Grateful for Hugs (TY-31)

I deeply appreciate hugs! A hug is like ice cream or candy for the heart and soul! It is that delicious, warm and loving embrace that displays the affections of another compassionate and caring being. I feel that hugs are best when they are unexpected. Incoming…..surprise hug! Those really make my day!

Hugs do not have to be reserved for other people. You can wrap those lovely arms around yourself as well as others and squeeze! Go ahead. Go on! Do it right now!!! (((BIG HUG!!!))) You have been virtually hugged by me! (Big grin) How did it feel? Virtual hugs feel almost as good as the real thing.

Have you ever spontaneously hugged someone you do not know? I have. Those are the best because there are no expectations attached and because it was unexpected. That is what I call a double blessing. I challenge anyone who reads this blog to hug at least one person they do not know before the New Year. I bet it will be appreciated. Go on and be a hugger (and not a bugger).  Hugs! 

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Grateful for Mom’s Hands (TY-26)

Today I wish to express my deepest appreciation for my mother and her hands. She has done countless deeds to make our lives wonderful. She is a phenomenal wife to my father and an extraordinary caretaker for my sister and I. Her gifts and talents are numerous. Her love for us is endless. There is nothing in the world I would not do for her. Yet, she expects nothing in return but our happiness. My mother is the epitome of unconditional love for which I am profoundly grateful. Thank you, mommy.

Her Hands

© Maggie Pittman

Her hands held me gently from the day I took my first breath.
Her hands helped to guide me as I took my first step.
Her hands held me close when the tears would start to fall.
Her hands were quick to show me that she would take care of it all.

Her hands were there to brush my hair, or straighten a wayward bow.
Her hands were often there to comfort the hurts that didn’t always show.
Her hands helped hold the stars in place, and encouraged me to reach.
Her hands would clap and cheer and praise when I captured them at length.

Her hands would also push me, though not down or in harm’s way.
Her hands would punctuate the words, just do what I say.
Her hands sometimes had to discipline, to help bend this young tree.
Her hands would shape and mold me into all she knew I could be.

Her hands are now twisting with age and years of work,
Her hand now needs my gentle touch to rub away the hurt.
Her hands are more beautiful than anything can be.
Her hands are the reason I am me.

Source: Her Hands, Mother Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/her-hands#ixzz2DYWQnTVE
www.FamilyFriendPoems.com

As promised in yesterday’s blog (Grateful for Goodness), here is the image of the 3 “tree canvas ornaments” I made for my friend Lorrie B. Jonas and the tree she is contributing to the A Festival of Trees fundraiser (http://www.festivaloftreesutah.org/). If you are interested in donating artwork, join this group on Facebook: Festival Of Trees-Artist Around The World Tree. She needs to have the artwork no later than November 30, 2013. I am mailing these out today.

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Grateful for my Physical Senses (TY-3)

Our ability to see, hear, smell, taste and physically feel is amazing. Those physical sensations are relayed into our human computer (our brain) via specialized sensory receptors (our sensory organs): eyes, ears, nose, tongue (taste buds), skin (nerve endings). I am utterly and deeply grateful for these 5 wonderful physical senses. We often do not think about how wonderful these sensations are until we are without these abilities.

Have you ever experienced a cold (viral infection) where your nose has been compromised so that you cannot smell, nor breathe? It is not too hard to imagine not being able to see or hear, as you can use a blindfold or ear plugs; however, we often do not think about our senses nor appreciate them until our senses are compromised.

I am very grateful for all my physical senses; however, I am especially grateful at this moment for having perfect vision. This was not always the case for me. From the age of about ten, I have been nearsighted and I needed to use eyeglasses and later contact lenses to see distance with clarity. A few years ago, I had corrective eye surgery and I am beyond thrilled of truly being able to see. It is so liberating!

I take extra precautions with my eyes, especially when I go outdoors, by wearing sunglasses. I deeply appreciate my eyes and often give them a break from the computer, television and text as these things can cause eyestrain. It is as simple as closing your eyes and gently placing the palms of your hands over each eye for a minute or so. This activity allows your eyes to relax.

Another great way to pamper your eyes (and your entire physical body) is getting adequate sleep; moreover, it is important that the environment where you sleep is free from as many stimuli as possible (example: lights on various devices such as a clock display or phone charger).  Lights and sounds can prevent your eyes and ears, as well as your brain, from entering into a deep state of relaxation needed to recharge your body.

Think of all the ways we utilize our physical senses daily. There are hundreds of them. Our physical senses are such wonderful gifts of life. I honor and appreciate my eyes, ears, nose, skin and taste buds. Thank you so much!

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Grateful for Seasons

As the leaves fall off the trees and autumn colors are in full swing with its yellows, oranges and reds, I find myself grateful to be able to relish in its splendor. I am fortunate to live in a place where we experience four very distinct seasons of winter, spring summer and fall, which is a fabulous reminder of our own cycle of life. The bounty of our summer’s harvest  has been collected. The chill is in the air.

Yes, autumn is a period of time when plant life recedes into a restful state as winter approaches. The peaceful, cold winters brings with it many wonderful holidays, but it also bring us to an end and to a  close of another year. Life on earth will one day come to an end for each of us; however, this is not a time for sorrow. Indeed, it is a time for celebration, as the spring approaches with rebirth and renewal. The spirit in each of us lives on.

Spring brings new life, a period of growth and development, as each of us experience many times over in each stage of our lives. The warmer air brings hope and anticipation as we approach summer, when flowers become fruit. As we reflect on our lives, do we count years or do we think about seasons, such as that was the summer you graduated from high school or that was the spring you learned to drive.

I was blessed with a baby sister the winter of 1974. It was in the mid-summer of 2007, when I exchanged vows with the love of my life. I will never forget the fall of 2008, when we adopted our beautiful puppy dog. What do the seasons say to you? What wonderful memories do they stir? How will you spend your next winter, spring, summer and fall?

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Grateful For The Voting Process and Democracy

I am grateful that I get to vote! I have a voice and no one is going to take it away from me because I exercise my right to vote. In fact, I feel it is my responsibility to vote.

I follow the issues and make informed decisions. I voice my support and I voice my protests as I see fit. I am deeply grateful to have the freedom to do this. Furthermore, I respect and welcome the voice of others, who have different perspectives and insights.

The hodgepodge of wonderful ideas and different viewpoints is what makes The United States of America a WONDERFUL place to live. God bless the United States of America! I know my readers who are eligible to vote in the U.S. went out (or going to) and exercised their right to vote during this 2012 U.S. Presidential Election, right?  Thank you and God Bless YOU!

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