I also write in a journal daily what I am grateful for each day. And yes, it was waking up today! Thanking God for another Day with my best friend and husband. The third was our health. Silly as it may sound I am grateful that both of us, at 82 and 77, are not too old (or unhealthy) enough for colonoscopies! :)
It is a rare highest compliment, Susan. I feel so graced to be in this place and time of my life and so fortunate that our paths crossed many years ago, now. Thank you and bless you.
Story Circle Network brought our paths together--do you remember meeting at the Austin airport before whichever SCN conference that was? You came over to say hello, and I was both startled and delighted. What a gift these kinds of synchronicities are! Blessings back to you, many times over.
I remember in my bones, Susan, and tho my memory is packed with wonderful memories of several SCN Conferences, some feel blended rather than clear. I remember sitting at a table at one of the conferences I attended -- it's a multi-published photo on Facebook over the years -- with a group of attendees sitting together, honoring Sarton winners with some wonderful SCN members I can remember working with when I was so active - Deb Weingarten, Dawn Wink, Jude Walsh, and several others, while Len Leatherwood sat at another table with her circle members. I remember what I think was a different conference, being in a conference room with you and Susan Albert, knowing you were a recent widow, and admiring your gentle grace as you talked with those of us who attended your session. So many awesome memories in which you were present., whether in the Journal or at conferences. SCN profoundly changed my life and I cherish the organization!
Wonderful memories all! Story Circle Network is a transformative organization for women writers, especially those writing their life stories. (For those who don't know the organization, check out the website: https://www.storycircle.org)
A comment from subscriber Russell Stone via Messenger (posted here with his permission because I thought it was so on point):
I try to be present as much as I can, and to be mindful, but it doesn’t always work. That’s why I liked the [Mary Oliver] poem so much and I like your articles on gratefulness because they seem to help me feel more in the present and focus on the small things that make a difference.
This afternoon, I went out with my horse and dog, and really tried to be mindful with all my senses, and be in the present. It was great, the creak of the saddle, my dog having a great romp, three different birds calling, the fine grasses moving in the wind, the red colored soil, the blue mountains surrounding our valley. Little things, but big things. So, thank you and please continue to help us focus on the small things that make life joyful.
"Little things, but big things." Exactly, Russell, and your litany of those little things from your ride carried your joy to all of us: the creak of the saddle, your dog's romp, the bird calls, the grasses waving, the red soil and blue mountains. The grace of the day. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Thank you, Susan. Your words were a lovely and reflective start to my day...
You are welcome, Jacquie! Thank you for reading. Blessings to you.
I also write in a journal daily what I am grateful for each day. And yes, it was waking up today! Thanking God for another Day with my best friend and husband. The third was our health. Silly as it may sound I am grateful that both of us, at 82 and 77, are not too old (or unhealthy) enough for colonoscopies! :)
May those colonoscopies be clear and the good health continue for both of you! Blessings to you both.
Thank you, Susan. I often shiver as I read your words, as I did today.
That is a truly beautiful compliment, Mary Jo. Thank you. I think of shivering as coming awake to awe in the best possible way. <3
It is a rare highest compliment, Susan. I feel so graced to be in this place and time of my life and so fortunate that our paths crossed many years ago, now. Thank you and bless you.
Story Circle Network brought our paths together--do you remember meeting at the Austin airport before whichever SCN conference that was? You came over to say hello, and I was both startled and delighted. What a gift these kinds of synchronicities are! Blessings back to you, many times over.
I remember in my bones, Susan, and tho my memory is packed with wonderful memories of several SCN Conferences, some feel blended rather than clear. I remember sitting at a table at one of the conferences I attended -- it's a multi-published photo on Facebook over the years -- with a group of attendees sitting together, honoring Sarton winners with some wonderful SCN members I can remember working with when I was so active - Deb Weingarten, Dawn Wink, Jude Walsh, and several others, while Len Leatherwood sat at another table with her circle members. I remember what I think was a different conference, being in a conference room with you and Susan Albert, knowing you were a recent widow, and admiring your gentle grace as you talked with those of us who attended your session. So many awesome memories in which you were present., whether in the Journal or at conferences. SCN profoundly changed my life and I cherish the organization!
Wonderful memories all! Story Circle Network is a transformative organization for women writers, especially those writing their life stories. (For those who don't know the organization, check out the website: https://www.storycircle.org)
And there you have the opportunity to connect with women deeply committed to working generously to support women who have stories to tell.
Thank you for this lovely blessing for the new year.
I am glad it speaks to you, and blessings to you and yours!
A comment from subscriber Russell Stone via Messenger (posted here with his permission because I thought it was so on point):
I try to be present as much as I can, and to be mindful, but it doesn’t always work. That’s why I liked the [Mary Oliver] poem so much and I like your articles on gratefulness because they seem to help me feel more in the present and focus on the small things that make a difference.
This afternoon, I went out with my horse and dog, and really tried to be mindful with all my senses, and be in the present. It was great, the creak of the saddle, my dog having a great romp, three different birds calling, the fine grasses moving in the wind, the red colored soil, the blue mountains surrounding our valley. Little things, but big things. So, thank you and please continue to help us focus on the small things that make life joyful.
"Little things, but big things." Exactly, Russell, and your litany of those little things from your ride carried your joy to all of us: the creak of the saddle, your dog's romp, the bird calls, the grasses waving, the red soil and blue mountains. The grace of the day. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Blessings in the new year to you!
Thank you, Janisse! Many blessings of this turning of the seasons to you and yours.