Gratitude

In many ways, this year has been the most challenging I can remember; John's heart surgery, long recovery and more recent diagnosis of congestive heart failure; the economy (which, as everyone, has hit us hard) and my own health issues, which have had me bouncing between dentists, doctors and assorted other specialists in search of a cause - and end - to some pretty intense nerve pain.

But despite life's challenges, I'm so grateful for our many blessings.

I have John, and that's a biggie. He's doing better, feeling stronger and we're looking forward to many more years together.

To our great relief, an MRI I had this week turned up no tumor or irregularity in the brain (prompting John to joke about my brain's actual existance, hehe). :)

We have a beautiful, talented, kind and thoughtful daughter, who although 800 miles away from us, is a constant source of joy and pride.

We have five furry children here at home who make us smile every day.

We have extended family with whom we've begun to mend old fences, as well as the family we've created for ourselves in our circle of friends; each one a blessing.

However modest, we have a roof over our heads, food in the pantry and a means to support ourselves - which is more than most people on the planet.

We have our faith, a source of strength and comfort.

We have the ability to create, to express ourselves; John with his guitar and myself with my art.

And finally, we've found in this computer a connection to soooooooooo many wonderful and inspiring people all over the world; people we would have otherwise never known! I can connect daily with fellow artists and collectors, sharing my work with a potentially infinite number of people, and often sending it all over the globe - how cool is that?

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving, and conscious gratitude for all of us, not only once a year, but every day. ;)

~ Carolee