Count your toes...

I know it might sound crazy asking

but

do all new mothers 

count their new born babies toes

~

I know I did

after unwrapping them for the fiftieth time

and counting them yet again

(as if while the baby was sleeping some how a toe would disappear)

I would sigh relief

and breath a prayer of gratitude 

that my baby 

was whole

~

its the little things we take for granted in daily life

isn't it

~

So my ten toes of gratitude for today are...

~

I will get to see the grand kids today

I now have a clean and organized closet

I had a good nights sleep

there is plenty of food in the fridge

full tank of gas

I got to meet my brother for dinner last night (I haven't seen him in two years)

I have lost 12 lbs

I have made some new friends through blogging

I have a great book on tape to listen to on my drive

(Black Swan Green)

It's a three day weekend...I don't have to go to work tomorrow

~

These little things tickle me, curve my lips into a smile, 

and make the hard things bearable

~

can you see me doing my little happy dance

~

What ten toes do you have to be grateful for today? 

The Gratitude Lists...

Me and my girls...

I am grateful
because
~

I'm employed
Since in reality about 14% of the country is unemployed this is a blessing
~

I'm overweight
an implied blessing 

(meaning I am not starving and that I have the luxury of sitting on my butt for my job)
~

Aside from the weight I am pretty healthy

 I have all my teeth
Which is really handy since I like salad and meat
~ 

I have both eyes
which provide both sight and insight
~

 No noticeable scars
~
 Ears both working
~

 Still have plenty of hair
and enough money to have it highlighted
~

 My spine is somewhat healthy,
no fusing, bulging disks, compressions

 This is great because people "my age" are really
starting to have "issues"
~

 Bone densiety-excellent
~

 Cancer free eighteen years
~

 Strong arms
to carry those new babies around
~

 Legs that can carry me on all the hikes
providing most of my photos for this blog
~

 Both big toes

(I know this might sound weird...but big toes are really important for balance)
~

I live in a great little apartment overlooking Two Trees
and
only a mile or so from the beach
~

 Aside from the nutcase soccer parents on Saturday mornings
screaming on the soccer fields outside my window

it is heaven
~

 I have a great, fun to drive, dependable car
~

 I own a MAC and an iPhone and a Cannon Rebel
~

 My stomach and fridge are rarely empty
~

 I have a closet full of clothes
~

 More shoes than days in a month
~

 Enough blankets and towels for a small village
~

 College degree
~

 Thoughtful friends
~

 The most wonderful boss
~

 I get to facilitate writing groups

 (How fun is THAT?)
~

 My colonoscopy was 'clean' (no pun intended) 

which means I don't have to go back for five years
~

 I have both hands which allows me to type, write, take pictures, 

have this blog, tie a bow, open a can, zip my pants

This IS a big deal because 

I have a friend who doesn't have hands anymore and I know what life is like for him
~

Bushka, my cat is still kicking after 16 years
~

Aside from food and gas

I have enough 

"stuff" 

to last

a 

long 

long 

time 

~ 

And 

if that is not enough

take a look at this

and this

and these

and this

and these

doesn't this just make you want to giggle

My Blog Cloud could not contain the gratitude list I have for 

these little bugs

~

I cannot forget this new family

or this one

or this darling family

and I can't forget this one

these have been my life
~
they are what has made life worth living
~
and last but not least
I am thankful for a new community of
like minded people I may find as I explore this blogging life
~
May all you be blessed with
health, love, gratitude and joy

With Thanksgiving
Julia