Winter Leaf In Pink Ice I & II, February 2007, Mabel Dodge Luhan
House, Taos, New Mexico, photo © 2007 by QuoinMonkey.
All rights reserved.
I don’t do New Year’s resolutions anymore. Wasted time. Wasted space. I never seem to follow through. Why project promises into the future, I’m not likely to keep? I’d rather head over to a friend’s house tomorrow night, sit in community with others, reflect on the year, and make a Gratitude List.
What’s a Gratitude List? Some call it counting your blessings. If you’re in recovery, gratitude and service work are a big part of the way to freedom from the chains of regret (past), self-pity (present), and longing (future). The idea is not to dwell on scarcity and the people, places, and things you don’t have – but to focus on what you do.
I’ve been making a Gratitude List for the last 2 or 3 years. At the end of December, I sit down and list all the good, positive things that have happened to me over the last year.
I’m not talking about monumental occurrences, although they can surely be included. I mean the small stuff:
- the way I feel when I see Mr. StripeyPants at the end of my work day and want to eat him alive
- the sound of “Love you, Honey!” or “Hi, it’s Mom” from the electronic bowels of the answering machine
- the smell of Rocks baking in our kitchen
- the trickling flakes before the scarlet Moon on Christmas Eve
- big round Bear hugs from you know who
I was right in there with ybonesy about how the space between Christmas and New Year’s can be challenging. And to tell you the truth, I was doing great yesterday. This morning I woke up to go to work feeling disoriented and lost. Thick-headed. I wanted to run ahead, far away from the present, and long jump into the New Year, both feet stretching forward.
But what’s the rush? Why not stop for a moment and write down the Good Stuff. Have you really slowed down long enough to look closely at the snowy down of a thistle? Or a leaf captured in the icy claws of Winter? This year I feel lucky to be able to make my list in community with others who will bear witness to the process.
I received this lovely email from my friend reminding us of tomorrow’s gathering. I don’t think she will mind if I post part of it:
I am looking forward to having you come on Saturday to write, reflect, and commune. Remember to come with notebook, pen, and any beverage you need outside of water and peppermint & chamomile tea.
Please plan to arrive between 6:45 & 7 p.m. I’d like to begin at 7, so if you get here 5 or 10 minutes early, we’ll have time to socialize and get settled.
We’ll begin with a bit of silence & poetry (Hey, I didn’t study with Natalie Goldberg for nothing!), so if you’re running late call me because we’ll be waiting to start until everyone is here.
What are *you* grateful for? If you are so moved, you can add your Gratitude List to the Comments.
If you want to get creative, use an ABC meme. Or do a Writing Practice that begins, “I am grateful for…”
It doesn’t matter how you do it. But write everything down. It’s amazing the power that words have. And a community to bear witness.
I guarantee you’ll feel better when you’re done. Your Holiday blues will turn a corner, and warm to a crimson shade of frosty pale.
-posted on red Ravine, Friday, December 28th, 2007
I absolutely love this idea. There will always be things to obsess over, to envy, and to regret. The key is to stop thinking about what you don’t have;chances are you won’t get it. I find gratitude to be one of the most empowering states of mind as it frees you from the things that bog you down and hinder you from progressing. New Year’s resolutions will never be completed if you’re always “getting ready to get ready”. Be happy where you are, see where you need to go, and enjoy the ride!
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QM,
The COLOR of those photos is something to be grateful for, no doubt!
I start every day with intense gratitude for coffee. The fact that the stuff exists, and that I could have some, saved my life.
Everything else in life just gets bigger and bigger to be grateful for from there…
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QM, the photos are wonderful as is this post. I think about gratitude every day. My list would be too long to post. However I will list 3 starting at the bottom of the list.
#3- I am grateful every morning when I wake up & am still breathing.
#2-I am grateful for all of my family & friends & the love I feel blessed with.
#1-I am grateful that my father has gotten a clean bill of health recently for cancer surgery he had at the end of September & the fact that we never end a phone conversation without saying “I love you!”
Happy New Year to all! Always….D
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Ditto on the photos, QM. I get a certain sense of fragile-and-strong looking at them.
I like this idea of making a Gratitude List. I was wondering to myself whether it would be good to do this with my husband and daughters. I’m going to think about that and decide how and when we could do that.
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Thanks for visiting, amateurish. “Getting ready to get ready” – I’ve spent a lot of time procrastinating and doing that. Yes, a waste of time. I’m looking forward to seeing what pops up on my list tomorrow night. There is something about looking back that can clearly show the way forward.
leslie, thanks. Yep, it can only get bigger and bigger from the morning coffee! It’s the simplest thing. But I can’t get going without it. I love that morning ritual.
ybonesy, it would be eye-opening to do the list with the whole family. All ages participating and what each person sees as important is revealed. Kind of cool.
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QM, I am glad you are ending the year with a focus on gratitude, because it is such a vital part of acknowledging all that is positive in our lives. If we are grateful for what we have now, we are then receptive to receiving more, and it spirals upward, until our spirits soar, and we are not earth-bound any longer!
Ten years ago, Sarah Ban Breathnach published her book, “Simple Abundance,” and a friend gifted me with a copy. It is a treasure! I shared it with someone else, and I hope it has blessed many others by now. I
still have the perpetual desk calendar that she also published, which has a “thought for the day” every day.
In her preface she states, “This year I want you to become aware that you already possess all the inner wisdom, strength and creativity needed to make your dreams come true.” She also suggested that we not fall asleep each night without first expressing gratitude for five things. I have managed to do this, even though some nights it seems to be a daunting task, but it is one habit that has become a joyful, peaceful way to close the day. They don’t have to be monumental occurances or items; life would be exhausting and the excitement just too much if we were winning lotteries or having parties every day! Just as time goes by in unequal increments…minutes spent waiting can seem to drag, while the old adage of it flying by when you’re having fun is SO true! Events and circumstances are never equal either, and some days it can be a stretch to find reasons to be thankful, but the reasons ARE there, and sometimes just the search itself is a blessing!
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alittlediddy, thanks for posting part of your Gratitude List. I’m really glad that your dad has gotten a clean bill of health. That must feel like such a relief. Good health is something not to be taken for granted, that’s for sure. I love the way you end your conversations with your dad. It’s so good to speak the words.
BTW, I finally saw the photos of QuoinMonkey tonight from your family Holiday gathering a few nights ago! R3 loaded them into a Flickr account and Liz and I just watched the slide shows. They are so much fun. I felt like I was there! Thanks for including me in your celebration. The photos are great. Who knows where QM may show up next. 8)
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Marylin, thanks for your words of wisdom. You said a couple of things that stuck out for me. That the search itself is a blessing. About writing down 5 things to be grateful for each night. And that being aware of what we have makes us more apt to be open to receiving in the future.
I remember the Simple Abundance book. And abundance is a good word for it. The ability and awareness to be open to receiving, rather than focused on taking whatever we can. Believing in abundance rather than scarcity. The world would be such a better place if more people leaned in that direction.
Writing down 5 things each night seems like it’s become your practice. And it sounds like you’ve honored it, even when it’s hard. It seems like such a peaceful way to end the day. I hope your Simple Abundance book just keeps making the rounds.
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Hmmm, QM is starting to sound an awful lot like Flat Stanley. Have you ever heard of Flat Stanley (LINK)? It’s an international literacy project where flat versions of kids are sent to friends and relatives around the world and documented. When Em was in 1st grade, she made a flat version of herself (Flat Em) and sent it to Stanford to hang with cousin Becca. We have a whole journal about Flat Em, complete with pics of Flat Em having dinner at the dining hall and riding the bike the class and watching a movie in the dorm with Becca. That’s what I thought of when you said you saw photos of QuoinMonkey with the family.
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yb, I remember Flat Stanley. One of my nephews in Pennsylvania sent him to me in Minneapolis. And I took him around and photographed him all over town, most notably (if my memory is not failing) around the famous Cherry sculpture in the sculpture park near the Walker Art Center. (Or did I make that up?)
At any rate, I then mailed him back with photos. It was kind of fun. I guess QM is kind of similar. You just don’t know what in the world kind of trouble QM will get into next. “Wait, I can explain!” 8)
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Beautiful iridescent colors in the photos QM. And what a lovely idea to share our blessings. This couldn’t be simpler for me…but to narrow to down to the essentials when I have so much to be grateful for…that was hard.
1. I am grateful every time I get to witness the sun shining while it’s also raining softly. It’s the most beautiful, heavenly sight.
2. I’m grateful each time I work on a project that I’m fairly ambidextrous… I find alot of lefties are.
3. I’m grateful to my parents to still have no grey hair and no glasses at 50.
4. I’m grateful for a wonderful extended Family Tribe that loves each other unconditionally.
5. I’m grateful for 3 lifelong Friends that can literally read my mind.
6. I’m grateful for a wonderful Husband that allows me my freedom and all my eccentricities without complaint.
7. I’m grateful to have the ability to listen and not judge anyone…passed on to me by the best teacher I’ve ever known…my Father.
8. I’m grateful to be the one that people share their secrets with and am humbled by their absolute trust.
9. I’m grateful to know no enemies.
10. I’m grateful to be able to make people laugh on occasion. It’s the best sound my ears have ever heard.
11. I am grateful for having a healthy, strong body and I do my best to honor it with care.
12. I am grateful to have the means to help when needed, rather that to be the one in need.
13. Lucky 13…I am grateful to have found Red Ravine and a group of people with open minds and open hearts…that just get it!
🙂 H
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I am grateful to meet you. Happy New Year!
When we recognize ourselves in the community, our words obtain the power indeed – the power that we rejoice over staying in a hug.
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QM, I have a sneaky feeling that QuoinMonkey might just show up very soon. BTW, you are still under my tree!
I am grateful that you received the photos.
I am grateful that you were here that day with us even though you were miles away.
Always..D
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This is a really wonderful idea. While I work at practicing gratitude every day…even journalling it in the mornings….a real ‘list’ would make a terrific way to end this year and begin the next.
I don’t do resolutions, either. Somehow, they are self defeating – like, as soon as I put the “must do” in front of it, I loose all my momentum! LOL But I do like to do my intentions…it’s a softer feel and I work them around my feelings.
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H – what a great list. Every one of those things would evoke gratitude in moi, but I am especially in awe of #’s 2 and 3.
I’d love to be dual-mano’d (my own invention of a word — mano means “hand”). Does typing count? Especeially if you learned it in Jr. High Business Class circa 1975, a lot of us who now keyboard at the speed of a bullet train are ambidexterous. But other than that, my left hand is pretty floja (that’s Spanish for “weak”).
And no glasses. Well, let’s just say that I’m going to seriously consider lasex in 2009. (I forgot to put the extra dollars into a health savings account for 2008.) Hey, when and if your gray hair comes in, are you going to let it be natural or cover it up? Just curious. I bet you’ll let it be.
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WOW! I am so impressed with the list that H gave us; you really “have it all together!” The ideals that are important to you shine bright and clear, “as the blossom shines through the bud.”
I am going to attempt a list, which cannot be completed in one sitting, as there is just so much I have to be grateful for.
1. My children…a song from “Sound of Music” comes to mind…I must have done something right, to have been blessed with such wonderful kids, (who are now exceptional adults!)
2. The knowledge of “Him from whom all blessings flow.”
3. Friends…who have stuck with me over the years in spite of my flaws & foibles.
4. My very special home, built mostly with the loving hands of my daughter and son-in-law.
5. The faculties that enable me to think, see, hear, etc. well enough to enjoy the world around me.
6. My present job, which puts and then keeps me in touch with people all over the country, and the joy that comes from being of assistance to them.
7. The freedom I had to be able to give my time and efforts to work and play with so many children and young people, especially in the theatre.
8. Ah yes, the theatre; and all the writers who have given us a better understanding of life through their marvelous plays.
9. The opportunities I had to travel in Europe, and gain a much broader, richer understanding of our world; its history, people and beauty.
10. The simple pleasures that occur any day, and make that day special…sunsets, rainbows, laughter, a
a warm cat in my lap, phone visits with loved ones,
“my cup runneth over!”
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Grace, welcome. I know what you mean. Must do means no way! And setting intentions is the way to go. So much softer than must do. We’ve got to have some kind of goals to keep us focused. But it’s good to be easy with ourselves.
Tomas, thanks for visiting. And Happy New Year to you. We do recognize ourselves in community. That’s a great way to put it.
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H and Marylin, WOW, your lists are so inspiring.
H, I like 3, 8, 9, and 12. Sharing secrets, no enemies. Great gifts. Oh, I forgot to mention – no gray, no glasses? Wow. Lucky, girl. I’m way into bi-focal land.
Marylin, it’s great to read that someone loves their job! There are so many who don’t like what they do for a living. It’s a great gift. The art and theater communities. And the opportunites to travel and observe other cultures. All valuable connections.
Thanks for sharing your lists!
diddy, I’m thinking about all of you celebrating yet another Christmas gathering today. Hope it goes well with the White Elephants! Mom said you all were going to exchange with the adults this year. It sounds like fun. She said she got one of her phones that way! Let me know how it goes later on tonight.
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A beautiful post, QM. How nice to have friends who enjoy writing, and with whom you feel most comfortable. I can’t think of a nicer way to spend New Year’s Eve.
Your photos are gorgeous – I feel like I could eat some of that crunchy snow.
Right now I’m grateful for this new writing practice. Maybe it’ll spread around the globe, eventually replacing resolutions.
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I had to strangle it out of myself but I posted a Gratitude writing practice over here:
http://theindividualvoice.blogspot.com/2007/12/writing-practice-gratitude.html
the individual voice: Writing Practice: Gratitude
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yb, if you are seriously considering laser…it’s a miracle. My husband was 20/400 prior to surgery (legally blind)…20/20 now. There is a burning smell…they don’t tell you about…(probably so people aren’t scared off) but I think it’s important to know.
And, yes…au natural (it will probably be white).
Marilyn…how I wish I did have it all together! But thank you for thinking so. I do keep trying…it’s an uphill crawl 😉 And #4…how cool is that to live in a home built by your children…WOW
QM, I bet you’d be real cute with bi-focals…actually I like the idea of wearing just one round eyeglass on a fancy silver chain like the Victorians. What were those called? Monocles? You would be quite stylish.
Grace, your icon ( I can’t remember what the heck they’re called…something like “asteroid”…or “isoterick”…) is really lovely. It reminds me of Botticelli and Da Vinci. Very beautiful.
H
H
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QM, got back from our gathering earlier tonight, but I can assure you that you were there! I would like to take a moment & tell Marylin ,that although I do not know who she is (I have my own ideas)I feel as though I have known her all of my life. Same goes for you, YB. (We Gemini’s sort of have that thing going on) BTW, I brought up the Festival O’ Farts tonight & the menu is growing! Will keep you posted. I just wish we could send some “pooters”your way! D.
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QM – counting blessings is such a Solstice type of activity – and to repeat daily during a year is a great thing. I feel overwhelmed by many blessings and try to remember to pay gratitude forward. I am grateful to have found you and ybonesy and your writing community – it is much more than that, is redRavine – it is a community of sharing souls, very comforting and enveloping. Thanks for being here! G
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C, thank you. Community is uplifting. I love what you say about Writing Practice and Gratitude spreading around the world and replacing New Year’s resolutions. Nothing would make me happier!
tiv, I read and commented on your piece. Thanks for writing with us.
H, I’m blushing. 8) I love the idea of a monocle. How cool is that. Do you actually have one? Or love the idea of it. Hmmm. You’ve planted a seed. And I need new glasses soon. I’m going to see if there are any out there!
I have a friend who keeps a set of those cheap reading glasses in every room of her house now. I’m thinking about doing that, too. Because now, I have these reading glasses chained to my neck all the time. It might be easier to just be able to pick a pair up in each room I’m sitting in.
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Diddy, new foods for the Festival of Farts at ybonesy’s place? Which foods, pray tell, did you add to the list? I think so far we have:
beans
cabbage
sauerkraut
eggs
What am I missing here? I’ll have to head back to ybonesy’s The Space Between Christmas And New Year’s (LINK) and check out the Comments again.
Oh, and can someone check out the etymology of pooter? I’ve just got to know. LOL 8)
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G, thanks so much for your comment. If people are using the word community in conjunction with red Ravine, then ybonesy and I are on target with our mission and vision for this site. 8)
Paying it forward is the greatest concept. There was a movie with that name a few years back, but I only saw it last year on TV. Kind of an emotional tearjerker and a coming of age story about Gratitude. (In this case, some high prices were paid in the learning.)
The movie, Pay It Forward, got mixed reviews but I really liked the message. It was based on a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde (which I have not read).
Thanks for writing and creating with us.
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D,
From what you have written, I’m curious as to how you knew I’m a Gemini, as I don’t recall including it in a blog.
I believe you are related to QM, but don’t know how, precisely. I am Liz’s Mom, so have become well acquainted with QM. Another addition to my Gratitude list should be for QM and the love and joy she has brought into our extended family!
May I ask what gives you the feeling that you have known me all your life? I hope to get to know you better…let’s share, OK? If you would rather become better acquainted in a “not so public” way, QM can give you my email address.
H, maybe you don’t think you have it all together, but you’re a long way down the right trail, and have my admiration and respect! Yes, it’s even more than cool to have a house built by family. My son-in-law is in the construction business. Both of our homes are of “foam block,” which is, basically, hollow foam blocks, (think of giant legos) which are stacked, with steel re-bars inserted in the middle and cement then poured in.
This gives me walls that are 10 inches wide, measuring from the windows., (my cat loves the wide sills!) No basement, but the heating is in coils under the floors, making them warm in winter & cool in summer. All the floors are ceramic tile, as well as counter tops, which my daughter installed. The only other contractors included were for plumbing & electric.
QM, I’m remiss in not including you in my Gratitude list! Shame on me! I’m also grateful for redRavine!
My humble apologies and heartfelt Thanks!!
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You’re a fellow Gemini, Marylin? I bet littleditty was referring to me and her (we discovered we’re both Geminis), but we’ll have to wait to hear what she says. Maybe she has a sixth sense. Geminis rock. I mean, not that I want to spark astrology-sign pride or anything. Just sayin.
Your house sounds wonderful. Reminds me of hay bale homes in northern NM. Thick, thick walls. Good insulation. And I love radiant heated floors. Get to walk barefoot. Having a cozy place to live is something to be grateful for. That and being a Gemini ; – ).
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Oh, and QM of course!!
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I did part 1 of 2 for my Gratitude exercise. The first is done as a writing practice and for the second one I want to do it as an Alphabet Haiku. There’s always plenty to be grateful about when you think about it! The one I’ve posted is too long to repost here so you can click on this link if you want to view it.
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Hey,
I discovered you blog through Fuelmyblog.com.
I was delighed to read this post- really lovely idea! I’m currently working on my gratitude list in ABC meme.
Please to come by sometime- I’m doing a series of posts looking at the New year- past, present, future. Please do leave a comment or feedback, I’m new to blogging.
Kindest regards,
Don’t be sad.
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[…] on Gratitude and ending the year, at a blog that is brand new to me (and now favorited) called, The Red Revine. The author, Quoin Monkey, wrote a piece called, “Feeling Down For the Holidays? Make a […]
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YB, I was referring to both you & Marylin re: the Gemini thing. I just had this “gut ” feeling that she was one too! I’m so glad to hear from her that I was correct! (QM never told me that or that you were Liz’s mom.)
Marylin, from your past comments I kinda knew that you were Liz’s mother. As for feeling as though I have known you all of my life, well it shows in your writings & comments on redRavine. Same with YB. As far as my e-mail address I would be thrilled if you got it from QM.
QM, I have always called farts “pooters”. Not sure why though! Always…D
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[…] It’s New Year’s Eve (almost a whole New Year, ybonesy!). I’m working on the black-eyed peas and rice post. And I’ve got to say the orangutan’s butt is a pretty hard act to follow! But I’m going to risk it and post an ABC meme morph of my practice and Gratitude List for 2007. […]
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[…] seriously folks, the writing practice on red Ravine this week is gratitude. Instead of resolutions for the coming year, author Quoin Monkey observes a […]
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I am grateful for so many things. Most of all my wonderful children, their mates, my grandchildren and grandchild. They bring so much pleasure and love to me.
I am grateful to Redravine for making me realize I have been holding on to the past to much and there is so much more in the future. I need to let go to be free and happy. Sometimes when you live alone, even though you have family and friends all around you, you tend to live in the past happy times instead of making new ones.
I am grateful to be able to wake up every morning and go to work or be able to take care of myself when so many people my age cannot.
I am grateful for a forgiving Lord to watch over me and my family and answer so many prayers. To give me strength to overcome my fears and get through the hard times.
I am gratefull for a wonderful year I’ve had sharing with my family and friends . Learning more about their feelings and teaching them about their heritage as well as learning more myself.
I am grateful most of all for all the memories I have, both happy and sad. These all make me a better person today.
Happy New Year to all , may you be as blessed as I am.!!
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I am grateful for my brother and his family, that are always there for me. Actually he was included as part of my children. He was born when I was 9 yrs. and I carried hin around on my hip and cared for him while Mother worked, so I felt like he was my son also. Now he watches over me.!
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Thanks Marylin and ybonesy. Two lovely women of the Gemini persuasion. BTW, Marylin, I thought you were a Taurus (?).
smiler, thanks for writing with us on Gratitude. I’ll check out your haiku when it comes along.
diddy (another Gemini!), I passed your email address on to Marylin. Happy connections!
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MOM, your comments are so touching! I am also grateful for red Ravine & the community shared here. It has affected me much in the same way that you describe.(Thanks QM, YB & all!)
I am grateful to have become a member of your family. I am grateful for having moved to this area in 1979 & after a very difficult 13 year marriage to my 1st husband, that in my time of despair I was able to fall in love with J (the true love of my life.) I know you’re proud of all of your children & they really owe it to you! They all come from great “stock”!
I used to feel guilty in a way. I had a happy childhood & none of my immediate family members has ever been divorced, nor have any moved from my hometown. Not until me.
I now just feel blessed & gratitude is & always will be a daily ritual for me.
Happy New Year to all!…Always…D
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Mom, it’s a joy to read your list. Thanks so much for including it here. I know what you mean about living alone and dwelling in the past. There were many years there where I felt kind of stuck, too. Something turned though. Setting new intentions is powerful. And you’ve done that with your list.
I often think of your brother, too, (my uncle) and how kind he and his family were last year when we stayed with them. I really enjoyed the time we spent there. And I appreciate them opening their home and hearts. I look forward to our next visit.
I like what you said about teaching the family about our heritage, too. I remember your brother saying how that will be part of your legacy – passing on the family tree, our history, and all of your memories. Thanks for that! And Happy New Year! (Was fun to talk to you about the black-eyed peas today!)
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Grace at The Wild Pomegranate, thank you so much for your post. I just had a chance to check it out and comment. Your blog is a lovely place to visit. Peaceful. Seems like a great community there. So many pomegranatey seeds 8)
dontbesad, thanks for visiting us at red Ravine. It’s great that you found us through Fuel My Blog, a cool place to visit and connect with blogs from all over the world. Happy New Year to you. And I hope it goes well with the blogging! I remember what it was like to be new to blog world. Oh, I had so much to learn.
C at mariacristina, thanks so much for your lovely remarks about red Ravine. I’m humbled by them. So glad you’re a part of our writing community. There are some great people out there in blog world. You’re a gem.
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QM, thanks for passing the email address onto Marylin. I hope we do connect!
MOM & I were just talking tonight about the black-eyed peas! Please let us know how they turn out!
Funny how it seems our paths cross on red Ravine! Soon to be midnight here! Happy New Year! D
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D, the black-eyed peas turned out great. Can you believe that’s the first time I’ve ever made them myself? I figured I’d better try them out personally before doing the New Year’s post on them. More to come on those!
Yeah, getting close to Midnight in your neck of the woods. We’re a little bit behind in the Midwest. It’s always strange to know the ball in New York has already dropped and it’s only 11pm here!
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Smiler just posted her Gratitude Haiku (see Comment 30). (I forgot to mention that the photograph was fun, too. Laughing Buddha in red.) Great poetry to bring in the New Year. Here’s the link for any who would like to check it out: The Gratitude Haiku (LINK).
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That’s very sweet to post it like that… I… just don’t know what to say. Thank you? I guess I can’t go wrong with that. 🙂
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Hey, diddy, if you see this, just wondering how the pooter party went (smile).
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YB, the pooter party will be at our camp this summer. Plans are under way with no date set as yet. We have added chili, hot dogs, & raw broccoli to the menu. Heck, we might even invite all the other folks with camps on the Island. Maybe do it over a holiday. We won’t need fireworks that night! D
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Ah, right, that’s THE pooter party. Now I realize I got confused by someone’s (was is MOM’s??) comment about adding baking soda to black-eyed peas to take some of the air out of the bean, so to speak. (I got my pooters crossed.)
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[…] January 2, 2008 by ybonesy A art, all things Art and Artist, absolute passion for Art, artsy-fartsy B billies, that’s what I call the Boys in my life: Jim, Otis, Rafael C children, my girls, chattering sitting in the same chair D daylight growing, Dad E evenings, eating dinner with my family more often than not F friends, family, fields (of dreams, of birds, of grass) G Goldberg, Natalie H home, heart, honesty, humility, hope I as in me, the person I am, iffy, imaginative, ignoramous J just a job, a just job K kindness, kinship, kindred spirits L life, what it deals me, love, longing, loyalty M Mom, menopause (bring it on), milk for my coffee N oh fair NEW MEX-ico, we-love-we-love-you-so O old age, grateful for every day of it my parents have P pain, parenting, parents, passion, pens (fast-writing), practice Q QuoinMonkey, questions never answered, quriosity R rest, relaxation, reading, responsibility, romance rekindled S sunlight, snow, seasons, siblings T truth, trees U us, my family, uneven, unfinished, unconditional love V Virgin Mary, vulnerability, view of the mountains W water, agua, cool muddy brown X eXcitement, eXistential, X marks the spot, you are here Y saying YES to taking risks (moving, blogging, writing) Z zest for life, zaniness at times, zen everyday -Related to The ABCs Of A Prosperous 2008 – Gratitude and Feelin’ Down For The Holidays? Make A Gratitude List. […]
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Smiler, you’re welcome. I hope people had a chance to check out your haiku.
ybonesy, I’m cracking up at your last Comment (48). How in the world could you get your pooters crossed? 8)
D at alittlediddy, maybe you could invite everyone who reads red Ravine to your party at the Lazy Hog Inn on the river this summer. You might be surprised who shows up.
So, if I combine Comments 25 & 47, your menu will look something like this:
pork and beans
cabbage
sauerkraut
eggs
black-eyed peas
chili
hot dogs
raw broccoli
Am I leaving anything out? LOL
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[…] few months ago, we read the poetry of Gary Soto. It’s our practice of gratitude to sign a card at the end of the evening and send it off to the poet, a way to give a little […]
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[…] to posts: Feelin’ Down For The Holidays? Make A Gratitude List, The ABC’s Of A Prosperous 2008 – Gratitude, I Am Grateful For The Alphabet Possibly related […]
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[…] posts and to read more about the practice of Gratitude: Feelin’ Down For The Holidays? Make A Gratitude List, The ABC’s Of A Prosperous 2008 – Gratitude, I Am Grateful For The […]
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[…] wrote a post at the end of 2007 titled Feelin’ Down For The Holidays? Make A Gratitude List. She made her list at the end of the year, as has been a tradition of hers for several years now. […]
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[…] to posts: The ABC’s Of A Prosperous 2008 – Gratitude, Feelin’ Down For The Holidays? Make A Gratitude List, A Simple Gratitude List, Reflection — Through The Looking Glass, I Am Grateful For The Alphabet […]
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[…] -related to posts: Gratitude Mandala — Giving Thanks, This Thanksgiving Weekend, Make A Gratitude Journal, A Simple Gratitude List, gratitude haiku (orange), The ABC’s Of A Prosperous 2008 – Gratitude, Feelin’ Down For The Holidays? Make A Gratitude List […]
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