Black Tortoise Press Gratitude, Things

Pause, Breathe, and Take Stock 2017-8

This weekend truly gave me an opportunity to re-set emotionally.  I got away from the news, spent some quality time with Loved-One, in one of my favorite places, Chicago, and answered an unexpected invitation to connect with a nephew.  All good for me.  All a welcomed distraction and relief.  Thanks to a little re-set, the my list of gratitudes comes easily and reminds me of the abundance in my life.

[icon name=”sun-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  A very sunshiny and WARM weekend.  I even saw someone laying on a blanket in her front yard.

[icon name=”sun-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Long walks with Love-One. It’s about time we both started moving more.  What a great weekend to do so.

[icon name=”sun-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] An afternoon at the Joffrey Ballet.While there, I met an 82 year-old who’s downsizing, but still interested in reading A SHIP OF PEARL and I met a couple who have been coming to the ballet since the 1950s.  According to them, the 1950s were the hay-day of ballet in Chicago.  Wow!  That must have been terrific, because it’s pretty darn awesome now. Plus, we won the tickets last fall while visiting Chicago Open-House.

Loved-One sorta, kinda fell asleep. I remained wide-awake.

[icon name=”sun-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Waiting in line for the best breakfast place ever. We met several couples who frequent “Batter and Berries” and had some great conversations with Dale and Ed, who we met for the first time there. I believe I will be back there.

This is Mom with two of my three brothers, on her 85th birthday.

[icon name=”sun-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Mom, who turned 89 over the weekend.  I may have mentioned her last week. I do give thanks for her friendship quite often.But can it ever be too often?  I think not.

[icon name=”sun-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Meeting new neighbors while out on a walk and stopping to chat.

[icon name=”sun-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A fun book to read:  A MAN CALLED OVE by Fedrik Backman.  Don’t tell Love-One, but Ove reminds me of him, just a little.

[icon name=”sun-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A successful book signing at the local library.  Oh my librarians Mary and Karen were so excited about A SHIP OF PEARL, and the audience had such wonderful questions and comments.  I’m beginning to feel like a legitimate author!

[icon name=”sun-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Ice cream from Costco.  Real 1/2 gallon cartons of the best vanilla ice cream: 1/2 cup at a time with a drizzle of Hershey’s dark chocolate and a few nuts on top. Yummy.

[icon name=”sun-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Sharing an old word, malingering, and laughing with Loved-One about its meaning.  I’m still laughing.  Did your parents ever say to you, “Stop your malingering.”?

What’s on your list this week?  As always, [tweetthis]what makes you pause and give thanks, almost always reminds me of more things on my list. [/tweetthis]So please, leave a comment and help me add to my abundance.