Grateful for young people with enthusiasm, talent, and open hearts

When Amy was in high school, she attended youth conferences with young people from around the midwest. A few of those young people were musicians willing to bare their feelings and thoughts through the poetry and melody of original songs. My favorite was "Boys are Dumb," which is just so raw with vulnerability it makes my heart ache and smile at the same time.

Two of those young people have continued their musical journey, and are now known (with others) as Cobalt and the Hired Guns. I haven't seen them in person yet, although they've played in Milwaukee ... it's usually past my bedtime!

So I'm grateful I just received an invitation to download two new studio-recorded songs to listen to in the comfort of my own home, in the middle of the day.

They remind me of early John Mayer. They make me smile.

If you like youth, poetry about everyday things and relationships, and the enthusiasm of young people who really want to make a living at what they love, please give them a listen. There are other songs available to hear on their site, as well ... but sadly, not my favorite. I'll have to see if Amy still has the CD ....

Enjoy:

http://www.cobaltandthehiredguns.com/freedownload.html

Grateful for vicarious enjoyment of friends' travels

People I know are traveling this week, to places I will never see, except in the photos they have shared. I'm grateful they are being well cared for, that they are having a wonderful time, and that I can enjoy the images they are sharing with me. Hooray for technology!

News story (with photos) about the sandstorm that hit Riyadh just before they got there

The hotel in Riyadh where they are staying

Travelogue: Chicago to Amsterdam to Rotterdam, to Paris

John works hard to keep the rain out of our house.

John works hard to keep the rain out of our house.
Originally uploaded by shrnmc

Truly grateful.

I've said it before ... and it's still true: there is so much to be grateful for in my life that it almost seems UNgrateful to single out this and that. But in an effort to just keep myself mindful of the big and small wonders I am consistently blessed with ... I'll keep on.

Today, John and I took comforters to a laundromat near work, so I'm grateful such places exist, with machines large enough to take care of our needs in only an hour and a half.




I'm truly enjoying the nuggets of sunshine encapsulated in Clementine oranges and sugar snap peas -- especially in the middle of winter!



Work has been very busy -- and I'm grateful for feeling as if what I do makes a difference.

I so very grateful for the way that John takes care of our finances. It's an ongoing project that is a constant challenge, which he handles with enthusiasm and (I'm ashamed to admit) with little or no assistance from moi.



This is only one of the many reasons I am also most grateful for John in my life.

Watching "Snow White" after the tea party

Watching "Snow White" after the tea party
Originally uploaded by shrnmc

After 5s have had too much fun and worked really hard, it's nice to relax with a movie. Grandparents need the rest, as well! I'm grateful when 5s know their limits and take rest time when they need it.

Clean up

Clean up
Originally uploaded by shrnmc

With 5s, even the work is play!

John and I had a Tea Party with the 5-year-olds

Tea Party with 5-year-olds
Originally uploaded by shrnmc

I'm grateful for the opportunity to play with 5s once in a while. This was our belated celebration for Makenzie's birthday -- using her new tea set.