Gratitude Day 31

 A day of reflection. How many people will say things like, "where did the time go?", or "what happened to the year ?". I don't want to be that person. Instead, I shall count my blessings and move forward into 2026 with great expectation and comfort that God is in control. 

What filled my 2025 year? Much travel. Hawaii, Ecuador, Italy, Toronto, Poland, Japan, and Germany/Austria. I know that this year was amazing and I saw many new places, met new friends, and experienced life in a fabulous way. I also know that going forward, things will need to change - my husband needs more care and I also except that we will need to downsize sooner rather than later.

Art wise - My "Earth Fragments" were exhibited at Quad City Arts, gallery in Rock Island. After completing this series, I took some time off to play, experiment, and plan. I have developed a vision board for the coming year and look forward to creating the spiritual series I've thought about for some time now.

Family - I didn't see my kids as much as I would like, although, a trip to Hawaii with Jes and a trip with Arrianne to Toronto (I finally saw Niagara Falls!), were memorable times. A trip to St Louis with my mom was delightful. My son took great care of his grandma and we fit in a ton of sights while there.

I look at the past year and say, "Wow, how did I fit it all in!"

Gratitude Day 29

 It is super cold and windy. Our furnace is not doing a good job keeping up. I am so very grateful for the wood burner.

Gratitude Day 27

 I had lunch with my kids yesterday and then stopped by the market to pick up a few things on the way home. I felt tremendous joy having them both together for a short while. It doesn't happen often. I am grateful for joy. 

Gratitude Day 26

 I am thankful for datenight with my son. It was great to enjoy a movie with him (and a bag of popcorn!)

Gratitude Day 25

 I'm thankful for the birth of Christ

Gratitude Day 24

 Grateful for: cooking with my son

We spent time in the kitchen making stew for lunch, meatless tofu crumbles, shrimp for tacos, and Mexican rice. It is always more fun to create with someone who is eager to play!

Gratitude Day 23

 I was thinking this morning about Momma Kitty and her long, long life. She has been with me for almost 20 years now. She doesnt ask for much  - food, water, and some attention. Pets really do teach us about life and keeping things simple. I have a little bench next to my exercise bike and she sits next to me while I pedal, content to just be there. I am grateful for pets.

Gratitude Day 22

 I am grateful for grocery stores! 

Gratitude Day 21

 Water. I am thankful for fresh, clean water. And sea water! I've been thinking about my upcoming trip with my son and the snorkeling we plan to do. I live close to the Mississippi River... more water. We are baptized with water. Water must be on my gratitude list!

Gratitude Day 20

 Delicious vegan breakfast. I don't really like "breakfast foods". I'm so thankful for finding a good cup of coffee and glorified hummus toast when I travel. This yummy breakfast was in Toronto with Arrianne this past summer. With Christmas approaching, and kids coming home, I plan to pull together this experience for our family. With lingonberry creme coffee, of course!

Gratitude Day 19

 Brilliant sunrises. I am so fortunate to live on a hill in a house with the dining room facing east. The sun and "my tree" have welcomed me here for almost 20 years. The colors have pulled me outdoors to snap pictures over and over again. Unfortunately, the tree is now dead and beginning to break apart and fall. The sky, however, will continue to brighten my morning. 

Gratitude Day 18

 My dad was born on December 18, 1936. He died almost 10 years ago. I still think about him and take pictures of engineer stuff to show him when I get home from a trip. He is the first person I wish to call when something bad, or good, happens. He was always there for me. I am so very grateful for him. 

Gratitude Day 17

 My day was planned for unpacking, laundry, rest. Unfortunately,  I discovered that we had no internet or phone service! I couldn't call about the internet and I couldn't go online to research the phone. I felt trapped. So - I did what any daughter would do! I drove to mom's! She was excited and happy to have me drop in. 

I am grateful for a mother who always has time for me.

Gratitude Day 16

 Tuesday. Last leg to home. I understand that I missed some rather nasty cold weather while enjoying Bavaria.

Getting close to home! Yes... snow on the ground

And I am home.  Just before sunset. What a long day. I am grateful for home.

Gratitude Day 15

 Thankful for wee art inspiration! My daughter gave me a microwave glass kiln last year. I am inspired to get it out again.

Gratitude Day 14

 It's 4 am and I can't sleep. The quiet, extreme quiet, is so peaceful. I hear nothing. At this moment I am thankful for the quiet. I hear my own breath and nothing more. Can I hear myself thinking? What do thoughts sound like? 

My random thoughts include recording this place and time. I don't want to forget how peaceful I can feel, just listening to the quiet. Can a photo hold more than just a memory?

Gratitude Day 13

 I am grateful for simple beauty.  A moss covered tree caught my eye. So lovely!

Gratitude Day 12

 Humor. I am thankful for a good laugh. There are still moments from my childhood that bring a laugh and a warmth that only I can understand.  

There are silly things our children do

A silly mom smile

Or a photo of me with horns!

It's good to laugh!

Gratitude Day 11

 I am grateful for art studio works to inspire me on my artful journey.  These amazing glass pieces were at a gallery in Rattenberg Austria.