Still so very thankful

I don't update this often, mostly because I write it as an exercise for myself and I'm not sure anyone else has ever read it. ;-) But I find that perfectionistic part of me really doesn't want to post something publicly unless I am sure it is wonderful, witty, or at least entertaining. And usually what I want to say isn't.

I am thinking regularly about all the little gifts in my life, the ones that I want to record here, and the meaning of the "1000 Gifts" Gratitude Community. Sometimes I smile at a small gift, thanking God for showing me the squirrel running up the orange tree or my husband pointing to the small bird singing loudly to the world. Sometimes I bluster my way through my day, not paying attention to anything but my to-do list and the rumble in my head. I hope to change the ratio of those days.

• the icemaker we waited many years to plumb and the sound of the cubes plunking out at all hours
• text messages, especially from the girls
• soup
• audiobooks
• a friend who says "yippee-do" in gladness to be together
• an office with a window
• the new-to-us cherry cabinet that a friend wanted us to have
• built-in nightlights
• the little bird who sings in the front yard
• hot water
• my new clunky shoes that are so so good for my feet
• friends who are glad to see me even when I am at my crankiest
• my husband cleaning the litter box without being asked or reminded