uch a short week in many ways, quite long in others. Isn't that the way? Working on the breathing, working on the pausing, reflecting, not reacting, just breathing.

And so so thankful for:

My Creator. I don't say it often here, I don't say it loudly, but it's a large part of my every day. I'm a big believer in having your life be your witness (words are so easy), and I have people--dear people--who don't believe as I do. I don't want to offend or turn anyone off. But the truth is, I don't know what I'd do without Him. Any time you've EVER said to me in the past half-dozen years or so that I'm sounding sane, doing well, looking happy and healthy, etc., it's because of Him. Truly. I take zero credit for any graciousness, peace, calm and sanity. Zero.

My little family. The joy and love we share under this roof--whether it's just the two of us, or just the three--never fails to amaze me. I am blessed beyond measure in the love department.

Friendship. I am so appreciative of my friends, and am reminded of this quite frequently by the listening and sharing and support and mutual affection, whether we saw each other this week or emailed or texted or whatever. (The dig at Facebook above is just reflective of a moment or two I had this week, but then it passed. Not a reflection of how I feel about my friends--or my friends' farms--at all!)

The cooler weather. I don't know why I'm so happy about the cool--this could be a VERY long winter--but I feel like I'm getting some sort of pass on doing yard work. This is truly only a reality I've constructed for myself, obviously, since it is actually the best time to be working outside and getting things wrapped up for winter; but for some reason, I chose (this week) to see this time as "inside time." Me time. Pretty silly, I know, but there's always next week...

For sunshine, when it peeks out. I love the autumn quality to the light, even in the middle of the day, you know you're not in July anymore. This afternoon was especially enjoyable, and I hear it might continue into the weekend. Yippee!

Thankful for feeling good about the running. I had a small hiccup today with some arch and knee pain, nothing severe, but it did slow me down for a moment. These funky non-shoes (above)? I'm loving these too, and just need to take it one day at a time toward utilizing them more. But the weather--both the cool and the sunshine--helps compel me out of doors for a run around my loop... just want to enjoy every moment before the snow, sleet, hail, winter...

For this crossover time in seasonal eating. I can pick between my basil-tomato obsession or my butternut squash adoration. Mix in the new crunchy apples and flavorful pears and I'm one happy eater. (I know, what else is new?)

To live in a small town. I am very grateful for this most (key word being most) days, but especially this week, with the controversy of a local business (toy store) where a mural was painted on the facade of the building (without prior approval; rather, in the face of being told no). Lots of debate about art, public spaces, historical buildings, etc. Not a really weighty topic around here most days, but one that will probably take a bit to get worked out. And yes, I'm still grateful to live here! (I just HAD to post this for my non-WW readers who know how hard this town has worked on the quaint and historical aspect of the local aesthetic.)

For movement and music. I love this video and the creativity that went into putting this together; such a keeper. (And who knew I could actually miss Patrick Swayze?)



May your weekend be wonderful in every way you need it to be! I would love to hear what you're up to...