Thankful Me

A simple graphic of a January 2019 calendar (surprisingly, with only a 4x4 grid) A new year often brings re-commitment, re-direction, and renewal of enthusiasm. A blank calendar shows possibilities: routines to be developed, and breaks to schedule in. While I know it's only January--the traditional "routines to be developed" phase--I'm shaking things up and starting with a break. I will be away from my blog and generally off-line for the next few weeks, but never fear, the Ten Things of Thankful link-up will go on. I will respond to comments and read linked posts when I return from my break.  This week, I'm thankful for: 1. Book club. When I was a child, I had no problem at all living with my nose constantly stuck in a book. As an adult, I am trying to remember that it is OK to spend hours reading. Book club is a step in the right direction. I "have to" read, but I'm having fun, and have given myself permission to read other books, too. 

Photo: Six felt creatures of assorted colors, which look like puzzle pieces with faces, sit together on a couch What a week! Let's just jump right into the list of thankful things, shall we? 1. I'm thankful for snow plows. Last Sunday, we managed to get to and from church OK, but then left the house in the early afternoon. When we tried to get back up our street, we couldn't do it. We tried another street, thinking maybe we could get home the back way, but that didn't work either. So, we headed back to our street, drove up as far as we could, then walked uphill and in a snow storm  to our house. (I might not have walked uphill for miles to school each day, but at least now I have my own story!) Once the snow plow came by later that day, John drove the car back home.  2. I'm thankful for cars. Our vehicles are each 10+ years old, but they run pretty well (on non-icy roads), and they are paid for. John and I are starting to see the wisdom of at least one 4-wh

Photo: A booth at an antique mall, with a sign that reads,"Sale Excludes Antler Earrings" Whenever I feel like shopping for something unique, or just want to go window-shopping, the Springville Antique Mall in Springville, Utah, is one of my go-to stores. It has two big buildings packed with anything you can imagine, plus a large outdoor area filled with planters, patio furniture, tools, and tons of items that probably were found in an old barn. (I seriously considered buying dinosaur "footprints" to use as stepping stones in my backyard.) Although I have purchased several much-loved items from the Springville Antique Mall,  some of my favorite finds aren't for sale. I absolutely love signs that scream, "Welcome to Utah! You aren't in California anymore!" For example, the sign above taught me that earrings can be made out of antlers. Who knew? And apparently they are popular enough that there is no need for a discounted price. Even better th

Photo: The road ahead as viewed through a rain-splattered windshield I recently returned from a vacation in Oregon. It had been 5 years since my brother, sister, and I were together with my parents at the same time. It had been even longer than that since some of the cousins had been together. We had to revert to saying "Gen 3" instead of "the kids," since most of the "children" are now adults.  Photo: Some of the "Gen 3" cousins stand on a rock on the beach I love the idea of family, and I love the reality of my family. We are strong and diverse, but unified in support, love, and laughter.  We rented a place on the Oregon coast. When people talk about going to the beach, they usually envision sandy shores, calm waters, and beautiful blue skies. When Oregonians go to the coast, they walk over rocks, driftwood piles, and among long pieces of seaweed. Sweatshirts and coats are appropriate, even in summer, and windswept hair is a