GivingThanks

The Thanksgiving meme has now been done by several other lovely bloggers. I have enjoyed reading these almost more than anything else on the Internet. People have written lists that have made me cry and sigh. And do that nodding of the head in the uhhuh, yes, sort of way. It's such a great exercise and I think if done often it can become a way of life. My Mom used to say be grateful for what you have. When I was younger I might have... ok, I did... pooh pooh her optimistic thankfulness. I used to think she was naive in her refusal to look at the whole picture. Now I know that the life she wanted for us is one that is based on hope, joy, trust, compassion and daily happiness. Oh and of course, kindness.

and so, my Mom, is the first thing I am thankful for. Mom...are you there? i'm sending you some virtual cupcakes, chocolate with strawberry creme frosting and lots of little sprinkles, oh how you deserve it. xoxoxo

The next 5 things i'm thankful for are right below.

My Kids

Five of the best teachers, listeners, lovegivers, and sweet souls I know. They crowd my heart and life in a way that fills me up constantly yet always makes me want more. Now that they are are almost all adults, # 5 will be 18 in 17 days, they are my best friends too. Big sigh.

There is no order to this list, that woulden't be possible. My next thing to be thankful for is my husband. I never thought i'd find that love . Not that kind. It is for other people. Or poets, directors, novelists that make this kind of love up. But I found him, or as he says, he found me. And from that first day 10 years ago to this moment, it grows and grows. And... he's not run away! Oh, when I told him he had 5 good reasons to run for the hills (see above) he stayed. Not having any children of his own and being younger than me makes him something of a saint to my dear Mom. And everyone else just says, He must love you alot. Oh dear God, Allah and Buddha, thank you that he does.

I am thankful for my health and my freedom. They both give me the best life possible.

And I am so thankful that I can say both my Sister and my Mom are Breast Cancer Survivors. Survivors. That is a really great word.

And there I go again, breaking the rules.oh dear. It seems to be a pattern i'm developing here. I've got more than seven, and I'm not done. I guess i'd better finish this, and I will, really, right after i say.... I'm thankful for all my familyfriendsneighborshousebikecarcamerafaithsunrisesunsetrainfogsnowtreesflowers

birdsislandsitalianfoodredwinechocolatefreshfruittravelgiraffeswatercolorswoolfireplacesBOOKS

meditationcoffeepressteacherslowtide!...

i could do this all day long. There is alot to be thankful for. Life is good heh? Oh, and you did not think for a minute that I would forget all my great, fantastic blog friends. A nicer, smarter group you could not find. Indeed, it is a privilege to be a part of this

blogging community. I love all you guys!

Danke, Mahalo, Asante Sana,Saool, Gracias,Talofa,Obrigado,Nkosi, Kia ora, Arigato, Dhanyavaad,
Thank you

xxx lori

p.s.oh, and i am feeling better,thanks so much for all your kind wishes, i think its not the flu, just a cold but i like all the attention so i think i might stay this way a little while longer ;)