Well, you know we have to find joy in the small things, right? Well, I just love that my hubby came home today with a HUGE bright yellow bag full of hollow chocolate Easter bunnies (my favourite kind) that he found on sale at the store for 90% off. What a guy!

Eagleheart..I like this idea..a gratitude journal..very much! BUT when I was going to add to it..I found that I couldn´t think of anything..eventho my life is so blessed..I KNOW that!!!! This must reflect my state of mind at the moment..and I didn´t like that..so I went out for a short walk..and I just got back. I have something I can add here to your gratitude journal..and it´s a thanks to myself..which I kinda need just now..I realized on my walk that I had stuck to my yoga for a bout a year now..and this has resulted in the fact that I can manage the "greeting to the sun" excercise or warm up. It has become a part of me..which also made my rather quick walk just now..easier. My knees didn´t creak quite as much and I didn´t find myself totally panting for breath.

Now..the walk was a 10min walk..so it´s no great big achievement..but, for me, right now..it means a kind of breakthru...

thank you for your own ability for gratitude, Eagleheart..it helped me along this evening here in my Sweden..and I am so grateful for YOU!!!!

I have a gratitute journal also..just before sleep I recall the days blessings..
Mountain ash

Great topic. Eagle, I would also give thanks for candy and a hubby who bought it!

humlan, congrats on sticking with yoga for a year. That's awesome and so very good for you! Keep up the good work.

I am grateful for the lunch I just had with my sister, Dad, two aunts, and cousin. Sis and I tagged along (well, really drove Dad now that he sold his car) and we were so uplifted by these elderly pepole who still make it a point to be with one another. They are amazing and such great role models. One aunt is turning 87 and is still driving and should be. There's no reason she shouldn't. She's totally with it. Another has been battling cancer for six years and jokes that they have to plan their lunches around her chemo schedules. She also warned her doctor that she was taking a month off from chemo this summer because she's going to the beach. I admire my dad and his family. Their tenacity is remarkable. Great spirits!

I first learned of the concept of a gratitude journal from Sarah Ban Breachnach, author of "Simple Abundance." I've practiced it off an on over the years. I think writing down what one is grateful for puts a conscious focus on the gratitude. At least it does for me. Otherwise, I might be more casual, like thinking, "Oh, I'm grateful for that beautiful view of Pikes Peak" and then letting the thought pass. Writing it down adds a dimension of awareness for me. This morning, my husand and I agreed to keep a gratitude journal for each other. We'll share the same book, left open at all times, for either one of us to make an entry of what we are grateful for about the other. This is not a new concept but it's the practice of the concept that counts. So, it's a mutually beneficial exercise. I am grateful that he is willing to participate! Dotsie, your luncheon sounds like a wonderful family get together!

Sarah is an inspiration and taught me too.
Mountain ash

Some things I put in my personal gratitude journal, some are worthy of sharing, especially here.

I'm feeling such gratitude for this safe place where we can come and just be. What inexpressable comfort in finding acceptance, connection, encouragement and common ground within each other's presence. And what joy it is to be able to swap stories, exchange insights and share wisdom as we each journey through our days. It's difficult to put into words just what an awesome gift it is to be puttering through my day (and/or my mind!) and then be able to come here and share life and connection with you women in the midst of that puttering...you are such an indescribably special and beloved - and vital - part of my life. And I thank God for each and every one of you, I thank Dotsie for creating BWS, and I thank each and every one of you for being, and especially for being here.

In my town (next to where I live now) there are many people who know me and I have always known them.
One man lost his wife 30 years ago in an accident.We met him on Monday after a doctors visit.
His convesation...how are you two...I remember being at school with your Mother.She could run better than anyone ..she was quiet.Good at art.
Then..I was in personnel when you started work(to my husband) you were tall and blonde.
Jim this man sees me at church...tells me how he misses his wife..having that special someone who listens..and is in his home.
My gratitude journal...
Thank you for my husband and companion....and for the quiet time we share.How we fit together..
Thank you for the people who lift me up by remembering my people and accept me..
My children ...My friends.My home.
All the small things together that make my life happy
Mountain ash

Eagle, here's something I thought would interest and please you.




Capt. Bob Bartlett celebration event receives funding


The provincial government has handed the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador an additional $225,000 to support Celebrating Bartlett 2009, an event to mark the life and achievements of Arctic explorer Capt. Bob Bartlett.
The funding, to be provided over a two-year period, will bring the total government funding of this event to $400,000 since 2006.
“Capt. Bob Bartlett’s accomplishments include far more than his famous 1909 Polar expedition with Robert Peary,” Tourism Minister Clyde Jackman said. “He is internationally recognized for his early Arctic exploration and subsequent scientific expeditions.”
Activities being organized by the association include travelling exhibits, dramatic presentations, educational programs, lectures, and a ports program with the Bowdoin, an Arctic expeditionary schooner from Bartlett’s era.

Thanks, Chick! It really does please and delight me to hear any Bartlett news!

Our family has been talking about taking a trip to Brigus, Newfoundland...maybe we should try and time it so that we can take in some of these Bartlett festivities. We're planning to build a memorial cairn in the Bartlett cemetary for Mom, Dad and Gary's ashes...the cairn will even have a little window looking out over the Brigus harbour.

Last summer a good friend of mine traveled through NF for several weeks, stopping in Brigus on my recommendation. He thoroughly enjoyed his stay there...he wandered through the Bartlett family cemetary and museum and then sent me a lovely package of pictures, brochures and memorabilia as a memorial souvenir of my Mom.

I'm grateful to be back in the land of the living...

I have to agree with Eagle Hearts post #153070 above. Don't mean to copy her but she took the words right out of my mouth. She said it all! Except I would add that having the opportunity to meet and be accepted face to face by some of the wonderful women here was icing on the cake. I hope to be fortunate enough to meet even more of my BWS sisters one day. Its such a thrill to have a part of me in your homes keeping you snuggly and warm by way of my afghans. I wish I was able to send one to each and every one of you free of charge. Who knows, maybe one day...

Oh JJ, you've been on my mind, heart and in my prayers all day. I'm so glad to see you here! How are you feeling?

Thank you hon...I'm so much better. I've lasted almost ALL day today! Wuhoo!

JJ, I'm glad to see you back from your illness....not fun. The board is not the same without you!

Thank you LJ, it's good to see you here as well. I hope you are still loving your job?

I know...I've felt a little "removed" or disconnected from BWS for awhile....not sure if that's a good way to describe it. That's been a heartache for me because I'll never, ever leave this home away from home! I DO still love my job. I feel so priveleged. The down side is working all these weird hours. I did 2 days this week and tonight I begin another string of nights (11P-7:30A). Hopefully that will be changing in June to all days. Working in a Hospice is awesome. I love being there for the families as well as the dying. I feel blessed. As for my entry into the Gratitude Journal today...after the hardest winter in Maine that I can remember in a very, very long time, Spring has arrived!Yesterday it was 85 degrees (with little banks of snow still here and there), little green sprouts of my perennials are popping up.....life is good!!!! Today will be about 10 degrees cooler but sunny and so awesome (actually prefer the lower temps). I'll be out in it in just awhile. Again, I'm blessed!

How blessed the families are to have you surround them with your kindess and good heart. You were meant to be just where you are. Hospice was everything to us during Daddy's last few weeks and days, even hours. They are truly angels.

JJ, I also loved working hospice in the home. That was very special but I always felt crunched for time. When I so wanted to spend more time, my mind was going a hundred miles an hour thinking about my next visit and calculating how much time it would take me to get there. That was the down side of that for me. In the Hospice house, I can sit and hold a hand in the middle of the night, when the anxieties run so high. That's been important for me. I'm in one place for 8 1/2 hours and when quiet, I can really minister. I'm glad it was a positive side for you when you all needed it. Comfort and assurance for the families are equally as important. We usually have some family members that have moved right in and stay with the person all the time. It adds another whole dimension to my work, which feels, to me, more like a ministry.

As I think I've shared before, Daddy was in a VA home. I have four sisters and the five of us, plus our lovely young Hospice worker never left his side. We told stories of when we were young, and with five girls, there were plenty. We sang songs, spiritual and otherwise, played Dad's favorite song a lot, A Wonderful World, Louie Armstrong, and cried, laughed, hugged, shared, healed, and prayed. All together, almost like one person. This was including our Hospice worker. There were actually two of them, equally competent, yet we never knew till much, much, later, they were Mother and Daughter. HOW SPECIAL! My Mom was battling chemo at the time for breast cancer so it was even more difficult on some levels.

The thing about Hospice is they are there, yet when you don't want to know they ARE there, and WHY, they can seem invisible to the family. Yet, when you want to turn to them and cry out WHY! WHY! They are there immediately by your side. It is a gift. They have some sort of "built-in" sense for this job. I'm sure of it. It isn't a job to them, it is a heart's commitment. God has a special place for them in Heaven.

I like the thought of a Gratitude Journal..one that I can share with you..my friends here.

Lately I have been feeling this very fragile, but nevertheless real, break in the wall between my 2 middle adult children and myself..the ones that have gone to and still go in extensive therapy. I feel this warmer feeling..an openness..when we meet. One of them is my daughter (single with 3 kids..with heartache of her own)..it´s a small ray of light..but it´s there..from both of my kids. The other one is my 28yr old son..

Anyhoo..I am so grateful for this..I sort of thought that this would never occur.. or perhaps sometime in like 20 yrs or so. Or when I was dead and buried and probably didn´t care anyway.. But it kinda feels like the wall is moving..leaving spaces to reach thru..OH I hope..I hope..and I am quietly grateful for this..and hoping and praying..wasn´t there a really good song..way back when. called..Wishin´ Hopin´ ??

Congrats Humlan...and yes, it was Leslie Gore, wasn't it?

I'm so happy that you have these feelings of a breakthru...that is so wonderful for all concerned. Holding you and yours close, my friend.

Thank you,JJ!! And Japp..Leslie Gore!! That´s it..now I should be able to find her on the net..thanks again!!!!

And thanks to the powers that be for this day..a special day..

JJ..NOPE..Dusty Springfield or Dionne Warwick..the latter mentioned was the original singer..hmm..listening to U tube and enjoying the music and the memories!!!!

I wandered from Dusty S. to Jimi Hendrix on U -Tube..åååååå..gratitude for these moments and this music!!!!

Of course! Dusty Springfield! I can hear her singing it now. You are so right. Enjoy the music and let it take you where it may!

I am just grateful for the gift of life..during this absolutely beautiful spring and summer season..during my NOW and present moment. And I am so grateful for all my loved ones..family and friends..that I can share this time of beauty with them..and celebration,too. Amen. Amen. Amen.

And so be it...

I am grateful for finding the perfect new home for Dennis and me.

I am grateful for having the strength within me to keep moving forward and embracing life.

I am grateful for DVDs, many of which have taken me away from my own problems into the worlds of others.

I like this thread. Thank you.

I am grateful for my fingers that glide across the keyboard..sometimes faltering, but I have my beloved "delete" key that I am just as grateful for.

I'm grateful for the soft rain that visited today. I reminded me of my youth and the joy I shared with my sisters and neighborhood friends as we played outside in the rain, wearing our swimsuits, and making dams, mud pies, and such. What a nice place in my mind to revisit!

I'm grateful for the Southern Pecan Creamer my son introduced me to that I use in my third cup of coffee....never in my first!

I'm grateful for my friends here at BWS and beyond. My life is rich.

I'm grateful for the singing birds and blue skies that are surrounding me this morning.

And today, I'm especially grateful for my youngest son who is the Executive Producer and Director of Photography for a music video being filmed today and Wednesday in Orlando, FL. This is his first time producing. He has 25 people working with him. Please offer a prayer for his peace of mind and clarity as he undertakes something he hopes to do over and over again. I appreciate it. I'm thankful because he is forever calling and emailing to share his life with us.

I'm thankful for the most kind nurses who have been caring for my loved one in the hospital. It's just like the good old days when the nurses took an intereest in every patient. I've been amazed.

I'm thankful for your listening ears and compassionate hearts.

Singing birds and successful, happy children...
Could anyone ask for more?

For the first time in years, all of our roses are in full healthy bloom - fragrant pink ones, dainty peach/yellow ones, large red ones and for the first time in many years, we even have beautiful little roses blooming on the rose bush that originally came from hubby's grandmother's garden - one of his nieces gave it to us a few years ago, but this is the first year we've seen it bloom.

As I sit and eat by the kitchen window, the beautiful fragrance, the singing birds, the warm sunshine and the laughter of children playing in the distance all whisper in and embrace me with LIFE.

I am so grateful that I stopped by here at the forum..because after reading here for awhile I feel happier, lighter. I am trying to come terms with my really and truely "empty nest" for the first time in 40 years..and it has certainly helped to visit here.

I am feeling a bit woozy now after downing some vodka drinks..to take the edge off things..so I think that I might just go watch a Midsomar Murders dvd..I am collecting them.

But I must add that I am so grateful for my children and their children,too

I am grateful for my husband, two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren. In fact I am getting ready to babysit my youngest grandson in about 30 minutes. What a great idea - a gratitude journal. Seeing it in black and white reminds us of the abundance of our blessings. Thanks for the idea!

What a great visual! I love gardens and butterflies too. Thanks for the entry. Am wondering if you can tell me how you got the my book link in reply box and how you got it to link to your book. I have written a book and would like to link it but don't know how. Thanks so much.

Hi Savvygrandmother,
First of all, welcome! I'm glad you found us. Did you introduce yourself in the 'welcome' thread? I know everyone will enjoy meeting you.

As for the "My Book" thingie...hmmm, see if I can remember. You have to go the personal configuration section "My Home", select the option to edit your personal preferences. In the box where you put in your signature, you have to use what is called UBB Code...I think that's what it's called. There's a link just above the text box that says UBBCode. Click it to find all the codes you can use (or just click here to see what I'm talking about: http://www.boomerwomenspeak.com/forums/faq.php#html

I tried to copy the one you need into this post, but it kept inserting the title of the book, so I couldn't get it to show the coding unless I removed one of the brackets. So remember when you go to use this line of coding, to include the bracket in front of the first instance of the word "url" (at the very beginning of the line).

url=link] TITLE [/url] - You would cut/paste your own URL link for your book overtop of the word "link", then type whatever you want people to see in the space called "TITLE" (delete the word 'title' though). (And again, remember to insert the bracket in front of the first instance of "url" at the very beginning of the line!)

So for example, mine reads:

url=http://ca.geocities.com/eagleborntofly_website@rogers.com/index.html] My Book [/url] (but with the first bracket included!)

Was that as clear as mud??? Hope it helps!

Thinking while reading thru the forum..about so many things that are discussed here..by us..I am reminded of the gift of life..that we all enjoy here..and the wonderful presence of our summer..in different parts of the world. That this can sometimes be enough to perhaps lift us up over the clouds?

I have the enormous priviledge of working with young children..who are still near to the Source/Life/God..and who exude the energy and pure joy that this can give. I cannot help but be affected by them..and for this I am grateful..and I am sooo grateful for the great gift of life

Today I'm very grateful, in particular for encountering someone who spent all day helping me, probably far beyond "the call of duty".

I've been poring through travel brochures and websites for the past couple of weeks trying to put our fall trip together (another gift from Gary). We've tried several different tours, all of which required several days of waiting for confirmation and none of which worked out (tours were cancelled, no seats left, or the dates for back-to-back tours wouldn't match up).

Meanwhile, our travel agent is away for 2 weeks, her replacement is away for part of this week, and then we're busy with various things for awhile. So it has been frustrating trying to get something finalized before we get tangled up in our own hectic schedule.

Yesterday I was thinking that maybe I should give up because maybe Someone knew something I didn't (two years ago, the same thing happened, so we didn't book anything - that was the year Gary got sick, and he was hospitalized and died right at the time we would have been away). So yesterday morning, I prayed for guidance. Three things happened: Romans 8:11 (All things work together for good for those who love God); then I kept hearing "Italy, try Italy" (not one of our choices thus far). So I dug around the itineraries, found one that matched up with the second tour we want, then emailed the tour company directly and asked for help.

Well, the woman on the other end of that email has been amazing! We've been emailing back and forth all day, me with questions and dates, she responding with answers and dates. We finally found a match-up that I really liked. She knew that those seats would probably be snatched up by Wednesday so she went ahead and put an "exceptional hold" on them for us. There's still no 100% guarantee that we'll get them, but I'm so flabbergasted, touched and grateful for this amazing woman, her patience with me throughout the day and her tireless efforts to help me put something together.

The third thing that happened was that during our nap this afternoon, I dreamt about a very dear priest friend of mine I haven't seen in about 20 years, though we've kept up to date with each other through a mutual friend. When I woke up, I remembered that he's studying in Rome for a few years! It turns out that with this particular itinerary we'll be spending several days in Rome so should be able to meet up with him.

I have the giddy feeling that Someone is helping to orchestrate this in the loveliest way...working out everything to good indeed!

Sounds to me like a celestial orchestra is playing especially for you.
Often its the intent (the agent caring)that boosts us.

One thing I share with my children when someone lets them down is that "They meant it at the time." and to strive to be a person who always follows through.For I do believe few people are really "bad" just not as evolved.And I recall times I was on the learning path.And give thanks to those who showed me a better way. In fact Sins of emission are vaste and if you think about it.Not doing what we should have done is a sin if we know it.So my mission is to follow through with a task...a person and a choice.Changing opinions too is allowed for me.I wrote something about being Never Fixed..I will share it Eagle.
Life is wonderful
Mountain ash

Never Fixed ©

Fife, Scotland
2005

To be able to change a way of believing
To see that time has taught other views
Even after years of standing true to opinions
That is a blessing indeed a salvation

Not to be fixed like a spoke in a bicycle
Going round in the same old way
Shows insight and clarity
Rather than dogma and dreary sameness

The piper is paid by whoever calls
And then must play to order
But we each own our ideals
And can keep for ourselves the best tune

Holidays when breakfast can become brunch
Or time is given freely to ploys of our choosing
Hint at having the key of the castle
The castle being internally kept

Choice and ability to walk up the other road
And stray from what is usual
Gives a glimpse of alternative mindsets
And with that a relaxing of rigid beliefs

Mountain ash

Mountain Ash, My first reading of your post and beautiful poem "scared" me from delving too deeply, I didn't want it to fit, and I wondered what you were seeing that I wasn't. But an honest re-reading and a sigh of reluctant acquiesence later, I know it does fit. I'm currently in the fight of my life, for a life "fixed". Constant affirmations to "change a way of believing", constant refocusing from the dreary prison of old beliefs to the "other road" that I really want to be on...we've opened up a pandora's box in therapy, and it's a constant struggle to not just give up against that enormous woundedness we found, one that has undermined me my entire life. How to undo 50 years of unshakeable conviction (a belief nurtured by the most significant people in one's childhood) that one should not exist? It's unbelievably painful to look that wound in the eye and admit it really does exist - I think that all along I've harboured a fervant hope it was just my imagination or misperception. The depth and extent of the conviction might have been exaggerated by childish misperception, but the origins of the conviction are very real. And even now, it's still so painful that I continue to temper it with giving "benefit of the doubt", just to give myself a wee shred of hope that maybe it wasn't quite as devastating as it looks.

Anyway, this is a gratitude journal. So let me refocus all of that and say that I am tougher than this. I know without doubt that this is all working out for some greater good, that the lessons learned through all of this will somehow serve a greater purpose.

I shared a dream with Dotsie months ago. A very powerful dream. I know it's my "calling" now, the way to fix what's broken, the key to getting out of the dark dungeon into the rest of the magnificent castle that my life and self are.

Thank you for your beautiful poem, Mountain Ash. I don't know how you chose this particular poem to respond to my post about the woman who helped me, but it's uncannily appropro to everything else I'm going through right now.

I understand,

I allow myself to change my mind from beliefs that were in part shaped as the woman I was.
The new era I am in allows some "fixed" beliefs to be released.
After all we dont continue to wear clothes that once suited so deeper things can also be changed.
Love you eagle.
mountain ash

Hmm..what interesting posts..Eagle and Mountain Ash. And your poem..Mountain Ash.

Changing beliefs..changing vantage points..even maybe "truths" we have lived by for a long while can change?
For ourselves..

I sometimes wonder if it is helpful to delve into that which is broken within us, Eagle? Perhaps we need to pick up the pieces and go on..look forward? We have lived long lives..and their has been very much yin/yang..darkness/light in our lives within our experiences..can we always "fix" what is "broken"?? And, in fact, IS IT BROKEN?? Perhpas it is not broken at all, but rather the result of the tracks of our tears? And that this is all a part of the great pattern that is life? Like the trees you both ladies have written so beautifully about..I have saved those threads because I love them so.

Perhaps loving our scarrs..and actually weaving them in protectively..almost strengthening them..as the trees do..could be a more helpful way? At this point in our lives..and life is too short..and getting shorter..

Just musing "out loud" with you my dear friends..

Yes, to some extent, I am grateful for my scarrs..because they help me to connect and reach out to my fellow humans..those that are my friends..and even those that I maybe meet for the first time..for a short time.

Today I was at the eye hospital..and I made someone happy just by sitting there..waiting for my turn at the doctor´s..or at least so he said..and gave me some bubbly water to drink. Totally unexpected but it made my day. I don´t think that I could exude the joy that I apparently do at times..if I had no scarrs..yin/yang..light/darkness.

Peace. Love. And Understanding

Humlan, I had resolutely put this all behind me, believing the same sort of thing as you did...what's the point in going back and rehashing old wounds?! They're there...pick up the pieces, learn from the scars, love what they've allowed you to become and move on. The problem has been that this particular wound is probably the wound underlying all other wounds. It has coloured every relationship, undermined every attempt to live a "normal" positive life. I didn't ask or seek to delve back into it - it became the journey - no way around it, and impossible to continue until I go right through it, but with all eyes open this time. It's time. I've been skirting around this through 25+ years of therapy, never allowing anyone to touch it.

The good news is that I feel safe this time, closer to feeling "whole" than ever before. Perhaps it's because of the profound care and love that I've experienced HERE at BWS that I finally feel safe to explore this. This cannot break me, and I know for certain that this will all work out for a greater good.

I've been reading a lot lately, about positive affirmations, allowing, etc. One thread of thought that comes through repeatedly is that we find our joy through our kindness to others - but that before we can truly know joy (the kind that inexplicably bubbles up from deep inside of us no matter what circumstances we're faced with), we must experience profound sorrow as well. So your yin/yang, darkness/light affirms that message once again!

I'm on the threshold.

The kindness of others....

these words seem so gentle.

Mountain ash

Eagleheart..I hear you. Yes, there are certain experiences that you have to face..and work on..and then come out on the otherside..yes..yes. And some give so much pain and darkness that they have to be revisited over and over again..when the time is right..so that you can forgive or be ok with not forgiving, but perhaps understanding..

I am sighing here because it has taken me a lifetime..but I do believe that since you are facing up to what it is you have avoided..NOW..and you feel that the time is right..then it IS right..and, as you say..you will find your peace.

Kindess to others..but we have to be kind to ourselves,too..otherwise the equation won´t work. Or what do you think? It´s not always easy to be kind to yourself..not easy at all..and that brings up the question: what comprises the kindness that I give to others? Or does it bring up this question at all?

Today we drove to the shore.
There are several fishing villages .Very quaint with homes with crowstep gabels little windows really pretty. Facing the estuary to the North sea.It was warm and little children were bathing.Just hearing them laugh and splash made me think how it must be them doing this perhaps for the first time.
It was the ideal day due to our schools breaking up for holiday.Later even tomorrow it will get busier.

Best of all the drive there is only 16 miles so travelling did not use up the day.
Mountain ash

I had a motto taken from Alice Walker which said

A WISE WOMAN WATERS HER OWN GARDEN FIRST.

In the book it came from the author tells of her mother who had little.Lived poor. She tended a flower garden although she had to do jobs for many others.First thing in the morning the mother would water her garden.
Putting her pleasure (garden) first.What energy left over she used for others.She made sure she had her share of the water.
This stays with me..and I try to live by it.No use being a voluteer and helping many if the source of our own authenticy is not being fed.
I have sought to find what makes me happy and add to it.Then if I am content I am able to be of service in whatever way presents itself.
Mountain ash

MA, love this analogy. I agree. This is why I begin my days with quiet time; to reflect on the day prior, and sort out the day facing me. I do any or all of the following - reflect, pray, read my prayer list, journal, do a Bible study, read a faith based book, listen. Some days, I'm better at one than the others. Some days I spend 10 minutes and other days, maybe 45 or longer. I used to think it was selfish to take time for myself, but I've learned that when I do this, I have more energy and postivity to last the day. I still fail and sin, but then I go back the next day and reflect on why, and try to begin all over again. Now I'll think of it as watering my garden.

Eagle, your thoughts, dreams, writing is so unbelievably lovely. I'm praying you're able to add yoruself to that list in due time. May God continue to be at work within you during this time of self-relection and love!

I thank God 4 hubby, Xena and the beautiful countryside; those morning geocachings; and the glories of creation. Summer is my favorite season. I'm grateful 4 all His Divine blessings. And I'm delighted 2 B a part of Dotsie's boomer site!

Start the day with God? That's neat, boomers! Thank God, 4 God, [The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost!] Don't think I'd B here, if not 4 Him!!!

Eagleheart..I am having a tough day..but I am still writing to you in the gratitude journal thread..because I want to thank you for your post..and MountainAsh..for the watering your garden first story/thought. Without expounding here on what´s going on..I just want to say that your posts gave me the beginning of a way to turn my thoughts to something positive. At least turn them in that direction..

Eagleheart..you have direct contact with God/your Source!!! I am overwhelmed at the contact you have with yourself..meaning your self!!! However do you do it??? Are you, in other words, finding your answers within your self? Is someone guiding you? Or are you your own guide? My goodness what a blessing..and how incredibly far you have come!!!!And you are living proof that it can be done..

What a treasure you are. And what a treasure you have!

humlan,
Sorry U had a hard day, yesterday. Hope today is better and all is well. U R right: Eagle Heart is a special lady!!!

Humlan, Eagle and to any woman hurting today, I feel for you and pray God brings healing and encouragement to you today.

To all of you, caring, wonderful ladies that make BWS a special place to share I must kindly, but emphatically, remind:

Love thy neighbor as you love thyself-Matthew 22:39. This states that we must love, be kind to ourselves before we can share love and kindness with others, simply, because we can't give what we don't have. I stress this, not because I have no idea, but because I've been there too.

When we struggle with thoughts of not being loved, we must turn our eyes to the Lord. We are sinners, but God loved each of us so much, that He gave His only Son that we might not perish but have everlasting life .

Our worth comes not from anything on this earth, but because of the immense value God placed on each of us when He sent His Son to save us.

I understand what it is to struggle with issues of unworthiness, lack of love and other negative thoughts. Life is not easy, it inflicts deep wounds that only God can heal, others are quick to judge, relationships don't provide the love and understanding we seek/need. We make mistakes...

But God pulled me through. He gave my life meaning, purpose, a reason to be. Understanding the love he showed me on the cross, changes my perspective, regardless of what others do/say.

Nothing replaces this: For God so loved Songbird that He gave His ONLY Son... I am special to the Lord. Weather others realize it or treat me with the dignity a human being deserves or not, it helps to keep John 3:16 in mind.

I always remember that no one can put me down without my consent. Meaning, we can control the effect others have on us. I say this with love, great admiration and respect for you all. We are too valuable for Heaven. Let us keep this in mind forever!

May God's love embrace each of us daily, so that no one can harm us .

Thanks, Jabber..I mean it..thanks!

And Songbird..thank you,too.

Wait a sec..just wait a sec..this is our Gratitude Journal!!

Soo..let me thank you all for being here when I need you! Reading thru this forum..and especially some of the threads today..has turned my day around from a sad and weepy day..to a day filled with some hope..hope that tomorrow will make more sense again. It´s actually after 1am here in Sweden now...so my new day is beginning!

Thank you SO MUCH!!!

MA, You live only 16 miles from the shore? How wonderful. I’m such a beach nut. I love your quote too:
A WISE WOMAN WATERS HER OWN GARDEN FIRST. I put it up over my computer.

I love reading this thread. I want to add that I’m grateful for modern medicine. When I think back how my grandmother suffered under so many ailments that can be healed today. And that only two generations ago.

I’m grateful for the thousands and thousands of people working in laboratories, dedicating their lives in trying to improve our health and heal. I thought about that while taking my post operation medication this morning.. It is easy to take for granted entering a drugstore and finding the exact medication to relive pain, lift spirits, whatever...

In many countries that would be like entering a candy land.

Five miles by road ( as the crow flies I dont know) EW but that day we went to Elie...which is just beautiful.
I can see the sea while driving little glimpses as I drive past trees.I can tell what kind of day it is by the refection and if I see Bass Rock..a rcky island which is home topuffins etc.
That is my gratiitude entry..grateful for being here.
Mountain ash

Yes, gratitude....that's what I'm feeling today......we've spent 4 days in a war zone that will eventually yield some beautiful things. Hubby dug a 5 foot deep trench for 130 feet and then dropped in a water line going to his garage. What a mess....all in 90 degree heat. We were up on Sunday night until 1 AM hauling away our old deck, old hottub and back stairs to make way for the carpenters due to arrive Monday morning at 7 AM. Here it is Wednesday and my new, improved and much larger deck is almost finished. Next a large part of our living room wall will be removed to make way for our addition. We're in a total mess but I feel so blessed. A few months ago we would have never dreamed we could do this...it's so appreciated!

LJ, this is so great. I love outdoor space. It's like adding another room to the house this time of year. I bet you'll be living out there whenever you're home.

I bet we will, too, Dotsie. It will be a porch at first, then hubby will do the rest. We're going to fill it with mostly windows and very little wall space and make it a 50's era/tropical space. Our '54 seeburg jukebox will be the first item out there along with a cafe table. It should be a very fun room!

LJ what FUN!!!! I see that you live in Maine..so this will make it even more fun..because you can be "outside" will being cozy "inside"..if you know what I mean?

Guys..if you decide to dance to the music on that jukebox..with all the windows everywhere..you´ll be the rage of the neighborhood. Who knows..you 2 just might get suggested to some danceshow or something!!!

Yes, humlan, we will enjoy all of this so very much when it's finished. The idea of 50's and tropical may sound so funky to so many but it's truly "us" and that's what we wanted to capture in this very special room. In fact, having so much in common is what drew us together ultimately. The jukebox is a real treasure and we can only imagine the history in it if it could only talk! Also going out there is an original 1977 "Spirit of America" pinball machine, an original gumball machine from the '50's, and all sorts of other little treasures. When the jukebox lights up at night, it's awesome! Our plan is to have a huge indoor/outdoor party next summer to celebrate all our accomplishments here.

Thank you, Eagleheart..thank you so much for your answer. And it was EXACTLY what I needed this nite..

LJ.. your enthusiasm and joy lights up my room here almost like that jukebox of yours over there in Maine!!!

I would LOVE to see it..and who knows..maybe someday I just will!!

EH, thanks for sharing with our humlan. YOur words are always music to my ears. If anyone has missed reading EH's book, you must read it.

LJ, would love all us boomers to barge in on the party. I got a new car and for the first three months it comes with free XM radio. I set the stations for 60s, 70s, 80s music, country, and also Christian. It's so cool to hear the music from our teenage years.

I'm grateful to celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary tonight with Ross at a special restaurant outdoors under the stars in the country. Woohoo.

nd it has everything I love to do and see and hear in it. When he reorganized it for me..the last thing he did that last nite we had together..so that I would more easliy find everything..he said, "Well, here goes..my final thing before I travel. Wow is this hard to do!"

Oh God.. I wrote this long post to you all..to tell you about what is happening..and only the very last part got printed. I am devastated. This new forum doesn´t like me..at least it feels like that right now.

Bye for now..I´ll try another time. This was a bit hard to take right now.

Lot of love

Today was so warm we could put the car’s top down. I have become quite the shutter-bug. So I put together a little slide show of the sights we saw today. The castle, Neuschwanstein, is just 45 minutes from us. The restaurant we ate at is right across the lake, with a view of the castle. The pictures came out a little fuzzy, but I think you can recognize it. Aren’t the waitresses cute? I love those dirndls. They are so feminine.
We discovered a lake with vibrant fall colours. It was fun putting the photographs together.

Hope you enjoy my little show. And please turn up your volume. Aufwiedersehn!
Want to accompany me on our little autumn drive? Click here:-)

Thanks for letting me spend the autumn day with you. My favorite was the mountains with the solo sailboat and reflection in the water until I saw the series with all the trees and their reflections too. They were gorgeous. The colors are so crisp and clean. You're a little ahead of us where I live, but we have all that to look forward to.

I loved the colorful trees mirrored in the water, like a passage to a fairy tale world! Beautiful pictures

Thanks you Dotsie and Meredith. It was a beautiful day. One of those where you ask yourself, why don'T we do this more often?

EW, Your comment about doing fun things more often is one I think our generation is taking to heart. It's time to do more of the fun activities we've been putting off for years.

All I can say is AWWWWEEEEEEEEEE!

Oh EW..it was absolutely beautiful!!! Music and video..I just sat there..in front of my computer..enjoying it with you..and thinking you are a genius that can put this together so well!!!

Thank you!!! SO MUCH!!!!!

Ok guys..I have some things to be soooo grateful for! And I want to share them with you!!!

We,too, are having an absolutely GORGEOUS autumn here in Sweden. The colors of the trees are just fenomnal! I can´t, at present, put together what you did, dear EW..but I AM learning..so maybe next year at this time???

My SIL cancer has been diagnosed as Stage 2..Stage 1 being the most hopeful..so right now...we are kind of breathing a bit easier. And are sooo grateful..for these moments!!!! His first chemo went well..he wasn´t too sick at all. I know..and so do we all..that the following chemos maybe more difficult..but for now..we are so thankful!!!!

AND!!!!!...MY GRANDKIDS ARE COMING WITH ME TO THE US AT CHRISTMAS TIME!!!!!

The 2 oldest have decided to come with grandma after all! And grandma is just positively lyrical with happiness. I am sooooo grateful for this extra bonus! I will be traveling to my daughter and SIL and their child..also my grandchild. I will meet with and finally be able to hug my son again..you know, the 18 yr old that got away I just can´t wait!!! But the anticipation is lovely too.

I am very blessed at this moment in time! So I am trying to send some light, warmth and love here..if only for a moment.

Humlan, I can feel your happiness in this post! You'll have a great time with the grandkids and your son will be so happy to see you again.

I was Stage 2 -- and although there are no guarantees about anything in life -- it's a better diagnosis than 3 or 4. My motto during chemo was, "this too shall pass."

Humlan,
It was so lovely to read of your happiness with knowing you will be seeing your grandchildren and your son! How wonderful!
I am so happy for you and you are such a lovely lady that you deserve all that life has too offer in the area of grace. You are, indeed, blessed.

It reminded me of my joy when my son mailed me about coming home for Christmas and also called when hearing I had a bad cold this week that kept me from work. He seemed so frightened for my health that it brought a tear to my eyes. Here he is, grown, 21, preparing to enter a Doctorial program and yet he was frigtened for my health. Although I felt awful, I also felt that grace I am speaking of with you and your family.

I thought you'd understand.

Bless you, my dear Humlan and bless your family.

Dancer

humlan, I know and appreciate your love of family so this news brings me tremendous joy. Please tell us how old the two grands are that will be traveling with you?

humlan, your plans sound fun and exciting... the anticipation has to be equally charged!!!
Glad to hear happiness in your written voice! It's contagious.
We're having a beautiful October day in this part of Texas. It rained all day yesterday, flooding some roads, but with the rain came cool weather. We have no sun showing right now... and it's cool to cold, but oh so nice.

Humlan what a way to gooooo! Visiting your son and bringing your grandchildren; how cool is that!
Do tell us more about your grandchildren! How old, and such. Wanna know Everythiiiiing!
And yes, dear friend…you sent light warmth and love…as usual.

Thank you so much for sharing my happiness!

I saw a movie recently..based on a true story..called In The Wild..where a young man..after graduating from college, takes off on a long trip across the US..with only himself for company and no money..his destination - Alaska..the trip is for him to find himself..which he does. He comes to the realization that real happiness is shared happiness. Sooo..thank you!

My grandkids are 11yrs old, the boy..and the girl is 8 yrs old..almost 9. I suppose they´ll miss their mom..but my daughter and her family, whom I am visiting, also understand this..so we are planning to keep them busy. My youngest son..will also be there, so I am sure my grandkids will manage..as I say..the ADORE him. My grandkids have never flown anywhere..and it´s a 9hr journey..so this will be fun and an adventure..both of for me and for them.

Meredith.. my SIL has started his chemo..he is on his 2nd treatment. I talked with him last nite..and he was pretty tired and feeling nausious (spelling?). But he joked about it all and said that my daughter told him he must be feeling like we women do when we are pregnant. He had described for her how he felt. So my SIL said..now I know how you women feel..I´ve had kidney stones which are compared to giving birth and now, the chemo, which is like being pregnant. I am sooo grateful that he has been able to keep his naturally positive outlook..I think he is my hero at the moment. I admire his courage. And everyone else´s that have had to go thru chemo and cancer.

I am so grateful for my own health (as far as I know )..and for my dear family that gives me so much..just by being the wondeerful people that they are.

Awesome Photos. How can anyone doubt the existence of God with such majesty around us! Thanks for sharing!

Yes..I like reviving old threads.. the ones that you can write on whenever you like..without having to be following them..

And Gratitude is something that is nice to feel..

And I am just grateful for this moment..my partner is watching F-1. I am sitting at my computer, listening to music..taking it easy. And the sun is shining outside..and soon we will get out there too..after awhile.

And it´s nice to know that you ladies are here..that this site is here..AND we´re on Facebook now too. I just became a fan!!!

humlan, we can always count on you to count your blessings. Thanks for bringing this up again.

I'm thankful the sun is shining after a full day of rain (which we needed). It's going to be in the 60s today. Woohoo.

I'm also grateful that while we were away on vacation, our daughter who lives with us was able to take care of our dog and house. I'd much rather pay her than a dog sitter. Also know our dog was much happier with her around. Got to find joy in the little things.

Dotsie..

I am grateful for this moment..listening to Bruce Springsteen..thinking of my friends..looking at the birches out there with their new leaves..a moment of peace!

Hugs!