Day 31 /365

Just got back from an evening walk, after spending all day indoors... I am thankful for:

1.) having choices, and "deciding" to go for a walk

2.) running into a neighbor, Linda..and her dog Maui... on my walk; and for her adventuresome spirit... she's moving to Sante Fe, New Mexio next April! -- I find that inspiring.

3.) my SoulCollage-Sister...and soul-friend, Brenda; her sensitivity, compassion, goodness. creative and generous spirit are a God-send. Thank you Brenda, for your friendship...and for lifting me up today.

4.) the healing quality of tears...and for letting them come...and for the heart-relief they provide...especially when witnessed by a friend who understands; a good boo-hoo is good medicine... clears away stuff... like the rain

5.) hearing more of what I need to hear...and what I intiutively know... to "trust"...and rest in that energy...live from that energy (vs. worry; and realizing worry can be disguised as other emotions and self-talk. I am thankful for this being in my face once again...so I can take my trust level up, up, up a few notches...or a lot...in many ways...

Day 30 /365

A sunny winter Saturday.... I am thankful for:

1.) coming into a warm home after being out in the cold

2.) emotions - and being aware of them; they're beacons that point me inward to discovery and healing

3.) the moon...and all it represents

4.) naps

5.) chocolate

6.) the folks at Pure Reign...and the services they offer

Day 29 /365

Ahh...the companionship of Gratitude...breathes with me, inspires me... I am thankful for this as well as:

1.) The poem that Gratitude inspired today:

Pieces of Gratitude...

Precious gemstones of my heart....

Strung together...

with the thread...

...of thankfulness

2.) following my intuition

3.) friends who "knew me when"

4.) portable creativity

5.) mom's sweet potato pie

6.) hearing Kamaria's voice, talking with her... and listening to her voice-mails over and over again... marveling that "this is my daughter!"... all grown up

7.) that Kamaria is doing well... that she sounds good... and that she's with family

8.) catching the 5:19 Metra train home tonight

Day 28 / 365

Realizing that gathering and affectionaly reflecting on all these gratitude gems, again makes me realize how rich I am.. how rich and full my life is...and even though every thing might not be exactly like I want it right now...those things too can come to pass and in the meantime, I can enjoy life! I am appreciative of:

1.) the above realization

2.) the bright "sky blue".. clear sky today...and the radiant sunshine

3.) compassionate, understanding co-workers

3.) Earth Angels at the eye doctor's office -- every one of them; espcially Diane who "got me in" today

4.) strength of spirit, even the the "little me" thinks she wants to give up

5.) family... family....family!

Day 27 /365

Ahh.. it's very cold here, snowing... blowing snow. I am thankful for:

1.) being home..and warm..and comfortable

2.) the gift of 2 issues of Audubon magazine from my doctor - fascinating reading and pictures, and great images for my collages!

3.) workdays with a nice pace

4.) the growth experience of being on the Condo Board

5.) peaceful, creative evenings... and "feeling the flow"

6.) Life... it's good

Day 26 /365

A relaxing evening.... a day where reflection was my companion...and my comfort. I am grateful for:

1.) the comfort of reflection...and trusting... and releasing more and more

2.) realizing that worry does not help anything... and that Affirmative Prayer helps everything

3.) watching Nova and the incredible program: "The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies" - talk about witnessing the miracle of nature! To actually see a catapillar create a cocoon, then watch him change/transform into a different body (4 times!) before he creatues the pupa, where he/she "tranforms" 10 days later into a Monarch Butterfly - before my eyes! And then.. these butterflies migrate from Canada and North America to specific mountains in Mexico for the winter... traveling over 2,000 miles! I am thankful for the technology that allowed me to witness the incredible, miracle of nature.

4.) my healthy eyes and eye sight; and God working through the Iris Guardians...that did their healing work...and continue their work on my behalf... thank you, thank you, thank you

5.) a good night's sleep...

6.) my continued growth and expansion... and willingness to do the work... and Grace for carrying me through... thank you

Day 25 /365

Finally... I get to settle down before bed...it's been a good day one I am truly grateful for, because:

1.) for the first time in long time, I've felt grounded, focused, present to the moment, at peace; I am very thankful for that and I am thankful for all the programs, and tools, and remedies, and prayers and processes...and family and heart-friends that have helped me this far; I am rich ...receiving what I need... thank you, thank you, thank you

2.) the calm evening I had...along with a healthy dinner - ahh.. things are looking up!

3.) the loving messages on my answering machine from family and friends; thank you all for being here...and being my family and friends - you are beautiful spirits..and I apppreciate and love you very much

4.) I've gotten to park my car all day without getting a ticket...for quite a while now.. yes!

5.) feeling more at ease in my body... feeling better; the aches and pains are considerably less today.. hallelujah!

6.) sleeping like a rock.. and awakening refreshed

Day 24 /365

Through the tough times...through the internal and external challenges I am thankful that :

1.) Spirit always brings me back to Its blessings...and my grateful heart

2.) the sound of wind and rain this morning as I woke up; it's had an intersting, calming affect on me... it reminds me of the family growing up.. everyone had something creative they were doing in the house..daddy in his wood shop, mom either baking bread or sewing....and it gave me a secure, warm and fuzzy feeling...and a sense of peace and connectness... a heart-glow that I've missed terribly.... but, I am thankful for this memory...and for this life with my parents, while I had them on Earth

3.) Native-American flute ...and its music

4.) cleansing, healing tears

5.) the nurturing energy of Nature ...the wind, the rain, the flowers, trees...birds, insects.. all of it; the sun..the moon.. bodies of water - all teach and nurture the soul

Day 23 /365

This Saturday day afternoon I'm snug as a bug in a rug at home... very thankful to have it; and my heart filled with radiating prayers for the people of Haiti... I am thankful ...

1.) that I can pray for them... "knowing" that prayer works; Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn has studies proving this in his work; I am thankful that we as world citizens in various arenas of life have come together to support the Haitians in ways we can: through telethons, by donating $10 per First Lady Michelle Obama's appeal, donating to the Red Cross, the World Food Program

2.) that I'm balancing my life more...experiencing more of it off-line while appreciating the online community I'm a part of as well - balance is the key; I am thankful I listened to myself..and did that

3.) Create TV - a network dedicated to the sharing of passions - inspiration galore!

4.) the feeling of grounded satisfaction that creative expression gives me, be it crocheting, knitting, doll-making, collaging, writing... capturing inspirational whispers which always teach me something; it's indeed a marriage of art-making and soul expression

5.) the angels in my life...that always show up at the precise time I need them, to offer love, guidance, physical help, encouragement... Earth Angels are indeed a Godsend...and I thank you for being in my life

Day 22 /365

Ahh.. it's the end of the work day week... I am so glad to be home. I am thankful for...

1.) Fridays.. Fridays off are even better

2.) weekends.. long ones and short ones... a chance to re-group, re-coup and re-create

3.) short meetings

4.) a ride home...

5.) the gift of Grace - it's all around us.. thank you

Day 21 /365

As I wind down my body...and my mind.. my heart remembers and is grateful for:

1.) the spiritual chiropractic of Morning Pages....

2.) mediating this morning ...and being gentle and encouraging with myself as I "begin again"

3.) Derek Wolcott's poem, "Love after Love" - a welcoming back to my self...with open arms; I am also thankful to learn more about him - a recipient of the Nbel Prize in Literature

4.) the heart-awakeng CD "Healing Harmony" by Merlin's Magic - thank you again, Barb... for sharing your joyful, healing musical library with me

5.) friends... friends... friends.... I am rich, in friendships

Day 20 /365

This morning's quiet time has tilled the soil of of my soul...and gratitude sprouts and blooms...evergreen. I am grateful for:

1.) the wee hours of the morning, arising early to expereince the quiet of the dawning day..and the dawning of my soul's messages

2.) dreaming...

3.) Creative Ideas that flooded me during this morning's writing

4.) healing on all levels .. and the many tools and resources and prayers that assist me in getting there ...healing is indeed a journey.. like a tour of the soul ...and keeping a travel journal is a key to the treasures of healing, revealing, light, and joy....and lots of goodies in between; I know this now more than ever. Thank you Spirit.

5.) encouragement from the Spirit of Creativity - to "grow"... "bring forth..." and "dream big" ...and "trust"...and "carry on..." -- I hear you... and I heed... and I am GLAD to do so. Thank you Spirit, for your encouragement.

Day 19 /365

A pause... a conscious breath in...and out... settling in and feeling the gratitude within; I am thankful for:

1.) paying attention to what works for me..as intuition and the "still small voice" directs...and honoring it

2.) my dear friend and SoulCollagee-siser, Laura at Shine the Divine... her courageous spirit of inner-discovery and strength...and creativity... and for being a channel for the divine...and her encouragement for us to shine ours as well; Laura is an inspiring, delightful blessing in my life.

3.) the guidance, assurance, clarity I recieve from listening to and dialoguing with my Mandalas...and my other art-making; I am so grateful that "creatiivy as spiritual practice" is an inner-compass.. teaching and mentoring me...helping me unearth the treasure of my own self-love

4.) my thoughtful, generous SoulCollage-sister, Audrey Chowdhury...for sending me healing Reiki energy - thank you, thank you, thank you Audrey

5.) getting a seat on the train to work this morning - and for the peaceful ride home tonight

4.) feathers, feathers, feathers! - what stories they must have to tell...

Day 18 /365

Feeling Gratitude-Joy from my heart...through my bones...an in each breath... I am grateful for:

1.) the loving, protecting Radiant Presence I felt from the trees while on my nature walk, today and yesterday; and pausing to witness them in their glory...and to take-in, to breathe-in all the love they were beaming to me; I felt like they were holding Court for me... creating sacred, radiant space for my every step, for my life to bloom...and glow. I felt their love and protection. Thank you trees.

2.) "Between the Folds" a fascinating PBS television program on origami like I've never seen before! It was amazing, awesome..and makes you realize how the principle of origami is factored into our every day, i.e. air bags - the way they fold up into the dashboard .. yep, origami!

3.) seeing a campaign sign for a long time family friend, Ade Onayemi, who's running for local public office.. which I didn't know. That's good news for us all!

4.) the three pooches I encountered while on my walk... pure love with fur and four legs...that's what they are.. and I love 'em! ..and they love me to... (she said, giddily!)

5.) Tom Stone's C.O.R.E. technique for dis-integrating stress and anxiety - and my friend B.C. for introducing me to his work. It works.

Day 17 /365

As I settle in, and surf the net a bit... I am again reminded of the Creative Kindreds online that have made a huge difference in my relationship to my creative expression...and my life. I am grateful for:

1.) Leah at Creative Every Day, and the inspiration, information and community that she provides through her project of the same name . I's a place for those who are passionate about creativity, and creative living to gather..share our experiences, our artmaking, our revelations. and questions...as well as compassionate support. Thank you Leah!

2.) my home.. the physical place and the spirit of "being home" that I feel when I'm with my loved ones, or doing something I love...or engaging in new things that remind me of what "home" means to me... it's indeed a warmth in my heart... a contentment that satisfies my soul

3.) reading-over greeting cards I've received over the years...and the joy of finding them unexpectedly as I go through a drawer, or a box; ...which reminds me of the one I synchronistically found in October...from Mom...oh my, her presences was palpable - I could hear her saying the words..on the card....just the ones I needed to hear at that tine; so... I am thankful for these treasured seeds that nestle themselves in the soil of my soul..and my home... and bloom again in my presence just when I need it most.

4.) the colorful, textured, eclectic Inspiraton Board in my studio... filled with cards, collages, mandalas, and words and phrases that guide me back a and remind me of joy, beauty, love, my soul's intent... it's a feast for the eyes and its messages are fluid

5.) the howling wolf I saw on You Tube... being drawn to wolf - one of my Guides - I was especially touched to actually see him in his natural way of being...

Day 16 /365

Pausing... and feeling the Spirit of Gratitude...I am thankful for:

1,) my daughter...the talks we have.. being together whenever we can...her sense of humor, her generosiy, her thoughtfulness...and everything in between. I am thankful for the spirit that she is.

2.) The work Barb Fleming and her staff are doing at Pure Reign - on the cutting edge of health, wellness, and rehabilitation of our body, mind and spirit... from the inside out - down to the very biofield of the cells. Thank you Barb for starting...and continuing your work.

3.) Quotes that inspire, like: "Work is love made visible." ~ Kahlil Gibran -- makes me contemplate my idea of work.... all kinds of work

4.) healing music...playing through the night

5.) Twinkling H20s - glimmering water color paints - fun!

6.) the Februaary issue of Audobon magazine...and the unique photos of birds..it's kind of like birds meet Candid Camera... very entertaining!

Day 15 /365

Spending time reflecting on the goodness of the day...the generosity of others, the generosity of Life. I am thankful for:

1.) the awareness that the Spirit of Generosity is alive and well; people, helping people through the hard times, friend to friend, stranger to stranger on this side of the world...or another; the spirit of a Generous Heart unites us all

2.) Louise Hay and her "Deep at the Center" flowing affirmation, from her book "You Can Heal Yur Life". I am thankful I was reminded of it at just the right time today...to re-incorporate into my life. Thank you Louise...and thank you for Hay House Radio too :) You are a beloved Force for love and healing in our world.

3.) the guy who held the door open for me today...with a smile!

4.) connecting with a long distance friend...good for the soul indeed

5.) being inspired to work with Julia Cameron's "Vein of Gold"... she always seems to write just what I need to hear... just when I need to hear it -- I am thank ful for the "Journey to the Creative Heart" that she entices us to embark on. Thank you Julia.

Day 14 /165

Today, I continue to be present to.....cultivate...and feel "Gratitude-Joy". Today, I am grateful for:

1.) the countless humanitarian organizations and individuals and personal projects that are created to help others in need... on the other side of the world or in our own back yard.

2.) the gift of prayer that I can give to others, especially the people in Haiti...an their families abroad, who've been affected by the earthquake

3.) the smiling faces of the folks at the Millennium Park ice-skating rink, today at lunch. I felt like I was gliding on the ice with them; a feeling of freedom and invigoration. People of various ages, backgrounds and professions; men in business suits, women in dresses, teens in jeans and seniors in sweats...and everything else in between. Seeing them gliding across the ice, enjoying the music, I realize it's nearly impossible to ice-skate and not smile! ...or witness it and not smile and feel "Gratitude-Joy". It's an enlivening fragrance for the heart. Thank you.

4. ) Julia Cameron and her spirit-liberating work of The Artist's Way, and Your Right to Write

5.) windchimes... I love hearing them, especially the "tinkling" sound of the glass ones...from childhood.. at Grandma's house.. and the brass one I hung in front of my bedroom door as a teenager...and the one on the back porch amid the abundance of flowers in the flower box that Daddy made...yes, thank you Dad for making a space for me to cultivate alive, colorful, 3D-beauty. I love you.

Day 13 /365

Taking a deep breath.... and being present with this momentt...I lovingly reflect on my day...like a cosmic slide show of grace; I am filled with the Spirit of Gratitude...I am thankful for my rich, rich life...and I am thankful for:

1.) the unexpected joyful delight of a puppet show at lunch and on my way home from work!. ...thanks to the imaginative creator of Puppet Bike*. ...oh what a joy it was to watch those two kitty-kats dance and wave and pose for photos....the choreography of their dances was too cute. I am thankful that the guy that created this traveling show with charming puppets.. which feel very alive to me... they definitely have personalities! Thank you Puppet Bike creator... this is just what our world needs.. delight and fun and joy and expressed-creativity..and delighting in our unique self-expression. You bring smiles to the hearts and faces of the mulititudes.. thank you! *(click on "dance" and then "dance 3" ...and get ready to feel cheer bubble up within you :)

2.) connecting with my friend, Brenda...twice today... quite unexpectedly. Oh.. friends are such good medicine... and cheer for the heart; thank your dear friend.

3.) Howard Thurman's words: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - This is a big, magnificent key to the "joy of living" - it's a gift that keeps on giving. - Thank you Mr. Thurman!

4.) my new journal...and the revealing, centering and insightful process of writing

5.) working with the idea of "process" not "product" in my creativity - much like the idea that it's the journey...not the desitination; I am thankful for the deep journey my creative explorations take me on; I am thankful that Creativity is my mentor.

6. the lady who found my mittens and returned them to me.... mucho gracias!

Day 12 /365

Ah...the Spirit of Gratitude surrounds me...and abides in me. It sleeps with me, awakes with me, is my companion throughout the day and blankets me in its Love whiile I sleep... and for all of that I am immensely grateful. I am also grateful for:

1.) the song "My Heart Spinning" on Judith Cornell's Mandala Healing Kit CD... hearing the lyrics and melody.. "my heart spinning...is the un-i-verse... "- were with me this morning...singing themselves

2.) the power of chanting the sacred sound "aum" - and the others that resonate with each chakra

3.) the Blooming Heart mandala I created - it feels like a theme..."my blooming heart"

4.) the scent of Rose Otto essential oil by Floricopia

5.) my kindred-spirt-sister, Vimala Rodgers.. and her work with the sacredness of our handwriting patterns...and the history of the alphabet -- thank you dear Vimala

6.) book-ending my day with gratitude...and the gratitude sandwich I have throughout the day - feels wonderful.. like the quote by David Steindl-Rast says: "As I express my gratitude, I become more deeply aware of it. And the greater my awareness, the greater my need to express it. What happens here is a spiraling ascent, a process of growth in ever expanding circles around a steady center."

Day 11 /365

I do relish this time of pause... it's amazing how centering and grounding it is to simply take a few breaths...and be present to this time...and attentive to what comes up. Ah yes... I am grateful for:

1.) the harmony I feel right now

2.) the mandalas I create and the relaxation and satisfaction I feel in the process; I am thankful for the insights they offer...through journaling, free association...and seeming-passive contemplation

3.) making collage.. sometimes I just gotta cut and paste something! - it too is relaxing, revealing... and fun. I'm thankful there're so many creative, expressive ways ways to peer within.

4.) the Nature-Speak Oracle (cards & book by Ted Andrews) that came in the mail today

6.) Laurel Burch's colorful, unique, creative expression...and her "cat bookends" that are sitting on my table... their one-of-a-kind design. reminds me how important it is to let our unique, authentic selves shine... in our art and our lives... now that I think about it "our life is our art!" Thank you Laurel for the color, beauty and joy you gave our world through your art, and spirit.

7.) being immersed in creativity...and feeling the creative joy...and bliss it brings

Day 10 /365

Winding down from the day... a cup of tea.. the stillness of my being...and quiet of the night. Reflecting on the day.. I am thankful for:

1.) this morning's bright sunshine - despite the 10 degree temperature!

2.) the unique, informative, experiential and fascinating Chakra Healing Tele-seminar I was a part of today, with Jenni Halloway. Thank you Jenni! I look forward the delving into a different chakra each month.

2b.) my freind, Anne Marie for telling me about the Chakra Healing class series.. thank you!

3.) surrounding myself with my favorite non-fiction books.. on the sofa, in my cozy chair or in my Soul Studio...each book is like a friend with a story to tell...and something unique to share in its own voice - and that I do appreciate. Like friends, books make my moments a rich adventure.

5. memories of our sweet kitty, Ike ... Ike, I appreciate all you gave us over the 10 years we were together: your love, your lessons, your purring...and oh, your chatty conversations... I love you ... and I trust that you are content and happy in your new home.

6. the Creative Spirit that whispers to me, inspires me...and encourages me... urging me to continue with my creative work in the world...and giving me new assignments along the way!

Day 9 /365

I am quiet now.. just me...and the sound of my breathing... and the beat of my heart; breathing deep... I let go ..and let myself be with this moment. I let gratitude bubble up and nurture me. Right now, I am grateful for:

1.) true friendship - true friends

2.) my body's wisdom, intelligence and healing power - I let go and let it reign

3.) the "Creative & Sustaining Source" of life

4.) my caring and compassionate health and wellness providers & partners

5.) the chirping birds that stay during the winter; to see and hear them perks me up....makes me smile -- thank Goodness.

6.) frolicking dogs playng in the snow... another "perker-upper"

7.) colorful, cozy, crazy-patterned socks

8.) the healing power of love, joy, and gratitude... I'm grateful that whatever cheers my heart is good medicine..and is healing

Day 8 /365

Today, I am thankful for...

1.) the enchanting hush that falls over the land when it's snowing...especially when the rest of the world is asleep; it's like being wrapped in a heavenly cocoon

2.) the gifts of life's challenges, even when I don't see or know them at the time; having faith they're there

3.) the soothing rhythm of crocheting

4.) the security folks at work, they bookend my day with friendly greetings

5.) my shower massage water filter... and a nice warm shower

6.) the sweet, chocolately-brown doll mom made for me; clothed in one of Kamaria's baby dresses, handmade shoes...beads, embroidered face and hand-looped hair... what Love went into making her... "thanks mom"

Day 7 /365

Acknowledging the richness of my life with heartful smiles of gratitude. Life is good..and I am grateful for...

1.) the first time I heard the words "thanks mom" from Kamaria - at the age of 3 or 4...and oh, so sweet. I am thankful that she's ALWAYS had a generous and grateful spirit, and that she's NEVER stopped saying..."thanks mom"

2.) the healing and freeing power of telling my/our story, the happy ones and sad ones..and the ones in between; whether told to a friend, my journal, my blogs... or expressed in a collage, a mandala, a doll, or otherwise. Getting my story out of me... is essential; it's an act of self-love and compassion. I am deeply grateful that I have people who listen...the tender-loving souls in my life who hold sacred space for me to pour my heart into. ...and...

2b) ...I am grateful and I am blessed that I can be and do the same for them.

3.) the whirling, buzzing, singing sound of cicadas in the summer; it brings back fond childhood memories; I'm also thankful for the intriguing encounter I had with a cicada last summer!

4) Heartmath, and my dear friend B.C. who introduced me to it

5.) seeing my FIRST HUMMING BIRD, ever!...at Full Circle Retreat ; and...I'm very grateful for the paradise of Full Circle Retreat and it's spirit-filled founder, Kathleen!

6.) the Creativity Portal website and its creator, Chris Dunmire...for opening an abundance of creative wealth for me...at a time when I was dying of thirst for creative encounters and enrichment. Thank you Chris!

Day 6 /365

Today I am grateful for....

1.) guardian angels in human form - and for their commanding assistance on the train yesterday

2.) my good job and caring co-workers

3.) Thai food...especially Penney's, Star of Siam, and Dao

4.) all the online communities and the creative, inspiring, compassionate kindred spirits I've gotten to know over the last several years. It's a small world after all.

5.) beauty in all its forms

6.) my family, the ancestors; and the family still to come

Day 5 /365

In this moment, I breathe, I experience being in my body, I let go of the thought-traffic in my head; I feel my breath, I am present and centered now. Reflecting. Today, I am grateful for:

1.) the eye-to-eye smile I had with a baby this morning - Pure heaven!

2.) the 'How to Grow a Mandala" YouTube video that Sue shared at our Mandala Oasis Yahoo Group; and that this form of creating mandalas is a beautiful, creative meditation helping to create peace within, on our planet and in our universe.

3.) the hood on my long, down-filled coat -- and mittens.. gotta love those mittens!

4.) Feng Shui and Vastu

5.) Peonies.. glorious peonies!

6.) Melody Beattie for her gratitude wisdom

Day 4 /365

It's been a day of conscious gratitude-joy; reflecting on gratitude this morning, this afternoon and this evening... and feeling the joy of it. I am grateful for...

1.) my Spirit of Surrender in the creative process; and life is indeed a creative process. I appreciate that I (usually) take the next step without always knowing what step will come after that. Being present to and dancing with the Creative Spirit is like slowly taking an intoxicating elixir that fills me with wonderment, joy, fascination, frustration, revelation, tears, puzzlement, contemplation, amusement, reverance and gratitude; and I am grateful for...

1b.) ...my Intention Doll, "Surrenda"... whose essence teaches me so much about the Realm of Surrender... and it is indeed, a Realm.

2.) the Steve Halpern "Gifts of the Angels" CD I'm listening to right now; and gratitude to Barb for lending it to me

3.) the abundance of holiday cards in my mail box today! a wonderful surprise after not picking up mail in a while; and to think, I thought the majority of mail would be bills... but instead, it was LOVE! ...

3b.) ...Being and feeling loved... and giving love, I am grateful for that too.

4.) the warm cup of Darjeeling tea I'm enjoying right now

5.) my kindred-spirit-friend-neighbor, Pat; and the Clementine oranges she gave me

6.) that a symbol can speak volumes

Day 3 / 365

Today, I reflect...and feel gratitude for...

1. the "Rainbow Tree Mandala Meditation"... and the mandala journey that inspired it

2. organic farmers, organic produce

3 . potatoes, and their "grounding" quality

4. my family

5. friends

6. the wonder of nature - and its ability to create what it needs...

7. ..."I am a part of nature!"

Day 2 /365

I awaken this morning aware of my gratitude for:

1. my warm, cozy, comfortable bed

2. a good night's sleep

3. awakening to quiet: a calm, peaceful spirt; quiet outside (no barking dog)

4. my warm, cozy "mango studio" where my art & soul, my creativity & spirit...love to meet

5. sitting quietly with a hot cup of my favorite tea...in a mug that's pleasing to the eyes, and touch.

6. sharing-in the ever-expanding spirt of gratitude, worldwide; and the awakening and deepening of "Gratitude Joy" within me.

7. Deepak Chopra and his video on Gratitude; and his "I take the Vow" project.

8. 60-seconds of Mindfulness Meditation, Jon Kabat-Zinn's work, all those who promote mindfulness in the world.

9. the Mandala Oasis Online Community and the creativity, insight and process of making our own Mandala Medicine.

10. the Intention Doll Workshop I'm on my way to now - and my soul sister, Lisa for creating it.

Day 1 /365

Today, I am thankful for...

1. Pattie for always inspiring me and for being the catalyst for this blog!

2. my creative circle, which is expanding! New classes on the horizon..right here in my neighborhood!

3. the joy of helping my friend Lisa set up for her quarterly Intention Doll Workshop, tomorow, which I am attending - yay!

4. my thoughtful, loving ...tuned-in daughter; what a bountiful blessing she is.

5. my deep, abiding love and beautiful memories of my loving parents. I miss them. So glad I had them...and "have" them always, in spirit.