Sunday Snippet: The Remembering to Be Truly Grateful Edition

I know that I post a paragraph of weekly gratitude each Sunday, but sometimes it’s hard to find reasons to be grateful. I write every morning in my gratitude journal–five things from the day before that I’m thankful for, but I find myself repeating–home, Husband, family, friends–all things I am truly grateful for. But these days are harder than most and only appear to be getting harder. Gratitude is a struggle when the news of the nation and the world is bad. So today, I’m going to focus on all the good in my life  and how very blessed I am. (I promise not to be sappy–I’m probably lying about that.) So here in no particular order are the blessings I am thankful for every day.

1. Moments with Husband: Working in the yard together. Relaxing on the deck with a glass of wine at our city house or on the deck at the lake enjoying our cottage. Taking a boat ride on the lake on a weekday when the water is smooth and clear. Walking in the ‘hood enjoying our neighbors’ beautiful gardens. Lighting a candle at every meal to keep the romance alive. Even simply lingering at the breakfast table with a second cup of coffee before we both start our days. A poet once said, “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.” After over fifty years with this man, that line has even more meaning. I am so grateful for him, for us. I am blessed.
2. Moments with Son: We’ve had several together times in the past couple of weeks despite both our busy schedules–and I’m always delighted to spend time with him. He is warm and funny and talented and caring and so incredibly smart. He is such an extraordinary man and although I take no credit for his many accomplishments, I am always thrilled to be able to say, ‘That’s my kid.” I am blessed.
3. Moments with Grandboy and DIL: It goes without saying that our sweet Grandboy, who is growing into a young man before our very eyes is always wondrous. He learned to drive the golf cart last summer, so now that our cottage is open, we’ll have lots opportunities to ride and chat. Plus we’re doing a writing camp together this summer–I can’t wait! He is intelligent, funny, kind, and darn good company. How I do love that child. And his mother, darling DIL, who warms my heart with her caring and love for us. She is remarkable in her energy and willingness to take on anything that needs doing. I am blessed.
4. Moments with Friends: Writing days and retreats with Liz are the highlights of my year. They are more than just time to write, they are processing out loud, sharing secrets and joys and learning one another all over again. Time with Mo is pure fun–wine and books, long talks and swimming in the lake… she is my heart. My Lovelies–a group of new friends who’ve become kindred spirits in this past year. My dear neighbor and walking buddy, Mary, who makes me move my butt even when I think I can’t take another step, who cares enough to remind me to slow down when I become breathless, and whose green thumb has turned my gardens into a spectacular display of color each summer. New friends, old friends, friends to travel with (looking at you, Roomie!) and other friends I may not see as often as I’d like to, but with whom I share an unbreakable bond. I am blessed.
5. Moments with Family: Every two weeks, sister PJ and I get together for a girly time of mani/pedis. It’s not just getting pretty nails, it’s a time to connect, catch up, and be together. Phone calls with brother Bud to catch up and laugh and share news. I’m wistful when I realize that there are only two people left in the world who know my whole history. I am blessed.
6. Moments for Publishing: My publisher Jane Porter and her team are simply amazing, and I’m so grateful to be a part of Tule Publishing, both as author and editor. Their faith in me and my stories keeps me going even when I wonder if I have any words left. I can’t imagine this writing journey without my editor Sinclair and all the others at Tule. Same goes for my critique partners and all the supportive authors at Tule. (Oh, and by the way, Tule is having a great Mother’s Day sale! 50% off all ebooks–mine included!) I am blessed.
7. Moments for Me: The time I’ve spend in River’s Edge–my little fictional town on the Ohio River–is not just writing time, it’s me time. Now, I get to spend time in a new place-a fictional ranch in Montana for Tule’s Montana Born imprint. My whole life I’ve lived in a different place than the rest of my friends and family–Nan’s world–where the people in my head get to live out all my fantasies and even some of the realities that I’ve experienced. This summer I’m going to Montana with my writing pal, Carol Light, to get a feel for the new setting. It’s a good place, Nan’s world, and there’s always wine and chocolate.

I am truly blessed…

I’m rambling, aren’t I? Sorry about that. It’s what happens when I don’t have a good writing topic for my snippet–you guys get to climb inside my head and come along for the ride. Fun, eh? I’m going to turn you loose now, get a cup of coffee, and start preparing for my book signing today. I’ll be at Whyte Horse Winery in Monticello, Indiana (1510 S. Airport Rd) from 2 to 4 pm. It’s a great place to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon. If you’re out and about and in the area, I’d love to see you there!

Stay well, stay vigilant and don’t be afraid to speak out–your voice is important, choose kindness always, and most of all, mes amis, stay grateful!