - Day 281 - Oct 8, 2014

Happiness is waking up in your snuggly bed after a good night's sleep.

Gratitude - Day 277-280 - Oct 4-7, 2014

Home again, home again, jiggitty-jig!

Neglected, dried-up annuals, spring wreath still on the door... but it's still Home, Sweet Home!

Gratitude - Day 264-276 - Sept 21 - Oct 3, 2014

Gratitude - Day 245-263 - Sept 2-20, 2014

I've been away so long.  

Most days I think, "I need to get back to the blog."   

Some days I think, "I could make this into a good blog post."

Every day I think, "I am so blessed."

Life is good, friends, and that's why I'm such a stranger here.

Life is full, life is rich, and I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

What's been happening? Well, I guess nothing special, except the special beauty of every day.

I hope the same goes for you.

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Gratitude - Days 242-244 - Aug 30-Sep 1, 2014

Labor Day weekend.   In my world, this means:

The one-year anniversary of our move from MD to Raleigh.

The last hurrah of the neighborhood pool.

A quiet weekend of at-home chores and relaxing around the house.

A family birthday and a family anniversary.

The beginning of "fall", at least according to many of the home and lifestyle blogs I follow.

The start of the school year for many.

A time to relax and appreciate your hard work during the rest of the year.

Enjoy your weekend, friends.   

I'm grateful for you, and for all the blessings of my world.

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Gratitude - Days 234-241 - Aug 22-29, 2014

They say time flies when you're having fun.  I'm going to just say that time flies.   Whether you're having fun, working, or just not paying attention.    I've been away from this space for over a week, and in that time, I've moved our daughter into her first apartment, had a full quartet rehearsal weekend, done a small amount of housework, and spent a WHOLE lot of time binge-watching Downton Abbey Seasons 1 and 2.    

My garden is suffering from benign neglect.  My house is only held together because I resorted to forcing myself to do chores before "earning" more screen time for my new addiction.   I have a long backlog of "should do now" things that I've volunteered for, and of course the list of stuff that needs to be done around the house is really, really long.   Do I care?   Nope, not really.  

For some reason, I have lately felt like doing nothing except indulgently sitting and absorbing every nuance of Downton Abbey.  Maybe because I started Weight Watchers three weeks ago, and I no longer indulge in the food department, maybe I am rewarding myself differently.   I don't know.  I guess I shouldn't analyze it.  But the fact is, I'm all in.  Hooked.   Totally.   The only reason I'm not watching the next episode right now is that my husband is home and I feel some amount of responsibility for being somewhat responsive to his verbal communications now and then.  

So what's this got to do with the Gratitude project 2014 and my 8 days of missing Gratitude posts?  

I guess not a lot.  I just felt I needed to explain my absence.  To you, friends, and to myself.

I am still practicing gratitude during each day, even if I've not taken the time to write about it daily.  Though I'll admit, this long absence has resulted in a little bit less awareness of my blessings, which I am already remedying.  

I'm grateful for so much, for all the blessings of my life.  For you, friends who join me here.  For my health, my family, my stable and warm home.  And also, for the ability to enjoy the goings-on at Downton Abbey.  ;-)

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Gratitude - Day 233 - Aug 21, 2014

Here it is - the day we are driving to Maryland to take our daughter back to school.  How quickly these last ten days have flown by.   We brought her home from Germany just over a week ago, and now it's time to take her back to school.   

Gratitude- Day 232 - Aug 20, 2014

(Catching up)

Wednesday.  Hump Day.  Middle of the week, halfway from here to there.  My Wednesday was an errand day, shopping for clothes for my daughter, food for our house.  Cleaning up here and there, finishing up a project or two before another busy weekend.

Gratitude - Day 231 - Aug 19, 2014

(Catching up)

Happy Tuesday, friends.

Gratitude - Day 230 - Aug 18, 2014

Sometimes things aren't easy.  Sometimes friendships falter... someone misunderstands something, views something through a personal lens that makes something look different than intended, takes offense.   It happens easily sometimes, even among closest friends.

Gratitude - Day 229 - Aug 17, 2014

I talked to my mom today.  Things have been tough for all of us since my Dad died in March, but for my mom especially.  Of course.

Gratitude - Day 228 - Aug 16, 2014

A quiet day spend around the house getting chores done.  A nice feel-good movie in the afternoon. Dinner in the crock pot.   Easy puttering in the garden in the evening.

Gratitude - Day 227 - Aug 15, 2014

Took my daughter shopping today for things for her first apartment. 

Gratitude - Day 226 - Aug 14, 2014

What a beautiful day!

Taking a moment to just appreciate the lovely weather, the good coffee, and the great conversation with my daughter while she's here in between her summer trip and her fall semester.  

I'm just so grateful for these moments.  These brief and oh so meaningful moments.

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