A Grateful Heart

New thanks

2010-01-22T21:14:00.000-08:00

I took a look over here today, and realized it's been almost a year since I posted. I became so wrapped up in Pea's last days, and making her as comfortable as possible, I neglected this. After I lost her, I felt I had very little to be thankful for.

I lost myself for a while there. Lost myself in medication to numb my heart to the never ending pain that I was experiencing. Tramadol and Oxy were my meds of choice. They allowed me to drift into that place where I stopped feeling. Stopped thinking. Stopped asking God and life what I had done so terribly wrong to deserve this.

I won't go into all the details of why she meant so much to me. I will just say that Sweet Pea was with me through one of the most difficult times in my life. When I lost faith in people, when I lost hope, she was there. I had no idea what I was going to do without her.

If you read my other blog, you know that Honey came into my life. I lost a job I could barely stand, and within a few weeks found a new one, with a pretty substantial pay increase. Bit by bit my smile returned.

So, I think it's time I start posting here again. Pea Pod, I miss you! I will miss typing this each evening without you sleeping next to me. I don't think Honey will sit still long enough to do it with me like you did!

I am thankful for being able to share 13 years of my life with you.

I am thankful for all the things you taught me.

I am thankful for all the sunsets we savored together.

I am thankful for all our days in the kayak.

I am thankful that your energy is still with me. I feel you sometimes. When I need you most. I hear your soft sigh. I smell you scent. I know you are still taking care of me. I will love you always. ~Mama~

Been so long.... Thursday Thanks

2009-04-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to keep up with my posts in this blog. Hell, I can barely keep up with the posts in my main blog. I do write my gratitude in my paper journal nightly, I just seem to never get around to transferring them here. Taking care of Sweet Pea has become my main focus. She is doing well. We are seeing a new doctor on Tuesday to see what suggestions she might have. I post more about it in the other blog, so if you are ever want updates on her, that is where you will find them. We are making the most of each day, and taking them as they come.

I've been chewed out a bit my someone who holds my heart from miles away. Even though we talk daily, these journals are their way of staying in touch with my world. The ordinary things in my day, and the photos that make up what I saw and did. Apparently, what I though was a silly mundane thing, is very important to them. I have promised to be more regular with postings and pictures, while their job keeps them far away.

So, here is my Thursday thanks.

1. For a beautiful walk with the Pea. Spring is finally here, despite our thoughts that it would never arrive this year!

2. For a new keyboard! Sounds silly, but if you had to type on one for 8 hours a day and 6 or so keys only worked if you hit an exact spot, you'd understand why it is such a big deal!

3. For the gorgeous sunset we were treated to last night. They never stop amazing me.

4. Grilled asparagus with olive oil and sea salt. Nothing more I need to say about THAT!

5. A letter from a fellow blogger that warmed my heart. Thank you....you! Your kind comments touched me so much. *hugs*

Monday Gratitude

2009-03-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

1. Pea had a check up with her doctor today. She is VERY happy with how the wound is healing this second time around! *happy dance*

2. For the beautiful spring weather we had today, and for being able to leave the windows open all day so the kitties could enjoy the sun and birds.

3. Driving with the sun roof open and the breeze in my hair. Makes the ride home so much sweeter.

4. For my sweet Cali girl. I love the way you snuggle and purr.

5. Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. I am completely helpless to it's powers!

Friday 5

2009-03-13T23:57:00.000-07:00

1. To have my girl home again. I missed her so much, my words can't even describe it.

2. The beautiful warm sun shining through the windows while we rested.

3. Pellegrino and lime.

4. The extra bit of daylight at the end of my work day.

5. Knowing that spring is just around the corner.

Saturday 5

2009-03-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I posted here. Life gets weird for me after the holidays. I just hibernate and do home improvement projects. Mmmhhmm, I know. Don't even say it! I still write my gratitude down in my paper journal, but some how the time never is there to translate it to this blog.

1. For a call saying Sweet Pea's blood tests came back looking really good.
(For those of you who don't read my other blog, Pea is facing some surgery on Tuesday. I'm worried sick, and all prayers and good thoughts said on our behalf are appreciated.)

2. For my new sofas! Gaaaaa I love them.
After 17 years with the old ones, they are a welcome change!

3. For the kindness of a stranger.
I was waiting at my vet, because Pea needed to get some blood work done. A man near me asked me a question about why we were there, and I kinda melted into tears. When we were done and I went outside, he was there waiting. He asked if I minded if he prayed over Pea, and of course I said I didn't mind at all. He talked about losing his dog at Christmas this past year. He was originally from Oklahoma and had the cutest accent. His voice and prayer was just very soothing to me.

4. For my son, who had a birthday this weekend, and reminded me again about what life is all about.

5. For my home.
In this time of uncertainty for so many, I can still call it mine.

Monday 5

2009-01-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

1. The sun reflecting off the lake while I drove to work today. It was beautifully golden, giving even the air a golden feel.

2. Homemade Beef with Mushrooms for lunch. Mmmmm so good.

3. My sweetest Pea in the pod, who greets me at the door when I come home, and excitedly runs and jumps in the truck when I say we have to go bye-bye! She didn't care that we were only going to Staples to return something. She treats every trip as an adventure!

4. Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. No need to elaborate on THAT!

5. My beautiful pink fountain pen ink, because it makes me smile. Smiling is a good thang.....everyone needs more reasons to smile.

Sunday 5

2009-01-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

1. Sleeping in until 10 am!

2. Falling asleep to the sound of his breath in my ear.

3. A day spent curled up on my favorite sofa, completely lost in a book. It was a gloomy and crappy day out, so I gave myself the gift of doing nothing!

4. Photos of good friends that make me smile!

5. All day mimosas with a bottle of champagne you forgot you had left from New Years Eve. Ummm yep...kinda contributed to the whole #3 thing happening! *giggle*

New Years Thanks

2009-01-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

1. For this coming year, and the promise it holds for me.

2. For one more day of work before I get 2 more off from the place.

3. For my beautiful new tree skirt and stockings from my favorite store, Pottery Barn! They are white quilted velvet and have just enough bling to make them sparkle under the lights! Mmmhhmm, this girlie loves her sparkle!

4. For a day spent relaxing and watching the kitties cuddle.

5. A long walk with the Pea to look at beautiful Christmas lights that are still up.

Wednesday Thanks

2008-12-24T23:54:00.000-08:00

1. For bloggers who have already committed to granting me my Christmas wish! I know some of you only read this gratitude blog, but I ask each and every one of you to please read my Christmas Wish post in my main blog and consider granting my Christmas wish! Please....pretty please!

2. For chocolate creme pie! Ohhhh dang. Do I need to say more? Uhh huh. Thought not.

3. For the memories of Christmas Eve at my Grandma's house. Even though she is gone, I have years of wonderful memories to warm my heart this evening. Grandma and Grandpa, I miss y'all! I miss your pierogis Grandma, and I miss the way your home smelled when I walked in the door. I miss your decorations, and all the little things that made your house a home. I know you are making pierogis for Jesus now, and I know He loves them as much as I did, just don't feed too many to Fany and Lucy! The butter makes Fany's tummy upset. Take care of my puppies until I can get there to do it. I love you both. Merry Christmas with love from your favorite granddaughter. :) Don't worry Grandpa, I never told my sisters you called me that! *wink*

4. For a beautiful snowy walk with my Sweetest Pea in the pod to look at the Christmas lights. I love our walks so much this time of the year, and the soft tinkling of the bells on her collar.

5. For the greatest gift ever given. The reason we celebrate this day. For the birth of our Lord and Saviour. Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Monday Thanks

2008-12-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

1. A late night call that becomes a lullaby of my favorite Christmas songs. What a beautiful and peaceful way to drift off to sleep.

Thank you, You...it made me cry! Good happy tears.

2. The beauty of nature. There is a coating of ice on everything, and in the morning sun it sparkles and shines. The sun glints and dances off it, like thousands of tiny diamonds. My world looks like it has been sprinkled with fairy dust! For a girl who loves sparkly things nothing could be sweeter. Ok, maybe if it wasn't so e-ffing cold....but it's at least a gorgeous, sparkling cold!

3. A short week at work. Only 8 more hours and I'm free for 5 whole glorious days!

4. My Christmas tree. I wish I could have it up all year. It makes the house smell heavenly, and calms me after a long stressful day at work.

5. My Sweet Pea, who goes out and walks in this crazy cold with me, looking at the beautiful holiday lights.

*My little camera is on strike today, and so I'm using a photo I took last Christmas of my sweet Cali girl under the tree.

Saturday Gratitude

2008-12-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

1. For the beauty of nature. We had an ice storm, that left us without power, and forced our Christmas celebration to be a wonderful deep dish pizza enjoyed in the glow of a gazillion candles!

2. For a roof over my head I can call my own. This bitterly cold night I know there are people struggling to stay warm on the streets, and my heart breaks for each of them.

3. For warm cuddly down quilts to snuggle in while we played Monopoly by candle light without heat!

4. For friends who don't run out when things don't go as planned. They anticipated a night of grilled steaks and lobster tails, great wine and Christmas movies. Instead they were greeted to a cold house, lit only by candles. One called for a pizza and another drove to pick it up, and we enjoyed the wine and the night anyway. I love y'all sooooo much for the amazing hearts that beat inside each of you!

5. For electricity, in the face of this weekend storm, as sporadic as it may be! We have an hour or two of it, and them we lose it again, so we just taken advantage of it while it is gracing us with its presence!

Wednesday Thanks

2008-12-17T23:18:00.000-08:00

1. The smell of evergreen greeting me when I walk in my door. I love the smell of Christmas in my home.

2. The feeling of relaxing on the sofa, the living room lit up by nothing but the tree and a few candles.

3. A really great Pinot Noir. Damn. No elaboration needed there.

4. Late night calls that cause happy tears.

5. Christmas panties and stockings....and whispered words of how they will be gently removed.

Thursday 5

2008-12-11T20:29:00.001-08:00

1. The amazing sunset tonight. Not as much fun watching it from my desk at work, but a stunning display of colors no less.

2. My stylist. She makes my hair look fabulous!

3. Lost Season 4! Yes, I bought the box set today, and am anticipating a lot of sleepless nights this weekend when I indulge!

4. Cute pink sweaters that keep me warm and make me smile.

5. The sound of Sweet Pea when we walk and she is wearing her jingle bell collar! I look forward to it every year.

Wednesday Thanks

2008-12-10T20:33:00.000-08:00

1. The beautiful holiday lights that make our walks so special.

2. Pomegranates for breakfast! Seriously, I love them.

3. A hidden stash of Girl Scout thin mints in the freezer. Mmmm...yes I hide them from the human disposal I gave birth to! No...I don't share my thin mints! Well, sometimes I will. If you really make me smile!

4. Another week...another paycheck. I'm ahead of the game here!

5. Sexy, hot, baby soft feet, with deep garnet polish. Mmmmhmmm some one got a pedicure tonight! Therapy is over rated. All you need is a few pedicures a month and sanity is guaranteed. *wink*

Monday 5

2008-12-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

1. For a surprise phone call from a blog friend. I loved talking with you!

2. For the beautiful snow this morning, even if it did make me 45 minutes late for work.

3. For the look on the Pea's face when we went out for our morning walk, and she saw the fluffy white stuff. Bliss. Pure bliss!

4. The way new panties can just make you feel sexy all dang day! *giggle*

5. Waking up to a sweet, but naughty text. Mmmmhhhmmm. :)

Monday Gratitude

2008-11-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

1. For my friend Jesse, and his beautiful gift of Yolked Heart. Jesse, my life is better because I call you friend. I love you, sugar.

2. Cherry Vanilla yogurt. Yummy!

3. The gorgeous sunset. I loved the pinks and oranges today.

4. For my bed! My favorite place lately. I came home kinda exhausted and falling into it felt amazing.

5. The anticipation of the future of my dreams.

Sunday Thanks

2008-11-23T23:55:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted. Some things have happened in the last two weeks, that have kept me pretty busy. I posted about them in my other blog, if any of you are interested. Anyway, I'm trying to settle back into my normal routine. We'll see how it goes.

1. Watching the Pea chase the geese into the lake. She tries to sneak up on them, but all of a sudden there is the sound of hundreds of wings flapping and lots of squawking and she stands there unsure as to how they heard her coming.

2. The milkweed pods bursting open with their fluffy white seeds. I look forward to seeing them every year around this time.

3. Good friends who make life sweet.

4. Sleeping in all weekend. My body is craving sleep so badly right now, and I love weekends when I can indulge!

5. Knowing I have a short 3 day work week this week! :)

Tuesday Thanks

2008-11-11T20:06:00.001-08:00

1. For all the members of our military. For those who have served in the past, or currently are serving. Thank you for all your dedication, your hard work, your sacrifices. I stand in awe of each and every one of you.

2. For those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of FREEDOM. My words could never express the gratitude my heart feels. Thank you.

3. For stores that are dog friendly! I have a great nursery near me that also sells pet food. They have the most stunning Christmas ornaments and decorations. Their candles are sooooo wonderful Best of all, they are cool with my dog coming in and shopping with me. Today we got a beautiful white and silver church ornament for 1/2 price!! We got a bag of cat food, and we got a really cute new house plant. I love ferns, and I found a really adorable rabbits foot fern to add to my collection. The Pea had a great time checking everything out, and she makes all things sweeter for me. :)

4. Aretha Franklin. Woman, I love your voice and your music.

5. Sexy, soft, freshly pedicured feet and Mustang Red toes! Far better than therapy. Far less expensive too! I hold live squarely by the ass. :)

Monday 5

2008-11-10T22:55:00.000-08:00

1. For all the comments I've been getting from new readers. I love the opportunity to check out and read y'alls blogs! I've found some really new and interesting reads. Thanks everyone!

2. For the chocolate chips cookies my son baked for us today! I walked in the door from work and could smell them! They were yummy.

3. NYPD Blue Season 3 on dvd. It rocks!

4. The cool fall air on the walk the Pea and I had this evening. It was just enough to turn your cheeks pink and make you feel refreshed.

5. Watching the combines bring in the corn. What a great view out my window at work. Farm equipment seriously gets me HOT!

Sunday Gratitude

2008-11-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

1. For sleep. For some reason I've been needing a lot of it lately, so I was happy to have nothing pressing to do this weekend.

2. For the Sweetest Pea in the Pod, who is content to hang with me all day, even when our happy asses barely leave the bed or sofa.

3. For my Grandma's homemade chicken soup recipe, and the amazing way my home smells while it's simmering on my stove. Just like hers use to.

4. For the warm memories I have of my Grandparents, their home, and the beautiful love they shared.

5. For a much needed shower today! After the Pea and I walked by the lake, I came home and stayed in my shower until I ran out of hot water. Ummm...yeah, I was a little prune like on my exit!

Thursday 5

2008-11-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

1. Waking up I was greeted by the most beautiful looking sky outside my open window. It was a stunning golden pink, and it just made the golds and reds of the fall leaves glow. I stayed in bed an extra 10 minutes watching it change.

2. For the awesome way God works. I made a call to a friend this afternoon to see if she could help me out with getting some children's books. She informed me that they were having a sale TODAY, and she would be happy to get me what I needed. I was able to get 4 times the number of books I thought I'd be able to get with the cash I had available. Thank you Lord for your blessings!

3. For the fact that even though we had rain today, our weather is still warm, and I haven't needed to use the heat.

4. For home made Bolognese and Penne. I don't do carbs very often, but I was craving pasta, so I spent the rainy evening making and freezing sauce. It was yummy!

5. For my son amd his thoughtfulness. He didn't know I would end up making sauce, and knew there was nothing made for dinner, so he brought home carryout Grilled Chicken and Veggies from Applebees! Guess what I'm having for lunch tomorrow. :)

Wednesday Thanks

2008-11-05T22:10:00.000-08:00

1. For my wonderful lunch of homemade chicken noodle soup. It was so goooood!

2. For the carpet of fallen leaves under our feet when we walked this evening. I love the rustling sound and the scent they give off as we walk over over them.

3. For the joy on my Sweet Pea's face when I get home. She is always sooooo happy to see me!

4. Yet another 75 degree day in November. Sitting at the park on lunch was so sweet.

5. The smell of fall driving home. Someone was burning leaves. For the distance I could smell them, it must have been a LOT of leaves. I adore that smell.

Monday 5

2008-11-03T21:50:00.000-08:00

1. For yet another gorgeous 70 degree day!

2. For my lunch. A great friend, lots of laughs, seafood enchiladas and a shared bowl of fried ice cream. It's doesn't get much better that that!

3. For my faith. It's what gets me through a day like today.

4. For emails from friends that warm my heart!

5. Getting the first new ornament of the season! Our tree in the living room is all white and clear and silver. I love the simple winter beauty of it. I found the cutest mirrored picture frame ornament to add to it this year. I'll try to get a photo up of it later today.

Sunday thanks

2008-11-02T23:50:00.000-08:00

1. For another beautiful 70 degree day in November!

2. For more happy buyers at the Yard Sale of the Century.

3. For a lovely walk with my Pea after I closed shop. The sky was stunning. The colors made my heart sing.

4. Margherita Pizza!! Need I say more? Mmmhhmm. Thought so!

5. Relaxing on the sofa, under my favorite quilt, with a great movie.

Saturday Thanks

2008-11-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

1. For my profitable yard sale. Not only did I clear a lot of stuff out, I made some extra cash for Christmas too!

2. For my Sweet Pea's cuteness. Every single person who came today mentioned how well behaved she is, and how cute she is! I am blessed. She really is a sweetie.

3. For the beautiful 70 degree day we were blessed with on November 1st!

4. The feeling that letting go of old stuff gives you. Not just physical, but emotional too.

5. General Tso's chicken at the end of a long day!

Thursday Gratitude

2008-10-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

1. The way the beautiful golden sun was warming the frost off the fields on my drive into work today.

2. Aretha Franklin at 6 AM! Damn, can that woman sing! She made the start of my day wonderful.

3. For the sounds at the lake on our walk. The birds and the ducks.

4. For autumn. The reds, golds and browns and the smell of leaves burning.

5. My new pink computer mouse! It rocks. :)
Really it does! Remember I told you it's the little things in life...and when they are PINK they are just that much sweeter.

Wednesday Thanks

2008-10-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

1. For the beautiful golden sunset tonight.

2. For a warm home. Yes, We finally broke down and turned the heat on in the house. I'm not sure why since I sleep with a window open! Seriously, I realize how blessed I am to be able to afford to keep my home comfortable. I know some can't do that.

3. It's Wednesday...I'm thankful that in this insane economy I have a job and a paycheck again this week.

4. For my health.

5. For dreams....where ever they take me.

Tuesday 5

2008-10-28T23:55:00.000-07:00

1. Waking up to find something I listed on ebay last night around midnight, sold at my "buy it now" asking price!!

2. My lunch time entertainment of an adorable red headed woodpecker nestled in the colors of fall trees.

3. The feeling that comes from letting go of stuff.

4. Laying in bed at the end of a long day and watching a movie.

5. Berry colored freshly pedicured toes!

Monday Thanks

2008-10-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

1. For answered prayers.
A reader, who has become a friend, asked for prayer for one of his friends. She was having a biopsy. Today he shared that the results came back good.
God is good...all the time.

2. For the yummy Thai shrimp I had for dinner. What a great recipe find!

3. Coming home to find the ark residents hadn't destroyed my bed today! Usually in the exuberance of daytime play, pillows end up off the bed and across the room, and the quilt ends up jumbled. Today was cloudy and overcast. Lazy furbags must have slept all day. :)

It's really the little things in life, ya know!

4. For my unwavering faith.

5. The way my favorite apple cinnamon tea warms my body after a walk with the Sweet Pea on a blustery fall evening.

Friday 5

2008-10-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

1. The feeling that I really accomplished something at work today. So many days I'm just spinning my wheels.

2. The very simple concept that we control our own destiny. We can write our own chapters in life.

3. Knowing I can sleep in tomorrow morning! yeah!!

4. Organic peanut butter and honey on multigrain bread. Heaven. :)

5. The happy thought of going to the pumpkin patch with my son tomorrow. We've done it since he was a baby, and each year I look forward to it. This year especially, since it may be the last year we can go together.

Thursday Thanks

2008-10-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

1. The feeling of power when eating my lunch.

2. A very late phone call, that left me leaving for work with only an hours sleep but a full heart.

3. A sweet nap after I walked Pea.

4. The way my big orange kitty stretches up his paw to me when he wants love.

5. My silver heart shaped locket, and what it means.

Monday thanks...

2008-10-20T20:56:00.001-07:00

1. Walking in the rain under a beautiful pink umbrella!

2. Fresh apple cider. :)

3. Seeing my son in his uniform, and knowing that what he does touches hearts, even though it sometimes breaks his.

4. Cuddling under my big down duvet with the window open and the cool fall air chilling my bedroom.

5. The feeling of being covered in prayer.

Sunday thankfulness

2008-10-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

No pictures yet. My son ran off with the camera! :(

1. The sound of leaves rustling under our feet during our walk. I love that sound!

2. The beautiful display of color that is happening all around me. I loved how the sun was hitting one special tree as the Pea and I sat in the gazebo and read for a bit.

3. Sleeping in until 10:30 this morning. Blissful. :)

4. The nice basket of apples my son went out and picked for us. They are so pretty and will be great for a dutch apple pie!

5. Seeing the swans at the lake. They have been gone for such a long time, but today they were back!

Friday 5

2008-10-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

1. I'm posting this at 4:45 because it's been a day from hell here at work, and I'm thankful that I am out of here in 15 minutes and don't have to come back here for TWO DAYS! I like my job, I really do, but we deal with people's money, and deadlines, and the stress can just get to me somedays.

Ok, so I've calmed down a bit since 4:45! Actually I cried the whole drive home, and considered skipping life (walking Pea, the gym, friends) for the evening in favor of getting in bed with some sleep aids. 5 minutes with Pea convinced me to take the walk after all. She can do that to me. :)

Obviously, I feel better after my walk!

2. My Sweet Pea. The sweetest pea in the pod. I don't know what I'd do without you.

3. My son. For his amazing hug when I walked in the door all teary eyed and sad. For his "it's ok Mom."

4. For my lake. My 2nd home. For it's smells, and sounds and the feelings of comfort it gives me.

5. Feeling my body work hard. I love the feeling a really good workout gives me.

5 for Thursday

2008-10-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

1. A beautiful crisp sunny morning, making a wonderful drive into work.

2. Another new friend we met at the lake. She is a 4 month old Golden Retriever. Oh. My heart. She was sooo pretty. Such a typical happy golden puppy. She made me smile and remember happy times with The Goose.

3. Some new wonderful Iranian recipes to try from my sweet blog friend! I'm so excited to make them soon! I will post some food porn pics!!

4. Pumpkin Pie oatmeal! Yeah, I know I was thankful for that yesterday, but it rocks and I'm thankful again today!

5. My unwavering faith. My promise. The knowledge in my heart that is soon.

My Wednesday 5

2008-10-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

1. Seeing my blog friends list what they are grateful for. Jesse and Inside My Mind your lists were great!

2. For that adorable little face that didn't want to wake up on this rainy morning. I went to make the bed, and had to pull the quilt off her sleepy little face. She wanted none of it, so the bed went unmade today, while Cali slept in!

3. Pumpkin Pie oatmeal. Yummy.

4. Knowing that I can fall asleep tonight lulled by the sound of the gentle rain outside my open window.

5. A new Michael Connelly book. I can't wait to start it in bed tonight.

Tuesday thanks

2008-10-14T23:58:00.000-07:00

1. For the stunning full moon tonight. It was reflecting off the water in such a beautiful way during our walk.

2. For a cozy puppy tummy to warm my hands on after our walk!

3. For the ever changing state of nature. This morning on the way to work it was 82. On our walk this evening a balmy 51! It's suppose to be in the high 40's over night.

4. Passing the pumpkin patch everyday! I love seeing the big orange globes in the field. I think this weekend we will head out and get a couple for the house.

5. A new box of crayons! Nothing in the world better than new crayons! So many possibilities. :)

My Monday Thanks

2008-10-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

1. Another beautiful fall day. This weather is spoiling us. Of course I live where we have been known to have 40+ degree temperature drops on one day. Around here we just embrace the day!

2. The sound of the Sandhill Cranes flying overhead. Right now it tells me that winter is approaching.....but I know in a few months I will hear them again, letting me know spring is here!

3. My pink grapefruit body wash! I love the smell of it every morning!

4. Great music and an open sun roof on the drive home.

5. Meeting new 4 legged friends on our walks. Pea romped with a cute male boxer today. He had such a handsome face! They said they plan on coming daily, so hopefully we have new friend for play dates! His people were really laid back and cool too. :)

My Saturday 5

2008-10-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

1. The blissful feeling of sleeping in. I know I say it every weekend, but y'all have no idea how I much I truly enjoy it!

2. The lovely pink sky at sunset! I know this was personal gift to me from God. Welp, I mean it being PINK and all! :)

3. The way no matter where the Pea goes, she makes friends! On our walk this evening, there was a group taking family pictures at the lake. They were such a sweet bunch, and they all wanted to show Ms. Pea some love. Should I mention that they were all wearing black pants...and the Pea is white and blowing her coat?? I kinda tried to keep her away, but they would have none of it. They said a little fur wouldn't hurt their pictures! Gaaaa dog people are the best. :)

4. The way really good blues music can so completely relax you. Body, soul and mind. Ahhhh and when it's live and being played by friends it's even sweeter!

5. Dancing with the only guy close to eighty years of age in the club! Dancing to the point where your friends start warning you that you will be the cause of his heart attack! He was so cute, and I love old people with spunk who don't stop loving life!

Thursday 5

2008-10-09T23:51:00.000-07:00

1. The little white baby burro I pass each day on my way to and from work. He is absolutely adorable, and makes me smile each and every time I see him! Today he went from nursing to bucking around his pasture. One of these days I'm going to stop and ask his family if they would mind if I got a few pictures of him!

2. The beautiful fall day, and a little bit of time on the little lake that feeds my heart.

3. PINK M&M's!!! I mean come on.....what else needs to be said about pink and chocolate. :)

4. Good friends who keep my heart filled with laughter and my life filled with love.

5. The ladybugs that are everywhere! They are sooo cute!! Some see them as a nuisance, but they are just looking for a warm place to spend the winter.

Wednesday Thanks.....

2008-10-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

1. The sun coming out just in time for me to leave work, after a rainy morning and afternoon.

2. Delicious, sweet, dirty late night phone calls, that wake you from your sleep, and send you over the edge.

3. A paycheck! Yeah!! With so many people out of work, I am thankful for my job, and the paycheck I get each week.

4. The way the sky got so golden as the sun set, leaving even the air feeling golden.

5. The stillness of the lake, like a sheet of black glass. Stunning.

Monday 5

2008-10-06T23:48:00.000-07:00

1. My son, because when I mentioned I was craving General Tso's Chicken, he offered to drive 20 minutes away and get some for us, despite it being almost 11:00 pm!

2. Sitting at the shore of the lake and just enjoying the beautiful evening air. Watching Pea chase frogs, the ducks swimming around, and the lovely moon. The best part...NO mosquitos. Dare I hope they have all finally hatched from our rain and lived their entire little life span out??

3. The tri-colored grilled peppers I had for lunch! They were sooo yummy. I could seriously exist on sweet bell peppers.

4. My ipod. To this day I still get thrilled at the thought of my entire music collection fitting on something so tiny!

5. My job. Despite having some bad days lately, I really do work with some very talented people. I try to remember that when the shit is hitting the fan in huge globs!

A Sunday full of thanks

2008-10-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

1. Sleeping in until 10am. I love to let my body wake up slowly, instead of to an alarm.

2. A gorgeous afternoon on the lake. The water was so calm, perfect for a few hours of reading and relaxing.

3. The beauty of a late blooming fall rose. Every year, this special tea rose amazes me with it's display of blooms long after the other roses have stopped. It hold special meaning to me, and no matter where I live, this rose will always be moving with me.

4. My Sweetest Pea. No matter what we do, she's always the best company. She was so happy to run errands and spend some time on the lake with me.

5. Mint chocolate chip ice cream. Mmmmmmm.

My 5 for today

2008-10-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

1. The beautiful clear blue sky and the sun shining brightly. It made for a beautiful hike.

2. The amazing sunset. My words could never do it justice.

3. My son, for making the best grilled chicken in the world! Not only making it, but actually leaving me a couple of pieces!! He's a manchild. He occasionally forgets himself and under estimates his appetite. :)

4. Walking late at night, listening to my favorite music and having a beautiful moon watching over us.

5. Falling asleep listening to Cali purring contently snuggled next to my tummy.

Today I'm thankful for

2008-10-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

1. Watching Pea chase squirrels. She gets this look of pure joy on her face when she spots one and sets off on chase!

2. Walking at twilight. I love to walk after we watch sunset. The sky becomes the most lovely shade of lavender-blue-grey.

3. The crescent moon watching us as we walked.

4. Flowers. Wild and untamed.

5. Padding around barefoot at home, my fall vanilla-pumpkin spice candles scenting the air, my favorite music playing, a glass of wine and the knowledge that the rest of the evening is all mine. I can stay up all night like I love to do reading, and not have to wake up to an alarm. I can roll out of bed whenever my body feels ready to. Complete and total relaxation!

*My little camera took and unfortunate swim, so while it's drying out I'm using photos that I have previously taken. :(

5 for today

2008-10-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

1. The incredible sunset today. The Pea and I sat on the hill by the lake and watched it unfold. It was stunning!

2. My son, for getting the lawn cut, so I didn't have to this weekend.

3. For old friends and lunches of seafood enchiladas! I ate way tooo much today, but I can't resist them when we go there!!

4. For the crisp fall air and the sun glowing golden on my ride to work today.

5. For another harvest season underway. I love watching them bring the corn in on my way to and home from work everyday. Farmers rock!

5 for Today

2008-09-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

1. For that face, my little Walter Payton of sweetness. He has the biggest body, and the tiniest voice, and he loves to watch movies with his paw touching me. I love my big orange kitty!

2. That I live in an area where the Pea and I can take a walk at 11:30 pm and not worry about our safety. We can just walk and enjoy the crisp air, and fall deep in thought and prayer.

3. For the show The Shield. It rocks. 'nuff said.

4. Cuddling in my soft bed with my big down duvet. I love my bed, lots of down pillows, a huge fluffy duvet, pink paisley sheets. Come on...what's not to love about down and PINK? :)

5. For LaRochelle Pinot Noir Monterey '05
Without a doubt this is my favorite wine. If you can get it by you, grab some. Hands down one of the best Pinots I've ever had.

Beautiful Day Thanks....

2008-09-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

1. Kayaking with my bestest friend. As you can see from the photo, she's watching closely so I don't try to leave shore without her!

2. Pumpkin Pie oatmeal! Gaaaa I love fall when I can make this again.

3. My son. He cleans, he cooks, he makes me laugh. :)

4. Chocolate Mint Whey Protein. I seriously love GS thin mint cookies. Mmmm wait...I adore, crave and lust for GS thin mint cookies. This is as close as I can get most days and still fit my jeans. It's actually pretty yummy!

5. New pink collar and leashes. For the Pea...not me. :) I mean, can the well dressed blonde diva dog have too many? Lemme answer that for ya. NO! You can get a peek of it in the picture above, and I'll put another pic of it in the main blog tomorrow. It's ca-ute!

Today I'm thankful for

2008-09-27T21:10:00.001-07:00

1. The way the sun glistened on the water today, like thousands of tiny diamonds.

2. Sleeping in until 10am!

3. Reading out on the lake. The sun over head, the water sparkling, the breeze blowing gently. I was able to totally lose myself for hours.

4. Freshly painted toes! I so love a good pedicure.

5. Stretching out in the kayak on my side, just inches above the water, and feeling the breeze blow across my body.

5 with gratitude

2008-09-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

1. For the way she loves the sun as much as I do.

2. For cherry vanilla yogurt. After 21 days of fasting, it was like a little taste of heaven in every spoonful.

3. For the way marinara sauce looks smeared all over the face of a 18 month old child. There is no analyzing if it's healthy or fattening, just pure bliss at what she is tasting. We all should eat that way sometimes!

4. That it's Friday, and I can sleep in tomorrow and NOT have to be at work. Work has sucked ass all week. I'm glad I have a few days off.

5. The house to myself for a couple of days. I love the manchild....truly I do, but it's nice to have the serenity of my home all to myself for just a couple of days.

A weed is but an unloved flower - Ella Wheeler Wilcox

2008-09-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

1. For my ability to see the flowers, when others see only weeds. These adorable daisies were growing in and around some old car bumpers. They make me smile every time I pass them. They are just there....happily growing where they have rooted. Someone saw me photographing them one day, and asked me why I was taking pictures of weeds. I replied I thought they were beautiful. They shook their head and walked away. I thought how sad their life must be....

2. The way Sweet Pea rests her head on my tummy when I read in bed.

3. My ability to loose myself on the floor of my shower and converse with God.

4. The last of the summer breeze coming through my window as I sleep. It's so nice when I can finally shut the ac off and just sleep with all the windows open.

5. Friends. New, old, those I haven't met yet!

Today's 5

2008-09-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

1. For that adorable face and how happy she looks sleeping in the window and enjoying the warm breeze.

2. For words and the writers who use them and put little pieces of their heart on paper, for me to read. I so love a good book!

3. For living in an area where when I have a blonde moment, like I did this morning, and leave my garage door WIDE open all day, no one would dream of coming in my home and robbing me blind! Did I mention I was running really, really late this morning?

4. For the stillness of the lake tonight. It was perfect for what I needed . To be able to just float and read and unwind.

5. For my Pea, once again, there is no one else I'd rather hang out on the lake with. She is always ready for any adventure I set out on, yet totally chill when I am. While I read this evening she napped, and duck watched. We are a perfect pair!

5 I'm thankful for

2008-09-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

1. For my Sweet Pea. She makes me smile everyday. She is truly some of the best company I know. I'm forever grateful for the day she came into my life.

2. For Gerber Daisies. They always brighten my day and my desk!

3. For the sounds of summer, lingering. The crickets and cicadas outside my window that lull me to sleep.

4. For the beauty of fall slipping in. I passed my first maple tree starting to get tinged with red. Each year I am once again amazed at something so awesome to behold.

5. For the sweet elderly man who came into work today. He knew exactly how many years, months, weeks and days it had been since he lost his wife. He reminded me that there really is such a thing as soul mates....that true love does exist.