Gratitude Challenge – Day Seven

Well, here I am on Day Seven….I did not do this this traditional way, but more my own interpretive version. Less stress that way and more time for reflection.

1) I am so grateful for Love

I truly believe all roads have led me here and for that reason I have a three folks I would like to thank: ...

My Grey Flannel man (yep, going to use a code name if only to make him smile and to make me feel 15 again). In one of my more serious conversations with my eldest, I told him that I wished him a first love that was worthy of him. Your first love not only builds the foundation by which all others will rest upon. They set the standard for respect, connectness, intimacy, trust, honesty and so much more. I was so lucky - to have had someone simply amazing in my life. I am a better person for having been loved by him and he did set the standard by which every other was evaluated. Thank you GFM. Xo - MG

Yikes!! It’s hard to follow that, but I did say he set the standard. The other two that I want to thank are Curt and Chris – but not going to say anything except I am grateful for both (they know why) and so glad they are still in my life.

2) I am so grateful to Shelly and Brooke

For those of you who don’t know the “love story”, my sister (Shelly) is responsible for introducing me to my partner of 20+ years. She along with his father (Brooke), schemed - a picture of me passed hands - resulting in a phone call. But, I was not looking for love, and again my sister intervened…this time calling 9-1-1 (yep, it’s a crazy story to be shared over wine or whiskey) to jump start what she had started. And jump start she did. Whirlwind romance ensued. First house, got married, first baby, second baby, another house, third baby…whew!

Marriage isn’t easy (not that I thought it would be) and our love story has had its share of peaks and valleys, but tremendously grateful I am for both.

So thankful to be deeply loved by someone who is strong, passionate, funny, compassionate, stubborn, smart, courageous and, oh! has a higher credit rating than I do.

So grateful that I found someone who… • Eats all the meat out of the Chinese food, leaving the veggies for me. Joy!! • Gave me a card and a plant on the second date (I still think that is soooo cute!). • Ordered a fireman license plate ‘cause I am his "ReaGrl". • Puts Pride and Prejudice on for me • Dislikes cats, but bought me cat after cat because I love cats (and dogs, and chickens and ….). • Fills my stocking every Christmas with red vines, yogurt raisins and spearmint gum because he knows me. • Makes lists of “dream projects” so that one by one we can cross them off together. • Endures Lost with me (actually I am not grateful for this) • Shares the joys, pains, loves, losses of life with me. I could go on and on…

When the aliens haven’t kidnapped him and the Gemini hasn’t taken possession of me, we make for a great couple – or maybe we make a great couple because we persevere? In any event, thank you Shelly and Brooke for introducing me to Bruce. I am eternally grateful.

Gratitude Challenge – Day Six

1) I am so grateful for laughter (and tears)

I cannot imagine a life without laughter. It is well documented that there is a correlations between laughter and health. Laughter can lighten the hardest of conversations. And, it sounds odd just typing it, but crying allows one to release and then move on. Both laughter and tears have been good friends through the years. They have helped to attract great people in my life which have led to some amazing positive experiences.

2) I am so grateful for Charming Gardeners

Marcel Prost said, “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. They are charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Over the course of my life, I have been blessed with many acquaintances, but only a handful of charming gardeners. Brilliant and beautiful. Intelligent and witty. Courageous and strong. Loyal and Compassionate. Enough of what they are…now who they are……. Evangelia, Jenny, Vince, Chrissy, Tracey, Nicole, Marnie, Laura, and Robyn.

Thank you for adding meaning, joy, love and hope to my life. For being a solid shoulder during the most difficult of times and for laughing with me, at me and at yourselves at all times.

They say life is only as good as the people you get to share it with. Must be true because my life is SOOOOO good. I am so incredibly blessed to have you in my life.

Gratitude Challenge – Day Five

1) I am so grateful for my furry friends

Over the course of my life I have had sea monkeys, ants, fish, crawdads (thanks Randy), tortoise, turtles, rats, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, gerbils, dogs, parakeets, doves, chickens …. Hmmm what am I missing?

CATS!! (oooohhhh, and in the future, a ferret, rabbit and chinchilla, but back to CATSSS!!!!

“Crazy cat lady” Go ahead, call me what you will, but there is a special bond between me and my feline roommates. Jade, Bailey, Tabitha and Lucian – trusted companions. So grateful to them. Add Knight, Yosarrian, Este, Ailbe, Lyra and Uisce and my heart is full.

2) I am so grateful for my “cat friends”

Just as there is a special bond between me and my feline roommates there is a special bond between my crazy cat friends and our Ounce family.

I am very grateful for my wonderful mentor, Canie, who was introduced to me my no other than the simply amazing Donnette (my first cat friend). I am appreciative for Beth and Lori for their friendship. Cory for always offering a beer (cheers!). Jess for loving her cats more than anyone I know. Jon for his knowledge and huge heart. And, Robyn, who started as a “cat friend” but is one of my truly best friends. These co-crazy cat people have brought so much joy in my life. We have laughed, cried and shared a lot of cat pictures. Lol. Thank you friends.

I am equally as grateful for the parents of every kitten born from Ounce. We have been so blessed to find the most wonderful parents who love these kittens endlessly. I am so grateful for the sharing through the pictures, the stories and watching through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social mediums. You, Ounce Parents, I am so grateful for.