Tonight was a special night. Not in any grand way, but special nevertheless. In lieu of our regular neighborhood association meeting, there was an Evening of Art in Butchers Hill that featured some of the many artists that reside there - jewelry makers, sculptors, photographers, knitters, and wood workers. In the past, I might have feigned off, made up any old excuse in order to justify staying home - too busy, too tired, an early appointment the next morning. But, this time I didn't! Instead I asked my friend and neighbor if she would like to join me, and she said yes.
We ended up having a really good time talking with neighbors, browsing among the myriad of artistic works, and drinking some darn good wine to boot, just steps from our own front doors. Perfect. Afterwards we went to my friend's house to settle in with a nice bottle of red and some good conversation. I felt truly blessed that I live in a neighborhood that holds this kind of event, that is chocked full of interesting and good people, and that I have a good friend to share it all with.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Election Day 2010
Today is election day and as always I was eager to cast my vote. Once my ballot was cast, I took a moment or two to reflect on the gift and gravity of voting. What came to mind first was the notion that my vote actually counted. I know, a silly thought, right? We all know that in the State of Maryland it doesn't really matter how you vote, the Democrats always win. But, always the eternal optimist, I was determined to savor the moment nevertheless.
As I continued to reflect, I thought about a time not too long ago when women weren't allowed to vote. I couldn't imagine how that must have felt when only men made all the decisions that ultimately affected family, home, and hearth. In 1919 Women's Suffrage ended and things haven't been the same since! We have a lot to be proud of gals!
So today was special and for the right to vote I am thankful. I felt the stirrings of civic pride and a strong sense of community. And, just for a moment, I believed that my voice would be heard. It was pretty cool.
As I continued to reflect, I thought about a time not too long ago when women weren't allowed to vote. I couldn't imagine how that must have felt when only men made all the decisions that ultimately affected family, home, and hearth. In 1919 Women's Suffrage ended and things haven't been the same since! We have a lot to be proud of gals!
So today was special and for the right to vote I am thankful. I felt the stirrings of civic pride and a strong sense of community. And, just for a moment, I believed that my voice would be heard. It was pretty cool.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Thanksgiving and Blessings
It's November so I thought it appropriate to devote some time to writing about thanksgiving and blessings. But, to tell you the truth, I'm prepping for a scheduled colonoscopy, so I'm not feeling particularly blessed or thankful at the moment. As a matter of fact, I'm feeling pretty miserable and a little sorry for myself to bout, so I decided to try and flip the switch so to speak, and write about gratitude.
I have often read that it's good for the soul to take time at the end of each day to write down five things for which you're grateful. A worthwhile endeavor I think, and one that I have engaged in off and on for about the last 10 years. I find it a simple task, that perhaps keeps me focused on the abundant blessings in my life instead of the things that I wish I had (and really don't need, by the way) or the things that I think I need and simply can't afford. There are so many things to be grateful for each day, things as simple as a sunny day to something grand like a successful medical procedure. In working on this post, I came across an old Gratitude Journal. Here are a few of my entries:
1 - I'm grateful that I was able to prepare a nutritious meal for dinner tonight.
2 - I'm grateful that I was able to maintain a calm, loving mood all day, even though those around me were grumpy and in a foul mood.
3 - I'm grateful that I can rest today and don't have to go out.
4 - I'm grateful that I saw two beautiful cardinals in the backyard this morning.
5 - I'm grateful that I am able to articulate well enough to be understood - at least most of the time.
Do you keep a gratitude journal? If not, do yourself a favor and go buy a nice-looking journal (there are lots of inexpensive ones out there), and use it to record your abundant blessings and gratifications. If you already have a Gratitude Journal, go back and read some of your entries - it really does brighter your day and certainly puts things in perspective - I know it does for me. And, please, feel free to share some of your gratitudes with the rest of us by leaving a comment. There, now I feel better.
I have often read that it's good for the soul to take time at the end of each day to write down five things for which you're grateful. A worthwhile endeavor I think, and one that I have engaged in off and on for about the last 10 years. I find it a simple task, that perhaps keeps me focused on the abundant blessings in my life instead of the things that I wish I had (and really don't need, by the way) or the things that I think I need and simply can't afford. There are so many things to be grateful for each day, things as simple as a sunny day to something grand like a successful medical procedure. In working on this post, I came across an old Gratitude Journal. Here are a few of my entries:
1 - I'm grateful that I was able to prepare a nutritious meal for dinner tonight.
2 - I'm grateful that I was able to maintain a calm, loving mood all day, even though those around me were grumpy and in a foul mood.
3 - I'm grateful that I can rest today and don't have to go out.
4 - I'm grateful that I saw two beautiful cardinals in the backyard this morning.
5 - I'm grateful that I am able to articulate well enough to be understood - at least most of the time.
Do you keep a gratitude journal? If not, do yourself a favor and go buy a nice-looking journal (there are lots of inexpensive ones out there), and use it to record your abundant blessings and gratifications. If you already have a Gratitude Journal, go back and read some of your entries - it really does brighter your day and certainly puts things in perspective - I know it does for me. And, please, feel free to share some of your gratitudes with the rest of us by leaving a comment. There, now I feel better.
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