Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

Every single year when ‘tulip time’ rolls around, that song pops into my head.  I sing it again and again and again, but lucky for you, you can’t hear me.   Marcel, on the other hand, has been ‘blessed’  with that lovely sound from time to time.  

I sound worse than Tiny Tim, if such a thing was possible.  Tis true- so be happy that in this virtual world, you can’t actually hear me when I appear to be singing.

I did walk through the tulips today, as I do each and every spring.   Last year I actually ‘laid’ in the tulips, and some of you may remember the  ‘upside down’ photos that I took while laying there.   I haven’t done that this year- yet.    Anything is possible.

I did take several hundred photos today, but I haven’t taken the memory card out of my camera yet, but have it on my ‘to do’  list for in the morning.   Since we’ve been gone alot, my ‘to do’ list is actually getting long, so I’ll be playing  ‘catch up’ tomorrow.

Right now, I need sleep.  I need to be up at 4:45 to get Marcel off to work, and you can be sure, I will NOT stay up at that time.   I could, but I’m not.   This girl needs her beauty sleep.

Expect photos tomorrow, and a little story on littlesouthofsanity about something I did today that I STILL can’t believe I did- and in broad daylight.    More on that tomorrow.

My Gratitude List for April 22, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• The wind that made our 6.5 mile bike ride a bit more of a work out, although I didn’t find it so fun at the time.
• The picture perfect weather we’ve been having.
• Marcel, for driving me to the tulips today- I know sitting there observing while I roll around on the ground with the tulips is not his idea of fun.
• Cool evenings with the doors open.
• Miles and miles of colorful tulips- one of my favorite flowers.

I only have a few moments, so todays entry is going to be a short one, but I wanted to make sure that I wrote a very special “THANK YOU” to my  dear friend Judy, who sent me a package filled with Steel-Cut Oats and the most beautiful notecard that she’d written a personal note in.

I’d mentioned a while back about being out of the oats, plus not being able to find them here, and Judy went out a few days later and picked up two boxes for me and send them my way.  They arrived today, and I can’t wait to cook some in the morning!  I was tempted to make some tonight, but I’ll wait!

Thank you SO much Judy for your thoughtfulness and your friendship.  You are the best!  Love you!!

My Gratitude List for April 21, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• The wonderful  package I received from Judy, with the beautiful card and Steel-Cut Oats.  YUM!!
• Taking a 35 minute bike ride and it not hurting my knee, AND not having any collisions with vehicles.
• Marcel washing AND drying the dishes tonight (without me asking), while I groomed Mister M.
• A beautiful bouquet of white roses from my Mom-in-Law.
• Encouragement and Motivation

….LOVE

Regardless of who you are, where you are from, what your social or economic status, we all share this common thread- we ALL need love.

It’s not only the greatest gift you can give another, but also the greatest gift you can give yourself. Love, Love, Love.

How can you reach out and express love to those around you- both those you know, and those you don’t?

My Gratitude List for April 14, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• LOVE in all its forms.
• The Captian being rescued from the pirates.
• The United States Military, who are always there when we need them.
• Grace and Understanding.
• Sleeping in.

It’s an absolutely gorgeous day.   Until a little while ago, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, the temps are hovering in the low 60’s, and after a quick trip to the Friday Market, and the supermarket, I’m sitting outside with Marcel’s laptop and a cup of coffee enjoying this gorgeous day.

This morning on my way out, I saw my first baby duckling for the year- a sure sign that spring has ‘sprung’.  Sometime this weekend, I’ll try to go walking by the canals to see if I can spot and possibly even photograph a few.

The cherry trees are starting to blossom, and as I sit here tapping away, I see a man walking with his very energtic dog, two elderly ladies pushing walker carts, walking side-by-side.   I can’t help but wonder what stories they are sharing with each other, and how long they have been friends.   I see them often, and I can’t help but smile.

Many people are out riding their bicycles and walking.   It’s obvious that I’m not the only one enjoying this perfect weather; even the birds seem to be singing a little louder today, as if to say “WELCOME SPRING”.

Marcel worked last night, so he’s taking a little nap.   We have plans to meet Desere and Hein at Aloha a little later on, so he figured it would be better to grab a nap now, since he wouldn’t have the opportunity later.   Heaven forbid he doesn’t get one, then we’ll have a grumpy pants Marcel on our hands.

I hope this season is filled with many more days like this, as I have a feeling that you’ll be seeing alot more messages from me from this location, along with many other locations.  

Once I get the photo thing sorted with my phone (and I will get it figured out), then I can take snapshots with my phone, and post them from the blogging application for my phone.   That could get really fun.

The Good Life-  that’s what this is.. and I’m grateful for each and every moment of it.

My Gratitude List for April 10, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• The sounds of spring, as I sit outside and enjoy them each and every one.
• The Good Life
• Seeing the first baby ducklings of the season.
• Having everything planned and ready to go for Sunday’s Easter Brunch.
• The beautiful bouquet of flowers my mom-in-law brought me earlier today.

What are you grateful for today?

I believe that it’s easy to be grateful when things in life are going along as planned- when everything is going just the way you’d like it, and it seems like all is golden in your world.

I believe that when we are faced with adversity, with heartache and pain, trials and tribulations, that taking the time out to be grateful becomes more difficult, but yet I believe, that those are the times when we should be the most grateful.

Today, in spite of how I’ve felt, I’ve been surrounded with many things to be grateful for- Below you can find just a few.

My Gratitude List for April 6, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• Angels who walk amongst us each and every day, disguised as ordinary people, but who are anything but.
• Little things that bring a smile to my face.
• Finishing my work out, when I didn’t think that I could today.
• Friendship.
• Encouragement, love and support.

Ahhh weekend! I’m so excited that we’re heading into the weekend that I know is going to be a great one. Marcel has gone to bed early again tonight, because once again he needs to be up early for work. Hopefully, I’ll be in bed a little earler than last night, because I still have a few things to do around here.

Mr. Weatherman says it’s going to rain tomorrow, which may mean no time to play outside, but I am hoping to get out to the Black Market and pick up some raw almonds and dried cranberries. Guess we’ll see what the day brings.

Marcel and I enjoyed another afternoon of simply fabulous weather. For the second night in a row, we had dinner outside, and probably will tomorrow as welll, if the rains hold off.

Since I do need to try to get to bed earlier, I should keep this short tonight. I’m ready to catch up on my beauty sleep.

My Gratitude List for April 3, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• Coffee with Desere.
• Eating dinner outside, instead of in.
• My new IPhone.
• wi-fi internet.
• Comfy mattresses.

As you know, on my old Wizardress journal at JS, I started keeping a gratitude journal- a list of five things that I’m particularly grateful for, for that particular day.  Some days, it’s tiny things, and other days, it’s something much larger.   It isn’t about what is on the list, but the fact that there IS a list to begin with.

The world is filled with such pain and often negativity that it can be overwhelming.   There are times when I have it in my own life as well.  I’m not always successful, but I do try to live a life of gratitude, and recognize that I do have so much to be grateful for, even in the most trying of times.   We all do.  It depends on what you choose to focus on. 

I don’t have alot of time this morning because I’m trying to get all my household things done so I can get outside and play, but I did want to share with you the following, that I received from Sparkpeople. I loved it- and hope it will serve as a reminder not only to me, but possibly to you as well.

When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.
– Vietnamese saying

Expressing everyday gratitude

How often do you remember the people that have made little things possible for you? It’s easy to take our privileges for granted. Today, be more aware of your surroundings–everything from your shirt, house, food, and car–and who has made them possible for you. Who has made it possible for you to experience such wonderful things? One way to let someone know that you truly appreciate their efforts is to send them a quick note or return the kindness in your own way.

I have been loving this weather. From the time I get up in the morning, until it gets dark, I find myself wanting to spend all of my time outside. Granted, I have not spent all of my time outside, but quite a bit. Marcel has been off the past couple of days, and we’ve spend both days away from home. I’ve felt like I’ve been on a mini-vacation right in my own home. It has been fun. Tomorrow promises more gorgeous weather, and since Marcel is working, I plan on playing catch up here by doing some work outside, plus some ‘domestic goddess’ goodies inside.

I plan to get the inside work, and my work out done as early as possible so I can get out and enjoy the day. Even Mister M. is enjoying the sunshine.

What is your favorite thing about spring? I am not sure I can limit it to one thing- I love the sunshine, the temps, the new life. It’s a season of endless possibilities, and energy.

My Gratitude List for April 2, 2009.

Today I”m Grateful For:

• Strong brewed Illy Coffee with a splash of milk and caramel Splenda.
• Spending the day in the sunshine, with my favorite guy.
• Compliments from strangers.
• Tulips in bloom.
• Quiet time.

I’m really pressed for time today, with being gone most of the day with Marcel, plus heading to Desere’s in a moment, but I did want to pause and think about the things that I’m grateful for in my life today.

My Gratitude List for April 1, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• Spending the day away with Marcel.
• Desere inviting me for coffee, at just the right time.
• Sunshine and higher temps.
• Laughter.
• Love.

What do you find yourself being grateful for today?   I’d love to know- feel free to share one or more with me.

Marcel is snoozing, and I’m suppose to be waking him now, so this is going to have to be short.

It has been a busy day- first Bible Study this morning, and this afternoon Bobbi and I met up with our friend Anna at a local cafe that I’d never been to. They frequent the place on a pretty regular basis and have raved about the coffee and other goodies- sure enough, I was not disappointed with the smoked chicken and avocado salad with a light honey-mustard dressing. It was delicious, and along with great food and coffee, the company was even better.

We spent the afternoon chatting, the way us girls do when we get together, and in what seemed to be a blink of an eye, hours had passed. As we prepared to leave, I stood up to pay for my lunch, and Anna (who had already told Bobbi that it was her turn to pay for lunch), said that she’d be paying for my lunch as well. I told her that she didn’t have to do that, but she insisted, and I was so grateful. It was an unexpected treat.

I’ve been thinking so much about the friendships that I have in my life lately, and how blessed I am for each and every one of you. Each person bringing a rare gem (themselves) to my life. God has blessed me richly, and for that, among other things, I’m so grateful.

My Gratitude List For March 31, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• An afternoon spent in the company of friends.
• Anna’s lunch treat.
• The diamonds in my life- also known as my friends.
• Finding the brand name of the coat I’ve been wanting.
• Warmer temps.