Tuesday, November 3, 2015

30 Days of Thankful

30 Days of Thankful is my start to a new chapter.  

1. Person
      My sister.  She is not only a dear friend, but someone who makes me laugh, frustrates me, inspires me.  I am proud of her and her life. 
2. Animal
     Leo. I miss him terribly; my heart is full of sadness but I know letting him go one month ago today was the best for him.
3. Cozy Place
     My father's living room.  A place where we come together every Sunday to share a meal, engage in a variety of conversations and watch "Death in Paradise", "The Walking Dead" or even "Father Brown".  And don't forget Brown Town.  ;)

4. Favorite Snack
     I do love cheese.  And crunchy apples. They both make me so very happy.

5. Place
     Seaside, Oregon.  I love this place.  I begin to shut-out the rest of the world and refocus myself, re-balance.  It is a place of comfort.  I love the ocean.
6. Pair of Shoes
     Slippers.  I am thankful for slippers when my feet are tired or cold.  Or just to bring a bit of comfort.
7. Scent
     Clean laundry. Fall leaves. First summer rain. Homemade bread. Snow. The ocean. Campfires.
8. Restaurant
     Norma's. Pau Pau's.
9. Blog/Website
     Elephant Journal.  I find inspirational essays, photos and ideas.  
10. Time of Day
     Early morning when the sun is just coming up and also evening as the sun is setting. The colors are beautiful and it seems as if the earth is taking a deep breath.
11. Tradition
     Seaside.  We spend a week at a little house by the ocean.  While  parts of it stress me out, something about the ocean centers me.
12. Gadget
     Orange can opener.  WOW!  It works like a dream.  I love to use canned tomatoes and beans during the winter and it works brilliantly.
13. Something Old
     My father.  HA!  I am thankful he is still with us, and at 72 hope it is for many more years but realistically know that time is now more precious than ever.
14. Something New
     Greek God's Greek yogurt. Yogurt held a negative memory for me until I steeped outside of the memory and tried Greek yogurt.  So glad I did.  I have created a new positive experience and found something I really enjoy.

15. Experience
     My job.  It has been a challenge, a learning opportunity, a dynamic experience.  I have had the chance to travel, meet new people, grow, push myself, become me.
16. Recipe
     I don't really use recipes but the idea of of a food item- Sour Cream Apple Pie, Zweibach, Pfeffernusse, mac & cheese.  These all come from my family and are in my head and my heart.  No recipe needed. 
17. Store
     There are a few.  I like Fred Meyer because it provides me with nourishment for my family as well as clothing if needed.  But I also like Target because I can meander the aisles and wander without interruption.  Cost Plus out of habit and Trader Joe's because of fun memories.
18. Quote
     "Not all who wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkien
19. Clothing
     Socks.  I love fuzzy socks, cozy socks, warm socks all year-long.  Toes get cold at night, even in the summer and I love to put on a pair of sock.
20. Keepsake
21. Disappointment/Fear
22. Book
23. Feeling
24. Photo
25. Luxury
26. Charity
27. Song
28. Gift
29. Something at home
30. What are you MOST thankful for?