cc image courtesy flickr.com/photos/spunfunkster

I was not calm this morning.  On the contrary, Monday’s first light conspired to make me edgy and quick to judge and generally explosive.   I initially posted this image at the header, but it was not inspiring – not in the least – in fact it felt like a call to be self destructive.   I waited to post and stared at that image in defiance and slowly the day started to relent, if ever so slightly, as I started to think about the things for which I am grateful.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this blog is that it images and words can bring you down faster that you can imagine.   But a reflective moment, coffee with a sympathetic colleague or a short walk in the park can transform a perfectly dreadful morning into a hope-filled afternoon.  I’m not quite at the “hope-filled” stage at the moment but as least I’m not primed for explosion.

I am completely self-centered at the moment, and that’s okay because today I’m at least thankful that:

1. despite the times I feel completely inconsequential, someone shines a light in my eyes.
2. I started this blog – it’s been a great equalizer for me and I’ve learned that Mondays are perhaps particularly suited for a few moments of reflection.
3. I didn’t do anything crazy and/or rash this morning, thanks to a few gentle but well-timed words from a friend.

For what are you thankful?

cc image courtesy flickr.com/photos/minipixel

It was cold and drizzly on Halloween night, but fortunately for us that did not dampen the spirit – so to speak – of the neighborhood ghouls.   We had 50 or so visitors brave the path along cemetery to retrieve a treat reward and it was great fun.

Today I am thankful for simple rituals that remind us of our humanity:

1. parents that dress up with their kids
2. gentle reminders to say “please” and “thank you”
3. the bare honesty of the ghoul who uttered “by the way, I think you have too many decorations up in your yard”.

For what are you thankful?

cc image courtesy flickr.com/photos/safetylast

I saw it this weekend, the bright blaze of a fully egulfed Japanese Maple that was so red it almost hurt my eyes.   There is something about the whimsy of a cool Fall day and the warm colors of the foliage that makes me smile inside.

Today I am thankful for secret Fall pleasures

1. caramel apples – juicy, sticky sweet and sour.
2. the morning’s cool damp air and a hot cup of coffee.
3. the smell of roasted root vegetables filling the kitchen.

For what are you thankful?

cc image courtesy flickr.com/photos/bcveen

It felt like the icy grip of Winter was upon us this weekend, but it was simply a Fall symphony accompanying the dancing leaves.  It was a welcome break from the dreariness of the rain and gave us the chance to transform the front yard into a ghoulish spectacle.

Today I am thankful for

1. the soreness in my back, reminding me how much I enjoy helping to create our front yard experience.
2. the smell of the furnace kicking in for the first time this year.
3. the neighbors that stop and say hello, share our little joys and a few giggles.

For what are you thankful?

cc image courtesy flickr.com/photos/photographsbygirish

It’s raining, again.  The weekend held whispers of perfection, the sound of closing doors and the creaks of windows opening to allow the cool autumn air to spill into the house.  Monday decided to shake us from those comforts with a deluge of routine.

Today I am thankful for …

1. puddles that remind me to reflect on the path traveled.
2. a simple morning exchange  “It’s raining” .. “I hear that”.. “Monday is so canceled” … “Oh, good”.
3. friends that take care of things, over and over.

For what are you thankful?

cc image courtesy flickr.com/photos/raceytay

Love is metaphysical gravity.    – Buckminster Fuller

It’s one of those Mondays blurring into Tuesday, fading into Wednesday, sliding into … what day is it again?  It’s this blur that makes me thankful for the most basic things.

Today I’m thankful …

1. for having and taking the time to stop and remember to be grateful.
2. for a long sleep from which I finally awoke – groggy and disoriented – but at least rested.
3. for a deep red glass of wine.

For what are you thankful?

cc image courtesy flickr.com/photos/angelocesare

I realize that a musician being thankful for music is oh-so-obvious, but this week I cannot escape it.    Music is such an important part of who I am that sometimes just maybe I take it for granted.  So instead I will be boldly grateful.

Today, I am thankful for

1. the chance to hear live music, unmediated and bouncing off the hollow walls of an old bar.
2. hard working, authentic musicians that continue to inspire me.
3. finding and striking chords I thought were long lost but instead were merely waiting for the right time to ring true.

For what are you thankful?

cc image courtesy flickr.com/photos/cwsteeds

I opened my eyes
And looked up at the rain,
And it dripped in my head
And flowed into my brain,
And all that I hear as I lie in my bed
Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head.

I step very softly,
I walk very slow,
I can’t do a handstand–
I might overflow,
So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said–
I’m just not the same since there’s rain in my head.

Rain, by Shel Silverstein

Today I am thankful for …

1. a roof over our heads that is not *knock on wood* leaking.
2. being happily contented to sit in the rain and listen to great live music with friends.
3. for the woman who sat next me, a brain cancer survivor, smiling and laughing and living so out loud.

For what are you thankful?

cc image courtesy flickr.com/photos/kimberlyfaye

Do you remember where you were on that moment?

Can you count the ways your life has changed since then?

Today I am thankful for

1. a moment in time that while tragic, helped me find the greatest joy in my life.
2. the people who know me and love me despite what they know.
3. second chances, and third chances, and sometimes even a fourth … or more.

For what are you thankful?

cc image courtesy flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08

Too often I forget how my luxuries are sometimes the burden of those that labor.  According to the photo:  “In 1894, Japan exported fifty million pounds of tea, three-fourths of which came to the United States.  The labor of picking of this immense crop is performed largely by children.“  There are beautiful faces in that photo, have a look at the original.

Today I am thankful for:

1. A simple day of rest.
2. Quiet moments of reflection.
3. A gathering of good friends, good food and healthy laughter.

For what are you thankful?