This week I received an unexpected delight.  My editor, Jenny, from Marengo Union Times, asked me to write […]

I’m mellowing into our new political climate.  Perhaps mellowing is too sedentary a word.  This weekend I began to see some plus sides.  I’m not one to use the phrase, “all things happen for a reason,” or even “it must be God’s plan.”  However, I can see that people can be energized toward good when they see the unsavory side of human nature, and we can do God’s will in the wake of tragedy.  I love our new environment stimulates so many people to demonstrate, boycott, listen, discuss, get involved in local government, etc.[tweetthis] Each of us, no matter how small, can make a difference. [/tweetthis]Most of my sadness has abated and I can see sunshine in my days. I’m sure it helps that I literally see more sunshine and the days are getting longer, as well as warmer.

Here’s a few more things, in no particular order, that I am grateful for this Monday morning:

I spent the weekend on the road: sitting in the car, sitting in the pee-wee football stands, sitting in a hotel.  I had a lovely getaway. And, I’m so happy to be back home again.  Here’s my list in no particular order:

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Cuddly cat sisters.  It really is nice to have a companion who sits on my lap while I stroke her.  When they come in pairs, it’s just that much nicer.

My Office Manager
My Office Manager

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]   Yoga.  I mad today’s intention gratitude.  Along with several things that popped up, was the very practice.  Plus, my muscles shouted out, “too much sitting” in a way they rarely do.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]   Children with good manners.   I ran into some people who lacked manners this weekend. Perhaps that highlighted that I take it for granted the consistency “please and thank you,”

gratitude - 1
Miss S and I went for breakfast at our favorite restaurant.

Whoa!  I feel a little stressed this morning.  Wait! It’s already afternoon.  The weather remains mild. I have work that pays. My family is healthy. I have enough to eat and a cozy house.  Having too much to do is self-inflicted stress.  I did my daily reading and hurried through the briefest of meditations.  I met CeCe for yoga, and five minutes later wished it was over. So I tell myself, ‘just breathe.’  [tweetthis]It’s all good. Too much is more, not less. Count your blessings.[/tweetthis]

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A week with grandchildren: Miss E, Miss S, and Mr. C.  What wonderful kids. They practically take care of themselves.  All three climbed into bed before 8:30 and got themselves up and ready for school without a word of fuss.

[icon name=”rocket” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Rocket Clubs and newspaper assignments.  gratitude - 2Without the newspaper assignment I would never have met some fellow science geeks, saw adults and children bonding over rocket blasts, or met a new writer friend.  Wonderful.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Marching band competition.  The best

This week I had three separate frets.  By the third fret, Loved-One got a bit anxious.

“You’re always so calm,” he said.  “It’s hard for me to see you agitated.  I’m afraid you might lose it.”

Mind you, [tweetthis]I just clamped my jaw tight and began swift and furious paper shuffling.[/tweetthis].

In one instant, I made cell-phone calls in quick succession.  No throwing or shouting or swearing or stamping, or hitting of animate or inanimate objects.

“Let’s go for a walk,” Loved-One suggested.

I really wanted