Gratitude

     Well, I obviously did not return as soon as I'd thought. I'm such a liar. I assumed once my course was done that I'd get right back to blogging, but then the weather got nice and then Earl and I went on a trip to Montreal, and then, and then... I'm really good at excuses. Just ask Earl. Or my Mom. But Mamacita (my preggers baby sister, for those who might not remember) has been harassing me to get back on the blogging horse (I think she's looking for something to read at work), and since she's good enough to care, and is my most loyal reader, and is 32 weeks pregnant in this heat, I'm doing it for her. And for me.


     But all of this aside, I have wanted to return to the blog for a while, and I've had some inspiring moments and ideas. Two weeks ago I was going to write about our Montreal adventure. Last week I was going to write about how I felt about Jim Flaherty and his ideas regarding unemployment. But this week I want to write about something that was inspired by a conversation with my Mom (who is one of my heroes). 


     I have been feeling somewhat down. Money, unemployment, the state of the world, blah, blah, blah. When I feel sad, I call my Mom. She listens, offers suggestions, and reminds me to think about all of the things in my life for which I am grateful. So today I want to think about, and share, some of those things with you.


     I am grateful for my family. I know I have their support and love, no matter what, and there's an awful lot to be said for that. I know I'm so lucky in this regard, and I'm so thankful. Not only do I have a wonderful, supportive set of parents and caring sisters (both of whom have chosen great men as their husbands), but I have two glorious nieces who make me laugh and see things through different eyes, and one more on the way - a promise for the future. And adding to this crazy bunch of blood relations are Earl's sister, brother-in-law and their impending boy-twins, who I can't wait to meet! I'm grateful for families and the excitement that the two pregnancies are bringing to my life.

Crazy Turkey.

     I am grateful for kitties. Especially my kitties, Monkey and Turkey. They are both amazing, but Turkey and I share an extra-special bond (as do Earl and Monkey). Turkey is fat. He yells at you when he's hungry or wants love. He sleeps a lot and when he's awake, he's usually Turkeying around (chasing things we can't see, running from windowsill to windowsill, trying to pick fights with Monkey, looking around for floor snacks,and climbing places he shouldn't). But when I am sad and he lets me snuggle him and breathe in his kitty smell, I am so grateful for his unconditional love.

Curve Lake luna moth.

     I am grateful for nature. Despite things like mosquitoes, cold weather, and grubs, it's amazing how much joy nature can bring. Swimming in a lake (or Georgian Bay!), watching the trees come into bloom, looking for hidden lily of the valley flowers, smelling lilacs, listening to water flow, seeing the sun rise... these things bring peace in a way nothing else can. It's comforting and awe-inspiring at the same time. Recently I was in Curve Lake, and noticed something weird on a store window. When I got closer, I saw it was a huge moth. I'd never seen anything like it, and although I had to get moving to get to an appointment, I just stared at it for what seemed like a very long time. It was so beautiful and unusual. Nature, you amaze me every day.

Whimzy's garden.

     I am grateful for Earl. Sometimes he frustrates me, or makes me sad, but if I didn't love him so much, I wouldn't care. He is an artist, a genius, a recluse, a chef, a religious figure, a gardener, an animal-whisperer, a magician, a mystic, a teller of truth and a foreteller of the future, a lover of music, a fiery mind, an anxious little bunny, and a strong, strong man. This week he has been hard at work transforming our postage-stamp yard into a beautiful secret garden. Blooms and greenery abound, in the most unusual places. We now have a tomato plant (with five - and counting - baby tomatoes!), an herb garden, a beautiful patch of annuals and perennials, baby morning glories getting ready to start their climb up the back fence, bowls of flowers in the rock garden, and a carefully-tended lawn. Sitting in our yard after dark, with candles and incense burning, is like falling into a deep, warm hug - especially knowing Earl has done all of this work himself. And did I mention that I'm grateful for Earl's hugs? He gives great ones. I love me my Earl, and I am grateful for him always.


     So that's my post for today. For what are you grateful?