The Gratitude Project: Day 12

The sun is shining and the dogs are sleeping, and I'm listening to some mean Bruce Hornsby! Could the morning get any better?! Perhaps only as I reflect on three more wonderful "little things" in life for which I am grateful:

1. Receiving a Letter in the Mail -- I always find encouragement when I open an envelope addressed to me, knowing that a friend has taken the time to hand-write those words to me. The tangible feel of the always unique stationary and the one-of-a-kind curve and sway of a distinct cursive. I have long been an amateur of letter writing (in the sense that I write for the pure enjoyment of it, not that I'm unskilled or inexperienced in it), and I find great joy in putting little personal touches in a letter -- colour and style of stationary that I am certain the person to whom I am writing will appreciate, coloured ink (on occasion), calligraphy embellishments, and, to finish it off, a personalized wax seal. Ahh! The art of letter writing, and the way it lifts the spirits of both the writer and the reader!

2. Re-Watching a Favourite Comedy with Friends -- There are some movies or programs that just never get old, particularly when one has the opportunity to re-live the experience (sometimes over and over) with friends who also appreciate the comedy. Some such movies for me are Ishtar (my personal number one), Raising Arizona, and Meet the Parents/Meet the Fockers. Classics, all! And with just the right company, movie night makes for wonderful memories for years to come.

3. Massage -- Whether for therapeutic/medical reasons with a professional, or by my amateur husband (in this case, both untrained and one who enjoys), this most certainly is one of life's little pleasures! So relaxing for me, and it even makes my husband feel good knowing how much enjoyment the massage gives. Of course, one must reciprocate -- so at the end of the evening, we both are feeling relaxed and content, and inevitably a good, deep sleep follows.

The Gratitude Project: Day 11

Last night I baked some fresh herb bread to have with dinner, and my husband and I both loved it! I used a new recipe, always a bit of a gamble, but I was quite pleased with the finished product. The only change I will make for next time is to include a bit of garlic powder to give it a bit more of a savoury flavour. And that bread is, in part, what inspired the following:

1. Fresh-baked Bread -- Any kind of bread, whether plain old white or whole wheat, sweet-sticky cinnamon buns or savoury cheesy breads -- if it has just come out of the oven, it is to die for! Not only does it melt in your mouth, it also makes the whole house smell heavenly! I could almost make a meal of bread, perhaps pair it with some cheese and wine, and to me it is a feast!

2. Dinners with Extended Family -- Despite the noise and chaos, and occasional tension between certain individuals, for me family dinners have always been a looked-forward-to event. Of course, there are occasionally awkward moments when your aunt insists that you must have been tanning in a salon because she just can't fathom that your skin tone is that even from the two weeks you just spent in Haiti, or the uncle who nibbles at all the food before it has been served, but all in all it is a time of connection with the people who have known you literally all your life -- and even though the connection sometimes isn't as "deep" as one would like it to be, there is still a comfort in knowing that this is your family. And above all, seeing the look of joy and satisfaction on Grandma and Grandpa's faces as they see their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all interacting in their home, seeing the family that they have created -- this is absolutely priceless.

3. My Mennonite Roots -- As a kid I just assumed that all the world was Mennonite, because all the people in my immediate world really were. I grew up in small-town Saskatchewan, among the fourth and fifth generation of Mennonites who had originally settled in the area after immigrating from Central and Eastern Europe in 1885 and 1895. So "being Mennonite" was really nothing special to me; all it meant was that we'd eat faspa and have a meddah-schlope on Sundays (I'm probably butchering these spellings, but any Mennonites out there will probably understand what I'm getting at), and that we most definitely went to our Mennonite church and always sang in the most beautiful harmonies. Now, as an adult, I can see the beauty of and the value in their pacifist lifestyle (no, not passive, but peacemaking) and their commitment to following the lifestyle of Jesus to the best of their ability. Of course, they do this imperfectly; we are all imperfect realities of the values we hold. But the more I learn about Mennonite history (beginning, really, with Martin Luther, then the Anabaptists, and finally Menno Simons), the more inspired I am to live a life of integrity -- and honoured that I have parents and grandparents who model this way of life for me.

The Gratitude Project: Day 10

I am noticing a pattern within my list of things for which I am grateful: there appears to be much thankfulness for the things of technology -- which, to some, might seem rather impersonal. I would argue that it depends on how one uses these technological contraptions; any tool may be used as a means to either a positive or negative end. Perhaps much of this technological gratitude stems from the fact that, in this season in my life, I do rely more heavily on technology for my communications than ever before. Living in Panama and wanting to mantain contact with family and friends back in Canada, dealing with the same bank back in Canada, even continuing my degree -- all these aspects of a balanced life have now, for me, come to mean adjusting the manner in which I interact with people and institutions and have necessarily had to adapt to my computer largely being the medium through which I communicate, whether through the written or spoken word.

Hence the three "little things" inspired today:

1. Our iPod -- As a lover of music, being both a musician and appreciator of other musicians' work, music has always been an important aspect of my life. I also value silence, but there is often music playing in the background in our home. And, seeing as we had to pack up our life and move to Panama nearly ten months ago, it didn't seem rational to bring our hundreds of CDs along with us and have them take up our limited and valuable space. Thus, we invested in an iPod with which to carry the music contained in all our CDs in a much more compact fashion. And what a joy it has been! I have long desired a life of simplicity, and have just as long struggled with how to achieve that best -- and whether the acquisition of more expensive contrivances is justified in streamlining and simplifying a life -- and I do believe in this case that it has been appropriate. And I love that my entire music library -- and podcasts besides -- is contained in a slim 103.5 x 61.8 x 13.5 mm rectangle, weighing a mere 162 grams!

(Measurements courtesy of www.bluefoxvideo.com)

2. On-line Correspondence Courses -- I am happy to say that I am in the home stretch of completing my degree from the University of Saskatchewan; however, living in Panama has put the brakes on my progress with it, to some degree. However, on-line Correspondence Courses have helped patch up some of the voids, and I absolutely love the freedom of schedule and flexibility they offer! How great it is to be a student of the U of S from the beaches of Panama!

3. On-line Banking -- I've already referred to this above, but I felt the need to incorporate it into today's gratefulnesses. :) It's a snap to deal with chequing and savings accounts, as well as paying off the VISA bill and eliminating my student line of credit. And ah, the peace it brings to see progress being made!

The Gratitude Project: Day 9

Another beautiful beginning to another beautiful week! And to kick it off, here are three things which have struck me as particularly special this morning:

1. Weekends -- Whether it runs from Friday evening to Sunday evening or is designated to two traditional weekdays, the weekend is a wonderful gift. And this past one for me was refreshing and encouraging as well as restful; an opportunity to connect with friends and family for good conversation, good food, and making memories, as well as some time at home with "the kids," Keipo and Toon, our puppies.

2. LUSH -- I have a profound respect for any company that produces its products with locally-grown, natural and organic materials as far as possible, and LUSH certainly does this and more! This company boasts "fresh handmade cosmetics," many of which come "naked" -- free of wrappers or containers. Some such products include their solid shampoos, facial cleansers, deodorants and massage bars, for which reusable tins can also be purchased (a reality that I love)! And the aromas are heavenly -- coconut, citrus, vanilla, patchouli -- LUSH has something for everyone's taste! (Okay, this is beginning to sound like an advertisement gimick, but I swear I gain nothing from spreading the naked gospel but pure satisfaction that I am helping to share the good news of LUSH's products and how positively life-changing and environmentally responsible is the use of them!)

3. Starbucks Coffee Company -- Yes, right off the bat, let me state that I did work for this company for several years. And, with the exception of the periodic irrational-customer experience, I loved it! And this morning I find myself once again feeling incredibly grateful for the things that Starbucks taught me -- from "legendary customer service" to the immaculate quality of espresso-based beverages, teas, coffees and the like; from distinguishing the subtleties of aroma, acidity, body and flavour of different coffees from different regions to the artful creativity and discipline required in managing a store. I am glad for the inspiration of the pioneers who made the European-style coffee shop a North American reality, and for the passion of Howard Schultz as he developed the establishment further. I am grateful for the distinguished Black Apron and for the coffee mastery which it represents. And, above all, I am thankful that the skills and education which Starbucks gave to me can be applied every day as I enjoy experimenting with and creating my own signature beverages at home for my husband and I, and for the joy it brings to our guests when we offer them such a fine espresso-based beverage!

Photos courtesy of: www.starbucks.com/menu and www.lush.ca

The Gratitude Project: Day 8

Happy Saturday!

As I type this, our German Shepherd-Labrador cross is sleeping snuggled on my lap. Toon (for that's what we named him) came to us just 2 days ago. He's about 7 weeks old and, although scrawny, is very feisty! He is what inspired my first topic of gratitude for the day:

1. New Life -- Be it a baby, a puppy or a plant, new life is always refreshing, mesmerizing, and awe-inspiring. I could (and do!) just sit for hours, watching this tiny little body breathing, sleeping, playing; admiring its tiny paws and beautiful, soft eyes. I am so thankful that we have been given the opportunity to care for this little guy, and for the fun and companionship that he has already brought to our dog Keipo, a 11-month old Rottweiler-Doberman cross. They're buddies already, and spend hours playfighting! It's fun to watch, and the two of them have brought many smiles and much laughter to my husband and to me already!

2. Our Camera -- Especially now that we're living in Panama, close to my husband's family but multiple thousands of kilometers away from mine, as well as our friends, our camera has played an even more important role in everyday life. It is so wonderful to be able to send photos back home to give people an idea of where we live -- our environment, the geography of the country, our home, the people here, and our playful dogs.

3. Ceramic Tile Flooring -- I've long thought that I would prefer not to have any carpeting in my home, with the exception of decorative area rugs, and now that we live in a house that has all ceramic tile I am loving it! Particularly these days with Toon doing his business anywhere and everywhere, it's a snap to clean up -- though he does have me working overtime with the mop and bucket. It's a good thing for him he's so cute!

The Gratitude Project: Day 7

Good morning! I've had a great start to the day, starting with a typical breakfast with my husband before he heads to work, and then a brisk walk with our Rottweiler-Doberman cross...and now some CCR -- Creedence Clearwater Revival, for you unfortunate souls who may be unfamiliar with their groovy vibes from the 1960's and 70's. I realize that I am rather a musical eclecticist, with tastes ranging from artists like Joni Mitchell, Peter Gabriel, Marc Anthony, Juan Luis Guerra, Maná, Michael Bublé, Seals and Crofts, Kate Rusby, Antonio Vivaldi, James Taylor, Mika, and the abovementioned CCR; in my mind, the broader the selection, the greater the enjoyment -- and the more fitting one's personal soundtrack which accompanies her through life.

Today I find myself particularly thankful for:

1. Our Neighbour -- Well, okay; she actually lives 15 houses down from us...and, to be honest, she doesn't really live there -- she just visits her grandson every morning. But nearly each morning without fail, as I am walking Keipo, we greet each other -- she from the front patio, and I from the sidewalk. Her little grandson is about 7 months old and always excited to see Keipo, and Keipo is likewise enthused at this human "pup" who is becoming his friend. Though always a brief interaction, something about this woman lifts my spirits for the morning. Perhaps it is her friendly nature, or the fact that she is a familiar face in an as yet much unknown city; in any case, I am glad to see her every morning and do miss her face on the days when our paths do not cross.

2. Coffee -- Is there are more versatile, adaptable, enjoyable beverage?! Hot or cold, on its own or with milk, cream, sugar, syrup, fruit, liqueurs -- the possibilities are endless! And particularly mesmerizing is the beauty of a quality espresso-based beverage. My timeless favourite is the americano, but of course I do enjoy the frequent latte and the occasional cappuccino provided they are topped with dense, creamy foam. Ah, I get excited just thinking about it!

3. Clean Bedsheets -- There is nothing more relaxing for me than climing into my bed made with just-washed sheets smelling fresh and clean! A shower, a cup of decaffeinated chai tea and crawling into bed -- heavenly!

The Gratitude Project: Day 6

Today I am grateful for the progress I've been able to make as far as washing our laundry; hence the inspired first element for this day:

1. The Sun -- I am daily grateful for the light and warmth it offers each day, and for its role in agriculture, horticulture and the very beauty of nature; however, today I am particularly grateful for the break in rainy weather and the beautiful sunlight which has dried my clothes hanging out on the line. It truly is a gift!

2. My Grandmother -- I enjoyed an hour-and-a-half long conversation with her this morning, and this woman never ceases to amaze me. She is perhaps the most patient, loving, active, optimistic, realistic person I know. Even in the face of adversity she gives thanks to God for "grace for today," and leads those around her by example. If I become half the woman she is, my husband is a lucky man! :)

3. A Yellow Bouncy Ball -- This simple toy provides our dog Keipo with hours of entertainment every day! It's also a plus that it allows him to burn off excess energy playing fetch, as well as doubling as a chew toy. I'm thinking we'll have to invest in another one soon for the second puppy we have coming our way!

The Gratitude Project: Day 5

It is good to make the conscious effort to be grateful, especially in moments where one's primary emotion or feeling is not one of thankfulness, as is the case for me at present. However, even as I continue thinking of three small details which inspire gratitude in me, I can sense my mood lifting.

1. Sushi -- I have always loved eating sushi, particularly nori rolls, along with the pickled ginger and wasabi and a splash of soy sauce; however, my enjoyment of this activity reached new levels the first time I made it for my husband. The look of pure delight on his face as he dips each piece of sushi and watches it soak up the soy sauce, and then as he savours the mix of flavours, is even more wonderful to me than eating sushi myself! Of course, I still have a plate of my own and join him in the exotic meal. He doesn't need to know that I'm paying more attention to his reactions than to my own, right?

2. Chai Tea -- Such a flavourful combination of spices: cardamom, anise, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and the like! And, accompanied by milk and honey, it's the perfect after-dinner drink. I especially love home-made chai tea using fresh spices, but my favourite bagged variety is made by TAZO, which also happens to have a fabulous, fun, educational, interactive website.

3. On-line Recipes -- I've always been a fan of cooking, and I like to try new combinations of ingredients and making cuisine from different parts of the world. Over time, I amassed several cookbooks (which I did use frequently, if even to inspire what would then become my own concoction of foods) which are now sitting in a box in storage in Canada while I am here in Panama. And so I have entered the world of searching on-line for recipes -- and what a wealth of information there is to be found! A few of my favourite websites are: Martha Stewart (which is so much more than just food!) and Meals Matter, which also has tools such as a meal planner, personal nutrition planner, recipes, shopping lists, and helpful articles about food, cooking and nutrition. Not only is meal planning fun, it is now a more visual experience for me and easier as I can see things laid out for the days, weeks, and even months ahead!

The Gratitude Project: Day 4

Happy Monday to one and all!

And now for an apology: I repent of my waywardness this weekend; apparently all it takes to break me of my routine is a different start to Saturday and Sunday. I am ashamed to admit -- dare I? -- that this blog didn't even cross my mind until this morning...although, for what it's worth, I did spend the entire weekend enjoying the little things and being thankful for the memories made.

I am also quite convinced that this site is, as yet, unknown, an undiscovered gem or source of insufferable babble, depending upon the beholder, I suppose; thus I really don't feel too bad about this breach of consistency!

Some of the beautiful gifts of life that particularly strike me this morning are:

1. Driving/exploring out in the country -- As a child I always loved it when my family went "exploring" down country roads out on the prairies of Saskatchewan. Little finds like century-old abandoned, falling-down barns and houses; rolling hills or flat plains of crops; rivers and lakes, forests and grassland; just getting to know one's surroundings near and far. This weekend my husband and I went driving in the mountains about an hour from the capital city, and such a peaceful, beautiful experience it was! Mountain streams and rippling brooks, jungle vegetation and spacious, rustic lots for sale interspersed with tropical homes and weekend cabins -- a wonderfully refreshing and inspiring morning during which the seeds of a dream were planted in our minds for our someday future dwelling place! It gives us something to work toward, and we would love to be able to offer it to friends and family when they visit!

2. Fresh herbs -- Ahhh...! There is nothing like a garnish of fresh rosemary, thyme, basil, mint and the like. Or to add them to home-made sauces, breads, pizzas, beverages -- the possibilities are endless! And the burst of flavour which they add, their unique aroma and texture, bring life to any dish and to any kitchen as potted plants.

3. Podcasts -- What a great (potential) teaching tool! For the past year and a half I have been hooked on podcasts from The Meeting House, "a church for people who aren't into church," located in Ontario, Canada. Ramón and I have been listening to their podcasts and watching their videocasts, as well as following their teaching materials. Something about their teaching resonates deeply with my Mennonite roots, and I am daily challenged and reminded of what truly is important in life.

The Gratitide Project: Day 3

Good day, all!

Is it odd to begin each post with a greeting? After all, I know not whether I even have any readers. Call it optimism or an ingrained habit, but it just doesn't sit well with me to jump right into writing without first sharing a salutation, though it were only to be lost in cyber-world.

Any of you who have followed a similar Gratitude Project might be able to relate with a current "problem" which I seem to be having: I find myself scrutinizing which three gratitude-inspiring items will make it into the top three for each day. For there are many things for which I am thankful, whether people or things or even concepts, and each presses for attention. I have no illusions that my top three for any given day are by any means noble; I simply try to acknowledge which things resonate with who I am and perhaps have brought me some measure of happiness or pleasure in the present or past. And so, here goes for another day:

1. Birkenstocks -- I am pleased to have at my disposal one pair of Birkenstocks, a relatively recent aquisition which was a "just because" gift from my thoughtful husband. Actually, it gets even better: he surprisingly found them in a second-hand store; they were the only pair there, exactly my size, and looked as though they had not once been worn! Though the breaking-in process was long and somewhat physically painful, they are now my most-loved, comfortable, and frequently worn footwear. The moment I slide my feet into them, it is the feeling of old friends being reunited -- day after day after day!

2. Rain -- Living now as we do in Panama City, Central America, tropical rains are a constant reality, except during the four-month "summer" (which is the dry season; funnily enough, the eight-month rainy season is referred to as "winter", despite the fact that the temperature seldom drops below 30ºC). And, although the rain makes it difficult to launder and dry our clothes, the way it refreshes everything -- the land, the air, the temperature -- extends even to my mind and my spirit, and I feel as though, just as the land has received a thorough washing from nature as the spontaneous rivers carry away the dirt and debris, so, too, has my soul been cleansed.

3. Papaya -- I am a dedicated lover of all fruits tropical; really, all fruit, regardless from whence it comes. And while I miss the fresh raspberries, strawberries and saskatoonberries of my home and native land, there is something about the flavourful, tender flesh of the papaya that never ceases to please me! Whether on its own, accompanied by yogurt or other fruits, or in a smoothie, papaya is always a winning choice. And as they grow here in Panama in abundance, I am grateful that I am seldom without this delicious accompaniment upon my plate!

The Gratitude Project: Day 2

Hello again! I must admit that I am feeling a sense of accomplishment (be it ever so premature) at having posted for two consecutive days. This is a first for me, and just may be sufficient motivation to keep up with this as part of my daily routine ;)

It strikes me that a list of just three things is rather incomplete for any day, but perhaps over the course of the month as I sum up 90 gratefulnesses the jigsaw puzzle of the simple (and complex) pleasures that touch my life will begin to take better shape. Besides, who's to say that my list has to end at 90? (Fret not; my published list will end at 90, but my personal list just may go on and on...)!

Three of the things that come to mind this morning are:

1. James Taylor -- Am I allowed to be grateful for people I don't know personally? I think my friend Heather might support me in this one, knowing how she and I share a deep love for and connection with this artist's music. There is something beautiful about a man whose musical and lyrical talent bless the lives of others as he gives expression to the things, both happy and sad, joyous and challenging, that we face every day. I recently learned that he spent a considerable time dealing with depression; strangely enough, rather than diminsh the esteem I have for good ol' James, my respect for and admiration of him increased. There is an honesty and authenticity to him that resonates with me somewhere deep in my soul. And, whether I'm feeling up or down, every time I play his songs my spirit lifts a bit higher and I smile from the inside out.

2. My Husband -- Those of you who know him can attest that, from the moment that he and I met, I nearly instantly arrived at my equilibrium. I am grounded, yet soaring when we are together; there is stability and adventure wherever we go. Every morning I awake grateful to be beside my very best friend; every day I feel the honour of caring for and being cared for by him, and of sharing life together. Life has become more beautiful and memories more magical with him by my side!

3. Skype -- In a world where every day things seem to operate on an increasingly impersonal level, Skype is a fantastic example of a technology that can bring people closer together! During a semester of studies in Guatemala it enabled my then-fiancé and I to talk "face-to-face" every day; and now that we find ourselves living in Central America, it is the medium through which we stay connected with family and friends in Canada and around the world! I am particularly grateful that it has allowed us to maintain a close relationship with our very young nieces, to whom a faceless phone conversation becomes dull after the first 30-seconds. With Skype, at least, I can almost feel their hugs as they hug their computer, and they "help" me give our dog treats from their side of the screen. No matter that he doesn't understand the family connection; it's really not about him anyway! :)

The Gratitude Project: Day 1

I've been wanting to do this for quite some time, and today marks Day 1 of 30 in choosing to deliberately, intentionally reflect upon things that I often take for granted but which, in the end, really are blessings. Some may be simple, some may be big and complex, but in the end ALL influence my life and, hopefully, make me a better person.

Today being the very first day, a myriad of things come to mind for which I am thankful, so I've decided to touch on the first three that strike me as particularly influential:

1. Literacy -- I am grateful for the ability to read and to write, to communicate with others not only through the spoken word, but the written as well. I am grateful to be able to read the literary works of those who have gone before me and those living now who have been thoughtful enough to share their experiences, ideas, epiphanies and dreams with the world. I am grateful for the media through which we can express ourselves, through which I am able to express myself.

2. Breakfast with my Husband every Morning -- I am grateful for the opportunity to start off every day together with my husband, and for the chance to enjoy breakfast and a cup of coffee -- americano, latte, cappuccino or a simple drip -- with one another, and for the time it gives us for conversation as we enjoy these simple pleasures. It is a true time of connection between us.

3. Early morning Walks with my Dog -- I am grateful that my dog Keipo's necessity to walk every morning and evening has established for me a routine of exercise each day. I never cease to be amazed and inspired by his enthusiasm at seeing a bird, another dog, or people; smelling the grass, chasing a fly, and walking proudly as though fully enjoying and engaging with everything he sees.

Being Grateful

Good morning!

It has been quite some time since my last entry. Actually, it is probably more precise to say that I've been somewhat wayward after creating this blog nearly two months ago. After my initial two entries I grappled for a time with whether or not to continue giving this website life, being tempted to forget about it altogether.

Not that I don't enjoy writing; on the contrary, it is something that I love and which flows naturally from my fingers, whether using a pen and paper or my computer keyboard. Rather, the near-decision of aborting this operation came from feeling that I had let my narcissistic side get the better of me in creating a blog at all. I think we all have a bit of Narcissus in us, to varying degrees at different moments in our life. And I believe that, if these tendencies are kept in check, we can avoid a tragic ending like the one taught in Classic Greek mythology or in Herman Melville's beautiful novella Billy Budd (a fantastic read, for those of you unfamiliar with it). In the end, I have come to the conclusion that this project can be an exercise in discipline, bringing me back to the writing that I so enjoy and helping me to develop a more creative and exact communication -- properties that I feel are waning in my absence from and English-speaking life.

And so, to help me kick off a steady, disciplined writing routine, I have decided to follow the example of other writers and friends and engage inthe reflections inspired by The Gratitude Project, using this site as the canvass upon which to paint my musings. It is my hope that this daily gratefulness might bring you cheer and elevate your own sense of gratitude. Enjoy!