Grateful Living

Grateful For: Friends

2012-02-22T09:46:00.001-07:00

Heather Powers: 10 Winter Treats

2012-02-20T07:57:00.001-07:00

Thisis my first real winter in 10 years. It's been hard to adjust to the cold andgray. But each day has been a chance to relish in creature comforts and enjoythe ever changing landscape.

1.The water is always really, really cold and fresh from the tap.

2.I've discovered I love soft, fluffy socks.

3.Cuddling is extra nice on cold nights.

4.Colors seem brighter next to the white washed landscape.

5. Acup of warm tea can warm the soul.

6.Gardening supplies on display let's me know my town us filled with optimists.

7.Snow covered trees are amazing in the morning during the pink and orangesunrises.

8.Oranges make me all sorts of happy on a cold gray day.

9.Tiny tracks in the snow hint at all sorts of invisible neighbors.

10. I find I have more time for creating while I avoidthe cold!

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You can learn more about Heather on her blog, Humblebeads

Molly Alexander: Teapots

2012-02-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

Last week, Diane Cook wrote about her wonderful grandmothers, Rosa and Josie, and it really got me thinking about my own grandmother and a post I wrote about her a few years ago, so I thought I'd share it with you:

I love teapots. All sorts of them. Old, new, fat, skinny, tall, short - it doesn't matter. I love the graceful lines of their spouts and the feelings they invoke inside me. Growing up, I used to drink tea with my Grandma. Actually, you couldn't really call it tea - mostly milk and sugar with a little Earl Grey mixed in. We would get our tea ready and Grandma would let me sit and drink it in her living room watching TV, and I would feel very grown up and special.

Grandma died in January 2008, after nearly 10 years of progressive dementia at the age of 96. It was a strange emotional experience for me. I haven't lived in my hometown since I left for college nearly 26 years ago, and didn't get to see her very often. Yes, I got home to see my family at least once a year, but I didn't see Grandma on a regular basis like they did, and when I did get to see her, most of the time, she didn't recognize me. I guess in my mind, the woman I knew had passed on years ago, and her actual death didn't seem as much as a loss to me as it might have otherwise.

In May 2008, as I was getting ready for a show, I finally grouted a teapot I'd glued the pieces to months before. I love how it turned out. I used old English china, along with a lot of other pieces and parts, and it turned out great. The black grout really showed off the bright colors of the beads and glass in the piece, and highlighted the broken china patterns beautifully.

Usually I get a chance to live with my pieces for a while before I sell them, but this time I needed to make sure I had enough mosaics to take with me, so I brought the teapot along. In reality, most of my sales from this type of show are for commissioned pieces, and I usually don't sell a whole lot of my higher-priced pre-made pieces, so I was not expecting it to sell anyway.

Wouldn't you know it - the teapot sold right away. As I was packing it up to give to my client, I was struck by a sadness that came out of nowhere. I had no idea what had caused it, and that bothered me a little. Later in the day, I called my mom just to check in. As I was telling her about the show, it hit me - not only did I not get to spend time with this piece before selling it, but I realized that, when I created it, it had been a love letter to Grandma.

Finally I felt it - the loss of a wonderful, amazing woman who had given me a safe and loving place to just be who I was, without apology or affectation, for my entire childhood.

My heart filled with love and loss, and I finally grieved.

I miss Grandma, and I have finally let myself feel that loss. I think I'll do another teapot - just for me this time - and have a cup of Earl Grey with milk and sugar now and again to remind me of her and how grateful I am for the love she gave to me.

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You an learn more about Molly on her blog, Beautifully Broken Me

Chris Kerr: Agradecido = Grateful

2012-02-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

I tookSpanish Language all four years of high school. I am of Czech-Polish descent and had very little exposure to the Spanishlanguage or culture in our small desert community. For some reason, the language andpronunciation came easily to me, and now, over thirty years later, I can carryon a very simple conversation in Spanish.

The heroine in this story? Myhigh school Spanish teacher Mrs. Penn.

She was passionate about the language, had travelled through many LatinAmerican countries AND Spain. She’dentertain us with stories of her adventures, host potlucks of Spanish, Mexicanand Latin American cuisine, and she made the language come alive.

In May wewill be travelling to Spain, to a town near Madrid. My beautiful stepdaughter will be marrying aSpaniard gentleman and we will gather together in joy.

And I will understand her world a bit betterdue to the love and passion of a high school Spanish teacher.

Mrs. Penn, I will always remember you andwill always be thankful for your love and passion.

An excellent teacher is an amazing gift.

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You can learn more about Chris on her blog, Chris Kerr Jewelry

Patty Gasparino: Grateful for Tessa

2012-02-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Wejumped in and adopted a rescue dog!

Sheis a joy to have around.

Muchlike small children puppies are consuming.

Puppiesdemand your attention.

Puppiesmake you slow your day down.

Puppieshave you look at the little things as you take a walk –

forthe fifteenth time.

Everythingis pretty awesome and

you’reexcited to meet everyone when you’re a puppy.

Sheis so grateful to have a forever home.

Weare so grateful to have her.

Sheis a little clown and diva rolled up in a delicious furry mix.

I amgrateful after 4 boys to be able to stuff something into a tutu!

Whatdoes your pet do for you?

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You can learn more about Patty on her blog, My Life Under The Bus

Diane Cook: Poppy Love

2012-02-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Just this past week I visited my friend Molly's blog and saw the most beautiful poppy head pins.

She's in the midst of a PoppyChallenge, which tugs at my heart strings just a tad. Not the challenge mind you, (even though I would have loved to be a part of it!) but the poppies.

Poppies are and always will be a significant part of my past. Why? Because my grandmother, Josie, grew the most beautiful red poppies in her backyard. Each Easter, without seemingly any effort at all, on the far side of her huge flower garden, a solid red sea of poppies would show up for all us to enjoy!

Easter was a big time for my mother's side of the family, as many of her sisters and brothers would drive in from the city, along with their children, to see my grandmother who lived in the country.

That meant lots of cousins. Lots of food. Lots of Easter egg hunting and lots of fun. One thing we always did was dress up in our special Easter dresses which were sewn by my other grandmother, Rosa.

This day always proved to be the best opportunity to take the children out into the nearby fields to take pictures in the vast bluebonnet fields. Bluebonnets will always be a part of my Easter past, but the poppies were just the most special part of my Easter memories because they were one of my grandmother's favorite flowers.

The picture on the left is that of my older sister, Debbie and I. And, the one of the right...just me one year later.

I recently finished adding a tab on my blog telling more about my two grandmothers, Rosa & Josie, which is also my business name. If you'd like to know a little bit more about them, here's the link.

I'd love to have you drop by.

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You can learn more about Diane on her blog, Rosa and Josie's

Cat Kerr: God Painting

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am in awe when I watch videos like this,blessed,thankful and overjoyed.It sort of reminds me of God Painting:

Aurora 2012 from Christian Mülhauser on Vimeo.

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You can learn more about Cat on her blog, In The Light Of The Moon.

Erin Prais-Hintz: 10 Little Things That Make Me Happy

2012-02-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

1. A pot of coffee with flavored creamer,especially Bailey's French Vanilla or the store brand of Cinamon Vanilla.

2. Finding money I forgot about in a pocket, like that $15 I just found, crispand clean just out of the washer!

3. When someone holds a door open for me, particularly when I am jugglingmultiple packages.

4. Feeling the sunshine on my face and seeing blue sky peek through on a coldwinter day.

5. A hug from my kids, the more spontaneous the better, and I don't want to letgo.

6. Fresh sheets on my bed, and time to lie around in them.

7. Hearing from a friend, no matter the method - mail, text, email or phonecall.

8. Beads of any kind - vintage, new, art beads, pearls, gemstones - anythingthat is unusual or unique.

9. Getting a package in the mail - particularly when it involves #8.

10. A kiss.

What about you? What little things make you happy?

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You can learn more about Erin on her blog, Treasures Found

Barbara Lewis: Gratitude

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for …

:: a family that works with me in my business and has adopted it as their own

:: customers who continue to show their support of Painting with Fire

:: the nearly 2200 members of the Painting with Fire Ning who create a warm, supportive haven for those who are branching off in a new direction

:: Fred Dion, the general contractor who is managing the transformation of the Painting with Fire Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida

:: my students, who make teaching such a vital and enjoyable part of my life!

:: to Chris Connolly and Toni Maddox, who are uprooting themselves to move to St. Petersburg to continue as part of the Painting with Fire Team

:: the fact that Donnie is still with me today … and, in fact, is laying under the covers on the bed as I write this

Donnie

:: the fact that I continue to maintain good health

:: my husband, who always see the positive in me

:: a God who appears to be laying the paving stones in front of me as I walk down my path

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You can learn more about Barbara on her blog, Painting With Fire Artwear

Lana Manis: Simple Joys

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

It doesn’t take much to make me happy.

Give me a rose bush

And I’ll be mesmerized by the raindrops ~

Used, perhaps, by the dragonflies as gazing balls…

Give me a hydrangea bloom

I’ll watch with wonder as dewdrops congregate for a meeting~

With each petal so completely covered that there is standingroom only…

Give me a red clover leaf

And I’ll marvel at how long the moisture hangs on the leaves~

Nourishing the fuzzy surface and then softly rolling off towater the ground…

Give me a cabbage head

Yes, a cabbage head ~

And I’ll be happy and grateful for even thesimplest of joys…

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You can learn more about Lana on hr blog, Honeysuckle Lane

Rhonda Marinkovic: Top Ten Things That Make Me Smile

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

1. Hugs from the kids

2. When my husband makes me a latte

3. The smell of clean, warm laundry

4. Walking in the forest

5. Looking for little shells and sea glass on the beach

6. Making cookies for family and friends

7. Planning a trip

8. Seeingthe kids' reaction to learning that it is a snow day, no school!

9. Antiquing with friends and finding a deal

10. The Still Small Voice reminding me of His Love

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Rhonda Marinkovic is a wife and mother happily living in the Pacific Northwest with her family.

Happiness Is Something You Decide Ahead Of Time

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

While out on Facebook the other day, I came across this on Tatia Smoot Meyers' wall and just had to share it:

Photo: Molly Alexander

I love this story. Itreminds me of Abraham Lincoln's quote:

"Most Folks are as happy as theymake up their minds to be."

"A 92-year old, poised and proud lady, whowas known for being fully dressed each morning by eight o-clock - including herhair fashionably coifed and her make-up perfectly applied - even though she waslegally blind - moved to a nursing home. Her husband of 70 years had recently passed away, making the move necessary. After manyhours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetlywhen told her room was ready.

As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I hadthe opportunity to provide her with a visual description of her tiny room,including the eyelet curtains that had been hung on her window.

"I love it," she stated, with theenthusiasm of an eight year old having just received a new puppy.

"But Mrs. Jones, you haven't even seen theroom yet."

"That doesn't have anything to do withit," she replied.

"HAPPINESS IS SOMETHING YOU DECIDE AHEAD OF TIME.

Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged-- it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it . . .

It's adecision I make every morning when I wake up."

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Now, I know I needed to hear that today - how about you?

Molly Alexander: Advanced Citizenship

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite movies is "The American President" with Michael Douglas and Annette Benning. I love the romance of it. I can't help it.

One of my very favorite parts in this movie, however, comes when Michael Douglas' character, President Andrew Shepherd, gives a speech in a press conference that absolutely nails down the very essence of living in this great nation of ours:

"America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship – you’ve gotta want it bad. Cause it’s going to put up a fight. It’s going to say, 'You want freespeech? Let’s see you acknowledge a manwhose words make your blood boil, who’s standing center stage, advocating atthe top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the topof yours. You want to claim this land isthe land of the free? Then the symbol ofyour country cannot just be a flag. Thesymbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn thatflag in protest.'

Now show me that. Defend that. Celebrate that in your classrooms. Then you can stand up and sing about the land of the free."

Now, as an American citizen, I tend to lean to the conservative side in most issues and President Andrew Shepherd is definitely a liberal. My point is: that's awesome! What a privilege it is to live where I can express my political, personal, religious and any other kind of view, and it is not only permitted, but is my right as a citizen!

I'm not out to make a political hoopla with this post. It is really easy to get fed up with and forget to respect this group of people or that group of people, and I just wanted to issue this gentle reminder: we live in the greatest country on this earth, and I have to say that I am unbelievably grateful for that.

I'm grateful and proud to be called an American.

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You can learn more about Molly on her blog, Beautifully Broken Me

Cat Kerr: The Builder

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Since he wasabout two, he loved puzzles. From a 10pc. puzzle he moved on to a 25pc,to 100 pc and now enjoys 300pc. He also has alove for Lego sets and now a new Joy, three dimensional puzzles.

This littleguy has a way of putting these things together. He could sit for hours, onlymoving when the belly rumbles, but quickly getting back to the task at handafter a snack. He would examine and turn, each and every piece, in a quiet andbeautiful way and sometimes, I just sit and quietly stare at him from the otherroom as to not disturb the builders flow.

When at lastthe moment of completion has come, he calls to me, and I praise his work anddiligence. He stands with pride and quickly rushes off to sort out a space inhis room to display his work.

My littleman is a builder. Piece by piece, block by block, he assembles and creates….andevery day, without even knowing it, He builds, and ties, and forge’s the fibersof my heart.

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You can learn more about Cat on her blog, In The Light Of The Moon

Patty Gasparino: Lost and Found

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ispent much of the holiday break catching up and trying to start the New Yearorganized. My husband helped me with the Christmas ornaments and I figuredsince most of them were out of the attic I would do some organizing. I doveinto some boxes I had put up there when we moved about five years ago!

Nowbefore the boys were here I was a junker and antiquer. I love flea markets andgarage sales. Once the boys arrived – well it’s a totally different way oflife. Most days it seemed there was a goat and octopus loose somewhere in thehouse. When the twins came we didn’t have lamps or put pictures on the walls.One year the Christmas tree even stayed out on the front porch of our very tinyhome and we looked at it through the window! Many things were given away –mostly for their own safety.

Iam different too…..but some things are still the same. My love of things with apast – I didn’t grow up with family so things with a past appeal to me. I don’thave a Grandma to pass things down but I imagine the love and care it took topreserve some thing and I imagine they have been waiting for someone to findthem. I still love birds and items withan old fashioned charm!

Imaginemy surprise at finding this sweet little music box I had thought long gone!It’s not expensive or particularly valuable but I just adore it! It reminds meof another time and for that I am grateful. It’s gracing my craft room now andputs a smile on my face every time I see it.

Doyou have a small (or large?) memento that brings you right back to a time andplace? ..... a picture of a stolen moment? ... a movie ticket from a firstdate?... a pair of baby shoes that make you smile? I am grateful to savor amemory I thought lost!

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You can learn more about Patty on her blog, My Life Under The Bus

Heather Powers: Falling From The Sky

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

WhenI was a young mom I was in need of a new washing machine. I was telling my momabout this and said "I'll just pray about it and one will come myway." Her response was something along the lines of laughing and saying"Oh yeah right Heather, is one going to fall out of the sky?" Ididn't know how one would come my way but I needed a new one and I knew myheavenly Father would provide.

Itwasn't long after our conversation when my mom called me and said, "Well,I guess a washing machine is going to fall out of the sky because we can't takeours when we move. You can have it. It's practically new." I was sothankful.

Wehave known lean times and plenty, through it all we have always been given whatwe needed. Sometimes I forget this and my mom reminds me that washing machinesfall out of the sky for me and all will be okay.

Ifyou can bless someone today, do it. If you need something, pray.

Youmay never be able to repay someone for their kindness, but when the time comesyou can always pay it forward. I remind myself of this often and I am sothankful for both the gifts we have been given and those gifts we are able toshare.

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You can learn more about Heather at her blog Humblebeads

Erin Praiz-Hintz: Change Your Words, Change Your World

2012-01-16T00:00:00.001-07:00

What message are you sending to the world?

Words have power. But we take that for granted. We tend to throw our words around with out a thought as to the effect that they might have. The words we use all add up to create our own unique message. We communicate with our choice of words in our emails and letters, our phone conversations, and our interactions with family and friends. Have you thought about how your words are defining you?

We have all been on the wrong end of words. Certain words can beat us down. Sometimes a poor choice of words has sent the wrong message.

But what about being inspired by words? We have all felt the raising up when words are spoken with the intent to lift us. Do you consider whether your words inspire or deflate?

Some words wound. Some words heal. Some words create. Others destroy. Words can instill fear or inspire joy. The words you choose do make a difference.

Today, consider the message that you are putting forth in the world. We are so connected these days that even if we live thousands of miles apart it sometimes feels like we are brushing elbows with our interconnectedness on the web. I have seen so many times where words online, in emails, Facebook, Twitter and blogs are misconstrued, misunderstood.

There are no bad words. Only poor choices of words. Today I encourage you to think about the words that you use to communicate and what message they say about you.

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You can learn more about Erin on her blog, Treasures Found

Riki Schumacher: Thankful

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Funny thing about age. It sneaks up on you. I’m hitting a milestone this year, another decade beginning. So why am I grateful about this? I am turning the same age my mom did when she had a major stroke. It had a lasting affect, losing mobility in her right side. The family started pointing fingers at each other, about how she was over worked, too much stress, her weight, yadda, yadda. Sad, but it woke all of us up about our health.

She struggled to come back from the stroke, with amazing patience and fortitude, daily doing her therapy. But she was never the same. Her speech was slurred, her right leg and arm very sluggish. The very saddest thing about her new physical state was that she was completely cut off from playing her sweet piano and her beautiful ceramics ever again. Here’s where the grateful part comes in for me. I am so grateful I was able to have her for another 12 years after the stroke. She never complained, was always in good humor, and continued to find a reason to display her newly crooked smile at us whenever we could visit her.

I am grateful for each and everyday I have in a healthy state. Health is not something I take for granted. The brave, adorable woman I spoke of above, was my aunt. She adopted us when my birth mother died at age 36. She, and my uncle, were truly angels in our lives, there were three little girls that they rescued. My mother died from cancer, years after being deserted by my father, and just couldn't handle the stress of raising three little girls in the 60’s with little income.

But we all made it through those tough times. All sisters are now living full, loving and healthy lives, with wonderful husbands. We are all so grateful for the angels who rescued us, and for having our health. People say “if you have your health, you have everything”. I’m not sure that is entirely true, but I believe there is a lot of truth to it.

Best of health to each of you.

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You can learn more about Riki Schumacher on her blog, Riki Jewelry

Chris Kerr: A Small Thing Really

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I set a can of salmon and a can opener out on the counter. Another chore grabbed my attention and I left it there while I ran off.

When I got back to it a few minutes later, the can was open! Magic? No, my thoughtful husband noticed and took care of it.

I’m so grateful for little acts of kindness!

Sweeter moments create loving days. Loving days create a life bursting with blessings. A life I wish for you all!

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You can learn more about Chris Kerr on her blog, Chris Kerr Jewelry

Maire Dodd: Beginnings

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

there is always opportunity to begin anew - but there is something very profound about the turn of the calendar year...

i worked on a project for the last 2 months of the year... a project that, unbeknownst to me, was reflective of the stirrings inside... that held treasured ideas from rumi...

emerge

'we come spinning out of nothingness,

scattering stars like dust.'

for 2 years or so, my guiding word had been 'nascent' - coming into being...

this project showed me that i had grown... by its design and word choice...

evolve

fly

'you were born with wings

you are not meant for crawling, so don't.

you have wings,

learn to use them and fly.'

this year, i travel with 'transcend'

do you have a word or phrase for the year? does it help to move you forward?

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you can learn more about Maire Dodd on her blog, maire dodd

Cat Kerr: Date Night

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

From Pinterest

It’s been some time since Hubby and I went out for date night. We normally meet up once a week for lunch, but now that Hannah is getting older I have slowly started to let her watch little man for a little bit at a time.

So hubby thought it would be nice to go out on Friday.

“Ahhh…that sounds nice” I said… “Some adult time without interruption…Count me in.”

We went out to dinner and talked about this and that and this and that…

Then I received a text from Hannah…“Hey Mom, it’s ok to eat blah blah blah right?”

“Sure sweety,Love ya”.

Then we went to the movies and watched Sherlock Holmes and we sat and laughed and laughed…

Then I received a text from Hannah…“Hi mom….just wanted to let you know that I checked on this school site and blah blah blah…”

“That’s nice dear…talk to you later, love ya”

Then the movie ended and hubby and I decided to grab some hot cocoa, and we held hands, smiled and laughed like school age kids…

Then I received this text… “Hey Mom, it’s getting late…what time are you planning on coming home? Ur curfew is a @ 10 you know! LOL”

Now Hubby and I start questioning the person that invented text messages…What where they thinking anyway?( :

Then came… “Your going to be grounded Missy if you get home after 10!”

“OK Momma, I tell her smiling, we are on our way”

Hubby and I have agreed to have monthly date nights….as long as…

we leave plenty of prepared snacks…

disconnect the internet…

and we are home by ten...

Sharp.

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You can learn more about Cat on her blog, In The Light Of The Moon

Jan Thomason: Do You Believe in Miracles? You Should!

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've driven up to Michigan from Texas.

For one very important reason.

I've come to snag my mom and take her back

to Texas to live with us on the ranch.

Every year she spends three months with us

but this year she's staying forever.

In October she was diagnosed with FULL BLOWN vasculardementia.

Long story short, she was actually sleep deprived.

Both have the same symptoms so it was an easy diagnosis to"mess up".

She is back to her old self albeit with some confusion.

But, she's done a 360 from October to now and I give God allof the credit.

He really outdid Himself on this "case".

Would you like all of the details and in-depth writing abouthow it

affected me? Read the last three posts on my blog - too muchinformation

for this post, but I would love it if you wanted to know thewhole story.

www.polkadotbarn.blogspot.com.

Either way, God is great and God is good...........all ofthe time and

I love Him so, so much.

Who Are You Grateful For Today?

2012-01-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;

they are the charming gardeners

who make our souls blossom.

- Marcel Proust

Who are 5 people you are grateful today?

Happy New Year From Grateful Living!

2011-12-31T10:14:00.003-07:00

may the new year bring you peace, love and joy, and the time to be grateful for those wonderful blessings

Molly Alexander: Perspective

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

For most of my life I have lived with depression, stemming from both genetics and from experiences from my childhood. In the past, this depression has completely taken me over, paralyzing me and keeping me from fully participating in life. Along with the depression comes physical pain as well: migraines, body aches, general blah feelings. The medication I am on works well as far as the chemical imbalance goes, and I spent years in therapy, giving me the tools to work through the emotional stuff in healthy rather than self-destructive ways.

There are, however, still times when, despite the medication, my depression breaks through and causes a downward spiral. These times are fairly cyclical - usually Spring and Fall. I am better at recognizing the signs now, but they still take their toll on my and my family's quality of life. I don't get angry or sad really. Mostly I get into an apathetic funk that sticks around for a while and then disappears as quickly as it came. There are, however, a couple of weeks in there - sometimes more - when I honestly don't do anything worthwhile.

I hate the apathy. I tend to push away everyone and anyone who is important to me and I retreat into myself, believing that no one else could or would ever understand how I'm feeling or why I'm acting this way. Quite frankly, I don't always understand it myself.

It is in these dark moments that a still, small voice inside speaks up, if I am willing to listen. A voice that sounds a bit like this:

So...are you breathing today? That's great - you're still with us.

Your legs - they still work, right? Yep - looks to me like you can still get up and get going.

Are you blinking your eyes? That means you can still open them and see beyond yourself to the world around you.

Your arms are moving too - you can still create with them.

Your mind is still there - use it to make sense of what is going on around you.

Your heart? Great - still pumping.

Pull your head out of the apathy and look around you. There is so much planned for your life - the only one you've got, by the way - and you are wasting precious minutes of it. Get up, get out, and use it to help others who don't have everything you do. There is more to your life than just you.

This voice - this change in perspective - is what I need, every time. My world is not just about me. There is a plan and a purpose behind it. A plan and a purpose not just to make my life better, but the lives of others as well. Others who don't have their eyes, their arms, their legs, their mind.

It may take a while, but eventually the restraints my depression break and I get a glimpse of the path I should be on.

The path where my life isn't the sole focus.

Where my issues, while important, aren't so huge as to obscure the possibilities of what this life has to offer, if I just look for them.

And I am able to see the light - the hope - of it all.

And this still, small voice? I am so, so grateful for it, and for what I can do because of it.

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You can learn more about Molly on her blog, Beautifully Broken Me

Nellie Wortman: Uniqueness

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

What I am thankful for today….

Uniqueness

Most of my life, I have wondered…..

why does it seem that I don't fit inanywhere?

why does it seem, that I am not likeothers out there?

why do others look at me, as if I am fromanother world?

why does it seem that I swim up stream,when others swim down stream?

then, one day…I was given the answer fromGod…..

this is what I heard in my spirit….

why are you trying so hard to fit in,when you were designed to stand out?

I created each person to be unique…

How will others be able to see you, ifyou are lost in the crowd?

By having the courage to stand out, thenothers will

see that it can be done and will embracethe gift that I have given them.

So, from that day….I learned how toembrace the uniqueness in me.

I found that I love who I ambecoming. Each day is a learning

process of discovery. I found that by having the courage

to embrace my uniqueness, I haveencountered and been opened to

amazing journeys along the way, that Ibelieve would not of

been possible, if I would not haveaccepted the gift that

our God gave freely to me.

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You can learn more about Nellie at her blog, Early Morning Thoughts

Cat Kerr: The Christmas Tree

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

TheThanksgiving my son was 6 and my daughter 10, I asked them if they wanted theirown tree in the Den. If they did, they would have to get up at 4am, on BlackFriday, and we would go and shop for a tree that was on sale. With the looks Ireceived, I really didn’t expect the kids would want to wake up that early so Idismissed the idea and went off to bed. The next morning, little feet come intomy bedroom and there they stood beside the bed…

“We’re ready Momma…let’s go getour tree.”

That morningis a memory I will treasure forever. The kids were so excited to go shoppingfor the tree and I think my younger one may have been more excited about theidea of shopping while the “Sun was still asleep”.

We ran in the store, me inmy pajama pants, hand in hand, laughing and searching for that perfect tree.

Today, whenI look at their tree, I see the sweet angel up on top that Hannah made when shewas 8:

I see thepaper garland Joshua made:

and all the handmadeornaments created by my not so little anymore,

little kids:

...and I feelblessed.

I willalways be thankful to that little tree, I will always remember that day...

…and Ipray, that they will remember it too.

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You can learn more about Cat on her blog, In The Light Of The Moon

Heather Powers: Daughters

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

If I had to name one thing I am most grateful for in thislifetime it is my two beautiful daughters.

I didn't really know the meaning of love until I held themin my arms.

The world is a better place just for having them in it.

Being a mother is the definition of unconditionallove. There is nothing they could say or do to make me love themless. My love is a constant. A completely encompassing emotion thatknows no bounds.

I love them when they are horrible and they are teenagegirls, so that can be hourly.

I love them when they are lazy.

I love them when they sass back to me.

I love them when they disobey.

I love them when they are defiant.

I love them when they argue with me.

I love them when they fall apart and need me.

I love them when they are fire and rage.

I love them when they are negative.

I love them when I don't understand them.

I love them when we don't agree.

I love them when they say they hate me. I know theynever mean it.

I love them when I catch them doing something selfless.

I love them when they hug me in the morning.

I love them when we laugh about old memories.

I love them when we share an inside joke.

I love them when they silly.

I love them when they are kind.

I love them when they thank me.

I love them when they share their problems with me.

I love them when they work hard.

I love them when they reach for their dreams.

I love them when they share their joys.

I love them when they seek my advice.

I love them when they remind me of my husband.

I love them when they seem like they are from anotherplanet.

I love them. Always.

Ups and downs, good times and bad, sweet or complicated,they are amazing humans and I am so thankful to be the one who gets to helpshape them into the adults that they will soon become. Having teenagers is thehardest job I've ever had, but I don't want a minute of it to go byquicker, our time together before they head off into the world isshort. Good days and bad days alike I cherish our time together. This year has been a difficult one, but through it all our love has held ustogether and been the wings that helped us rise above some of the hardestchallenges.

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You can learn more about Heather at her blog Humblebeads

Malin de Koning: It's Funny

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Whenmy dad passed away a few years ago I was devastated. Up until that point in mylife I had not yet suffered many losses on that scale. (I've been very blessed,yes.) I had no tools on how to handle it. So I just did and lived what feltnecessary and good at the time.

One or two day after his passing away I wassitting in a taxi.

Ifyou read my previous post here on Grateful Living you know I can't drive a car,and I get to travel by taxi instead of by public transport. Since I live quitea bit outside Stockholm city center my journeys are most often rather long. 40minutes to over an hour. To go to my mums place it takes at least 1.5hours.

Anyway,I don't remember now where I was going that day. But I remember that the nightbefore I had thought about that trip and gotten very nervous. I didn't know howI would cope sitting in the car for so long having to be completely inactive.So I loaded my iPod (didn't have an iPhone yet) with lots of stuff. I knew Ineeded my mind to escape, to be able to hold together.

SoI sat there in the taxi, in the backseat, with my ear phones on. And do youknow what I listened to? Robin Williams live on Broadway. It was actually thefirst time I heard it. I don't remember exactly now, but I had probablydownloaded it the night before, for this particular purpose. But I do rememberthis: as the taxi had just passed the roundabout by Ekero Centrum, Robin wasgoing on absolutely crazy about something, and it was sooooo funny.

Itwas so funny, and I laughed.

And I laughed.

And my tears were pouring at the sametime.

I was turning my head away staring out the window and I was thinking, "What if the taxi driver knew my father passed away only one and a halfdays ago?" He'd think I am an absolutely horrendous person.

Listening tocomedy.

Laughing.

Iwas thinking about my father. What if he knew I was sitting there laughing?What would he think about that? And I realized there and then, he actuallywould have loved it.

He would have laughed as much as I at Robin Williams. CozRobin was absolutely hilarious.

We would have giggled our heads off.

Together.

Screaming from laughter.

I felt so close to my dad at that time. I was togetherwith him. And I know he would have loved my method of coping.

Laughter.

Humor.

Funny things.

Witty.

Quick.

Silly.

Funny.

Iam so grateful for the existence of 'funny'. What would life be without itreally?

Makesure you get at least one good laugh a day!

I have listed some videos on my blog, Beading By Malin de Koning, that are really funny to me. Come on over to check them out!

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You can learn more about Malin on her blog, Beading By Malin de Koning

Erin Prais-Hintz: A Standing Ovation

2011-12-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

When I was out of college and embarking on myyoung married life, I had the wacky idea to try out for the local communitytheater. Now, I had never acted on stage, and I hadn't been in a choir since Iwas about 12, but I thought it was a fine thing for me to do. I was encouragedby the director who espoused that community theater should be made up ofcommunity members. You see, I had always harbored a silent desire to sing andact on stage. But I was terribly frightened by the thought. So since I reasonedthat no one was going to encourage me to do this, I might as well encouragemyself.

I tried out for a chorus part in “Annie Get Your Gun” and I got it. I had fourcostume changes, sang in the chorus on all the big numbers and uttered one wordon stage: “Charmed.” Needless to say I milked it for all it was worth!

It was a wonderful experience. So wonderful that I decided the next year to tryout again, but this time go for a part with a few more than one word.

And try out I did. For “Hello, Dolly.” And I got a part. THE part.I played the lead, Dolly Levi.

I went from speaking one word to speaking all the words! I had to quickly getover my angst about being on stage. The whole cast was counting on me. And Icould not disappoint.

I admit that when the director offered me the lead I had a moment of disbelieffollowed by thoughts that I couldn't seriously do this. He assured me that Iwas the one that he wanted for the part. And after considering it, I realizedthat this was my big dream being handed to me. If I said no, I would regret itforever. And I might never get this opportunity again. So I did it.

There were a lot of bumps along the way. It was 10 weeks of nightly rehearsalsand choreography to learn. Miss Dolly spoke at a rapid fire pace, even whileeating. I had to learn pages of dialogue and be able to fill the stage with mypresence while singing many solos. I lost my voice 5 days before the curtainopened due to stress. I got it back just in time for the curtain to go up. Ihad 30 second costume changes every night just in the wings with everyonebackstage getting quite a view. Once I got stuck in my lines while doing thedinner scene where the male lead and I were actually eating, but I eventuallyfound the right words. It was terrifying and mesmerizing, nerve-wracking andexhilarating. It was one of the definitive moments of my life.

I will never forget the moment when the curtain first went up, singing thefirst notes, wearing the costumes, being backstage. But there is one momentfrom that experience that will stay with me forever.

When I came out onto the catwalk around the orchestra pit, I passed by my castmates to their reassuring pats on my back. I was relieved to have made itthrough the first of several performances. I made my way to center stage totake a gracious Dolly bow. The lights were bright and the spotlight was turnedto me. But through the glare I realized that every single person in the theaterwas rising to their feet. My heart was fluttering as I bowed again and again.The feeling that all these people were there to cheer me on validated that Iwas meant to play that role even if I had not believed it when it was first offered.I have never felt so euphoric, so in the moment, so sure that I was where I wasmeant to be.

This experience made me stronger by allowing meto trust my abilities and also trust that others have good judgment to see thatthing in me that I might have trouble seeing myself. From that experience Icame away with a renewed sense of self. And a firm conviction that every personneeds at least one standing ovation in their lives.

What have you done that deserves a standing ovation?

Tell me about it and let me applaud you!

* (picture courtesy of marfis75 http://www.flickr.com/photos/marfis75/3272079115/in/photostream/Creative Commons)

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You can learn more about Erin on her blog, Treasures Found

Heather Powers: Holiday Cheer Top 10 List

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

I love celebrating Christmas.

It's the little things that make me the happiest this timeof year.

Things that remind of my childhood, of simpler times, ofjoys that are heartfelt.

1. Handmade ornaments

2. Listening to Christmas carols

3. Staying up late making gifts for my family

4. Walking in the snow

5. Drinking hot cocoa

6. The smell of pine in our living room

7. Lights twinkling in the dark after everyone has gone tobed

8. The advent candles and nativity on the table

9. Opening Christmas cards from friends and family

10. The candlelight church service on Christmas Eve

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You can learn more about Heather at her blog Humblebeads

Patricia Gasparino: How to Celebrate Christmas Like You're Eight

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Starting in September ask severaltimes a day,

"How many more days untilChristmas?"

Plan all the gifts you’re goingto make.

(That’s a boat up there!)

Tell everyone you know, "If you don't listen I'm telling Santa!!!”.

Wake up at 4:30am – realize youare the first up!

Run in to your parent’s roomscreaming, “It’s Christmas!”

Your parents refuse to move…runto the calendar and figure out its October 23^rd.

Make baby Jesus out of Legos.....

Put him to bed in the FisherPrice barn.

Use Transformers for the ThreeWise Men.

Mary and Josephs preferred rideis the purple

My Pretty Pony.

Ask your parents if baby Jesuswore Pampers or Huggies.

Oh look its Thanksgiving!

Uncle Bob asks you your favoritepart of the turkey – answer

“The part tied with string thatlooks like a log.”

Have your Uncle ask your motherwhich part that is

to which she replies “pork roast”.

Use every Thanksgivingopportunity to tell everyone

what they should be getting you.

Smile at your mother …. a lot.

Bring your Dad a soda…… smile athim too.

Pray for snow.

Pray for a pony, puppy, lizard,hamster, turtle and/or potbellied pig.

Decorate the tree with the properratio of ornaments –

34 ornaments in the “lower left”/ 3 “up high”.

Wait by the Advent calendar foryour ½” piece of chocolate.

Scheme how to eat the other daysearly.

Help your little brother get his.

Make cookies.

Drink marshmallows with a littlehot chocolate.

Put a handful of marshmallows inyour pocket

that your mom will find later inthe dryer!

Make a gingerbread house.

Immediately eat the house youjust made.

Be the first one up on ChristmasDay.

Know that you have the mostbeautiful tree in the world.

I am grateful my children get toenjoy the season.

I am grateful to make cookies andhave an eight year old.

I am grateful to enjoy the littlethings.

What was your inner eight yearold grateful for?

Don’t forget to enjoy the littlethings!

XOXO, Patty : )

(Thispost was inspired by *this post* (http://yesteachercrafts.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-how-to-bring-your-childhood.html) about how to enjoy the *Holidays* like achild – it made me want to expand upon the topic!) by Sarah at Yes TeacherCrafts!

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You can learn more about Patty on her blog, My Life Under The Bus

Erin Prais-Hintz: Unplugged

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Being unplugged is a bad thing.

My computer came down with a nasty virus. I have been without acomputer for 9 days and counting. I took it to the 'doctor' and was told itmight be another week before I will get it back. I am now scouring the BlackFriday ads for great deals on laptops with a whole new vigor and sense ofpurpose.

If the treatment went well, I will have what amounts to a newborn babywith its memory erased, its hard drive reset at zero. I will have to teach itall over again how to process my photos and store my life's work and how totalk to the wireless printer and even how to connect to the internet. I willhave to reintroduce all the programs that I have come to depend on, but I willlikely weed out what is not necessary. My biggest fear is that I couldlose all of my stored memories on the second drive that I have in there. Keepyour fingers crossed for me that my baby will survive (or that Santa will sendme a laptop - tell him I have been extra good this year!).

I never knew how connected I was until I lost the ability to stay intouch.

In this day and age when our gadgets are as dear to us as a limb andsometimes replace some of our senses, it is strange to be without. I feel a bittwitchy sometimes when I think of the things that I might be missing. I am nottalking about keeping up with the Kardashians, or watching the next YouTubephenomenon. I long to get back online and reconnect with those friends far andwide that I am missing, to write on my own blog, to resume business as usual.It also makes me wonder if people miss me or maybe they have forgotten about mein these few days of silence. That is the danger of this too-connected world.Miss a day and it is like missing a month.

Despite the inconveniences, I have been grateful for this chance tounplug, even if it was unplanned and uncomfortable at times. I have beenreading a book. I have spent time cuddling with my daughter. I have gone to bedearlier.

I will be happy to have my computer back. And it will still take me timeto teach that old model new tricks. But it might make me rethinkhow connected I really need to be to those that aren't right here infront of me.

Maybe being unplugged is a good thing.

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You can learn more about Erin on her blog, Treasures Found

Riki Schumacher: Gratitude Is the Best Attitude!

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

I think about writing a post for Molly’s new blog almostdaily. Why? Because I am grateful for somuch, every single day. I let life get in the way of expressing thatgratitude. So thank you Molly forreminding us to put the word to paper.

Recently, I attended another artist retreat. That makes two for this year. Am I gratefulfor that? Yes.

Am I grateful that our son opened up his home to us for fournights, so we wouldn’t have to buy a hotel room? Which allowed me learn and play? Yes.

Am I grateful that our two grand daughters got to spendthree of the four nights with us at his apartment? Yes. I can never get enough of them.

Am I grateful that we were all able to have fun and party inthis one bedroom apartment, with the girls sleeping on a blow up mattress inthe living room, and our son on a cot in the kitchen? Yes. Feeling guilty, but grateful!

Am I grateful they love dogs and Maddie was not onlywelcome, but was played with and loved on constantly? Yes.

Small gestures reap huge rewards. I am so grateful we have that kindness thatruns so freely in our family. I nevertake it for granted.

Hugs to all,

Riki

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You can learn more about Riki Schumacher on her blog, Riki Jewelry

Jan Thomason: It Was Sad

2011-12-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

I have a cherry red convertible with a tan canvas top that ILOVE.

That may sound materialistic to you, but in all seriousness,driving my little convertible down a back road with the top down made all ofmy medical problems just disappear.

I was free from everything except the wind blowing throughmy hair.

(Oh, wait. I don't have any hair Just enough strands to makeit look like I have a mullet. That's why I never go anywhere with my baseball cap or wig.)

Back to the story.

Driving my convertible with the top down, I was free fromeverything except the wind washing over me. The blue sky above dotted with bigfluffy clouds and the feeling that it was just God and me traveling down thoseback roads.

Driving my convertible filled me with so much joy.

And, then I had to sell it.

I take a lot of road trips, which I love, and my husband gotto the point that he feared if I had an accident that I'd be killed and he'd be withoutanyone to make him laugh.

So, being the obedient wife, I let him get me a safer carand promised him that I'd sell my convertible.

That was last spring.

He bought me a TONKA YELLOW Nissan Xterra.

Safer, yes.

Cuter, oh, please, Tonka yellow???

Yesterday I decided that I was ready to let go of myconvertible. So, Frank follows me to the Chrysler dealership in the Tonkato sell to sell my baby - I was not going through any long dragged out chore of selling my it. This was goingto be a one day deal. I'd take what they offered.

Since this is already a long story, I want to shorten ithere and cut to the chase.....

Gone is the convertible (yes, I cried a wee bit) and gone isthe Tonka.

What??

I am now driving a 2009 black Dodge Charger WITH a spoiler.

I feel like a 23 year old boy.

But, it's okay.

God took care of me.

He KNEW how much my convertible meant to me and he made it all better by showing me, across a crowdedparking lot, my new car that I am growing to love.

I do love it, but I know I'll love it more when I'm drivingdown the back roads with God right there taking care of me which iswhat Frank wanted from the beginning.

God bless Frank.

God bless my new car and God bless the sweet thing that buys my convertible, and may I never see it driving down a back road.

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You can learn more about Jan on her blog, The Polkadot Barn

Heather Powers: Sisters

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink. Some days, she's the reason you wish you were an only child.

~Barbara Alpert

I'm so thankful for the last two months of getting to know my little sister again after living a half-a-world away for the last 10 years. We have spent time reminiscing. Acting goofy. Cooking: she is trying so very hard to make a cook out of me. Crafting: one morning we stopped the car and plucked wildflowers and cattails to make to flower arrangement for her front door. We have shopped: from the farmers market to back-to-school shopping with our three teenaged daughters, to late night runs to the store and we both have a fondness for a certain craft store that rhymes with knobby bobby. We've had movie nights watching self-indulgent chick flicks. Movie time with your sister, is there anything better? We are planning our first Thanksgiving together in 10 years. She is a closet Martha Stewart, she'll profess she isn't crafty - but she has mad skills in the kitchen and when it comes to decorating.

My sister is my polar opposite. She's loud, I'm quite. She's friendly, I'm shy. She's a lion, I'm a mouse. She can let go and have fun, I play it safe and worry about everything.

She does things and I realize how much she is like our mom. No one is ever a stranger. They know the clerks at their grocery store, the people they do business would all count them as friends, they know all their neighbors - if you are in a room for five minutes with them they will know half your life story. They are the kind of people you want to talk to, they invite you to share and actually listen.

My sister is amazingly selfless. She will spend two days cooking a meal for family and friends, even though it's something she doesn't like to eat. She will drop everything to help a friend in need. She takes care of her family night and day. She'll pull up a chair and make beads with me if she sees me overwhelmed or bring a book to the studio and read with me late into the wee hours of the night if I am working on a crazy deadline.

I don't know anyone like I know my sister. When I'm with her we are immediately children again. Only so much better, because unlike the quote above we have outgrown all our sibling rivalries and are now each others biggest cheerleaders.

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You can learn more about Heather at her blog Humblebeads

Diane Cook: Bonds

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there my Grateful Living friends!

I finally had the opportunity to watch the most amazing film I think I have ever seen a couple of nights ago on National Geographic. It was:

March of the Penguins

What a beautiful story of love, devotion, perseverance and determination.

I watched in awe,

the bond so deeply woven into the amazing existence of the

Emperor Penguins.

Once you watch this film you will begin to realize the slim elements

that make up their sheer existence, and though not even close to the same,

our very own.

I do hope you get the opportunity to see it.

You will laugh. You will cry.

You will feel gratitude.

Look at the birds of the air,

for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns;

yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not of more value then they?

Matthew 6:26

Love,

diane

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You can learn more about Diane Cook on her blog, Rosa and Josie's

Tuesday 10

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

10 Things To Be Grateful For Today:

If you woke up this morning and are still breathing, you have an opportunity to do something great!

Greatness isn't defined by size. Big or small, your contribution to this world - no matter the size or impact - is great and worthwhile.

Take advantage of the fact that you are still breathing and:

Go for a walk

Write a poem

Create something beautiful

Just. Do. Something.

So what are you doing today?

Judith Glende: Thanks Be For Giving

2011-11-28T00:00:00.001-07:00

When my son was little he use to say "Thanks Be For Giving"instead of Thanksgiving. His special phrase has stuck with me ever since and itmade so much sense to me.

I give thanks that he walked through the door todayso happy to be home from school for his "Thanks Be For Giving" break.

I give thanks to be able to celebrate this holiday one year after a scarydiagnosis of stage II Melanoma. I dodged a bullet last year and I give thankseveryday for that.

I give thanks to have a job that I love and the most supportive husband andson I could ask for. The two people that know me the best and still love me!

Igive thanks for the joy in my customers eyes as they covet that special pieceof jewelry I made because it speaks to them.

I am a lucky girl and give thanks for giving~

Judy

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You can learn more about Judith at her blog, Judith B Designs

Barbara Lewis: Seasons

2011-11-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven … The Byrds

My 27 y/o daughter said to me the other day, "I know you feel like you wish things could have happened earlier for you, but then you wouldn't have been able to take care of us!" (referring to herself and her 25 y/o brother). My husband and I had a private laugh about her little quip because it showed insight into how much time and attention we gave to her and her brother. Family came first for both of us and continues to this day, which is probably why they still want us around … and possibly because of our checkbook! :-)

So many blessings, so much love, so much sharing, so much thanks. I've had a lot of encouragement from so many people, including online friends whom I've never met. Your support has turned this little escapade into something very special. It seems that it was only a blink of an eye ago that I was learning how to torch-fire enamel, but it was met with a lifetime of preparation. We're ready to take the next step, which is a retail/workshop space at 2428 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg … two blocks from where we live in St. Petersburg, FL. I wish these pictures were better …

The Painting with Fire Studio … for now it's the two units on the left:

New Painting With Fire Studios!

Retail Exterior

Retail Interior

Workshop Exterior

Workshop Interior

The beginnings of something new and fun…

a place of sharing!

Thank you and all the best to you and your family!

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You can learn more about Barbara Lewis on her blog, Painting With Fire Artwear

Thanksgiving: Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

A video for you today:

Here's wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of blessings and love!

Jen Crossley: Love and Family

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have thought about what makes me most grateful in this life, and it is the love of a good man and the love of my family.

I'm grateful every day for the health of my family. My son Matthew was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic chronic illness. At the time he was diagnosed I was totally devastated. Our lives were turned upside-down. After having one healthy child I would never have dreamed I would have one with a chronic illness.

Now nearly 19 years on, I look at him and I'm grateful every day for him being in our lives. He told me once, "Don't worry mum - I'm fine." When we were down in the Hospital he looked at the other children and said, "I’m good compared to some of these kids," and that has been his motto. He is now at Uni and doing so well, and it makes me so proud. He is living his life.

I’m so grateful that my children are so close to one another. Nicole is 21 and has always been a second mum to Matthew, worrying about her brother’s health and sometimes having to be second to a sibling with a chronic illness. Last year she had some bad health issues, but finally there is a light at the end of a dark tunnel for her. She has become a beautiful young woman and is finally starting to live her life as well.

Some people might read this and say, "Boy - how can you be grateful?" Well I am. There are people far worse off, and I make the most of each day with the love of my family. Their encouragement for me is to live my life as an artist finally, and for that I am a lucky woman .

Just remember to be grateful for what you have, and not for what you haven’t got.

I want to leave you with this poem someone gave to me when I first heard about Matthew’s illness. It still makes me cry.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

Emily Perl Kingsley.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

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You can learn more about Jen Crossley on her blog, A Mark In Time

Maire Dodd: Gifts From Friends and Strangers

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

for a while now, i have been wanting/needing a larger anvil in my work space... i had learned that a tree stump was the ideal base for it, as it absorbs the blows... but i didn’t know how to begin...

one day i realized that my daughter’s friend’s father worked for a tree trimming company... so i asked him if i could buy a stump (on sesame street they teach that the only way to find anything out is to ask questions... if that advice is good enough for our children, certainly it is good enough for us... reread dr. seuss and find out the same thing...) he said he would bring one over... not only did he bring me a stump, he brought me a certain kind of wood that wouldn’t rot... he had considered what he gave me...

my dad suggested we go to a local auction to look for an anvil or piece of railroad track... we learned that they are hard to come by... not just from the lack of them, but from those who knew... one man we were speaking to saw his friend and called out to him... he asked him if he knew of anyone selling...

‘no,’ he replied ‘but i have one in my garage and you can have it.’ not only that, but he was practically a neighbor!

and so once again i am humbled by the generosity that is ever present in our world... and how each day is really a series of opportunities to help others... and to give our best...

these men have unknowingly given me an opportunity to explore my craft further and to embark upon challenges i hadn’t been able to prior... like ripples in a pond...

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you can learn more about Maire Dodd on her blog, maire dodd

Chris Kerr: Road Trips

2011-11-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

I love ourroad trips.

My husband drives my little Toyotaeither up into the mountains or out to the ocean, wherever we please.

Early birdsthat we are, we prefer to leave before 8:00 on a Saturday morning. After dressing, coffee, animals fed andsituated, we pop into the car and start driving. The morning traffic is light.

The morning sunlight holds the promise offun, small adventures, short expeditions.

We visit asecond-hand bookstore in a century-old building. I pop into a bead shop. We peruse antique and western-wearstores. If I focus on the presentmoment, if I leave my work and family concerns alone, I feel such a welling ofgratitude in my soul.

Thankfulness for this lovely country. Gratefulness that I have this chance to getaway.

I hope thatyou are able to take a break from your oh-so-daily life.

Just a day, or even an hour that will renewyou.

I know you deserve it!

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You can learn more about Chris Kerr on her blog, Chris Kerr Jewelry

Nellie Wortman: The Dance

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

today I am grateful for...

the dance

Nellie Wortman Original Artwork
"The Dance"

i am asked from time to time, is there

something that i do, that helps to open

up my creativity.

well, i would have to say…

"the dance"

when i head into my studio,

i find that there are some days,

i am motivated to start

working without needing any

motivation.

but then there are many

times that i will stop and ask myself…

why can't i get creative?

why is it, that i find myself at a roadblock?

then i remember….

i haven't danced today!

you see, it is up to each of us to keep

a child like-heart.

remember, when you were a child and you

would find yourself twirling to nomusic?

you would run and laugh at nothing.

you felt like you could do anything...

well, as adults, we need

that same child-like feeling.

when i create, i need that same feelingof

wind beneath my wings.

i need to know that i can create with

a feeling of, "i can conquer theworld".

i need the possibilities and be in

awe of it.

so, i will turn on the

radio and dance.

i will twirl, smile and laugh.

what i find that happens is

my inner voice wants to

come out to play and create.

not only do i apply this same principalto my studio, i apply it to all areas of

my life.

so when I find myself dragged down by life's circumstances...

i will turn the radio on...

and dance.

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You can learn more about Nellie at her blog, Early Morning Thoughts

Patty Gasparino: I Love My School Nurses

2011-11-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

I lovemy school nurses – having four kids I almost feel I should have these poorladies for Thanksgiving dinner to show my appreciation.

Ithought the least I could do was give them a good laugh.

Dear Mrs. School Nurse,

I am thinking it might be usefulto begin using a "Gasparino Alert System" much like HomelandSecurity.

Let's call it *G.A.S.* for short.

This will statistically averageout the chances of an actual Gasparino attending school or visiting the nurseon a single day.

This will replace the "Stuffon the Bus and Pray" system as it has been found to have too many flawsand be ineffective.
Red = Gasparino actually sick andstaying home
Red Orange = Gasparino may or maynot have - rashes/coughing/upchuck noises from bathroom ( possibly gettingsick - but could be faking)
Orange = Gasparino mayhave symptoms such as "my finger hurts" and "there's a redspot on my leg"
Orange Yellow =Gasparino uses statements like "I didn't get any sleep my brothercoughed on me all night" and "The racoon in the garbage kept meup"
Yellow = Gasparino forgotlunch money at home
Green = Gasparino Mother isgoing out within a 50 miles radius and is no way making that @*&%#$@ driveto pick any of them up today
Based on this system today wouldbe a:

*Red Orange* day (I was sickyesterday and am trying to get another day out of it subcategory)

Please let me know if you haveany questions regarding this new system.

Sincerly,
Patricia Gasparino

Yes it's all true and yes I sent it.

Nurses need to laugh too.

I am forever grateful tothe brave ladies who man the front lines and deal with everything from aswallowed tooth to a diabetic coma and everything in between. They keep my kidssafe...and most often they keep them in school!

Have you hugged your school nursetoday?

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You can learn more about Patty on her blog, My Life Under The Bus

Malin de Koning: Perspective

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Grateful:

Some of you might already know that I have a decease called MS. And that I am Swedish. So, living in Sweden with MS you will get a 9 weeks long rehab period for free every other year. I am in the middle of one right now. I go three times a week to this fantastic place where amazingly professional and good people work only with the aim to help people like me. Can you believe that?

That is something I am incredibly grateful for in itself. But this post is not about that. It is about something called Fardtjanst (with the two dots above each a for an extra Nordic exotic touch ;-)). Here I will give you a simplified description on what Fardtjanst is:

Fardtjanst is, as far as I am aware of, something unique for Sweden. (Please let me know if you have heard of it somewhere else.) What it is, is a possibility for people like myself to travel by taxi when we are going somewhere. I can't drive a car, and I can't cope traveling by public transport since about 3 or 4 years. So instead I get to go by taxi. For this I pay only the cost per month of a travel pass for the public transport in my region. If I would not reach the full sum for a particular month I would pay less. But never more.

To me this service is crucial. I would not be able to go to, for instance, my rehab otherwise. And to so many other things.

Look, I get picked up right outside my door, and driven to the door of where I am going. I sit comfortably the whole way. I do not have to walk to the bus stop. I do not have to make any changes of means of transport. I do not have to share space with lots of others who talk, move around, smell, mess around and so on.

The journey takes half the time from door to door. Compare 1 hour and 40 minutes by public transport, and with two changes, with 50 minutes by taxi. I could keep going on for much longer about the benefits of Fardtjanst.

This service is soooooooo fantastic! And I am so so grateful that I have been given the chance to use it. Thank you God for making me being born in Sweden! Thank you Swedish Social Democrats (a political party which was in charge in Sweden for many years and who's well fare politics lays behind a lot of this type of social services) for creating Fardtjanst. Thank you Moderaterna and Alliansen (current parties in charge) for keeping it. I am so grateful! My life would be very different without Fardtjanst.

Now to the upset part:

It is not uncommon that people in Sweden complain about the Fardtjanst. The taxi might arrive a little late (but within the guarantee time of 20 minutes), or you might have to share the journey with someone else (which if you have problems doing you can order a "singles" journey for). I can't think of all the reasons I've heard that people go on about. They would sit in the car moaning moaning and moaning to the poor taxi driver who has to be focused on driving the car at the same time. And most often he/she is not the right person to complain to anyway.

This makes me so upset. Have you who complain any idea how unique this service is?

Perspective:

Back in 1990, when I was 24, me and my boyfriend at the time, went on a six months long journey through South America. Back pack style. Apart from being an absolutely fantastic, beautiful and exciting experience, I got some serious perspective on life and living during that trip. One being that so many people in the world go through such difficulties in their lives. And do they complain? No!

Check these people out for instance. We (my boyfriend and I) sat in a cramped and uncomfortable and cold bus as we passed this scene. Wow! I know they were gonna stand there for hours, traveling to where ever they were going, coz there was nothing within miles. We are in the middle of the Altiplano of Bolivia here. High above sea level. It is empty, cold and windy.

This is of course an extreme scene. And I was luckily not one who had to stand there on the back of that truck myself. But I can give you so many other stories of awkward travelling conditions that I myself took part of, when you did not hear the smallest noise of complaint from any of the people there. On the contrary the people of South America are amazing at finding joy and happiness in the now. Making the situation more pleasurable by their attitude and share friendliness. And yes, I am generalizing now. But honestly, I think this is a true trait for all of them.

It is a cultural difference I believe. I remember speaking to some women in Venezuela about it, when we had to leave the bus and instead walk with our luggage up a looong steep hill in rain coz the road had become too slippery to drive on.

I tell you it was a caravan of people (hundreds, maybe even thousands) from all the cars and buses that had to wait until they slowly could try to make their way forward upwards until they caught up with us. We were delayed by at least five hours.

I asked some ladies if this was a common situation on this particular road, and if it was something that caused irritation with the people in the region. "Como?" "Que?" "What?" "What do you mean?" They did not understand what the problem was. Instead they were singing, telling jokes and laughing loads as they were struggling up that hill.

I guess that was what attracted me to them in the first place. They did not come across as poor or not well off. Rather more similar to my own socio-economic standard here in Sweden. That's why I thought it was a cultural thing.

It is just a plain different attitude to life. People in the so called western world, should learn from that. We would be so much happier in general.

Conclusion:

I am so so grateful for the possibility to use this fantastic service called Fardtjanst. And I am upset by people who are not able to appreciate fantastic things they benefit from, and instead go on complaining about insignificant details.

Thank you for reading this far. And remember, please drive safely. :-)

All my best,

Malin

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You can learn more about Malin on her blog, Beading By Malin de Koning

Diana Frey: Precious ‘Mom”ents

2011-11-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

(the photo above is of Diana with son, Jeremy)

The moment your newborn is placed in your waiting arms, is the moment a woman truly experiences unconditional love, a connection, a bond, a love so strong, so primal that it is difficult to describe. As we see our children grow, those moments are fleeting yet still present. My son, now 39, and I have, to this day, a very special bond but due to our geographical locations, only see each other a few times a year.

A few weeks ago my son came for a visit...to attend his half-brother’s wedding to be exact. I saw him in between running to help set up for the wedding, decorate and celebrate. He returned too late that night for him to relay all the details of the day.

Early the next morning as I lay in bed day dreaming and adjusting to the morning light, my bedroom door opened and there peering around the door was my son, huge smile on his face and bright excited eyes. At that moment, he was a little boy once again and tiptoed to the side of my bed, raised the covers and slipped in to rest his head on the pillow next to mine.

Oh it had been ever so long since we snuggled in bed to tell each other stories, secrets and hopes for the day. As he recapped the events of his brother’s wedding, I couldn't help but look at his hands....the same hands that were so tiny once so long ago that they barely could hold on to my little finger. Now, the hands of a grown man, were long, like mine and his father’s and held the world. His eyes had the same sparkle of when he was but a little boy rushing to tell me something he was so passionate about. I continued to listen while making a mental picture of every detail and feature of his face....seeing me there, seeing his father there, seeing his grandfather there, seeing the essence of life itself.

In that “mom”ent, the magic I felt when I first gazed into his eyes returned to bless me once again. A moment in which we were truly fully present to each other For that moment, I am truly grateful. The moments when you can be totally present to yet another...those are the moments to treasure deep in your heart of hearts, those are the moments magic happens.

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You can learn more about Diana on her blog, Tattered Adornments

Rhonda Marinkovic: Seasons

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Just to confess, there are days when people just bugme.

Seriously.

But don’t pretend you don’t have days likethat too!

Why does my co-worker have todo things this way? Why does the gal infront of me at the grocery store have to share her life with the checker? Why do my kids not see that their rooms are abomb? Why in the world does my husbandhave to be so abrupt? Why did that guypark so close to me that I can’t get back into my car?

(You realize, of course, that I am perfect!)

Then I took a walk in my garden. It is fall now and things are looking a bitscruffy. I need to trim them back andprep it for winter.

I hesitate, though, asI wander.

The Hydrangea is so pretty asthe antique whites turn to pinks and browns...

...the Black Eyed Susan is droopy...

...the leaves on the maple trees are a fiery red and beginning to splash the yardwith their favorite color...

Each livesout their lives in my garden so differently, some blooming early in spring andsome waiting until last minute just so I don’t feel bad that summer is goneagain.

And God makes people this way; each with their own historyof blooming times and seasons. Some arethorny and prickly, some smell great, some are high maintenance, and some makeme smile.

He had to leave me a note so I remember to enjoythose little quirky things about the people in our lives, to be thankful thatHe is so creative and each has a purpose and design, if only to bring Himpleasure.

Me too.

______________________________________________

Rhonda Marinkovic is a wife, a mother, and an optomisthappily living in the Pacific Northwest with her family.

Molly Alexander: Privileged

2011-11-04T00:00:00.001-07:00

For the past couple of years I have had the pleasure of being a Youth Mentor for a group of high school girls in my community. These girls are remarkable, and I have had so much fun getting to know them.

Out of curiosity, I asked these three young women what they were grateful for in their own lives. My expectations didn't go too far beyond what you would expect teenage girls to be grateful for:

for boyfriends and hang out time

for fun clothes and cell phones

for vacations and no homework

But boy was I wrong...and boy did I need to raise my expectations. Sure their answers included their friends, but they expressed gratitude for so much more than that:

for faith and health

for family and talents

for God and life

for being forgiven

for the ability to make their own decisions when it comes to their beliefs

for love and hope

for dreams and goals

for curiosity and creativity

So much insight for such short life experience, don't you think?

I learn so much every week from these beautiful women, and I am unbelievably grateful for the privilege of being a part of their lives.

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You can learn more about Molly on her blog, Beautifully Broken Me

Patty Gasparino: This Little Boy

2011-11-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've hada secret for about three weeks. I had only told a handful of people . It was aREALLY good secret. It was a secret about this little boy.

This little boy started out his life half of a pair. He was thefirst twin born and his brother had sat on his head most of 3 months. He stillhas a bald spot to prove it.

This little boy was the easiest baby. He was pretty peaceful andloved his blue blanket and any stuffed animal he could get his hands on.

This little boy was a timid toddler. He didn't like grass orbugs or loud noises . He had a hard time finding his voice but was always sweetand gentle and easy going.

This little boy didn't start out enjoyingschool......at.......all.

This little boy struggled........a lot.

He didn't learn his colors when other little boys did.

He didn't learn his letters or his numbers right awayeither.

Every day he struggled.

Luckily, this little boy has been blessed with the spiritof persistence.

This little boy has been blessed with the most amazingteachers and paraprofessionals I could have asked for....such a gift. My wordscannot possibly convey the gratitude I feel for what they have done for thislittle boy.

This little boy who had a hard time finding the right words.

This little boy won a writing contest. One of two little boys inhis entire school.

Today his short story was made into a play.

This little boy glowed with pride .......... and my heart nearlyburst with it.

This little boy has shown me persistence does pay off.

This little boy is pretty amazing.

I cannot express the gratitude to the people who have workedwith Brian from day one . He has come such a long way from where he started andhas been so blessed to have so much help along the way. To the amazing staff ofMeeting House Hill School and Consolidated School - We are forever in yourdebt!

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You can learn more about Patty on her blog, My Life Under The Bus

Heather Powers: Thankful For Wild Weeds

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so thankful for weeds. Whether they are growing inmy yard, poking through cracks in a bustling city or spread out in all theirglory across a country field. They offer such great inspiration in colorand texture. I find them completely beautiful. And a great reminderto let nature have it's way once in a while.

Why are they weeds? Whose to say which bloom is aflower and which a weed?

This reminds me of my children and that I need to let themgrow little a wild and free like weeds. I remind myself not to force them intoa box of who I think they should be. I remind myself to let them be whothey will be and sprout up the way they were intended. Don't prune awaytoo much, let their natural beauty and joy shine through.

Of course I'm not talking about discipline or areas ofmorality. There I am a constant gardener.

I'm talking about giving them a break, not trying to controleverything - let them make a few messes, questionable fashion choices, let themdive into a project even if it takes over the kitchen table. Let themhave questions about who they are and how they fit in the world and give themthe space to figure out those answers as they go along.

I remind myself to relax and enjoy those wildlittle things while I can. Just like weeds and flowers they will befloating off into the world all too soon. And I'm so thankful for everyminute with them.

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You can learn more about Heather at her blog Humblebeads

Chris Kerr: Family Barbecue

2011-10-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

It’s autumn,but it’s still pleasant weather here in Northern California—mid 70’s. Our family barbecue today was a blessedtime. We were surrounded by salads,chips, barbecued meats, iced teas, sodas, cakes and goodies. The family dug into the feast with much gustoand enthusiasm. I suppose it’s a lot like many other familiesall over the world.

There’s the teenagenephew who can be so annoying, but makes you smile with his energeticantics.

There’s the brother-in-law thateveryone teases because he insists that his mullet hairdo will be back in stylesoon.

There’s the tech-savvy son-in-lawthat helps you with your computer and smart phone questions.

There’s the beloved daughter that you sitnext to on top of the ice chest and catch up on all her latest work adventures.

Loved ones connecting through stories, jokesand food.

How gratefulI am for this day! How grateful I am fora few hours of family love, imperfect but treasured always.

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You can learn more about Chris Kerr on her blog, Chris Kerr Jewelry

Maire Dodd: Never Alone

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

i am known to grumble abit about our highly technological world...

einsteinsaw the potential trouble decades ago:

‘ithas become appallingly obvious that our technology

hasexceeded our humanity.’

but as much as igrumble, i give thanks...

i find my bliss inworking at this bench... with metal, fibers, resin, fire... the majority of thetime it is a solitary venture... in fact, it would be quite easy to be arecluse...

the community that ihave found myself involved in has enriched my life beyond any description... inways i never would have imagined... i count myself fortunate to have friendsnow in germany, malaysia, australia, scandinavia and other countries... peoplei never ever would have met otherwise... opportunities abound with only a clickof the ‘send’ button...

so while one may workalone, they needn’t ever feel lonely...

how lucky are we?

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You can learn more about Maire Dodd on her blog, maire dodd

Patty Gasparino: Directional Guidance

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

During one of our roadtrips we all got to meet the other woman in my husband’s life - his GPS. He hasto travel to a lot of different job sites during the day hence she appeared tohelp him out. Apparently he can program it in all sorts of languages andaccents but they are all “women". This is probably old news to the technicallysavvy but what do I know?

I travel the same circle everyday so have noneed of such devices.

Mr. Bus programmed thedevice, clicked her into place and we were off.

In about 2.5 seconds the questions started.

“Where is that voicecoming from?”

“Who is that talking?’

“Is she telling Daddy whatto do?”

“Isn't that Mommy's job?”

“Is "she"putting Mommy out of work?”

“Moooooom....are you outof work?”

“Was she ever in work?”

“We are her work.”

“Is Daddy payingher?”

“I think he owes memoney!”

“Why is dad giving YOUmoney?”

“I don't think he's paidMom in years.”

This all took place in the.4 miles it took to get to the end of our road! The rest of the trip went thesame.

“He didn't turn!”

“She said to turn!”

“He's not listening!”

“He doesn't always listento Mom.”

“TURN!!!”

“...are we lost?”

“..Are we there yet?”

“DID YOU EVER TURN?”

“I'm hungry.”

Seriously - I am glad Idon't need a GPS - I somehow sense it would not make my life any easier!

I am very grateful God sawfit to give both of us a good sense of humor.

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You can learn more about Patty on her blog, My Life Under The Bus

Jan Thomason: Girlfriends

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have so much to be grateful for that it's hard to talkabout just one.

But, since it's happening right now, let me tell you aboutone of my greatest supporters, cheerleader, confidant, college friend and mybest friend forever.

I don't have to name her - she would know right off who sheis if she was to read this post.

My point, my blessing in her, IS the constant support sheprovides me in so many ways - like I said, confidant.......etc.

It's such a blessing to have someone that I can trust withanything.

Oh, yeah, I have a most wonderful husband, but you know thatthere's just something about a girlfriend.

It's such a blessing having that one person that knows me,warts and all (that never made sense to me until I got older!) and loves mestill.

I know that there's nothing I can tell her that would makeher turn away from me.

She is one of my reasons for not giving up when medicaltimes are hard because she's always there for me.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the message.

Friends since college, sorority sisters, best friends still- that's 40 years of friendship which is hard to get my brain around since I'mstill 24.

This weekend we met in Austin, Texas, for some shopping andrest and relaxation for Rhonda.

She's under a lot of stress right now.

Meeting her this weekend was my privilege.

Being a blessing to her is the ultimate privilege.

Girlfriends are one of God's biggest blessings!

Jan

Jan's BFF: Rhonda

Judith Glende: Silhouettes

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

When I was in my teens the month of November started being a very sad monthfor me. My parents each died in November, and I took care of a dear friendwho also passed away in November.

Bad news came in November.

The trees werebare, it was cold and grey.

I dreaded the month as it always brought back sadmemories.

A few years ago on a cold November day, we were traveling in thecar and I was looking out the window and really started looking at the trees. Forthe first time I noticed how beautiful their form was; something you could notsee when they were fully leafed.

The silhouettes were beautiful.

I felt like Ifinally started to open my eyes and see what was around me.

How and why did myeyes finally start to open? All because of the guidance of the book, "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy" by Sarah BanBreathnach. This book is organized as a walk through the year with gentlelessons of comfort, joy and guidance to contentment. I kept a journal throughmy walk and wrote down five things I was grateful for each day.

I startedseeing the simple things and finding the pleasures in them, like those treesthat I never noticed before.

I started to view my life differently. I no longerwrite what I am grateful for each day, but I acknowledge them and verbalizethem more...

I feel them.

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You can learn more about Judith at her blog, Judith B Designs

Riki Schumacher: Lucky Girl

2011-10-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from a fabulous art retreat, Art Is Youin Petaluma, CA. I don’t get to go to alot of retreats, due to expenses involved and usually distance.

But what I was reminded of, aside from theamazing teachers, absolutely fun classes and projects, and the beautifulfacility, was that being there, was about being with friends.

It wouldn’t have been the same if my friendsweren’t there with me, to bring the sugar free chocolates…to supply that lastlittle something needed for a project in class, and to say a warm good night,when missing my loved ones at home.

Yep!Friends. I’m a lucky girl to have them.

Thank you Connie, Diana and Susan for makingthat trip richer.

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You can learn more about Riki Schumacher on her blog, Riki Jewelry