• gratitude,  poems,  window,  writing/reading

    expressing gratitude

    morning sun enters through my window
    warms my soul with its abounding grace
    grateful and blessed for this life I live
    filled with love of family and friends

    solitude and silence the foundations of my life
    it’s the staff I need to walk through life
    raises me up when I fall, again and again
    where I discern my chatter from your words

    prayer and meditation my daily practice
    a lifeline to grasp when I begin to wander
    lifting the spirit when life weighs heavy
    opens a door to knowing beyond thinking

    it’s been said that if the only prayer we say
    is thank you, that would suffice
    so I’m thankful for this wonderful life
    happy thanksgiving to you!

    ms
  • leaves,  Plants,  seasons,  snow,  winter scenes

    Christmas cards

    A cold morning. We received about one inch of snow from this storm. This was outside my condo this morning. They say it is to be mostly sunny today. Patches of blue sky and sunshine are now appearing.

    My daughter woke last Monday morning not feeling well. Her employer told her to make an appointment for a COVID-19 test and stay home and not to return until she had test results. She works for Home Depot and is face-to-face with the public since this whole thing began. She was not able to get an appointment until Friday afternoon then had to wait in line for two hours. She received test results yesterday and tested positive. She is now in quarantine for two more weeks and gratefully will be paid for a full three weeks. She did not feel good for the first three days but felt much better last night. She has slept a lot and any sort of exertion causes her to be winded (stairs). She made me smile last night when talking to her on the phone because she is planning to make Christmas cards this year with all the free time. 😍 Good spirits!

  • Black and White,  gratitude,  lifestyles,  shadows

    Gratitude for Memories

    Morning sunlight on my kitchen table -2019

    I also feel gratitude this morning for all my family. I have memories of times past with them. My cousin Linda died yesterday from brain cancer. So, this morning I have memories of times spent with her as a child and as an adult. No more pain and suffering in her life. In my own way I pray for her husband, children and grandchildren.

  • Family,  Holiday Seasons,  sunsets

    Heading Home

    Arizona Sunset
    Arizona Sunset

    We are heading home today, back to the colder temperatures. I have enjoyed the family time except for all the food I was forced to eat. I have also enjoyed the wonderful weather they have here in Phoenix. Tomorrow will be my pre-op appointment, blood draws and more explanation on what to expect with the surgery on the 5th. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving !

  • Candid Portraits,  Children,  People/Portraits,  quotes

    Brother in Sync

    Brothers in Sync
    Brothers in Sync

    On Fathers Day I spent time with my daughters in-laws. Needless to say, I ate way too much. Matt’s twin brother and his family were out from Chicago. Matt has to two boys and his brother has four for a total of six young boys. Grandma wanted to buy the boys bib-overalls, in memory of her dad who wore them all the time,  so photos were taken. During the chaos of pulling together all six boys I happen to catch this image of two brothers. The pose and identical clothes just made this a special image for me.

    “Fix all your attention on your own path, and do not imitate others. Your life is unique, and your karma is yours alone.” Taisen Deshimaru