Happy New Year 2019

Gratitude hasn't disappeared from my life these past years, but blogging about it had. New year, new start? We'll see!

I read a TED article about making new year's resolutions more successful by changing just one word -- from saying I NEED to do something (with implied external locus of control) to I WANT to do something. Now, of course, just changing a word doesn't work if I don't also change my mind and my emotions about the desired action or desired outcome. But it's worth a try, and I'm grateful for the new way of looking at resolutions.

I'm especially grateful this year that we had a long visit with Shannon, Josh, and Calvin. Thanks to  Shannon, we have had frequent video calls with Calvin during the year, and thanks to both Josh and Shannon for allowing us to make several visits to their home in Tennessee; all this helped us eliminate the "getting to know who you are all over again" time that is often necessary with toddlers. Delightful visit!

I'm also very very grateful for the time we spend all year with our grandchildren who live in town. Weekly dinners have sometimes needed to be cancelled, but seeing them regularly is one of my continuing joys, as is the great relationship with Amy that has us on the phone or texting a few times a week in addition to the weekly dinner visit. My cup runneth over!

The new year is a great time to give thanks for "givens" in my life that are anything but "given." My sweet, loving, funny, hard-working husband. The house and yard that are our home territory, and that he maintains so diligently. The finances that he manages, which enables us to live comfortably. The tiny RV that enables us to travel on our own schedule and in our own space. And so much more that I am conscious of every single day, but that could be taken for granted.

Finally, I'm grateful for the health both John and I enjoy. It's easy to lose sight of, when common colds and challenges, as well as lethargy kick in -- but overall BOTH of us are pretty darned lucky that nothing major is wrong with these decades-old bodies, and we're still able to participate in an active lifestyle, even if we frequently choose not to.

New Year's Resolutions:

• I want to feel better physically, and build both strength and flexibility, as well as balance and endurance.
• I want to use my time more consciously to accomplish goals and learn / improve hobbies and skills, in balance with the leisurely "doing nothing in particular" that we often enjoy.
• I want to be more connected to our community.
• I want to be more connected to extended family.

kids from wisconsin

kids from wisconsin, a photo by shrnmc on Flickr.

spring

spring, a photo by shrnmc on Flickr.

New point of view

Five things. Every day. Forever. I can do this.

1. 750words.com, because without it, it's unlikely I would have committed to writing 5 things I'm grateful for, every day, for the next 39+ years ... and I wouldn't have spent time tonight "interviewing" (in writing and in my mind) my 95-year-old self. There is so much wisdom there, and more to come!

2. John ... always. One of the most constant "gratitudes" in my life. I don't know where, who, or what I would be without him!

3. Shannon and Amy ... their existence has challenged me to grow in ways I didn't know were possible, and I look forward to a long loving journey with them, as well.

4. Mason and Jayla ... joy, joy, joy. Challenges and opportunities, love and hugs, and someone to take my hand and look at me with those engaging eyes and say, "Grandma ... RUN!" :-)

5. Me. Didn't expect that one. Pretty grateful that I'm turning out to be someone I'm glad to have in my life! :)

After dinner

Carrots all over his face, feet as dirty as they've ever been in his life, he's still the most handsome baby boy I've ever seen, and such a joy to have in our lives!

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