Thankful to be an American

I did my income tax extension yesterday -- on line. Stressed me out, as usual. But then, I got serious about it. How thankful I am to live in this country -- even with my complaints and my strong opinions about how things "ought" to be, I am truly thankful.

It is springtime in South Carolina -- almost perfect. The flowers are blooming. And although there is a little nip in the air today, the sun is shining. Children are outside safely playing. and Life is Good!

Now to get busy on those taxes -- extension only means I procrastinated with permission -- still has to be done!!! and I will be thankful as I do the work! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!


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A Lesson in Courage and Letting Go

All this talk about laughter reminded me of our friend, Joann -- and yes, she will laugh when she sees this blog! A few years ago she sold her lovely home on the coast of SC and bought herself an RV! She travels the country visiting her children and grandchildren! And having fun! At this moment, she is somewhere in Texas, I think, with a group of single RV'ers having the time of her life. Everywhere she goes, she makes friends. She laughs easily and often.
I tell her all the time how courageous she is--A single lady, about my age, with a bumper sticker that reads "Homeless Granny on the Run!" She sold practically every material thing that she had, and is simply enjoying herself, her RV, her kids, her grandkids, and her friends.
Joann came to town for our daughter's wedding last August. I walked into the Hospitality Room at the hotel to find Joann steaming tablecloths! She had already met my sisters and become a part of the festivities! All weekend, she was right there, helping my sisters in the hospitality room, visiting with other guests--we even took a crazy ride in my car to find sparklers! She simply "goes with the flow" and enjoys every minute! What a gift!
We do learn from each of our relationships and Joann has taught me so much! But tonight I am thankful for her courage -- she jumped into that RV and took off, and is making a happy and interesting life for herself. I am starting a new career writing on line -- and tonight -- well, tonight, I just need to focus on Joann's courage! She went after her dreams full steam ahead -- and I am sure she is improving life for everyone that she meets along the way!
Thank you, Joann! I treasure your friendship!

Pilates & Reiki In Paradise Blog: Meme (Blogger Tag) About Lynda Part 1

Pilates & Reiki In Paradise Blog: Meme (Blogger Tag) About Lynda Part 1

Here are the simplified, combined rules:
1. Post the rules before you give the facts.
2. Link to the person/people who tagged you.
3. Share eight facts about yourself.
4. At the end of your post, tag five people and list their names with links.
5. Leave them a comment on their blog letting them know they’ve been tagged!
6. Lisa added her own rule to the end, which I like: "If I tag you and you don't want to participate, no worries, no pressure."


Eight facts about me:
1. I am trying to cut back smoking, so today I am a little irritable!
2. I am a Newbie to all of this internet business, and am learning more every day than I ever thought I could.
3. I visited a virtual island last night. A real first time experience. It is part of Pat O'Bryan's Portable Empire, where I am a student! It was great fun to meet all the folks there! (Of course I took a dunk in the ocean on the way to the island, and still am not quite sure how I finally arrived in the right place.) I learned how to fly, too! And a new friend gave me a virtual typewriter and I figured out how to wear it, so when I chatted, I was not typing into the air. What fun! Second Life. Amelia Island. Portable Empire. An education for sure!
4. I am working on my first e-book, which will be 5 Methods of Experiential Prayer. At least today that is the title. lol
5. I am a grandma and I love the role!!! More than I ever imagined!!! What precious grandchildren I have! I could write a book about the two of them!
6. I am a proud parent -- with two wonderful adult kids who have both married folks I love and adore! What a blessing that is!!!!!!
7. I am celebrating 43 years of happy marriage tomorrow, Halloween Day. I am married to a practical joker, who is legally blind, who keeps everything moving at a happy pace around here! He is a serious golfer and will co-author my next e-book - which I think will be "Golf Lessons from a Blind Golfer"
8. I am thankful, grateful, for a surprise in my mailbox today -- a book from my cousin -- Louise Hay's Gratitude, A way of Life! What a wonderful surprise to find in my mailbox. I do so love good news in the mailbox!

Home Water Usage and the Drought

We are struggling with a drought here in South Carolina. Today's paper listed new restrictions and also some interesting figures on our home water usage. Did you know that taking a 5 minute shower uses 10 gallons of water versus taking a bath which uses 50 gallons of water? That is a huge savings! Brushing teeth with water running uses 2 gallons of water and running the dishwasher uses 6-9 gallons of water. Washing a full load of clothes uses 40 gallons of water. Are you seeing some ways you could cut back your water usage? I hope so! Please pray for rain for those of us in the southeast in the drought -- and for the folks in California!
And for more information on how much water you use a day, go to http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/sq3.html

An Abundance of Nature's Blessings

My sister and I are visiting Seabrook Island, SC. In the past 24 hours we have seen -- from our front row seats on the screened porch facing Gator Lake -- a fox, ten deer, one big turtle, a house wren who sang for us, four cardinals, a woodpecker, blue jays, crows, squirrels and numerous colorful butterflies. But the biggest thrill for me was seeing the alligators! Our first visitor was a medium sized one. Later we spotted a huge gator a little further down the lake. Today we have enjoyed watching a small gator, obviously a baby or a teenager. The gators are fascinating creatures. We have listened to the sounds of nature and watched patiently for our next visitor. Later as we sat on the beach, we watched seven dolphins, a dozen pelicans, a lone sandpiper, and of course the seagulls. Each creature sighting moved us more into the flow of God's Divine Order, and to a more restful place inside us. It was as if each visitor brought its own gift of peace. We have moved out of the rat race of everyday life and into a zone of nature. What a joy! We are most thankful for each of our special visitors! And we appreciate being here, on this beautiful island for these few days! This has been an experience of appreciation for the abundance and variety in nature and we are filled with awe and gratitude!

Gratitude Exercise

In Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach taught us to write down 5 things a day for which we are thankful. I started doing that about four years ago. The simple daily exercise keeps me aware of my immense blessings and I am constantly filled with gratitude. It only takes a few minutes a day and it does change your outlook on life. I write my gratitude list in my prayer journal each day. However, you can do this any way that suits your lifestyle. Many people use a simple gratitude journal. Or you can decorate a simple composition book and use that -- or not decorate it. The important thing is to do the exercise every single day. My list often includes the simple things in my life -- a warm shower, clean clothes, a safe home.
A friend who was hospitalized and dying from cancer once told me that the thing she missed the most was the feeling of her hands in the warm dishwater. Since that day, I try to be aware - to always be thankful when I am washing dishes. Thankful for the comfort of mundane tasks, the feeling of warm soapy water up to my elbows, thankful that I am able to stand there and wash the dishes.

Today I am especially thankful for my grandson, Zach, who is celebrating his fourth birthday! Happy Birthday, my sweet little Zachary! JJ loves you sooooooo much!