tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172183015653653432024-03-20T10:50:46.172-05:00Being Grateful: A Daily Dose of ThanksThornton Wilder once said, "We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." I
want to be conscious of these treasures.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-18923917182437326632013-07-14T16:42:00.001-05:002013-07-14T16:42:33.638-05:00#94-97: I am thankful for my overwhelming love for friends' new babies.<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I haven't had the desire to blog in a while. I was being followed by a little gray cloud called "Look at all the horrible injustices in the world and there's nothing I can do to stop it."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But the moment I met little baby Nora, who was just a day old, I felt as if things were getting a little better. A new little baby who is loved and wanted in this world. Totally innocent and seems absolutely perfect. She is so lucky to have been born to two wonderful people who will love her unconditionally. Holding her and watching her sleep and dream little baby dreams was uplifting. It's hard to think about all the horror and sadness and unfairness in the world when there is an itty-bitty baby sweetly sleeping in your arms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It feels a little weird, but even without meeting all the new babies that have been born recently in my circle of friends, I love each and every one of them. I loved Nora so much the moment I found out she was born and loved her that much more when I got to snuggle her and shower her with my tears of joy :) The love I have for all these new little babies is almost overwhelming. I can't wait to meet each and every one of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">#94- I am thankful for Nora Marie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">#95- I am thankful for Cora Faye.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">#96- I am thankful for Damon Jamison.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">#97- I am thankful for all the other little babies that have been born recently who I want to cuddle and love :)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-70053274962983808962013-07-10T11:44:00.003-05:002013-07-10T11:44:53.612-05:00#93- I am thankful for "getting back on the horse."I am thankful for the mere concept of "getting back on the horse."<br />
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So I've fallen off of the blogging "horse." And that's ok. Stuff happens. Life happens. Depression happens. And let's face it, shit happens.<br />
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When I was about 15 years old I took horseback riding lessons. I was in the beginner class with much younger children. The lesson plan for the day included learning the basic jumping maneuvers. I was riding one of my favorite horses who was very young and very big. She was just beautiful and I remember sneaking her little snacks of apples before and after the classes. Even though it was just a tiny little obstacle to jump over, she decided to jump as if it were much bigger. Well, I was not prepared for that and fell off the beautiful horse. I was fine. All of my bones were fine. The only consequence was a slightly bruised ego. After brushing off the dirt and re-adjusting my helmet, the instructor helped me back up. We tried the jump again and it went swimmingly. All was well. I continued to ride for the rest of the year and that was that. So, I fell of a horse. It didn't scare me from getting back on again. <br />
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That was many years ago. Since then I have only gone horseback riding a small handful times so please excuse my lack of proper equestrian vocabulary. Even the lingo I did know at one time was in French so that really doesn't help at all.<br />
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But alas, I fell off of the blogging horse and couldn't seem to get back on. So here I am, attempting to blog once again. I continue to be thankful and grateful for many things but sometimes it is hard to put them into words. <br />
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So there it is. I'm thankful for the ability to get back on a horse, or a blog or well, anything, after a fall.<br />
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Because honestly if I decided to never do anything again after I've had a fall, then I'd never get to go anywhere because I wouldn't be walking anywhere.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-5373406546949487922013-02-07T18:56:00.003-06:002013-02-07T18:56:29.757-06:00#92- I am thankful for the JV Club.<br />
I am thankful for the <a href="http://www.nerdist.com/imagesizer.jpg?src=/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/jvclub.png&w=300&h=200&zc=1">JV Club</a>.<br />
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We seem to live in a world where we are encouraged to compete, compare, mistrust and almost HATE one another. We need to focus on supporting each other and encouraging each other to be the best people we can be rather than knocking each other down, being cruel and expressing the ugly parts of ourselves. We are constantly being told not to share our feelings and emotions and to not be so sensitive. The JV Club embraces the feelings we have, the tears we cry and joy we feel and accepts it for what it is, real life and the human experience.<br />
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A friend recommended this amazing podcast that I've been (mildly obsessively) listening to lately. The JV Club has some of the most honest, open and authentic conversations I've ever heard in such a public forum. It is SO wonderful to hear women talk about their own experiences growing up in such a genuine and sincere way. The stories told have brought me to tears, made me laugh and made me feel like I am part of the conversation even though I am miles away and have never met any of these women. Some episodes are funny and reminiscent of the awkward and funny moments of childhood and adolescence and other episodes delve deeper into much heavier and traumatic experiences.<br />
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After listening to these intimate conversations I feel a closeness to the host, Janet Varney and to each one of her guests and just want to give them all huge tear-filled hugs and hope I don't get tears and snot on their shoulders.<br />
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The level of acceptance and openness you hear during each episode is refreshing to hear. There is not an ounce of pretense, but rather a genuine interest in one another other's lives and experiences which seems rare in comparison to my own experiences and observations of our society. The episodes I've listened to thus far have filled me with hope, inspiration and a sense of community with the host, guests and other listeners.<br />
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Knowing that these women exist and that there is a community of people who listen to each podcast gives me hope for our society. Our life experiences, both good and bad, are valuable and have helped mold us into who we are today. We all hold amazing stories and experiences and have the ability to inspire others.<br />
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I am so thankful for this podcast and can not recommend it enough. It is as exquisite as it is insightful.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-40815821525652455112013-01-04T16:19:00.000-06:002013-01-04T16:19:42.843-06:00#91- I am thankful for spending NYE at home in my pjs.I am thankful for quiet nights spent at home, especially on New Year's Eve.<br />
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When everyone seems to be out and about at a variety of celebratory places, I like to be home, in my pajamas, with my life-partner-in-crime. People are kind of crazy on New Year's Eve and on top of that there is imbibing-overload. I'd rather be off the road and at a safe distance from drunk drivers and out-of-control and rambunctious folks.<br />
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I prefer to ring in the new year in the comfort of my own home, being able to reflect on the past year and enjoying the company of my precious cats and life-mate. Being comfortable in my pj's sweats and slippers is how I like to spend the last moments of the year and the first moments of the new year. It's not that I don't like being out and about and surrounding myself with friends and family and general joviality, I just prefer to lay low on such a glitter, libation and confetti-filled night. <br />
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Being able to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, a roof over our heads, the love of our family, friends and of course pets, the love in our hearts and being able to be grateful for what we have rather than focusing on what we don't have is how I'd like to spend this year and the years to come.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-37353589077811661272013-01-02T13:19:00.001-06:002013-01-02T13:19:43.811-06:00#90- I am thankful for common courtesy.I am thankful for common courtesy.<br />
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I am thankful every single time a complete stranger holds a door for me, gives up their seat on the train for me, says please and thank you and offers assistance if it looks like I might need it. It often feels like kindness and politeness are contagious. After witnessing someone being kind, I want to follow suit and be kinder to others as well. I want to give up my seat on the train for someone who looks like they need it more than I do, I want to hold the door for the person behind me, I want to help someone with their belongings up and down the stairs, I want to be a better person.<br />
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There are times when I think that the concept of common courtesy, manners and being polite are not a priority in our society. Working in retail and in a major theme park for several years, I could count on 2 hands the number of children who were polite without their adults urging. I don't understand this since I remember being taught to say please and thank you and may I have from a very early age. Even adults seem to have forgotten these common phrases.<br />
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Please be kind to others. Please be polite to others. Let those concepts be contagious. Thank you for reading :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-80836300802333191222013-01-02T11:46:00.000-06:002013-01-02T11:46:09.507-06:00#89- I am thankful for J.K. Rowling.J.K. Rowling has created a magical world that has allowed me and millions of others to get lost in. Without her I wouldn't still be waiting for my letter from Hogwarts and wish that I was friends with Harry, Ron and Hermione.<br />
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The world she created is more than just a fantasy world. It's a mystical place with witches and wizards, owls and rats, goblins, trolls and house-elves. There are lessons to be learned and morals to be gained from reading these books.<br />
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I was resistant to reading these books initially, as I thought it was just a passing fad and I wasn't that interested in the fantasy genre to begin with but I will forever be thankful for the professor who gave it as a reading assignment in a Children's Literature class.<br />
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I love being able to get lost in these books and the enchanting world within the pages and even though I know it isn't real, it almost seems as if I've been transformed as I finish the last page.<br />
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Thank you J.K. Rowling for your creativity and ability to create a world that I wish was real.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-21389737140872716482012-12-11T13:50:00.001-06:002012-12-11T13:50:07.448-06:00#88- I am thankful for the "holiday spirit."<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know not everyone agrees with me on this, but I LOVE Christmas-time and the holidays. I'm not Christian AND I've worked in retail, two things that should make me less enthusiastic about this time of year. But there's something about the decorations, the movies, the carols, the sights and smells of Christmas that I just LOVE. I love classy holiday decorations and I love the tackiest of holiday decorations. I am in all my glory wearing an ugly Christmas sweater and gaudy Christmas headbands with antlers. I just love it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've got the Christmas spirit and it's hard to deny. Even though the "holiday spirit" is something that is primarily felt this time of year, I wish that people could be generous, thoughtful and kind the whole year through. The concept of giving to those in need and being kind to others should be something that isn't ignored once Christmas is over. I wish that that the idea of holiday spirit could be spread throughout the year and that it was a part of our everyday human spirit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am thankful for the holiday spirit and I am going to try to keep it all year through.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-59313826712581326632012-11-27T11:46:00.000-06:002012-11-27T11:46:23.986-06:00#87 I am thankful for shared recipes.This Thanksgiving, our meal was made that much better because of shared recipes. Both family and friends were a part of our meal even though they were not actually with us for dinner. <br />
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I am thankful for recipes that are passed down through families and become traditions at holidays and other special meals. These traditions help us stay close to our families even though they may live far away or are no longer with us.<br />
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Just as our lives have been shaped by our families and the people we hold close to our hearts, our meal was also shaped by our loved ones. While our Thanksgiving table only had 2 people seated at it, while preparing the meal, eating and enjoying our food, we were thankful for the people in our life.<br />
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I am thankful for my quiet Thanksgiving that was made better by people who shared their delicious recipes with me.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-59003369156997686472012-11-21T14:00:00.000-06:002012-11-21T14:00:13.012-06:00#86- I am thankful for bedtime stories!<div style="text-align: center;">
#86- I am thankful for bedtime stories.</div>
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I love reading. I love books. I love reading books to children! I love when children enjoy being read to! </div>
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I am thankful for each and every bedtime story that I have read and all the bedtime stories that were read to me. I remember being read to as a child and loving every moment. I loved listening and using my imagination. And I love being able to give children that opportunity as well. It's such a special bonding time between a child and an adult. Bedtime stories can be soothing and calming. Bedtime stories can inspire. Bedtime stories can enrich your life.</div>
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Every time I read a bedtime story to children I'm transported to a sweeter, more gentle time when things were simple and life wasn't quite as complicated. It's hard to become overwhelmed with doubt and sadness but when I read bedtime stories to children, I'm able to be present and in the moment and not focus on the things that give me stress.</div>
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I look forward to every moment where I'm able to read to children and would love to be able to do it more often! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-25429707693362868592012-11-19T23:22:00.000-06:002012-11-20T09:32:22.816-06:00#84 and #85- What are kids thankful for?I asked a pair of 4 year old twins what they were thankful for and the responses are as follows.<br />
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(#84) Twin 1- I'm thankful for you! (I then received a hug which completely melted my heart.) I am thankful for my sister! I am thankful for my mom and dad! I am thankful for everyone else!<br />
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(#85) Twin 2- I'm thankful for EVERYBODY! When I asked her to elaborate I recieved a "I'm just thankful for everybody!"<br />
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I then got to snuggle them while reading bedtime stories. These are the moments that I am thankful for. I am thankful for these darling children!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-59140799421786527582012-11-08T10:11:00.000-06:002012-11-08T10:11:38.885-06:00#83- I am thankful for the man on the L Tuesday night.Living in a city means that I take a lot of public transportation. Buses and trains are a daily part of my life. More often then not, this involves seeing and smelling things that are unpleasant, getting pushed and shoved without an "excuse me" and being a part of the "rat race."<br />
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Every once in a while I have an experience on the train or bus that makes me feel better about humanity. Sometimes that means that someone offered up their seat to someone in need, someone helping someone else with their belongings, or seeing someone say "thank you" to the driver or operator.<br />
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Tuesday night was a stressful night. Anxiety was practically seeping out of my pores. Election night seems to bring the best and the worst out in people. I left work and made my way to the train. While waiting for a train there was an older gentleman singing beautifully. He wasn't a street performer or asking for money. He was just another commuter who was singing. He was singing Nat King Cole's "Smile." While a heartbreaking song, it was an amazing experience. The sound of his voice was melodic and warm and brought a sense of peace. It was as if his voice had the power to ease all of my stress and anxiousness. <br />
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When the train approached I made sure to get on the same train-car that he got on. I ended up sitting relatively close to him and he continued to sing. Instead of ignoring this man's singing, it was as if the other passengers were hypnotized by this beautiful music. Everyone was paying attention and you could feel the stress just melt off of everyone. It was a wonderful experience.<br />
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At the end of one of his songs I had to tell him how much I appreciated his singing. I lightly touched his arm and told him that his voice was beautiful. He said, "Thank you. Singing makes me feel good." I told him that it made others feel good too. He continued singing and I was almost sad that I had to get off the train. I wanted to ride with him for longer.<br />
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I am thankful for this man with the beautiful voice and for his amazing talent. I am thankful for how he made me and the others around him feel.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-6432250404918100172012-11-05T13:59:00.000-06:002012-11-05T13:59:48.738-06:00#82- I am thankful for being overwhelmed by love.Lately I've been in a funk. It's as if a gray cloud has made it's home directly over my body, mind and soul. Occasionally there is angry, sad, frustrated rain that falls from this cloud. Things have felt colder, darker and well, less fulfilling. I haven't been able to find the joy and happiness that usually lives somewhere just below my rib cage. It's been a lot harder to find things to be thankful for, hence the lack of posts. I know this is when I need to find things to be thankful for even more, because I need to remind myself that there is goodness, light and peace in our hectic world.<br />
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So, here I am, writing this entry. I do apologize for the lack of thankful posts. I've needed them, but just haven't had the energy needed to try to cheer myself up. </div>
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That is why I am so thankful for the times when I feel as if I could burst because of the love I feel in my heart. This love is often due to special people who have touched my life or special moments that I will cherish forever. These moments usually happen suddenly and when I least expect it, but it feels almost as if a warm blanket of love is wrapped around my shoulders and there is a sense of peace in my heart. It's as if there is pressure in my chest as my heart expands with hundreds of tiny little red puffy hearts full of joy. This is usually when my eyes fill with happy tears because this sense of love is so powerful.</div>
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I am so very thankful for the ability to love and to be loved by others. These kinds of moments are powerful and relatively rare. They remind me that there are wonderful people in my life and in the world. These people bring light and happiness to the people around them and radiate joy.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-50217339516355900762012-10-22T18:25:00.001-05:002012-10-22T18:25:49.617-05:00Thankful #81- ReconnectingThere are people who touch our lives and our souls who we love dearly no matter how long we may go without seeing or speaking with them. There is a place in my heart for specific people who have made a meaningful impact on my life but for unknown reasons, I've lost touch with. It could be physical or emotional distance, busy and hectic schedules or reasons that are unknown to both parties, but I still cherish these people deeply.<br />
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Thanks to the internet and my mild addiction to Facebook, I've been able to reconnect with many of these people. Seeing someone who I've always had very fond memories of and feelings for, after MANY years, is a wonderful feeling. Being able to reconnect in person, even if for a short period makes me feel re-energized and motivated as well as nostalgic and loved.<br />
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I'm very thankful for the opportunity to reconnect and reunite with people who inspire me to be a better person and to seek greater things in life. <br />
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People may come and go in our lives, but their very being can leave a huge impression on us. Even if reconnecting isn't possible with every person I've lost touch with, I want to express my appreciation for the love, support and friendship I've received throughout my life.<br />
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I am thankful for reconnecting with old friends.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-76984336279611508572012-10-21T14:47:00.000-05:002012-10-21T14:47:26.570-05:00#76- #80 I am thankful for the following:#76- Pro-Choice Men <br />
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#77- Straight Allies<br />
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#78- 1%-ers who understand the struggles of the rest of the population<br />
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#79- The Righteous Among the Nations<br />
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Christians protect Muslims during prayer in the midst of the uprisings in Cairo, Egypt, in 2011.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-43515062809985030722012-10-21T14:07:00.000-05:002012-10-21T14:07:53.760-05:00#75 I am thankful for my nephew Ryan!A belated birthday post for Ryan's 11th birthday!<br />
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I am so lucky to have my nephew Ryan in my life. He is a joy to be around and is incredibly kind and sweet. He is generous and thoughtful. When Ryan heard that Brian's iPod was stolen, he offered his own as a replacement. That kind of generosity is hard to find in adults, let alone in children.<br />
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Ryan has a good heart, gives good hugs and is so much fun to be around! I am so lucky and thankful to have such a wonderful nephew!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-71092959389489764342012-10-09T15:39:00.002-05:002012-10-09T15:39:48.903-05:00#74- I am thankful for Feminism.Anyone who knows me well, knows how passionate I am about feminism. I am <b>proud</b> to say that I am a feminist. Feminism is NOT a bad word and I refuse to take it as an insult. One of my biggest pet peeves is when I hear someone say, "I hate to sound like a feminist but,..." or "I'm not a feminist but,..." IT DRIVES ME NUTS! You should be feel pride in your feminist beliefs not shame.<br />
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I am thankful for feminism because without it I would not be able to own property or vote, I'd be seen as property of my husband, weak and unable to make my own choices regarding having children. Without feminism I wouldn't be able to wear a skirt without being called a slut, I'd be forced to bear the child of a rapist, I'd be unable to leave an abusive partner and I wouldn't be able to report a supervisor for sexual harassment.<br />
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I am thankful for the feminists who fought for women's rights and continue to do so. I am thankful for feminism.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-66785573482628951782012-10-01T18:20:00.001-05:002012-10-01T18:20:28.853-05:00#73- I am thankful for positive energy.Positive energy, more specifically, people who are able to share their positive energy with others, are SO valuable in the world.<br />
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I am so very thankful for the people in my life, who, no matter what has happened or how bad things have gotten for them, continue to stay positive and radiate joy. I am thankful for those individuals who are able to see the silver lining on almost all clouds. I am thankful for hugs, smiles, words of encouragement from people whose happiness is contagious.<br />
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Happiness, joy, laughter and positivity are contagious. Unfortunately so are unhappiness, anxiety and grumpiness. If we choose to be affected by the emotions of others, let's try to only be affected by the positive energy, rather than the negative. We have the power to let other people affect us, so only allow the positive energy to penetrate your emotional boundaries.<br />
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You are wonderful. You are strong. You are loved. Stay positive.<br />
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I am inspired by positive people and I am thankful for the contagious nature of positivity.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-31504258256536659682012-10-01T12:32:00.002-05:002012-10-01T12:32:42.095-05:00#72- I am thankful for inspiration.Sometimes I need a reminder that the world is full of wonder, happiness and joy not just hatred, prejudice and war. There are times where I am in funk, in a rut, stuck in a negative head-space and I need something to remind me that there are things that make life worth living.<br />
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Life is not always full of puppies, rainbows and cupcakes. But without these low points, I don't know if I could fully appreciate the moments where I am inspired or in awe of the beauty of the world.<br />
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I can be inspired by many things; books, art, nature, tv shows, movies, individuals, almost anything and everything really.<br />
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Every now and then something strikes a chord within my soul. I am inspired to create, to act, to be present in the moment. Sometimes I have to search for inspiration other times it just hits me out of the blue.<br />
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I want to be inspired and for the world to be full of positive inspiration.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-32648374481360567212012-09-23T17:53:00.000-05:002012-09-23T17:56:13.189-05:00#71- I am thankful for my partner/husband/life partner in crime.I am so very grateful for my husband.<br />
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I feel like the luckiest person on the planet to have such a wonderful partner in love and in life. I feel loved and accepted and understood every single day. Even when I'm especially cantankerous, he still loves me. I feel understood even when I don't understand my own feelings or emotions. The feeling of being loved unconditionally is the most wonderful and amazing feeling.<br />
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In the past 8 years together and 4 years of marriage, we have grown spiritually and emotionally together. Even when things look grim, when our pantry and bank accounts may be close to bare, when we are not feeling well or being lazy about household chores, our love still remains strong. <br />
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I am so thankful for being loved by my partner, my husband, my life-partner-in-crime. I am so very thankful for his kindness, selflessness and generosity. I am thankful for every single moment that we have been together and for every moment that is yet to come.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-35303794030281310852012-09-23T17:28:00.000-05:002012-09-23T17:28:54.162-05:00#70 I am thankful for people who support the arts.The arts. All of the arts. Theater, painting, sculpting, music, poetry, dance, etc. I am so very thankful for the people who support the arts. People who donate money, time, objects, and their efforts are in need of more appreciation. <br />
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Funding for the arts is becoming harder and harder to come by so theater companies, art and music public education programs and other non-profit art programs are having to do more vigorous fundraising.<br />
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Yes, people need food and shelter and healthcare first, there is no denying that. But communities also need creative outlets and opportunities. People benefit from the arts. The emotional and spiritual benefits of creative expression are endless. People who support the arts in any way they can are so important to the artistic community. Supporting anyone's creative endeavors is validating to more than just that one person.<br />
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I'm not going to bother providing statistics about how art and music education increase SAT scores, but I know how art and the freedom to express myself creatively has increased my quality of life. Visual arts, music, theater and dance have made my entire life and the lives of many of those around me so much more vibrant and full. <br />
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Support the arts. Donate $1 to a local art program or theater company. Help support the creative community.<br />
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Here are some artistic programs that I support and encourage you to do the same: <br />
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Promethean Theatre Ensemble <br />
<a href="http://www.prometheantheatre.org/">http://www.prometheantheatre.org/ </a><br />
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City Lit Theater<br />
<a href="http://citylit.org/">http://citylit.org/</a><br />
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Striding Lion Performance Group<br />
<a href="http://www.stridinglion.org/Home.html">http://www.stridinglion.org/Home.html</a><br />
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Oracle<br />
<a href="http://publicaccesstheatre.org/">http://publicaccesstheatre.org/</a><br />
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Prologue Theatre Company <br />
<a href="http://www.prologuetheatreco.org/">http://www.prologuetheatreco.org/</a><br />
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The Mime Company<br />
<a href="http://themimecompany.com/">http://themimecompany.com/ </a><br />
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Filament Theatre Ensemble<br />
<a href="http://www.filamenttheatre.org/">http://www.filamenttheatre.org/</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-65051685967502205892012-09-19T19:27:00.002-05:002012-09-19T19:27:44.554-05:00#69 I am thankful for waves from random children.I just love when I'm walking down the street and while passing a child he or she waves at me unprovoked. It just seems like the sweetest gesture.<br />
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We live in a society where people don't automatically say hello or good morning or good afternoon to each other. We are now too busy with what's going on on our cell phones, iPods, ereaders, etc and we don't want or need the human interaction as we go about our daily lives.<br />
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That's what I love so much about inquisitive, curious children. They want to learn and know about the people around them. That's what I find so inspiring about children. The sweet innocence of a wave or a grin or a cheerful "Hi" is what I am thankful for in this very moment.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-42624203990215881322012-09-19T19:10:00.000-05:002012-09-19T19:10:48.186-05:00#68 I am thankful for Wednesdays.I am thankful for Wednesdays.<br />
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Wednesdays mean you have made it through half the week. It means you've "gotten over the hump." If you've survived this far, you can definitely make it through the rest of the week. Only 2 more days until the weekend! You can make it! You can do it! You're almost through the dark tunnel of the week and you can see the light at the end of the table.<br />
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Wednesdays. Midweek. Hump day. I'm thankful for you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-54263800887081915282012-09-19T19:05:00.001-05:002012-09-19T19:05:23.175-05:00#67 I am thankful for the crisp autumn air.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am thankful for the crisp autumn air. After months of heat and heavy summer air, the refreshing feeling of cooler weather and transition is so exhilarating. Fall, the season where the leaves start to change, cardigans, sweaters, layers, pumpkin food and the fresh cool air.<br />
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Step outside, stand still, close your eyes and feel the air of transition and change. The new season brings change and growth. Letting go of the past and moving on.<br />
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Oh crisp fall air,...how I am so very thankful for you.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-57294220982374463552012-09-18T21:57:00.003-05:002012-09-18T22:02:19.213-05:00#66: I am thankful for quiet reflection.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am thankful for quiet reflection. Those moments where you can have your own thoughts and remember who you are outside of all the material distractions. Being able to think quietly, being aware of your own thoughts and ideas. Being able to find your true self. Being present in your body, mind and soul. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-817218301565365343.post-27854654508031985092012-09-18T21:31:00.001-05:002012-09-18T21:56:01.788-05:00#65 I am thankful for my niece.Today is my niece's 9th birthday and I am so thankful for her!<br />
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Emme is an amazing girl. She's so smart and creative. She is incredibly sweet and thoughtful. Her loving nature is contagious. I feel so lucky to have her in my life.<br />
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Being with her makes me smile and laugh. Her passion for learning and the world around her is admirable. She loves reading and books, which makes my heart melt. I love seeing the world through her eyes, innocent and full of light.<br />
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Although I don't see her often, I love being with her! We have SO much fun! We have so much fun making up stories, coloring, knitting, dancing.<br />
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I love and adore her and am SO thankful for her.<br />
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Today and every day, I am thankful for my niece Emme!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384965354154131961noreply@blogger.com0