FEBRUARY 2020

Grateful this Sunday evening for ...
- good conversation with son & girlfriend over dinner last night
- visiting with friends this morning
- resting this afternoon
- a surprise gift this morning
- plans to watch a movie
- going home tomorrow
- all is well

Shine
Sandra

grateful
-for a good balance of rest and activity today
-for also a good balance of food eaten
-for only a couple of stray hiccups, though the word hardly does their strength justice
-to listen the beautiful wind chimes for most of the day
-for a surprise call from son K and pleasant conversation with him

grateful
-to be trying...without much success, but trying
-to spend some time outside in the warm sun
-to survive a horrible hour of violent hiccups
-our taxes are done
-tomorrow is a free day

Grateful this Friday morning for ...
- sitting in our AirBnb sun streaming in
- a morning with nothing to do
- soon to spend time with friends & son
- Elizabeth Warren rally tomorrow
- sun & warm temps all weekend
- putting a worry behind me
- all is well
Shine,
Sandra

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-My pointer kitty, Rosie, who let me know something was awry this morning
-Being able to locate (after losing it twice) the chipmunk inside our house and shoo it out through the garage back to the outside, all before I left for work! Ha!
-Getting to work and having nearly 3,000 steps in already; it's usually half
-Taking a 2-mile walk at lunch with a co-worker friend in the park behind our building
-A convention of robins (seriously, over a dozen) in my water gardens this a.m. getting drinks, surely harbingers of spring being near
-Lots and lots of steps today, especially getting Costco AND Trader Joe's run done on the way home

Have a great evening all,
Stephanie

Grateful this Thursday morning for ...
- participants who do their home practice
- participants who show up
- time alone to ponder
- enjoying familiar house noises
- first light before dawn
- making a difference in young adults’s lives
- all is well
Shine,
Sandra

grateful
-for an extra warm day feeling extra good
-to pick up a stack at the library
-to find there is a new library open very close to home
-to see lots of sprouting new growth in the garden
-M's car repair will be much less than expected

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-Getting a followup appointment made for Cleo this week to check on her eye issue
-The distant sound of a train, so comforting
-A wonderful conversation with my mother today; I think she was delighted that I asked for her advice
-Being a basically positive person
-Knowing when I have to draw a line with negative, unnecessary drama with others, even if it's difficult
-The way I cook, almost always having leftovers to make freezer meals; tonight is a "pull it from the freezer and reheat" night

Have a lovely evening all -
Stephanie

So true Kim. This Tuesday morning, I give thanks for ...

~ Kim's reminder about listening deeply to others' pain
~ the first light before dawn
~ persisted to make 14 calls to coordinate doc, orthotist & shoe store
~ cello & piano to soothe my soul after 14 phone calls
~ the least likely person went the extra mile to help
~ a client who wanted to quit decided to continue with enthusiasm
~ son's calls
~ all is well

shine
sandra

Grateful for: a very challenging talk with Mom. She opened up her heart, shared her fears, and told me later I am the only one she can really do that with. The other family members, who love her equally tend to push away her concerns (it hurts them too).

It is worth it to be able to sit, listen, and quietly set things straight, with all the love in the world. Its hard to be afraid. it is worth it to be able to set someone's mind at rest.

It is a hard life skill, to just listen, and let there be a moment (or many) after someone has said something and to let them know that you are there in their struggle.... that you don't have a bandaid for their sorrow or fears, but that you are there, and that together you will get through this situation, this sadness. But how worth it, to let that quiet moment of just being there... it helps so much.

grateful
-for a day at home by myself to get this and that done...with reading breaks
-to weed a bit with the gorgeous sunshine on my back
-the house is so quiet, although I miss the littles and my daughter terribly
-to organize all the forms needed for tax prep
-to set up a walk and talk date with an old friend

Thankful this Monday evening for ....
~ a slower paced day after running from activity to activity all weekend
~ a mini-vacation from Thurday to Monday
~ allowing myself to feel disappointment but not wallow in it
~ making an appointment with a physiatrist in hopes of avoiding falls
~ relaxing brunch with conversation & laughter with best friend
~ a mind-blowing re-interpretation of a familiar reading
~ the choir at the church we are attending is incredible
~ all is well

shine
sandra

Edited by: BECOMINGONE at: 2/24/2020 (20:29)

Recently read a book called The Red Address Book. So applicable to this group, as the 96 year old woman writing it talks about the people she's met, loved, etc. She writes this beautiful saying that her mother said to her when she left (sent away by her mother) home at the age of 13,

“I wish you enough,” she whispered in my ear. “Enough sun to light up your days, enough rain that you appreciate the sun. Enough joy to strengthen your soul, enough pain that you can appreciate life’s small moments of happiness. And enough friends that you can manage a farewell now and then.”

And so I wish that for all of us here. yes, a bit melancholy of a book, but so much love in it too.

Tonight on this fine Sunday evening, I'm grateful for:

-Another unseasonably gorgeous February winter day
-An excellent, long walk and talk with a dear friend at the park today
-Getting strength training in today
-Our fine arts theater where I saw yet another great indie movie this afternoon
-A lovely conversation with my adopted aunt who will be 104 this June (considering going to visit her for the occasion)
-My homemade spaghetti sauce pulled from the freezer for dinner

Goodnight all,
Stephanie

grateful
-for pt to do in bed when I can't sleep
-to watch the sky change as the sun rises
-for complete relaxation with a book
-to celebrate son K's birthday with dinner at his house along with my apple pie
-to have a small piece of pie and leave the rest with him

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-Friday night at the Arboretum; two friends canceled on me and I went on by myself
-The amazing brightness of the stars in the sky through the outline of bare winter trees
-A super invigorating walk in the cool, crisp night air
-Winter hiking clothes to keep me warm
-Lots and lots of steps today
-My comfortable bed with the heating pad getting it warm for me now

Goodnight all,
Stephanie

Edited by: SLASALLE at: 2/21/2020 (23:04)

This Friday evening I give thanks for ...
- a productive day
- celebrating a friend's birthday
- trying some new recipes
- friends who share our food adventures
- solving a problem
- shaking off a difficult experience
- all is well
Shine
Sandra

Edited by: BECOMINGONE at: 2/21/2020 (23:11)

grateful
-for the girls' safe arrival in Seattle and a sunny day there
-to make it through the afternoon fun with S before getting home and falling into bed
-for sleep until 6 this morning
-to find M had done lots of the household chores while I was gone
-to strike a mutually beneficial deal with son K
-to be really ready to reset in several areas and intend to hold myself to it

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-Good friends
-My magic winter coat, the warmest coat I've ever owned, much-needed as we dip back down into the teens tonight
-A lovely dinner out with three friends (our little monthly supper club)
-My soft, warm bed, complete with heating pad for extra comfort
-These three sweet kitties I live with and our fun kitty treat rituals - today is National Love Your Pet Day - so I'll love all three of them!

Goodnight all,
Stephanie

Edited by: SLASALLE at: 2/20/2020 (21:52)

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-Good coping skills
-Cleo doing better every day, which has really taken a load of concern off my shoulders
-Self-care during a difficult time period
-SparkPeople and all the tools I've learned here that contribute to a healthier life
-A lovely surprise from our workout facility; I'm in the top 10 people from the company for healthy incentive points earned last year, so I got to pick a lovely piece of workout clothing (hot pink jacket with thumbholes)!
-A TV/Survivor workout hour as soon as I'm off of here!

Have a great night all -
Stephanie

Edited by: SLASALLE at: 2/19/2020 (21:53)

On this Wednesday afternoon I continue to be blessed and am grateful for
- good meeting with my CASA kid
- advice from my CASA supervisor
- PT this afternoon
- turning up the furnace for comfort (68)
- intentions and affirmations
Life is GOOD - Here's to Intentionally Living and Celebrating the Daily and Gratefully while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

grateful
-for a wonderfully warm day of much self care, extra rest and regained peace
-for energy to clean the kitchen and run some errands before napping
-for some catch up time with an old friend
-for the girls' joy at seeing me when they returned and to hear all about their adventures and accomplishments
-so many beautiful trees are in bloom or budding

This Tuesday afternoon I give thanks for ....

~ trying to do what I can do, trying not to feel guilt for what I can't do
~ feeling connected to friends & family for the most part
~ delighted when new insights come
~ hope that the pendulum will swing back toward love & compassion
~ trying to learn from experience
~ all is well

shine,
sandra

On this Tuesday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for
- learning to let go
- listening to DH's needs
- sharing in the short-term disability
- housecleaning
- my journey and caregiving
Life is GOOD - Here's to Living and Celebrating the Intentionally, Daily and Gratefully while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-Two lovely days of sunshine and warmer temps
-A walk and talk with a dear friend one of those days
-A hike in the woods on a new-to-me trail today in the sunshine
-An understanding friend; we rescheduled our plans for dinner
-Cleo getting better each day
-An overall really nice 4-day weekend with lots of good self-care

On this Monday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for
- the
- laundry put away
- bed made
- DH napping
- PT this afternoon
Life is GOOD - Here's to Intentionally Living and Celebrating the Daily and Gratefully while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

Grateful that:

getting much needed sleep and better sleep since making some changes. Now to sustain them
That much is going well, progress is being made on projects
that this world is wonderful, beautiful in so many ways
for great writing by authors who make you think differently about the world.

Grateful this Sunday afternoon for ...

~ leisurely lunch, good conversation & lots of laughter with a friend
~ women's book group discussion on gratitude
~ today's sermon was thought-provoking & music inspiring
~ lunch & dinner plans with friends tomorrow
~ placing limits on exposure to news
~ all is well

shine
sandra

Lovely gratitudes!

On this Sunday afternoon, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for

- figuring out med timing thru trial and error
- fee access to Newspapers.com thru Monday
- warming temps
- sleeping DH and dog
- time to Spark
Life is GOOD - Here's to Intentionally Living and Celebrating the Daily and Gratefully while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

grateful
-for warmth and fun celebrating our Valentine's 40th birthday
-for a wonderful family day today with lots of great interaction
-for the incredible creativity in all three granddaughters
-for a much enjoyed family feast with all of us together
-to survive making three different cakes in one day
-to know my eating can stabilize again after they leave for home
-for the near constant demand for me to be up and down, here and there
-for LOVE

On this Saturday evening, I'm so grateful for all of this, and so much more:

-Cleo drank water today AND ate a decent dinner tonight (a first all week!), major relief
-Trusting my gut; it almost always pays off
-Getting a good workout in today, first time in 3 days as I've been so focused on Cleo
-The movie, "Just Mercy," that touched about every emotion I can have
-Hot tea on a cold winter day at a bustling coffeehouse, while playing Perquackey with a friend
-Just hearing that it's supposed to be in the 50s Monday and willing it to be so! Ha!
-Delightful books to ready

Have a great night all -
Stephanie

Grateful this Saturday morning for ...

~ a day with nothing on the calendar to catch up
~ laundry done
~ billing done
~ kitchen cleaned
~ coffee & conversation with sweetie
~ evening with brother- and sister-in-law last night
~ closing a credit card account
~ satisfying conversation with son
~ all is well

shine,
sandra

Grateful for some changes to sleeping routine being productive, for sweet Rosy, for my Dad who likes Rosy's big fuzzy feet (soon to be pruned!), and for joy in watching dogs run.

Glad all is well!

On this Saturday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for
- and
- free day
-
- bed made and laundry started
- building new habits
Life is GOOD - here's to Intentionally Living and Celebrating the Daily and Gratefully while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

Thankful this Friday afternoon for ...
- time to rest today
- fun crafting with friends last night
- sweetie was moved by her V-Day card
- Angelique Kidjo tonight
- car repairs not as much as expected
- lots to do but nothing just now
- Sharon Salzberg Happiness Challenge
- all is well
Shine
Sandra

Edited by: BECOMINGONE at: 2/14/2020 (14:23)

What a wonderful 40 year old memory!

On this Friday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for

- Lunch with a good friend
- meeting with my CASA kid
- a that works in subzero temps
- working on Valentine day goodies
- continued Mindfulness opportunities
Life is GOOD - Here's to Intentionally Living and Celebrating the Daily and Gratefully while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

grateful
-for a quiet morning
-the girls arrived safely and very happily
-the house is full of music and dancing
-for so much love
-tonight, 40 years ago, I was in labor working hard for my beautiful daughter

On this Thursday early evening, I'm grateful for:

-Sweet, sweet, sensitive Cleo
-Great vet care with an eye issue and (they think separate) an eating issue (unknown); no food since Sunday night
-Working from home today to monitor; she's had a few crunchies, 10-12 laps of her broth and 6-8 treats, the most she's eaten all week (hope she's turning around)
-Cassie, who got over the vet smells fairly quickly and has been snuggling with Cleo off and on through the day
-Finishing one book, starting another and beginning my beautiful dragonfly wood jigsaw puzzle (Christmas gift from dear friend who knows how special dragonflies are in my life)
-Sending what I think (based on response) was a meaningful note to my friend (former KS poet laureate) who wrote the book I finished
-A four-day weekend ... aaaaah ... been a rough week ... lots of self-care plans
-Continuing to work through a disappointment; it will be fine
-More cleansing tears ...

Have a great evening all,
Stephanie

Grateful this Thursday for ...

- mom still basking in delight after her 87th birthday party
- long morning talks with my mom
- dad came outside to wave goodbye
- avoided driving in heavy snow
- gathering of women friends tonight
- house almost clean with time to spare
- weather cooperated so didn’t have to cancel class (again)
- Angélique Kidjo concert for Valentine’s Day
- all is well

Shine
Sandra

grateful
-for a sunny forecast during the girls' visit
-they arrive tomorrow and we can hardly wait
-along with neighbors, M has made good progress dealing with tree debris from high winds
-for solid sleep last night, after several very short and disjointed ones
-for our warm and cozy house with room for the littles to run and play
-as always, for good company here (sure missing Maha and Kathy et al)

On this Wednesday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for
- one more day before the deep freeze
- plumbing work
- new commode
- breakfast smoothie with orange peel
- determining we don't want a 2nd pup (loved meeting her yesterday, and am happy she'll be adopted quickly)
Life is GOOD - Here's to Living and Celebrating the Intentionally, Daily and Gratefully while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-The beautiful sunset on my drive home
-Being able to help my neighbor in a small way
-Staying in my maintenance range for another week in the challenge
-The heirloom oranges that I'm totally savoring as I know they'll be gone for the season soon
-My warm, comfortable bed on a cold night

Goodnight all,
Stephanie

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-Oh my gosh, yes, Ann - no injuries in a car accident!!
-Taking the day off from exercise (and most other things) yesterday and being fine with it as I had a super active week
-Back at it today, standing station at work, eating better than yesterday (weekends are tough!) and hopes for overdue strength training tonight
-Self-care AND self-compassion
-Cleansing tears
-Those sweet kitties of mine, always content to settle in with me if I want to read or nap
-Trader Joe's, so hoping they have my heirloom oranges when I stop on my way home; I only have ONE left!! Could be a crisis!!

Have a great evening all -
Stephanie

Thankful for: Mom taking her pills, which is not always a given (she doesn't remember, despite reminders... )
Thankful indeed for this day of snow, and the privilege not to have to go out and drive in it!
For sweet Rosy, who loves everyone here and makes them all feel appreciated.... I need to learn to be as good as my dog!

Glad to hear no injuries!

On this Sunday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for
- another day
- a good breakfast
- the full and changes it brings
- shopping lists
- Week 6 in a Year for You
Life is GOOD - Here's to Intentionally Living and Celebrating the Daily and Gratefully while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

grateful
-to follow Stephanie...especially when she waxes poetic (I love to hear about your Arboretum walks!)
-for inspiration here to keep putting one foot in front of the other, so to speak
-to be reminded that self care, different for each of us, helps in many ways
-S and Gpa were not hurt when rear ended...just the car
-for times of deep connection with her feeling like a window into our future

On this Saturday night, I'm grateful for all of this and so much more:

-Knowing I'm nearing my "sad time" of year, I also know to pump up the self-care!
-Filling my soul with a great hike in the woods in the sunshine at the Arboretum
-Walking the part of their chipped trail that had the recycled Christmas trees chopped up and recently spread; I will go to sleep with that amazing smell wafting through my head
-Walking the labyrinth under the near-full Super Moon tonight; the cottonball clouds were awesome as the moon drifted in and out of them
-My magic winter coat that kept me totally warm at the labyrinth in temps in the mid 30s
-Fun play time with the kitty girls this morning after morning kitty treat rituals
-Stretching, so good for me in so many ways
-My soft, comfortable bed with the heating pad warming up ... all calling me for sweet dreams

Good night all -
Stephanie

On this Saturday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for
- the
- possibility to see the full tonight
- first of coffee
-
- excellent
Life is GOOD - Here's to Living and Celebrating the Intentionally, Gratefully and Daily while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

grateful
-for a car free day
-for mild temperatures and gorgeous sunshine
-to give in when a nap was needed
-to know a friend is getting help
-for the way some friendships mature and ripen

Thankful for: Some restorative sleep
Progress on a project, hoping to complete on Saturday
For family, forever and always

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-The beautiful moon out there tonight, prompting ...
-A friend's agreement to go for a labyrinth walk tomorrow night under the moon, even though temps are colder than what she prefers
-Predicted sunshine in the morning (if so, I might just HAVE to go to the Arboretum for a walk in the woods; it's calling me)
-These super sweet 4-legged kitties I live with
-Yes indeed, the release of tears ...

Goodnight all,
Stephanie

grateful
-for the release of tears
-for the work of pt and changes to keep up with
-for a sweet call from little H to tell me she is sick
-to manage some extra walking today in brilliant sunshine
-for a chance find at the library stirring some deep thought

Thankful for: good friends with good counsel.
That while Mom is often confused, she is also good hearted and cheerful about it.
That we have beautiful white snow to cover up the murk outside
And that we have the promise of spring coming, in a few months.

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-The best Sparkfriends right here in this community!
-Getting out of the office at lunch into the sunshine and getting a few more steps in
-A friend who got some needed relief
-Really utilizing the standing station at work, walking in place, since I have a desk job
-Stretching, for so many reasons
-Cooking myself my favorite crustless quiche tonight and that will make six meals for me, paired with veggies and salads
-Friend telling me about a new show premiering tonight that I might like; I don't watch much TV, but she knows me pretty well; will check it out

Goodnight all,
Stephanie

grateful
-for sweet sparkfriend greetings
-to work out some grumbly feelings with M's help to avoid overdoing
-for the satisfaction of a quandary resolved
-to find a happy new home for all of this grandma's baby gear
-for tasty leftovers speeding up dinner time

Happy birthday to you, Anne! @ABURRIS2

@SLASALLE so happy you can go on sabbatical to a wonderful place! you are looking forward to it, and it is great to see your delight.

Happy today that I planned and accomplished a lot more than I usually do. going to get my parents' house cleaned up (its overwhelmed them) and bringing order to chaos is FUN. Such pleasure in looking around and having everything tidy and being able to find things.

Happy belated birthday, Ann! Thankful this Wednesday evening for ....

- cozy home protecting us from ice & sleet
- healing homemade chicken soup
- Saturday’s celebration of mom’s 87 years
- getting answers to medical questions
- new speakers yield higher quality music
- never tire of Yo-Yo Ma & Dennis Brain
- all is well

Shine
Sandra

Tonight I'm grateful for:

-Sister trips, the anticipation and joy of planning one
-Getting lost yesterday in old photos on the computer, many memories of Beth
-Being astounded when looking at pictures of where I will be in June; if the pictures are so amazing I can't even imagine my presence there
-Another dear friend offering to stay with the kitty girls if it helps get my preferred sabbatical route planned
-A super quiet day at the office, getting lots done
-Staying up late reading last night as I near the end of my friend's (former poet laureate) novel
-Making plans with dear friend for a meal this weekend
-My warm, safe, cozy home filled with kitty love, all calling me now

Have a lovely evening all -
Stephanie

grateful
-Michelle stopped by
-for a friend's understanding and appreciation
-for birthday wishes from all around my little world
-for happy little girls announcing their arrival here next week
-to so enjoy supper out with M
-for the surprise of a gorgeous sunset after supper, which we can't see in our redwood grove

Grateful this Tuesday evening for ...

~ moments of serenity
~ meditation`
~ Sharon Salzburg's annual February Happiness Challenge
~ learning to do trauma-sensitive mindfulness training
~ preparing for visit to Wisconsin for my mom's 87th birthday
~ part of me is happy I may have to cancel tomorrow's class due to snow
~ all is well

shine
sandra

Grateful for a house to live in with running water and electricity

For my three crazy dogs who eat too much and sleep too much but make me smile

For the Internet to keep up with loved ones

grateful
-for the habit of walking to the library when I go to get groceries
-to try a new recipe that we both enjoyed immensely (Moqueca)
-to relish Laurie King's novels for a change
-for good news from our daughter's latest followup appointment
-my most elderly friend called today to wish me well

Thankful this Monday evening for ....

~ serendipity - same issue came to me from four places
~ an "aha" moment where confusion gave way to insight
~ son decided to apply for a job that sounds like a good fit
~ quiet, productive day at home
~ reading something that is compelling and well-written
~ all is well

shine
sandra

On this first Monday of February, I'm grateful for:

-An excellent massage yesterday afternoon
-Lots of time with friends Saturday, followed by a day for me; a good weekend balance
-The right song at the right time
-The thoughtful and meaningful writings of a dear artist friend
-The standing station available to me at work, it's helped me take lots more steps (I don't just stand)
-Text exchange with my sister
-Seeing the home town pride and excitement of so many here with the Kansas City Chiefs winning the Super Bowl; it's been kind of fun
-Those sweet kitties I live with

Have a great evening all -
Stephanie

Reading a fascinating book written by Amaryllis Fox, who was a CIA spy for a while. Her book is very personal, and very touching. So, I am grateful for memoir writers who share their hearts with us, and enhance our understanding of the world.

grateful
-for a day to set things aside
-for sun to warm my back in the morning
-for an enjoyable musical theatre outing with M
-we have no interest in football
-adorable H sang me a song

Giving thanks this second day of the new month for ...

~ to be alive & kicking albeit slower than in the past
~ unexpected evening visit from a friend who dropped in
~ letting go of a fear-based story running through my head
~ sweetie's biopsy was benign
~ enjoyed 3rd season of The Crown -- on to Grace & Frankie
~ a rare sunny day
~ all is well

shine
sandra

On this 02.02.2020, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for
- more
- Claritin - taking care of years of chronic cough
-
- first morning hot tub soak in months
- Super Bowl day
Life is GOOD - Here's to Intentionally Celebrating and Living the Daily and Gratefully while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

grateful
-for good company here
-for solid sleep after hard pt
-for help holding resentment at bay, instead growing compassion for old injury
-for a wonderfully long, uninterrupted call from my daughter
-for the freedom to devote the day to reading and making broth

Always happy to come back here and read people's gratitudes. So blessed!

Grateful for: ability to rest and start healing from a back injury, for my chiropractor, who not only got me in quickly, she also made me feel so much better immediately and gave wise advice about what to do as the healing starts, for parents who are bright and cheerful, even as they reach their nineties. So amazing.

list

On this Saturday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for
-
- green machine made
- melting
- laundry in process
- DH
Life is GOOD - Here's to Intentionally Living and Celebrating the Daily and Gratefully while not letting doubt build mountains and BE-lieving!

Just in case you run out of ideas....

www.huffpost.com/entry/thing
s-to-be-gr
ateful-for-list_n_56420d6ce4
b0b24a
ee4bcc63

Edited by: ATRANSFORMATION at: 1/31/2020 (20:26)