Appreciating Halloween (TY-13)

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays of the year next to Christmas. I enjoy dressing up and all the spooky sights. I feel Halloween gives us permission to be a bit mischievous and a whole lot of playful.

I appreciate how Halloween comes at the end of October as the nights grow longer and the air a bit cooler, as it brings us closer to winter. We are going from a time of harvest and plenitude to a time of scarcity and reduction. Life is transitioning to death as we approach the end of another year. Of course, this is all geographically dependent to the northern hemisphere.

In the southern hemisphere, it is springtime transitioning to summer; and many of the Halloween traditions such as bonfires and Jack-o-Lanterns make no sense. However, I believe Halloween is also celebrated in various countries below the equator, where there is strong European and American influences. Halloween has quite a history…here is an excerpt from the History Channel:

Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. (http://www.history.com/topics/halloween)

I would encourage you to read more about it from the aforementioned website; it is fascinating. Halloween is a fun time often filled with mystery and superstition. And, I for one appreciate it for both the lighthearted fun as well as a reminder that winter is approaching (in my part of the world).

 

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Grateful for Smiles (TY-12)

Smiles uplift my spirits, especially the unexpected smiles of strangers. I genuinely appreciate the smiles of others. No matter how my day is going, a smile brings me up.

This simple facial gesture conveys an unspoken message that everything is going to be alright and you are wonderful just as you are. A smile is an expression of kindness in which the joyous spirit of another touches the hearts of all who witness that smile. A smile is easy and simple to do; and, it is a small thing that often makes a big difference in the lives of others. I am very grateful for smiles.

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Grateful for Earth (TY-11)

 

When I think about our own solar system, only one planet out of nine sustains life! And, then I look among the stars and see all the billions and billions of stars (suns) in our Universe and wonder, how many planets are similar to our world? Are they filled with sentient beings and life as we know it? I am in awe with Earth and deeply appreciate all her resources and beauty. I am grateful for our magnificent world.

Earth is home not only to so many cultures of people, but also to a variety of life forms from single-celled organisms to towering, ageless trees. Organisms can be found in any environment on Earth, no matter how hostile it may be (such as deserts, arctic tundras and volcanoes), life forms have been found. Earth has nurtured all of us and she has provided for all of our needs. Furthermore, Earth is the only home we have; and, I intend to take care of my part of her. Thank you so much, Mother Earth.

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Grateful for Sunshine (TY-10)

The past couple of days have been beautiful with the sun shining and clear skies. I deeply appreciate the sunshine. It’s radiance and brilliance always lifts my spirits. It was not hot nor was it cold. It was a comfortable temperature, where no jacket was required.

Yesterday, I was able to do a bit outdoor activity…pulling up the last season’s growth to make room for the spring. My husband was able to help me and we enjoyed the sun together. Sasha, my puppy-at-heart dog delighted in helping as she took a hold of the roots and pulled along side with us. We all enjoyed a lovely day together. I do love and appreciate sunny days.

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Grateful for Giggles (TY-9)

One of the most delightful sounds I know is laughter. I am grateful for giggles, chuckles and laughter; moreover, the ability to make light of life and embrace humor. As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine.

I believe that if I can giggle, I can get through most any stressful situation or tragic event in my life. One of the best emotions I know is laughter through tears; because, it is at that moment that I know I will be able to get through whatever heartache or hardship I am experiencing. Even the sound of laughter and giggles triggers joy and happiness.

I believe the giggling uplifts the spirit because it reminds us of times when we are able to laugh and giggle, such as when we were children. To appreciate giggles is to embrace blissfulness. I am grateful for giggles and laughter. (P.S. 2 months until Christmas, LOL).

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Grateful for Food and Home (TY – 8)

The bare necessities such as food and shelter are things most of us take for granted; yet, it is very important that we appreciate the food we have to eat and the home we have to protect us from the outdoor environment. I deeply appreciate having nutritious meals daily. My husband and I almost always express thanksgiving before each meal no matter where we are (whether it be at home, at a restaurant or visiting friends or family). I find it really brings importance and satisfaction to our meals. The nourishment we receive is acknowledged and appreciated.

Our home provides so much more than just protection and shelter. It provides security and many comforts for which I am deeply grateful. Our home, like most in the United States (that I am aware of) has indoor plumbing and electricity. We have heating and air conditioning and adequate space for our needs. I feel so blessed to have a home, especially when I am aware there are many in our world who are without any form of shelter. Thoughts and appreciation for having a home too often come after natural disasters, when we realize how vulnerable we are. My heart will always be grateful for each day in which we have healthy meals and a comfortable home.

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Grateful for Technology (TY – 7)

Technology; we seem to notice it when it doesn’t work; however, all of the technology in our lives, which we take for granted, has allowed us to do many tasks and activities. How many can you list in a minute? Here is my quick list: Communicate from almost anywhere, check my e-mail from nearly anywhere, check-in social media sites, monitor the weather, navigate to destinations, track myself almost anywhere, do live face-to-face virtual communication via webcams from all over the world, research any topic from home or portable device, find the best deals with my portable device, play on-line games, connect to the internet without wires, print documents in seconds, take hundreds of photos digitally, use solar-powered devices like calculators, stay up at all hours of the night because of electric lights, cook meals without being present using a crock pot with a digital timer, cook meals faster and easier with a microwave oven… and so on and so forth.

My list has barely scratched the surface of everything we rely on technology to do. Technology is used everywhere and is part of almost everything. It is not just computers, but it is part of telephones, cars, radios, televisions, cameras, satellite systems, electricity and electrical systems, etc. I am grateful how technology has played a significant role in my life and how it has connected me with people from all over the world. Technology has allowed me to do so many things better, quicker and easier. I truly appreciate technology (and the people who engineered it all). Thank you, technology.

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Grateful for my Family (TY – 6)

I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful husband and fur-baby. Today we had a super walk together enjoying nature and each other’s company. As you can see from the photo, it was a beautiful day.

I deeply appreciate my husband, Rick, who supports me in countless ways; and, Sasha, my fur-baby, who is more than a fabulous companion. It is important to reflect on the loved ones in our lives and acknowledge their time and gifts that they share with us. Our spouses, our children and our fur-companions each have very significant roles in our lives, which deserve gratitude. Every act that they do, which makes your life more joyous and easier, needs to be recognized, acknowledged and appreciated.

Sometimes, however, when we get caught up in our daily routine and stresses, we forget our loved ones. We take for granted that they will be there for us. While this may usually be true, there will come a time in our lives when they will no longer be with us. It is important to cherish them as often as we can, acknowledge them, appreciate them and love them. They are the ones who are important, not the work, the chores, the daily routine and all the other stuff.

Therefore, I am taking time to think about my family and appreciate them as I write this brief article to thank them. Thank you Rick and Sasha! You are the best part of my life!

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Grateful for my Community

I deeply appreciate my community. I live in a small city on the coast of Virginia and we just had our annual seafood festival. It is wonderful to see how wonderfully our community came together to put on such a fabulous festival filled with music, food and artisans. All of our community service groups had booths set up to raise funds for wonderful causes like the Friends of the Library (with which I am a member), the Kiwanis Club, and the Lions Club.

The weather was mostly ideal for it, too. It is a delight to see members of our community celebrate with neighboring communities who visited our seafood festival. I deeply appreciate how the organizers of the event made this year’s festival a success! As I worked in our booth, I could hear positive comments as people passed through, which warmed my heart. I had a great time even though I am drained of all my energy in a positive way.

I am grateful for our community. We know how to come together for events like the seafood festival, as well as, support each other during tragic events like after severe weather that often cause flooding and property damage. Community is so important. Rallying for each other, having fun together, helping each other and appreciating neighbors is all part of creating that community spirit. Expressing gratitude for where you live helps to build a strong community, for which am very grateful!

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Grateful for My Feet (TY-4)

Dearest feet…you are so neat!
You take me wherever I wish to go.
You often do not receive praise; instead, you get complaints and woe.

Today, dear feet, I am showering you with love, affection and appreciation.
This blog is devoted to you, dear feet. I submit it as a dedication.

Peculiar and sad is the fact that I do not give my feet any thought until they hurt from overuse. I depend on my feet for holding me up and allowing me to stand tall. My feet carry my weight wherever I wish to go. They allow me to walk, run, hop, skip and jump. They help to give me balance, as well as, allow me to dance and prance.

I very much want to express my gratitude to you, my dear feet. I really appreciate you. You deserve to be pampered. Tonight, you are going to get massaged with lotion. I may even doll you up with a pedicure. Would you like that? Thank you, feet! You are super sweet!!

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