Shopping

I am not a big shopper, but I do enjoy some shopping, especially with my daughters, my sisters, or my friends. Last night I did a little shopping alone. I also stopped and got a bite to eat my myself. It was kind of nice. Today, I am grateful for a little bit of solitude shopping and eating. I say a little bit, because I still enjoy shopping and eating with others more. However, last night was peacefully enjoyable. 

Thank You, God.

Sitting in My Green Chair

Every morning I have my first cup of coffee of the day with God. I sit in my green chair, often with a cat,  today it is Bernie, and I listen and talk to God - pray. I am so grateful that I was divinely guided to this routine. Thank You, God, for Divine Guidance.

This is the view out of the window next to my green prayer chair.

This is Bernie.

Family Gatherings

I love big family gatherings! This weekend we celebrated the graduation of my grandniece and grandnephew at my nephew's home. Then we all spent the night at my sister's house. The next morning more family came over and we had more fun. Today, I am grateful for my family and for family gatherings. I love my family!

Alexandra Stoddard

Have you heard of Alexandra Stoddard? Years ago, when my children were very little, I listened to a speaker who gave a talk called "Mother's Matter." It was excellent! At the end of the lecture the speaker gave us a list of books that she recommended. I read all of them. There was one author who was on the list multiple times - Alexandra Stoddard. Alexandra writes beautifully illustrated books about decorating and living beautiful lives. I love her books! One of her books is a Book of Days. This is a book that one can use as an appointment book or as a record/diary. I use this book as a record/diary. It is filled with inspirational quotes written by Alexandra and others. 

This mornings quote was:

 "Whatever you do, be in a loving frame of consciousness. Everything will then become sacred. Love is all we need."

I love that quote. I want to live like that. Think about how joyful and peaceful our lives would be if we did everything in a "loving frame of consciousness." Wake up, shower, eat, do laundry, drive, work, spend time with family and friends, exercise, read, etc. - all in a "loving frame of consciousness." I am going to choose to do so. I am beginning now.

Today I am grateful for the speaker who led me to Alexandra Stoddard and for Alexandra Stoddard who chooses to do everything in a "loving frame of consciousness." 

Time

I am more grateful than I can express to be a teacher and have the summers at home. This is a precious gift of time that I am so thankful to receive. I love being home! I am living the life I dream about in the summer! I get up early and have my coffee with God. Then I go for a walk/run around a gorgeous lake with my daughter and/or friends. I come home with lots of time to bless and serve my family and others. I have time to take care of my home, take care of my family, and volunteer my time taking care of others. I have time to do the things I love to do, knitting, needle felting, blogging. I have time to curl up with a cup of coffee and a book in the afternoon. I realize that July and August are precious gifts from God. I am so grateful for them. Thank You, God.

Where Women ...

Editor, Jo Packham, has created three fantastic magazines: Where Women Create, Where Woman Cook and Where Women Create Business. I love these magazines! They are gorgeous! They are coffee table worthy! These three magazines are filled with beautiful award winning worthy photos.

The articles are written by the women, who are chosen by Jo, to have their work, their passion, presented in these publications. I dream of receiving an email from Jo asking me to be included in one of these amazing publications. Where Women Create, Where Women Cook and Where Women Create Business are more like books than magazines. Today, I am grateful to be able to enjoy these magazines, for the women in them, and for Jo Packham who never does less than the best. Women who give their all to the work they love are gifts to all of us. 

You can find more information about these wonderful magazines here: http://wherewomencreate.com/

Our Pool

We have an above-the-ground pool. I love it! It is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. What I really love to do is get my book, an icy cold cocktail, and a raft. Then I float around the pool on the raft reading, drinking and dozing. Ahh, summertime! Today I am grateful for our pool.