I’m in catch up mode for my Gratitude Challenge so here goes.
Week 19 – Health
Overall, I’m pretty healthy – or at least I feel healthy for the most part. Sure – I need to exercise more and probably eat less chocolate (oh, who am I kidding… that won’t happen). Other than seasonal allergies that last year-round, a genetic hearing loss the doctor says will eventually leave me deaf, bursitis and arthritis (and yes, I am too young to have both of those but arthritis came to stay in my 20s and that led to the bursitis)… I really don’t have anything to complain about. I am grateful that I can get out of bed each morning, ready to take on the day. I’m thankful that I can see the vibrant hues of a sunset, smell the scent of roses, taste the chocolate I love so much, and hear (for the most part) birdsong or a child’s laughter. I’m blessed to be able to spend my days able to do something I love so much.
Week 20 – A Friend 2
A few weeks ago, I had lunch with a dear friend I hadn’t seen in about a year. We met about fourteen years ago and instantly connected. She married and moved a few hours away three years ago and I haven’t seen her much since then – but we stay in touch via email and text messages. Since I was traveling through her town, we made sure to set up a time to meet and spent two hours catching up on life. Although we’ve kept in touch, there is nothing like sitting down with a friend face-to-face and catching up on life. She is one of the most driven, professional people I know and has such a good attitude about life in general. I can’t even begin to tell you how much wisdom she has shared over the years that has helped me through some rough spots. I am so, so grateful we met all those years ago and have continued our friendship.
Week 21 – Things I Like About Summer
Can I say “Everything!” – except mosquitoes.
Seriously, though, I love summer. And if you want a list of specifics, here’s a few:
* The scent of fresh-cut hay
* The sight of wheat fields ripening
* Watermelon
* Big blue skies that stretch forever
* Brilliant sunsets
* The scent of roses carried on a soft evening breeze
* Homemade ice cream
* Crisp white curtains fluttering at the windows
* The bold colors of summer flowers
* The sound of sprinklers cha-chinking
* Fireworks
* Picnics
* Hometown 4th of July celebrations
*Idaho Spud bars (chilled)
* Farmers working in the fields
* Rodeos
* Lazy evenings
* Star gazing
* Road trips and long drives
*Bare toes in the soft carpet of green grass
* The sound of the ocean lapping at the shore
* Popsicles
* Water balloons
* Running through sprinklers
* Barbecues
And while I’m at it – I am so grateful to all the Veterans, both past and present, for their sacrifices and service that keep our freedom safe and give us the ability to enjoy these simple blessings of summer.
Happy Memorial Day!
