Daniel woke me up the other morning laughing out of nervousness because Oliver had jumped up on the countertop (from there he goes to hanging out above the cupboards) while Daniel was busy lighting the burner on the stove for tea. Well, Dan hadn't expected Ollie to be walking by the stove (his back was turned to the refridgerator & Ollie) and as soon as the gas lit on fire Ollie was right there and his whole chest went - POOF! Dan said Ollie jumped backwards because his little white fur was flaming and whiskers were scorched and Daniel immediately grabbed him and started smacking his chest to put the flame out. Daniel felt so bad! Ollie's never been on that side of the sink on the countertop before but now we will be super super careful when we are starting the stove!
This is me holding Ollie in my tote. Every day when I come home from Pilates or being out, no matter how much I have stuffed into that tote, he always tries to squeeze inside. His favorite thing is to be held on your shoulder in a bag and walk around with you! Kind of like baby-wearing, but Ollie-wearing!
So Heidi came bounding up to the window this morning like she usually does to look outside at passersby. Only this time, she bounced backwards because she was afraid of the snow piled up on the windowsill! It was hilarious! It wasnt the first time she'd seen snow but something about it made her afraid!
Here's the view of our *frosted* tree outside our window!
"When we step into the unknown, we are free of the past. When we step into the unknown, we are free of every limitation because fresh choices are available in every moment of our existance."
It was a great weekend with the families. We brought our babies with us and they really enjoyed the extra space to run around. Heidi and Ollie particularly liked these grassy reeds that they were allowed to shred and pounce on and mince to pieces.
Even ol' Coug seemed perky and appreciative of all the festivities. Here he is showing off his uber relaxation. Can you believe that belly?!
And, once home again, we set up our own little Christmas tree. I was so excited to be able to have one of these beautiful rosemary bushes! I've been admiring them for years. Daniel named him Harold. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous for Harold because Oliver LOVES to chew on plants. But, I was hoping since Harold tasted a little spicier than most plants that Oliver wouldn't appreciate that. Sure enough, as Oliver bit Harold and made a sour face, I felt at peace knowing that we would enjoy our little Christmas tree all through December!
I don't really know how to pronounce it but this is my favorite tea when the chilly weather sets in: Genmaicha. Mmmm. My german girlfriend introduced it to me (without even really knowing it) after she had gotten a few bags of it from her sister in New York. Its really earthy and nutty and, mmm, perfect.
Brewing in my french press. If you don't own one I highly recommend it because it makes a little task like this so much fun! And its great for teas and coffee. :)
My steaming cup and a little people-watching out my window. :) Perks of being in the city.
So, I accidentally came across this book in my library called Treasury of Spiritual Wisdom: A Collection of 10,000 Inspirational Quotations By Andy Zubko. I loved the thoughts that were in it and I decided to buy it for myself. In 10,000 quotes you can probably imagine that it covers a huge range of topics. I wanted to start blogging some of them once a week and I was trying to decide on a day that would be really nice for a little uplift. I figure, since many people do something on the weekend to renew their faith or spiritual awareness and mid-week we often feel a little forgetful or soggy, that Wednesday was the perfect day for a little reminder and a boost.
I plan on randomly opening the book to a topic each week and seeing where we land. Quite fitting that I just opened to....
GRATITUDE We are, thankfully, again, in the season where we take time to draw our awareness to those things we are grateful for, to give show others our appreciations and to conciously create conditions to be thankful for in each moment of our days.
Now, given the "tough economic times" these days, it is really easy to understand how folks could feel a little like their list of desires is a lot longer than their list of things to be grateful for.
And following that thought...a little divine interjection for me and you. So, as I was thinking of how grateful I am to have been able to visit, this year with my husband, Plymouth, Massachusettes, the Mayflower II, and Plymouth Plantation and learn more about our history, I decided to search for a photo of the Mayflower. While posting it here on the blog I accidentally stuck it in the middle of the word GRATITUDE, which made, ATITUDE. I've heard, before, the phrase "attitude of gratitude," and this moment here caught my attention and reminded me of that in a stunning way. Is it not so true, the difference between fulfillment and not is really in our attitude? Having something to be grateful for is really a mindset, not a specific state of having (for lack of a better phrase). If nothing else, each one of us could pause and become thankful for the state of being on earth, a spirit in a living body, able to experience a lifetime's worth of human experiences. How fabulous of a gift?! So, cheers to sharing that gift with all of you. I am grateful for that.
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilage it is to be alive--to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love... - Marcus Aurelius
None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude...Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy... -Fred Van Amburgh
Seeing a glass half empty is resentment; seeing it half full is gratitude... -Anonymous
If the only prayer you say in your entire life is "Thank You," that will suffice... -Meister Eckhart
There is an inherent law of mind that we increase whatever we praise. The whole of creation responds to praise and is glad. Animal trainers pet and reward their charges with delicacies for acts of obedience; children grow with joy and gladness when they are praised. Even vegetation grows better for those who love it... - Charles Fillmore
Most people don't realize the good they had until they lose it, and by then it's too late... -Anonymous
Praise expands everything. People, plants, children, animals, even inanimate things, respond to praise. I cannot tell you how, but try it for yourself. If you want more of anything, praise and give thanks and you shal have it... - Sue Sikking
It is impossible to be negative while we are giving thanks... -Donald Curtis
Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns... - Anonymous
Daniel woke me up the other morning laughing out of nervousness because Oliver had jumped up on the countertop (from there he goes to hanging out above the cupboards) while Daniel was busy lighting the burner on the stove for tea. Well, Dan hadn't expected Ollie to be walking by the stove (his back was turned to the refridgerator & Ollie) and as soon as the gas lit on fire Ollie was right there and his whole chest went - POOF! Dan said Ollie jumped backwards because his little white fur was flaming and whiskers were scorched and Daniel immediately grabbed him and started smacking his chest to put the flame out. Daniel felt so bad! Ollie's never been on that side of the sink on the countertop before but now we will be super super careful when we are starting the stove!
