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

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.