Reconnecting

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Returning to my walks. I had forgotten how much I like to walk.
• My first ever yoga class on Sunday. I felt so relaxed afterward, it was almost as if I had gotten a massage. Except my muscles were shaking and I was hungry enough to eat a horse.
• Richard taking all of the laundry to the laundry mat to get caught up from last semester's craziness.
• The shelves he has built in the laundry room, making everything more workable down there.
• That he built a room in the basement to house the treadmill we were given. And that said treadmill is now in the basement and ready for use.
• Working at not working through this break and yet still getting some things done.
• A great book reminding me of some very important ideas to guide my life and reminding me that I am creating the kind of life I want.
• Toying more and more with the idea of studying abroad.
• My cat curling up in my lap while I read tonight.
• A long winter's nap today.
• Coincidences, serendipity, synergy, (aka God).
• Shaina celebrating the New Year with her other family tonight.
• That they appreciate her as much as we do. So much that, one of Andrew's parents will drive Shaina home tonight after the festivities, so that an older more experienced driver will be dealing with the possible snow and crazies in order to deliver her home safely.
• Realizing that Shaina has a string of "other" families...lucky kid!
• The tasty cup of tea and cookies that are waiting for me downstairs.
• You, sweet stuff, you.

Love, Sharon

Blessings

Today I am Grateful for ~

• Holiday gatherings.
• Blowing off steam.
• Hugs.
• The almost snow for Christmas Eve.
• Sister-in-laws who are as caring as they are beautiful (yes, this is you Kris!).
• The sound of children laughing.
• Other people being patient when I am not.
• Playing pool with girl cousins who rock!
• Re-connecting with a family friend.
• Straight talks with Richard.
• The love of family and friends.
• A trip to Borders tomorrow to buy a special book.
• Realizing that I'm 6 credits away from an Associate's Degree.
• Shaina's reation to my Christmas gift to her, she was touched.
• Richard re-doing the basement stairs. Everything is sturdy and stable now.
• That he was in the basement today when the outlet on the furnace started arcing and nearly caught on fire. We're so lucky that we weren't sleeping or out somewhere!!!!!
• Richard's ability to fix the outlet and the fact that it's already done.
• The wonderful job Amira did on Shaina's hair-it looks beautiful.
• Clean soft sheets.
• Taking time to clean my room and light candles for myself.
• A great Christmas dinner and working with Richard and Shaina's help.
• You, my little snowflake, You.

Love,

Sharon

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Today I am Grateful For ~

• 2 of my finals completed (the 2 most stressful).
• Only the fun ones left.
• Enjoying my presentation last friday, even if I was nervous.
• Getting a good response from the audience.
• The opportunity to play with a laser pointer during my presentation.
• Several compliments and "good job"s.
• My pants being a little less snug lately.
• Looking forward to the Christmas Spirit, when the semester is over.
• The enormous amount of help from our neighbor Joe, with my chemistry and math. He is the reason I'm passing chemistry. He is a genius (statement of fact!).
• Going to the Scholastic warehouse Sat to earn christmas gifts.
• That doing so will help me spread the joy of reading.
• Chlidren's book and how fun they are!
• You, my little bookworm, you.

Love, Love, Love,

Sharon

Working Out the Kinks

Today I am Grateful For~

• The cameraderie of the Oliver! cast.
• Feeling excited about my presentation tomorrow.
• Working out the kinks w/my professor today so that everything will go smoothly.
• Getting the opportunity to do something that I'm good at and feel comfortable doing.
• Getting Leo's gratitude lists again.
• Shanan's friendship and compassion.
• Richard's open arms when I need them.
• Shaina asking tonight about how Richard proposed.
• A wonderful dinner with them both. Enjoying the banter and the hearty laughter that we shared.
• A cup of Egyptian Mint Tea earlier, mm-mm.
• Touching base with Michelle Tuesday night.
• You.

Love,

Sharon

Time for Takin' It Easy

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Family


• Out of town guests.


• Shaina making "cousin memories" with Caitlin.


• Their easy friendship, regardless of the time in between seeing each other.


• Kris & Adam's warmth and hospitality.


• Feeling good enough to help w/the dishes after Thanksgiving Dinner (when I'm not doing well, the thought of helping out is completely overwhelming).


• The easy cameraderie of the clean up crew.


• Managing the large amount of work that I have on my plate right now.


• Learning where my limits can be stretched (and where they can't).


• Rough and tumble little boys who also know how to swing their hips.


• The wonderful sound of children laughing.


• Hearing giggling college girls in the house for the past 3 nights.


• Wonderful leftovers.


• Circumstances dictating a more relaxed schedule than I tried to acheive.


• My increasing faith in myself and my abilities. Which reduces the stress of life.


• The excitement of applying to 4 year universities.
• You, if you're reading this. And even if you're not!

Love,

Sharon

Lovin' Nature!

Today I am Grateful For~

• Spending the afternoon removing invasive plant species from Cherry Hill Nature Preserve.
• Working hard and getting plenty of exercise.
• The large turn out of HFCC students.
• Having room for others to ride with us.
• "Us" referring to Richard and I, yay!
• Richard buying the people in our car lunch.
• Not giving up the things that really matter to me when it's been suggested (Having Melissa come to clean the house & participating in Oliver!).
• Realizing that I'm going through a defiant/feeling entitled phase.
• Realizing that the more my resources look limited, the stronger those feelings get. Hm-mm.
• Spending the day w/Richard and then doing dinner and renting a movie.
• The beautiful colors still on the trees.
• Family coming into town for Thanksgiving.
• Plans for Shaina's cousin Caitlin to spend one of the night's they're here, with Shaina.
• Looking forward to the fun of the Holidays.

Love,

Sharon

About Time!

Today I am Grateful for ~

• Hot baths.
• Getting adjusted to my new schedule.
• Talking to a Great Uncle that I never knew I had, last Friday night.
• Finding out that he has tons of information about our family history for my directed study.
• Renewing my commitment to doing well in school.
• That although a tumor like growth appeared on my cat's chest a couple of weeks ago, it appears to be healing itself. I swear, she does have 9 lives!
• Getting a good feel for how much strength the dance routines in Oliver! will take. I should be in kick @$& shape by March.
• Spending 5 and a half hours singing on Tuesdays ( Voice Techniques, Concert Choir and Oliver! rehearsal).
• Groceries, oh the joy of food in the fridge and the cupboards!
• Plans to have our own little Thanksgiving dinner before the big family one (which will be celebrated on another day). Who wouldn't enjoy 2 Turkey dinners?!).
• Realizing, however belatedly that I am a hippy-chick minus the clothes.
• Loving that I care very much about the environment, believe in embracing humanity and dreaming, and that I believe God can be found anywhere, that I love nature and the wonderful way it has of soothing me and helping me feel connected to the Universe, that I love the idea of organic food.
• Really enjoying exploring myself, my dreams and my priorities.
• Finding out that I'm a rock-climbing goddess.
• Plans to worship at the altars of many cliffs and mountains [don't worry, Mom, not literally ;~) ].
• Creating the kinds of experiences I've always wanted to have.
• The many and varied friendships that I enjoy I am very blessed to have so many loving people in my life.
• You...

Love,

Sharon

Flashback from October!

Today I am Grateful For ~

• Patience from my professors for my scrambled-ness the past 2 weeks as I become acclimated to my increasing course load and work study position.


• Several examples lately of how I could be more clear in my communication with others.


• Some long needed, clear communication with and from Shaina on Sunday night.


• Rock climbing on Saturday in beautiful Kentucky.


• Finding something that I am perfectly suited for and seem to have an innate skill in doing.


• Rembering how much I love what my body can do.


• Feeling perfectly safe the whole time I was climbing.


• Deciding to find out more about, and do more climbing.


• Being called a "can't spell redneck" and thinking it was so-ooo funny. Still makes me grin.


• Enjoying a game of "dueling song lyrics" that included tv show theme songs and commercial jingles with an unseen "neighbor" across the hollow from where our cabin was.


• My recall of song lyrics and how fun it is to fill in the next lyric when someone lays the first one out there.

Tootin' My Own Horn

Today I Am Grateful for~

• Getting to kibbitz with my BF tonight on the phone (thanks for calling, Michelle!).
• My work study position with Jumpstart and the beautiful building we work in.
• Getting to work in the same building (and floor) as a professor that I have admired since my first semester back in college.
• Finding out that I aced a Chem test that I thought I had merely passed.
• A short nap, cuddling up with Richard and the animals.
• My mother and how she gave me everything I needed to be the incredible person I am today.
• Knowing that I passed that on to my own daughter.
• My two cats who are both curled up in my study with me right now.
• A weekend adventure to look forward to.
• Having friends who get me...a lot of friends who get me. You know who you are, lol!!!
• Chem Lab today and seeing cool reactions from making different compounds.
• Realizing over the summer that this May I will graduate, with honors.
• Shaina's generosity.
• Richard's exponential growth.
• Taking a walk with him this evening.
• Taking time to make a great dinner just for me!
• Each and every person who is reading this.

Thank You !

Good Things Happening

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• Straight communication with Richard.
• How affirming and supportive he was when talking about the upcoming role posting.
• A thank you from him that meant a lot.
• Getting started today at my workstudy job. I love the building we're in. And the atmosphere is so relaxed, it's a good match.
• Getting it like I like it.
• Sweet Anticipation. They postponed the posting of the roles until 2:00 TU! I'm finding that I'm anxious, but anxious in a good way like waiting for Christmas. I'm really enjoying this!!!
• Touching base, however briefly, with my SIL, Natalie. It was good to hear your voice, Nat.
• Starting my 70 & 7 tonight. It sure brings a lot up to look at!
• The arrival today of Whitaker Eberline Hoppe in her own sweet time!!!
• A one year old's birthday party to attend tomorrow.
• Making a date with myself to walk by the river on Sunday. I haven't been in so long.
• Sharing an honest moment instead of being game-y and seeing the softer side of someone as a result.
• Realizing that I sometimes mask power-struggle with parenting techniques. Damn, I still send out invitations for Shaina to struggle with me.
• My cat sitting next to me washing his paws, so darn cute.
• Having a good time with the dogs out in the yard today.
• You, you gift, you.

Love,

Sharon

Sing, Sing A Song....

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Deciding to go back for the second night of auditions (unnecessary, but you could try it again if you thought you could do better). Being relaxed and having fun because the pressure was off. I re-did the dancing and singing and had a great time. I chose not to re-do the reading because I thought I did well.
• The camaraderie between all of us "auditioners", especially the group of us that chose to return last night.
• Figuring out before the audition how to sing in a cockney accent-which is a little more tricky than talking in one.
• Getting a compliment on my accent from one of the Director's assistants.
• Realizing that if I get the part of Nancy, all those negative voices in my head regarding my singing will have to shut up!
• Having so-ooo much fun with this whole experience regardless of the outcome.
• My voice Instructor, Kevin Dewey. Who is talented, patient, compassionate, funny, infinitely reassuring and all around, just wonderful.
• Shaina actually asking if I was going to sit next to her in Chem class (Tu I had to leave early, so the instructor asked if I would sit beside the door.
• Asking a girl from Voice Techniques if I could sit with her in the cafeteria and striking up conversation. Stretching those comfort zones again.
• Realizations.
• Choosing not to get into trouble.
• 70 & 7 (the biblical suggestion to forgive someone 70 times 7 times if necessary). The technique is to write out "I forgive you for 'fill in the blank' " 70 times for seven days. It's a tool that brought me much peace in the past and that I was reminded of recently when asked by Richard's side of our family to sign a legal document that I disagree with. I prayed for guidance and the answer was 70 & 7, so I won't be making any decision until I'm done with these seven days of forgiveness.
• The opportunity to go to a live concert will a full orchestra and a 150 person choir this Sat.
• You, my little songbird, you.

Out of My Comfort Zone

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• A wonderful weekend at TLC (The Living Course) this past weekend.
• The joy of watching Richard support others. It's a good reminder of how tender he can be.
• Getting to witness his vulnerability and ability to be open.
• Seeing, once again, how much others enjoy him.
• Experiencing a mini "angel walk". Wow!
• All of the love and support given to me over the weekend, for no particular reason! I felt practically cherished.
• Being able to stay somewhere that I feel at home.
• The generosity and hospitality of the B-G family, and how "my room" is always set up differently and cool (thanks, Madde).
• Meku entertaining me with his Oliver impression~just because I asked.
• Bob's chocolate chip waffles.
• Being on phone watch for Stephanie's labor Friday & Saturday night . I just wish the call came when I was there!
• Knowing that Stephanie's baby is already picking it's own schedule and pace. Though apparently, it's a baby turtle!!!!
• Still needing to turn on the AC, woo! hoo!
• That I'm able to enjoy this last bout of warm weather before Fall.
• All the well wishes for my audition for "Oliver!" from so many angels over the weekend.
• That Shanan took the time to come to part of the audition with me and was there for the most nerve wracking part (singing). I love that Chick! She's great!
• Feeling like I really did well on the readings.
• Having the Director expressly thank me after the auditions.
• Feeling the Fear and doing it anyway, stretching and growing beyond my comfort zone.
• Listening to guidance from the Universe. I love when I get guidance.
• The rain and choosing a late night walk.
• The soothing painting that graces my room.
• Flexibility in scheduling.
• You...

Love,

Sharon

It's All Good

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• The gorgeous day and wonderful 80+ temp.
• Eating dinner on the front porch.
• Having a last fling with summer.
• Discovering how silky soft my skin is when I use my salt scrub in every shower. I want to say that I can't stop touching myself, but I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea!
• Becoming more and more comfortable with the language and concepts of Algebra (making an A so far). It really pays to repeat a difficult course.
• Envisioning being comfortable enough in the future for calculus. I can do this!
• Remembering to handle tasks for school.
• How great the house has looked the past two Mondays after Melissa has been here to clean. I could really get used to this!
• Allowing others to be in their "stuff" and not trying to force them to realize they are in it.
• Indigo eyeliner, perfume, nail polish, ankle bracelets, and other girly things that make being a woman utterly enjoyable.
• Hot baths.
• Having a relaxed start to my fall schedule. Just the way I like it, slowly increasing the work load so that I can adjust by phases. Hey, Shanan, I'm gettin' it like I like it!!!
• Monday's lecture in Psych about infants confirming what I know about myself. Someone decided that they were 3 basic personality types for babies: Easy, Difficult, and Slow to Warm (Up). There are mixtures or variations of each and I am an Easy yet Slow to Warm baby. It may be challenging to warm up, But once I warm, it's all good.
• How wonderfully affirming I find that information.
• The wealth of loving people I have in my life, This Means You!

Love,

Sharon

Courage

Today I am Grateful For ~

• Handling challenges together with Richard, supporting each other with solutions.
• Homework assignments online (even though the classes aren't).
• Hearing that it's supposed to be in the 80's next week. I am so not ready to be plunged into Fall, like we have been this past week. I prefer a nice gentle descent.
• Fun activities that make the cooler temps more bearable like apple fests and rock climbing trips.
• Having a picture that I took (and arranged) admired by an artiste.
• TLC this coming weekend and being there with Richard which hasn't happened in eons! For those of you who haven't had the privilege of assisting with him, prepare for a rockin' good time (or to have all of your buttons pushed, lol)!
• Women's Group today.
• Planning to get some long put off and much needed basics for my wardrobe tonight.
• Getting my math homework done this morning.
• The nature that surrounds my house.
• The beautiful painting in my bedroom which looks astoundingly like the river near our house. I've affectionately started thinking of it as my river. Thanks again 'Cole for the painting. It's very soothing.
• Straight communication with Richard.
• Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Continually getting messages to live my life my way.
• Continuing to learn what that means to and for me.
• Continuing to do it even though it's the most scary thing I have ever done.
• Knowing that I will keep at it until I'm living my grandest version of my greatest vision for my life.

Love,

Sharon

Being Me

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• Warm weather and enjoying every last minute of it.
• Sunshine. John Denver really had it right!
• My heritage showing up in my skin as I spend time in the sun. My arms are reminding me of my grandmother's. I always remember her as brown (well her skin, anyway).
• The moth that danced on the breeze over the remenents of my day-lillies today.
• The conversation I had with a squirrel. He started out chattering at me and perching anxiously on a tree branch not far from where I sat. I started mimicing his vocalizations in a quiet calm tone. After a couple of minutes of "dialogue" he stretched himself out on the branch and proceded to nap. I'm not sure what I said to him, and whatever it was must have been pretty soothing.
• Reading the past month's worth of Shanan's glogs. Positive, Insiteful, Inspiring...I love that chick!
• Remembering that leading the kind of life I've always wanted is: entirely possible, has very little to do with how much money I have, has everything to do with my choices, and is something that I have experienced intermittedly. Thanks for reminding me of that Shanan. You're an incredible example. By watching you, I may someday actually "get it like I like it" most of the time, instead of here and there.
• Reconnecting with Sara and Vince on Friday. And an opportunity to extend our connection even though we won't have classes together this semester.
• The greeting and hug from Vince who sought me out after our Honors meeting was over.
• The feeling of being accepted and liked for who I am (by adolescents, no less!!!).
• Melissa starting tomorrow with helping out around the house.
• Feeling like I'm balancing family and school very well so far.
• Feeling prepared for my test in Psych tomorrow (I almost type "ready for my Psych test", which would be a different animal altogether, lol).
• Richard putting a lot of effort into getting my computer up and running for my study room.
• Him expressing his desire to help me be successful at school and expressing his admiration of my commitment to it.
• Big "ahas" and "omg's" without big drama.
• Peeling away layers of the onion together.
• The concept of holding another's wounding tenderly and reverently.
• Being Me.
• You being You.

Love, Sharon

My Life, My Terms

Today I Am Grateful For~

• That my life and schedule seem to be operating on my timeframe.
• The relaxed, non-stressed feeling of my slow, steady pace.
• The wonderfully warm weather.
• Standing outside in my barefeet.
• Celebrating Labor Day with family and friends.
• Getting to see, Michelle, Bob, Julie, Leo, and Shanan.
• Bob's sense of humor, I forget how funny he can be!
• Richard's support and affection.
• His expressing concern for others.
• A phone call from my sister today.
• All of the work around the yard and house that got done over the weekend.
• Finding someone to come in once a week and help clean.
• Her starting next Monday.
• Being offered a work-study position with the Jumpstart program.
• Bud and Nancy.
• A nice thank you card from someone who attended the party.
• The card reminding me that I have long, long overdue 'thank you's to send out.
• Being too tired to think of the other things I'm grateful for, and yet knowing that there are many, many more.

Love,

Sharon

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• A walk along the river today.


• Warm, warm weather.


• Richard helping me to make my desk more stable and durable.


• Feeling as if this semester won't be too bad work wise (I hope the feeling sticks around!).


• The trees that shade our house for 70% of the day.


• You

Tuesday

Today I am Grateful for ~

• Gentle Reminders.
• Getting started painting my desk.
• Planning dinner before going to school today. It made things much easier.
• Shaina bringing me lunch today.
• Shaina not being hurt earlier, when our storm door shattered. It was apparently hit by a rock when the guys were mowing our lawn. It stayed intact until Shaina opened the front door to go out it, then it dropped. It was a little unnerving for her. She was the only one home and it's probably the first "situation" she's had to handle on her own. She did fine though: she put the dogs up, cleaned up enough glass to be able to close the door and made it to class less than 5 mins late.
• Richard 'writing business' for Aflac the last few days. Translation - paycheck!
• The Lily Cares Foundation and it approving me for meds.
• Cat kisses which are so much more rare than dog kisses.
• Taking a walk tonight.
• You, my little wanderer, you.

Love,

Sharon

Choosing for Myself

Today I am Grateful for ~

• Enjoying myself last night at a fun wedding.
• Feeling sophisticated and sultry in a hot red dress...Thanks again Shanan, apparently it's the birthday gift that keeps on giving!
• Red nail polish and how lovely it looks on toes (okay, my toes).
• Remembering that my bedroom is supposed to be a sanctuary and taking time to straighten it up, light a candle in there and just enjoy it, letting it soothe my spirit.
• Getting yard work done in anticipation of Labor Day festivities.
• Reading that the most helpful journaling (for healing) is writing about negative feelings or difficult situations. And to think that I stopped journaling regularly because I judged myself for continually writing about problems! I just assumed that I was stuck in an endless negative cycle. I think I'll pick it up again.
• Getting my table/desk all ready to be painted.
• Getting a ready made deck from the guy across the street. And all of the work Richard and the neighbors did to put it behind our garage. After power washing it and staining it, it makes a great additional patio area for socializing in the back yard.
• Continuing to work today on a couple of ongoing projects instead of starting a new one. So tempting for an ADD brain to start the new and exciting stuff instead of finish up the old and boring.
• Rearranging our existing resources to make things more functional and attractive.
• Clearing out the junk (literally and figuratively).
• Following the flow. After being inspired by Jimmy Buffet's 'Cheeseburger in Paradise' playing on the radio we decided to go grab a burger. After a couple of dead ends we found out that a bar just three blocks from us serves food. This place has the most incredible burgers and fries. It was just like Jimmy described (minus the paradise part)! We'd never been to there before, but we'll certainly go back. It was a cool mini-adventure.
• Giving myself weekends off from my diet. It really minimizes my feelings of being deprived.
• Sipping chamomile tea as I type this list.
• You.

School, School, Schoool!!!

Today I am Grateful For ~

• Attending the first day of classes yesterday and finding out this morning that I'm actually excited to start the semester and dive into the work.
• Having fun in Voice Techniques & Concert Choir yesterday. It's great that I will be getting credit for work that feels like play.
• The Vocal Instructor, Kevin Dewey, who makes everything entertaining.
• Hearing the most fun arrangement of 'Let it Snow' ever!
• Finding out that we will perform at three concerts and that this is the year that the women in choir get new dresses, cool!
• Getting all of my financial aid approved plus work study and a subsidized loan if I want it!
• Being okay with the crazy turn in my schedule due to one of my classes getting cancelled.
• Finding the perfect solution for a replacement class and then running into the instructor who added me to her class on the spot.
• The serendipitous idea that led me to the right spot at the right time to run into her. I was acutally looking to touch base with another professor and not even thinking about my schedule at the time. I love it when things fall into place like that!!
• Getting 90% of my books yesterday.
• Sharing one very expensive one with Shaina as we found out we're in the same Chemistry class.
• All of the FUN that lies before me this semester!
• Life is Sweet!
• You, my cupcake, you!

Love,

Sharon

Trying on New Roles

Today I am Grateful For ~

• My week alone at a cottage on a lake.
• Divine Guidance.
• Self discovery.
• Finding out that I could absolutely live alone, no problem.
• Seeing Michelle, Bob and Julie last Friday night.
• Breaking the rules Friday by crashing a "closed audition". I believe it was the first time in my whole life that I've ever been asked to leave somewhere! What a rush (after the nauseau passed and my cheeks cooled down).
• Getting to see Michelle and Julie on stage again, always a pleasure!
• The wonderful woman at the laundry mat in Kalkaska who took my clothes from the washer to the drier, folded and hung them for me, and only charging me the cost of the drier). What a wonderful pampered feeling that gave me! While she was finishing my laundry, I went tanning and had my hair shampooed and styled. I think it was the best day of the whole vacation!
• Spending Saturday on a lake down here w/Richard's sister Vicki and her friends.
• Pontoon rides around the lake.
• Richard taking me for a ride on the jet ski: and as promised, he went slowly.
• That I had absolute faith that he wouldn't do anything on purpose to scare me. So, so, so different from years past!
• Setting limits when I needed to and respecting how tired my body was after the long drive and late night on Friday.
• Enjoying the day despite the overcast sky and slight chill.
• Talking to Cole yesterday and sharing some cool stuff back and forth.
• The beautiful painting she gave me that is already in my bedroom even though I'm not ready to hang it.
• How much enjoyment I've already gotten from looking at it. It's very soothing...reminds me of the river near my house.
• Walking to said river yesterday when I was very upset and needed time to cool my head.
• Trusting the Universe to take care of me, and help me take care of myself.
• Weightloss going well...pants that I was extremely uncomfortable in and oozing out the top of are now baggy on me. Woo! Hoo!
• You.

Reveling in Endless Possibilities

Today I Am Grateful For~

• The birth of my daughter, twenty years ago today.
• Remembering how happy, excited and scared we were.
• Marveling at what an incredible, loving young woman she has grown into.
• Having dinner w/her and her boyfriend and playing a game afterwards.
• Driving by myself up to Grayling Monday night to learn the ins and outs of the cottage I will be staying at. This is the first time I've driven solo. I've always had either Shaina or Richard with me on road trips before.
• Taking good care of myself on the trip.
• The incredible things that Richard is working on to bring Prosperity to our family.
• All of the excitement and enthusiasm around here as a result.
• Filling up the waiting time with Gratitude.
• All the fun we are having with envisioning how we will spend said prosperity.
• Learning how issues can lead to fun. At first when we were discussing the ways we could spend a lot of money, Richard began to feel resentful, like..."damn, I haven't even earned it yet, but you sure are spending it!" And it pushed his buttons, so he asked if I would just talk about what I would buy for him. Which pushed my buttons..."Like I'm not supposed to want things for myself?!" and "Why is it my job to take care of you?" Suddenly we sounded like a couple of kids and I remembered one of the RCB techniques for kids fighting, which is to put each one in charge of the other person getting what they want. So I suggested we use that technique with each other. Which evolved into the, "Do you know what I'm gonna buy you?!" game. It is so much fun to hear your spouse tell you that they are going to buy you something that you have always wanted. And the best part is that it totally defused the issue. Way Cool!
• Creative thinking and truly wanting each other to win.
• You.

Love, Sharon

Zz-zzz Zz-zzz

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• A great time with Richard last night at homecoming. A delicious meal, listening to music, dancing and enjoying each other.
• The first coat of paint on the floor of my study, thanks Babe!
• Seeing Amy, Bob & Crew tonight.
• Dancing with Daydeon (sp? Ive already forgotten).
• All the contributions of wood for the campfire.
• Getting farther with working on my table.
• Richard having a good day yesterday and the day before with his Aflac stuff.
• Book and map orders.

Short list, really tired. goodnight.

Dealing with Challenges Head On & Gracefully

Today I am Grateful For~

• A 2 hour nap yesterday, which apparently I needed because I was just laying down for a little while with Richard and the boys.
• The very warm weather we're having. It has a slow, lazy feel to it which suits me.
• Shaina returning safely from her jaunt down to Cedar Point. Yep, I worry when she's out late.
• Hearing stories of how much fun she had.
• Inviting myself to the rock climbing trip and being accepted! I can't wait to spend time with this fabulous group of people, you know who you are!
• Shaving with Olive Oil instead of shave cream/soap. It is a much closer shave and I'm no longer embarassed about the 5 O'Clock shadow in my underarms because there isn't one! Oh, yeah...And it's a natural product, good for me, good for the earth!
• The little table that I rescued from the trash shaping up nicely. After I finish stripping and repainting it I'm going to take a picture of it and include it in a thank you note to the people who set it out.
• Visiting with Michele yesterday and reminding myself of habits I need to pick back up. Thanks Michele.
• A good dialogue with Richard last night.
• Getting confirmation of my Honors Scholarship in the mail today.
• Taking it very slow today after being overly ambitious and careles yesterday.
• Being okay with Richard's boss showing up unexpectedly this morning. Well, it was unexpectedly for me. Richard forgot to tell me he was coming.
• Being able to straighten up rather quickly. And not being too embarassed because the house looks good. For those of you who don't know, housekeeping is not my forte. So, this is a major accomplishment to have someone drop in unannounced.
• Getting some sun today and liking the color I'm starting to see.
• The birds and their singing.
• The Tangerine-Lime Slurpee I had with my dinner. Deliciously frozen, sugar-free delight!
• You.

Love, Sharon

Prayer Works!

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Summer, warm weather and being able to just go outside with out any prep time before hand.
• Getting some sun today.
• How intuitive my dreams are.
• Stuff coming up to be healed.
• Thinking that I wanted to find a different way to do anger work this morning and thinking of one idea and being shown another. I love options.
• How Richard is perfect for my continued healing.
• Asking Shaina for a win-win tonight when arranging her use of the van.
• Sharing with her that I was feeling discounted and disrespected.
• Her shifting out of whiny demanding "but, I wanna ____!" and into sweet and thoughtful problem solving.
• Remembering to pray for help before speaking.
• Turning things over, turning things over, turing things over, better known as surrender.
• Being willing to be led.
• Talks with friends.
• Being trusted, it means a lot. Thanks Amy.
• Gifts of tile from our neighbor that will help spruce up the back of our bathtub.
• Having my dinner bought and a free coffee drink to boot! Thanks Steph and Amy :~}
• Hearing that Steph really enjoyed the belly rub I gave her at womyn's camp. Which reminded me of how soothing it was to do it. Thinking about it allowed me to re-experience it. Have I said before how much I love nurturing others?
• Knowing that the Cymbalta is continuing to increase working on my mood. Because although I don't like the issues being presented to me right now, I'm fairly calm and on an even keel about them. And can still focus on other things.

Love, Sharon

Re-framing

Today I am Grateful For~

• Plans with 2 different friends this week.
• My flexible schedule.
• Hearing back from the Jumpstart program this morning.
• Open house and on the spot interviews next TU for "qualified candidates".
• Knowing that I am the penultimate candidate for this job.
• My SIL, Vicki mentioning that it's a good idea to send a thank you note after an interview. Who knew?
• The Note from the Universe that mentioned me getting back into the jeans I wore "back in the day". I wonder who let it slip that I was dieting and what my goal was!
• Getting some time to lay out today.
• Remembering today as I reflected on Shanan & Michelle's trip, that I have had some incredible experiences that have created incredible memories. Like having seen northern lights in the UP (and hanging out with family just watchin them) and seeing them as a child living in Alaska, or climbing to the top of a mountain on the back of a 4 wheeler and watching the sunset, or being rushed to the top of a small island after an earthquake just in case there was a tidal wave (sounds scary but it never felt that way to me it always was an adventure), and many others.
• The way that the realization had me re-framing my life.
• All the adventures yet to come. Like drinking wine in Bali or walking on the Great Wall of China, or playing in waterfalls in Hawaii, or returning to Tulum, or exploring the Parthenon.
• Getting to spend time, however briefly, walking along the river today.
• The sound of crickets and moonlight so bright that I could see my shadow last night.
• You, moonbeam, you.

Love, Sharon

Everything Changes

Tonight I am Grateful for~

• Richard encouraging me not to settle.
• His idea of covering up the hideous brown paint on the floor of my studyroom with the light blue/gray stain we used on our porch.
• Realizing there is a light grayish blue in the chair that I want for the room. So the blue floor will be a perfect compliment to the room.
• Shaina's manager, Shannon buying our lunch when we stopped at Potbelly to eat today.
• My bedroom finally being a sanctuary to retreat to, instead of a dumping ground for stuff.
• The neighbors deciding to plant new lilac bushes in their yard beside our driveway.
• Kathy suggesting that we could both take some of the small sprouts from the existing lilac bush that was pulled out (I was distressed. That bush is the beautiful backdrop for the pictures from Shaina first prom). Now parts of the bush will live on.
• That she even offered some sprouts from a bush in the front of her yard.
• Yet another instance of someone helping with the beautification of our home.
• Submitting an application for a work-study position on campus that totally fits my past experience and future goals.
• Richard being open to getting someone to clean the house this fall/winter while I'm in school.
• Being able to pay for it when I get the work study position.
• Being mentioned in someone's glog (have I said before how much I appretiate being mentioned?)
• Picking up my book from Borders today, and a couple of curtain rods for the house and finally, the new to us chair w/ottoman for the livingroom.
• Bud and Nancy, Bud and Nancy, Bud and Nancy, we never would've made it without them. Heck, we still wouldn't be making it without them.
• That they came to a campfire last night before leaving for California today.
• Meeting our "new" neighbor Andy and his sister (Andy moved in just before the holidays last year).
• Getting a chance to play Mama Bird again to Amira last night.
• The enjoyment I get from giving nurturing.
• You, baby bird, you.

Love, Sharon

Home~Making

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Thinking of setting a soothing mood for dinner last night with fresh flowers and candlelight throughout the house.
• A wonderfully delicious dinner made by none other than, Me!
• Rave reviews on said dinner from my MIL and Richard.
• The great recipe for Beef Stroganoff that I have and the wonderful way I tweak it to make it even better.
• Making food that others enjoy.
• Getting more comfortable with bragging. That's right, I'm bragging. Mama Gina said I should, you got a problem with that? Um, okay, maybe not as comfortable as I'd like to be.
• The way that the house is evolving into a warm, welcoming, beautiful place to call home.
• Richard for cleaning our bedroom last night and making it look Fabulous!
• Playing with more options to make the house even more functional and perfect for us.
• All the creativity that's starting to flow, playing with the things that have been given to us lately, and thinking of new uses/places for things we already have.
• Another possible kitchen make-over soon. Hey, just the possibility is encouraging.
• All of the energy and motivation Richard provides that helps me follow through and continue on.
• Creative ideas from Richard to make my study room more beautiful.
• Being 90% done with painting the room (unless we go with Richard's idea, then it'll be about 65-70% done).
• Endless Possibilities.
• You.

Love, Sharon

Taking Care of Me

Today I am Grateful for~

• A happy ending to a book I was reading.
• My MIL accepting my invitation to dinner at our house on Friday night.
• Walking up to Shaina's work today to get the van and getting exercise at the same time.
• A real conversation with my 14 yr old BIL.
• Letting him know he is loved no matter what.
• More rain.
• Focusing on how I can feel the most healthy for the start of the next semester.
• Caterpillars who cross sidewalks.
• Taking the time to "rescue" a baby bird this afternoon. Getting Jacob (aforementioned BIL) to help me with a ladder, climbing up to the bird house and putting the baby bird back inside. Even if the little nut decided to fly right back out of the birdhouse!
• Being more comfortable with the habit of eating low carb.
• Commemts on my Glog.
• Getting to read others glogs and feeling uplifted.
• Knowing Shanan is w/Michelle JT right now having an phenomenal experience.
• Thinking of questions I never thought of as a kid like: Where do baby birds go when they "leave the nest"/grow up? and "Where do turtles sleep at night?"
• Answers from the Universe.

Love,

Sharon

Following the Flow

Today I am Grateful for ~

• Seeing yellow finches and small woodpeckers around our house yesterday.
• Hearing, for the first time, a bird that actually sounded like it was saying,"tweet, tweet, tweet" and one that sounded like it was saying, "chirp, chirp, chirp". Now I finally know how it is that those words came to be.
• Deciding to get the darkest tan possible this summer (safely of course!) in honor of my Indian Heritage and my upcoming project on said heritage this Fall.
• Already starting to see some color, which is good because it takes my skin a while to get going on the color thing.
• The wonderful rain, which although is interrupting my tanning is good for our lawn.
• Infinite possibilities.
• Notes from the Universe and how every once in a while one of them makes/invites me to feel totally loved. If you haven't seen them before, check them out at www.tut.com
• Choosing new options for taking care of myself by buying some stuff from the vitamin store.
• Knowing that this semester is handled.
• Knowing that it is handled for Shaina, too.
• Really feeling in partnership with Richard.
• Striving to learn how to give him the respect he deserves.
• The material abundance that has come our way lately. Gifts from Richards parents as they rearrange their home.
• My MIL having good taste and not buying junk.
• Rescuing a small kitchen table with a single drop leaf yesterday that will make the perfect desk for my study room. I've already begun the process for stripping it.
• Connections with like minded individuals.
• You.

Love,

Sharon

Before and After

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Richard and I working as a team and getting all of the area rugs outside yesterday and power-washing them.
• Scrubbing the living room floor on hands and knees together.
• Getting the dining room floor wiped down as well.
• Richard's inspiration to follow my suggestion from a while back and switch the living room for the dining room.
• The amount of work we have accomplished in the last two days.
• How the house looks now: so much more open. Our environment is looking so different and is feeling like a reflection of the changes we are making internally.
• The beautiful wool rug that Richard's friend Andy gave us. It goes perfectly in the dining room (the new dining room).
• The sound of crickets on a warm summer night.
• A really great walk last night filled with forgiveness work and gratitude.
• Doing "poopie patrol" in the back yard today which facilitated more internal cleansing, letting go of old stuff, old beliefs and more forgiveness work. God help me, I'm actually starting to like poopie patrol.
• My little black cat who is on the desk in front of me staring at me upside down.
• The birds in our neighborhood and the songs they sing.
• Getting a call from Borders that my book, "Open to Desire: Embracing a Lust for Life" is now at the store and ready for pick up.
• Actually starting to look forward to this semester. Registered for my classes already; I'll be carrying 15 credit hours.
• Looking forward to a blessed solitde break in just a couple of weeks.
• Going to the vitamin store yesterday and getting a few thing that will help nourish my body as I once again begin the process of shedding excess pounds.
• Having the idea today to take before and after pictures. To put up on the fridge for motivation and to show to all the people who say,"You don't need to lose weight!"
• Having the kind of frame, and the knowledge of how to dress it so my weight doesn't show unless I want it to. And of course, I never want it to, lol! Darn! shoulda taken before and after pics of the living room and dining room.
• You, all you busy bees out there, you.

Love,

Sharon

Full Circle

Today I am Grateful for~

• Pets, who are unconditionally loving and so affectionate.
• Aflac and the amount of training and encouragement/positive reinforcement it gives to it's associates. Richard gets to go go-karting today as part of a training/quarterly meeting/celebration.
• Getting an answer that we were waiting on.
• The positive changes in my relationship with Peter (one of our dogs).
• The blessed rain yesterday.
• That we only had heavy rain and not storm conditions.
• Some exciting possibilities in the near future.
• Creating a team of powerful, loving women.
• Having a lot of fun with Richard last night creating affirmations for manifesting wealth and positive changes in our lives. Just as we were talking and joking about it the song, "It's My Life" came on the radio and we were totally in sync with it. We had fun singing it at 100%. It was awesome. Then even though it was 9 o'clock, Richard said let's go buy that cd and we ran out to find somewhere open. There were two things that made this Bon Jovi song especially meaningful for me/us. One is that back when we were young and newly married another Bon Jovi song "Livin' On A Prayer" was a favorite of ours (complete with singing it to each other). The song mentioned two young lovers, Tommy & Gina struggling to make it. So, fast forward 20 years as Richard and I are singing along to "It's My Life" one of the lyrics stands out..."Tommy and Gina Never backed down." I was lovin' it! That so totally describes the way that Richard and I have held onto each other and the love between us through all the ups and downs, all the drama, family dysfunction, etc. It was a full circle moment. As if that weren't enough, "It's My Life" was my theme song when I decided to return to school. It was meaningful in my transition from being "Mom" to being Me. Now it's something that Richard and I share. I am feeling very blessed.
• Tenacity and commitment.
• All of you, you young lovers, you!

Love,

Sharon

Family Bonding

Today I Am Grateful For~

• A nice family reunion-type gathering at Richard's Aunt's home in Carleton.
• The beautiful weather.
• Choosing to let Shaina's deviled eggs be the only dish we brought.
• Warm welcoming hugs.
• Bring-a-dish-to-pass gatherings and the delicious food that shows up!
• Getting access to a cottage on a lake for my week of solitude before school starts (thanks to Uncle Dave & Aunt Kaye!).
• Being ready for the first time in my life to have a week without other people around.
• The sleeping, reading, sunbathing, swimming and doing nothing that I anticipate.
• Talks of the family going in on property together up north to maintain our yearly Rondeau getaway.
• Going to the Wyandotte Art Fair w/ Richard last night.
• Asking for what I want and getting it.
• The many ways in which Richard is giving me what I want lately.
• Being mentioned in Michele's gratitude list :~)
• Hearing other parents at the family function today, saying that their teens were at home because they'd rather be playing their new video games and feeling proud that Shaina was with us because she would rather be with family.
• The ways in which our family has changed and the ways that it has stayed the same.
• You, Cuzz, You...

Love, Sharon

Magic

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• A nice dinner and fire afterwards with Nancy & Bud.
• The support that they have always given us.
• Nancy echoing our feelings that they have been more like parent figures to us than landlords/mortgage holders.
• Being loved for who we are.
• Richard surprising my by spreading the mulch I got in the front flower bed.
• The incredible pasta dish Richard whipped up last night.
• The "Harry Potter" movie being in theaters now and plans to see it this week.
• The creativity of JK Rowling and how her writing gets me in touch with the child in me that loves make-believe, pretend, fairies, goblins, trolls, witches and magic. Which reminds me of a poem I wrote when I was 17:

Rainbows and Unicorns, of these things dreams are born.

Leprechauns, pots of gold, fairy tales, yet untold.

Woodkins, sprites and elves, are they real we ask ourselves.

Mermaids, waterbabies, Maub the Queen of these things a child does dream.

Spells woven on golden spinning wheels, their silvery magic a child does feel.

The things we give up at childhood's end make us feel as if we've lost a lifelong friend.

• Words and using them artfully.
• The child in all of us.
• You, my little imp, you!

Cleaning Up

Today I Am Grateful For~

• The free mulch that Dearborn provides for it's residents from trees that get trimmed, removed, etc. It's good for the 3 R's and good for my pocketbook.
• Picking up more than enough mulch yesterday to do my front flower bed.
• Being healthy enough to shovel it into the back of the truck by myself (hard work, yuck!).
• Making good choices yesterday.
• Figuring out that I can make cleaning up dog poo in the back yard a symbolic act of cleaning up old crap. Now I don't mind doing it. Oh, yeah, the pooper-scooper helps...
• Summer, Summer, Summer. I think I finally feel relaxed.
• Getting a lot of fresh vegetables at Randazzo's for just $15.
• Some awesome experiences with wildlife this past week: watching moths and butterflies dance on the breeze yesterday, seeing a racoon climb face first down off of a garage roof onto a garden arch, grab for said arch with it's hands, almost fall, swing like a pendulum for a second until it righted itself and continue climbing face first hand over hand until it was on the ground and scurrying away, hilarious! And a moment on the path beside the river when a heron flew down and landed in the river parallel to where I was standing. It stood there for a second then seemed to notice me and flew back the way it came. It must have been about 30 - 40 feet from me, Wow! Dude, those things are huge!
• Impromptu entertaining, it's been happening a lot this summer.
• Painkillers that kill pain and relax you when you've over done it (reference shoveling mulch!).
• Reading for pleasure, ah-hhh!
• Taking risks.
• You.

Riding the Currents

Today I AM Grateful For ~

• Banana pancakes [delicious!]and Michelle D. for making them at Womyn's Camp.
• Richard for making them for me a couple of times now since then.
• Having dinner already cooked for tonight.
• Richard listening as I read out loud to him from a book that Mama Gena recommended.
• Knowing that things will be different between us as a result; and feeling butterflies about it! ;~)
• That thinking about Richard can still give me butterflies after almost 21 years together.
• The changes we are both making.
• Constantly choosing love over fear.
• My sister letting me know that she'll be visiting in a few weeks.
• Little waves of feeling better.
• Book and map orders coming in.
• Feeling productive today.
• Being reminded of the concept of doing what needs to be done with love.
• Reading other's glogs and being delighted and inspired.
• You.

Stasis

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• My studyroom being about 80% painted.
• Being able to envision the beautiful haven that it will be.
• Love and support from friends.
• Opportunities to come face to face with my beliefs about myself.
• Possiblity thinking.
• Being patient with my seratonin/norepinephrine levels slowly returning to normal.
• Re-reading a favorite book of mine from early adolescence and realizing that I've been trying to teach myseslf to see people for who they really are and to look beyond the fear they exhibit (which often looks like anger, meanness, impatience and judgement) for a very long time. Here are a couple of lines from A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle: "If someone knows who he is, really knows, then he doesn't need to hate." "Love. That's what makes persons know who they are."
• Those and other spiritual truths in a chldren's book.
• Getting together with friends yesterday.
• A relaxing comfortable evening.
• Kari's generosity.
• My partnership with Richard and how we are working to support each other.

I'm Ea-zey, Easy like Sunday Mornin'

Today I Am Grateful for~

• Getting my application sent off to Lilly Cares Foundation today applying for getting free meds.
• 4 weeks worth of Cymbalta in the meantime.
• Mark Epstein and his article in "O" magazine, very enlightening.
• Getting to re-read the article today at the doctor's office.
• Hearing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" at Potbelly, while waiting to borrow Shaina's keys. For those of you who don't know, the rainbow is a symbol of reassurance for me and has a knack of popping up when I need it to. And the part that suddenly seemed significant was, "...where the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true."
• Daring to dream more and more all the time.
• Exercising today.
• Being okay with my errands that were supposed to take 2 hours taking 4 and a half...
• Being a go with the flow kind of person.
• Starting to feel overwhelmed with all that's on my plate right now (and all that I want to put on it), then automatically singing to myself, "When life is too much, Roll with it baby."
• All the musicians and songwriters whose songs touch me, encourage me, make me think or smile or laugh or cry.
• Music, Music, Music...
• You, you crazy riff, You!

Love,

Sharon

Uncomfortable

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Being out of my comfort zone for 4 days now.
• Riding through the ups and downs of being out of said zone.
• Being able to talk through the experiences with Richard.
• The Aflac meeting yesterday and how many things matched with our values.
• The Aflac vision statement mentioning that they are a relationship-based company that thrives by being honest and trustworthy, treating each other with dignity and respect, having open, honest communication and integrity (full statement to be posted at a later date).
• Being there to support Richard who was feeling awful I thought he was going to pass out a couple of times there. If he didn't need to show up for another team member to get her reward we would have stayed home! Well he would've stayed home, I would've went to Women's Group, lol.
• Only getting a mild form of the virus that Richard got.
• Richard winning the 50/50 Raffle that they held for the Aflac Cancer Center.
• Having the people skills to participate in the meeting and make Rich look good.
• Not staying long at a grad party we stopped by in the evening.
• Getting home in time to watch a movie with Shaina.
• Making good choices today.
• A very slow day today after a draining day of being "on" on top of being sick yesterday.
• Realizing that I needed three more quarts of glaze to do my room and finding that Aco had the glaze clearanced at $1/quart.
• Being able to buy high quality paint at bargain basement prices.
• Getting back to the river Friday and today and letting it soothe me.
• Going to bed early...

Goodnight, Sharon

Blessed

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Campfires in my backyard.
• Having a great evening last night with Shanan, Michele, Leo, Amy, Richard, Shaina, Joe and Charlie.
• Leo's Generosity and Shanan's, too! We had quite the spread going thanks to these two.
• Amy managing to make it up...she had the fartherest trek!
• Michele sharing Eric with us, it's so nice to hold a baby. Thanks for coming Michele.
• Having the perfect chair to work with Eric's booster seat.
• Shanan's gentle, fun, adventurous nature.
• That, truly, no one minded the dust bunnies, or the dishes in the sink. They were all just happy to be spending the evening with us.
• Michele and Leo for letting me know that.
• Being able to take it in.
• Good friends sharing good food and drink.
• Having a full circle moment yesterday and being aware of the friendships and loving connections I have created for myself.
• Remembering my manifesting symbol (fireflies) recently and realizing how many of them there are this summer. I must be really busy manifesting!!!
• Fireflies themselves (even without the manifesting thing)...they're so magical to me.
• Long emails from my best friend Michelle.
• Not allowing myself this morning to look for all the ways that I may have made a mistake last night. Just knowing that no matter what I do I am loved.
• All of the people in my life who invite me to feel that way. There are so many of you! I am truly blessed. Thank you!!

Love,

Sharon

Treading Water

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Blessed Rain, now maybe my lawn won't die.
• Picking up our taxes today.
• Making it through a rough day.
• Remembering to ask for a shift in perception when getting really frustrated w/someone today.
• Remembering, hours later, when that didn't work to back the bus up and ask for the willingness to have a shift in perception.
• That my prayer asking for the willingness to see the other person with clarity, discernment and love, felt good and right to me.
• Knowing that my perception has changed (even if I'm not yet aware of it).
• Trazodone, which brings blessed sleep until I've adjusted to being on Cymbalta again.
• Book sales and map sales, which brings blessed income.
• Making decision that are right for me.
• Saying what is so for me.
• Learning about myself.
• You and your presence in my life.

Love, Sharon

Gratitude Vignettes

Today I Am Grateful for ~

• Reading others lists and feeling the joy of their experiences.
• The pictures of Leo's boys sailing on the Detroit River and the joy on Debbie's face in watching the boys. I don't even know her and it was wonderful to see.
• Having my plans for Friday night fall through and deciding to call Amira whose husband was out with Richard for his brothers bachelor party. I invited her out to a late night dinner w/me and got to play Mama Bird to an anxious 19 year old. We stopped by the bar that the guys were at for a quick hug before heading out to diner. After dinner going back to my house to look at my newly renovated bedroom and ending up talking for a couple of hours in said bedroom. I love opportunities to be nurturing!
• Richard calling me during the evening to tell me that he was at a bar close by and that he would love to see me (thus the quick stop that we made to give the guys a hug).
• Richard texting me 3 times during the night, the last time to tell me who the designated driver was and let me know that they were en route.
• This being a much different scenario than the one that would have played out 12 years ago. Yay! for our growth!!!!
• Taking a lunch break while working on my study room this Sunday. Going to grab some burgers at a fundraiser for the Dearborn Animal Shelter and finding out they had live music going. Having Richard's friend Andy and his girlfriend Terri meet us there. Which was totally cool for them because they just lost their dog Hershey and he was from that shelter.
• Richard taking a moment to caringly acknowledge Terri's loss.
• Our lunch break turning into taking the rest of the day off when Andy invited us out to their place in New Boston.
• Feedback from friends~Thanks Shanan.
• A trip to IKEA with my good friend Amy to look forward to.
• Plans for an inexpensive change that will make my kitchen much more functional.
• Plans to workout with Shaina today.
• Picking up the taxes today and being able to fill out the FAFSA's for this coming Fall.
• Knowing there's much more that I'm grateful for and reserving the right to do a second list later in the day, lol.

Love,

Sharon

Abundance

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Getting my taxes done this morning. And that it only cost $75. And that the taxes can be paid from Richard's share of the distibution from Off Road Venture. Can you say "It's Handled!" ? Woo! Hoo!
• Realizing that this means we can pay last years taxes the same way. Double Woo! Hoo!
• Our neighbors across the street re-doing their kitchen and sharing w/us about butcher block counter tops available from IKEA. They are a perfect and inexpensive change we can make in our kitchen. And it goes well with our/their older home.
• Things getting more and more cleaned up and organized around our house.
• A caring email from my friend Leo.
• Being mentioned on two different gratitude lists...Thanks!
• No longer needing to feel jealous of my good friend Amy and her two washers and two dryers, because I now have two of each as well, due to the generosity of Vicki's significant other.
• That getting the new appliances provided the motivation to get the basement cleaned up.
• Realizing how many different forms abundance takes and how much of it I'm experiencing.
• Deciding to take advantage of a 30 Day Fitness Make-Over coupon that came in the mail and getting a 30 Day membership to a local gym for $19.
• Shaina joining me, we'll be working out together.
• Getting so much scraping done in my little study room that Richard has practically twinkled happily every time he thinks of it.
• Shaina making dinner last night.
• Plans to paint the room this weekend.
• Richard actually stating a preference for the first time I can remember, this is growth!
• Feeling somewhat better today.
• Realizing that I sabotage myself when I try so hard to be OK. I could have changed meds 6 weeks ago if I paid attention to/gave credence to how I was feeling.
• Realizing that it will be helpful to recognize that there will be times when I'm not okay...and that's Okay.
• Looking back at this post and seeing that I've written another Gratitude Novella!
• The abundance of things to be grateful for!!!!

Love,

Sharon

Hanging In There

Today I am Grateful For ~

• Finding a book that Mama Gena recommeded.
• The Dr changing my med today and helping me fill out the paperwork for the patient assistance program.
• Reassurance that I will feel better shortly (I haven't felt great since a couple of weeks after the study ended in late March).
• Hope that I will actually enjoy the summer.
• Finding a $30 check that I forgot to cash.
• Napping on the trampoline while dinner was cooking.
• Walking everyday so I can allow myself as much comfort food as I want.
• Wearing a skirt today and remembering how much I like skirts.
• Michelle's blog about the orcas.
• Leo's gratitude lists with pictures.
• Laughing so hard it hurt last Friday night.
• Companionship with neighbors.
• Taking care of myself by going for a walk when I was done socializing.
• My Dad finally having the kind of job he deserves; one that puts his intellect to work.

May All Feel Loved, May All Feel Peace, May All Be Blessed...

Love,

Sharon

Open and Willing

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• The beautiful sunshine.
• remembering to listen to myself.
• Realizing when I'm looking for things I do wrong and stopping the process.
• Choosing respect over disdain/judgement yesterday w/Richard.
• Being able to dialogue instead of listening to diatribe.
• Asking for what I want and getting it.
• Having my flexibility acknowledged.
• Finding nightstands on sale at Meijer and then having a $10 off coupon.
  For now they're a perfect solution.
• Richard finishing the last 1% of painting left in our bedroom as I type.
• Unloading lots of unnecessary stuff yesterday and knowing it's going to a good cause.
• Feeling lighter as a result.
• Wanting to de-clutter more.
• Richard's willingness to listen to feedback and his sense of humor about it.
• Songbirds, Songbirds, Songbirds. I so, so, so, love the sound of birds singing.
• A short walk yesterday.
• My Dad's feedback that it's possible that I am distracted on my walks and not necessarily "listening" even if I'm meditating.
• Realizing he's right.
• Changing my meditations.
• Overwhelming Love, Support and Encouragement in my World.

May All Be Loved, May All Be Blessed, May All Feel Peace...

Love, Sharon

Coming Down

Today I am Grateful For ~

• A wonderful unexpected, if brief, visit w/our former landlords~now mortgage holders, Bud & Nancy.
• The positive effect that visiting with them had on my mood. Before they came I was thinking, "Why should I cook dinner and clean up the kitchen, too?!" After they left I thought, "There's not that much here. I'll just do them real quick."
• Getting four loads of laundry washed and put away today.
• Finding info online about "Oliver!". It's the musical that HFCC is putting on in April. Auditions are in September and I've decided to try it.
• Registering for the Voice Techniques class at HFCC this Fall.
• That the Vocal Instructor was very encouraging when I inquired about voice classes. He spent time w/me singing at the piano and even invited me to join the concert choir.
• Having two whole months of summer left before school starts again.
• Ideas for where I can go for a week and do nothing but sleep and eat (anyone want a housesitter/houseguest, lol!).
• The painting in my bedroom being 99% done.
• Map orders.
• Shaina taking the lead today on getting the car cleaned out and doing most of the work.
• Getting the idea to call a church I know of to see if they were taking donations for their yearly garage sale.
• Having an appointment to drop off 4 big bags of stuff tomorrow morning.
• My cat Tippy curling up on the desk in front of me dozing, I love when he does that.

May All Be Loved, May All Feel Peace, May All Be Blessed.

Love, Sharon

keeping it simple

Today I am Grateful for ~

• Getting re-started on a big project today.
• Shaina doing her best to be considerate when using the car.
• Gorgeous weather.
• The songbirds that live in my neighborhood.
• Remembering to listen to my self.
• Map/Book orders.
• River walks ~ sunlight through the trees and on the water, electric blue dragonflies, pretty orange moths, wildflowers, turtles and squirrels.
• Making homemade banana bread Sunday night.
• Getting a foot file (it sloughs off the dead skin) yesterday and giving my feet a thorough going over.
• Incredible pork chops on the grill for dinner and possibly the best steamed broccoli I've ever had in my life (yes, it was that good!).
• A short nap with the boys (our dogs) today.
• Knobs on my dresser, still amazing.
• My little black cat with his cute pointy face, who is rolling around on the desk in front of me and flirting for all he's worth.
• An abundance of love support and all things good in my world [I think that's partially plagiarized ;) ].
• You.

Moving On

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• Buying knobs for my dresser drawers yesterday. Wow, now opening and closing the drawers isn't such a hassle. Who knew spending that $20 could be a stress-reliever? Not me! I've lived with that dresser for 18 years just the way it was.
• Richard installing said knobs for me, since the changes in our bedroom are getting to be overwhelming for me. It's looking and feeling so soothing in there that I'm having issues of deservability come up. Apparently, I'm much more comfortable when things look run-down.
• Hearing about the Xtreme Team weekend and all of the learning and growth that occurred.
• Being able to walk out the door without shoes or a jacket--I love this time of year.
• Getting one more chance to go up to Richard's sister's cabin this weekend, before she sells it. Each year in August the whole Rondeau clan heads up for about 5 days of family togetherness in the beautiful UP. We have loved our trips up there. The beauty of nature is astounding and peaceful. I'll miss the campfires, the hikes, hearing the wolves howl while sitting on the front porch, being able to see more stars than I could possibly count, the play of northern lights in the night-time sky, the waterfalls, Richard's adventures with his siblings and the tall tales afterward (they have just as much fun telling the story, as they have during the experience!), just hanging out and being comfortable with family and much more.
• Feeling peaceful and accepting of the changes going on in/for the family.
• Each one of you.

Slogging Through

Today I Am Grateful For~

• Spending all day at jury duty Wednesday and yet not being chosen. I don't think I would have been impartial regarding the case at hand and I would have had to say so in front of God and everybody (ha, ha, get it?!) if my name was called.
• Realizing how everything usually works out just right, even when I'm afraid.
• Getting a blessing from my Dad on Tuesday night that helped with the overwhelming anxiety that I was feeling.
• Realizing how far out of my comfort zone I am with all the changes in my life.
• Deeply burried thoughts and feelings coming up to be healed.
• Support, Love and Nurturing from my parents and Richard.
• Riding the roller coaster of feeling safe and feeling anxious.
• You and your love.

Still in the Thick of It...

Today I Am Grateful For ~

• Richard passing his test yesterday and the start of training w/Aflac on Monday.
• The letter in the mail yesterday telling me I made the Dean's list again.
• My river adventure Friday. I felt all of 12 as I sat eating my lunch on a fallen tree while the river flowed beneath me. Maybe it never is too late to have a happy childhood.
• The dragonflies that danced in the air in front of me as I ate. They felt like my own personal fairies.
• Having dinner with friends last night and having a fire in the backyard afterwards.
• Going for a short walk after they left.
• Richard telling me that he'd wait up for me.
• Forgiving myself for sleeping in and missing women's group this morning.
• Choosing to focus on what I can do as a make up instead of beating myself up.
• The new texture of our bedroom walls, we can't stop petting them. We'll probably have to repaint in 6 mos if this keeps up.
• Seeing a pair of yellow finches this morning (I may take up bird watching, there are so many around here).
• My mantra of the last two days...I am forgiven and governed by God's love alone. All is well.

May all be well with you, too. Love, Sharon