good and beautiful things

 I have been keeping a daily gratitude list for several years now.  It tends to consist of simple things, usually nothing too spectacular. But aren't the simple things often spectacular as well? Perhaps it's how we choose to view them.  

>My girlfriend and I watched Unsung Hero in the movie theatres a few days ago. What a great movie! I do love films that tell a good story, based on actual facts, and this one was that. Hope you get to watch it! What did I love about it? It reminded me of the value and blessing of family and how bonds can be strengthened if we are willing to support each other and work through hard times together.  

>Spending time in the garden, planting seeds, with some 'help' from my spunky five year old granddaughter. Playing with dirt and water and dandelions while chattering away in her own little world, she was a joy to observe. I wish I had taken a photo of the dandelion crown she was wearing, until she decided it was time to discard it ;)  But, it's not like we can't make another one.... 

>Heading out tonight to enjoy our local (fantastic) symphony orchestra present Mozart's Requiem, "one of the most captivating and powerful works ever composed", which will include soloists and a chorus. Music to soothe the soul! 

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched-they must be felt with the heart.     

                                                                                             Helen Keller 

Summertime...

... and the livin' is easy. So much of my life is beautiful right now. 

We've spent a week camping with family and enjoyed lazy days at the beach, hikes, and even natural hot springs in a spectacular riverside setting in the woods, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. 

 I stand outside my door in the quiet and gaze at the river, the hills and mountains. I look up at the spreading Willow  and the Russian Olive trees thriving near the river. I watch a trail of ducks paddle by. And I feel a little overwhelmed by the beauty surrounding me. I get to enjoy this every day.  

I hear the voice of my grandson "Hey, Oma!" in the morning as I step out of my little home. He joins me on a walk to the garden, looking for any changes. We move the large leaves aside in one of the raised beds and discover a cucumber! And a zucchini! We pull up a garlic bulb to see how big it is. He joyfully runs to hang it up to dry in the garden shed. He is my sidekick in the garden, for sure! 

I look at photos and texts on our family texting site and feel grateful that my adult children are all in good places right now. It hasn't always been so. 

And I remind myself... never take this for granted. Never EVER take where you are RIGHT NOW for granted. 

I feel grateful and I feel sad at the same time. 

I feel sad because our world is in such upheaval right now, and I wonder what that will mean for our children and grandchildren. 

Can one be happy and sad at the same time? I believe so. I can still choose what to focus on when life gets overwhelming. And for me, that is truth.  Living hope. Not wishful thinking. 

 Our associate pastor spoke on Psalm 23 last Sunday.  It really is one of my favorite Psalms.  

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not WANT. Or, put another way, I have EVERYTHING I need. Or, put another way, I LACK NOTHING. 

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. 

This Psalm was written by David when he was being chased by a king who wanted him DEAD. How could David say words like these in those times? I ponder that a lot. Could it be because he had experienced God's rescue at other times? He had trust in his God. And because of that, he ultimately felt secure, no matter what. 

Sometimes when I wake in the night, I recite this psalm, because it gives me comfort and readjusts my focus. 

And so, I continue to enjoy life and express gratefulness for all I have been given on this day, at this time, in this place.  And I continue to remind myself that my hope is in a God who loves and cares for His creation - this world. 

In this world we will have trouble, but take heart, Jesus has overcome the world!  The future is bright! 

~the best part~

It may not be the BEST part, but definitely one of the best parts about being a mom is (hopefully) you get to become a grandmom, too! I know there are no guarantees. Especially in this day and age, it's not something one can count on, anymore. But... in my case, I have been blessed with five  grandchildren (one will be born in June!). I do not take that for granted! I am thankful almost daily for these special little humans! 

Today, I took my little three year old granddaughter Audrey out to the garden centre and then to Wendy's for lunch. She was thrilled. I was thrilled. It was our first ever grandmother/granddaughter date, and I'm hoping for many more. I can't imagine her as a teenager and still wanting to hang out with Oma, but it might happen! I've seen it happen! 

My 20 year old nephew took my 85 year old mother (his grandmother) shopping the other day for shoes! She told me he had her sit down while he unboxed the various shoes and put them on her feet. He was patient and caring. I think that's pretty amazing! I sent him a text to thank him for taking the time to care for my mom.. it means a lot, especially since all of her daughters do not live near her.  His reply was "I've told Oma that if she needs anything to just let me know." Wow.  If I have anything to do with it, those are goals I have for myself. To have such a good relationship with my grandchildren that they would want to help me out when I'm old, weak, and slow. And kudos to his parents for raising such a stellar young man. 

Grateful me. 

Just a little update

 I've been really avoiding updating my About Me on the sidebar, but it really is time. The thing is, whenever I look at it, I'm reminded of the change that has happened in the last 6 weeks. 

I won't go into detail here, because I've shared this enough times with friends, but our dear little chi Enzo passed away on December 7th after a prolonged seizure. Those of you with beloved pets know how hard it is to say goodbye to them. Let's just say, I still think of little E and miss him daily. I guess having his photo on my phone homescreen can account for that, in part, anyway! 

Last year, I commissioned a friend to create a cut paper art print of a photo I sent her, and then I framed it. I'm so glad I did that. This little guy found a place in our hearts and in our family, and that won't change. 

And, so I will update my About Me soon... but there's another change happening any day now, so I'll wait for that! My daughter in law will be giving birth to her third child soon! She is due on January 25th. I'm getting excited to meet my freshest grandchild! 

Grand-love

 I was sitting with my three year old grandson at the table, side by side.  Little Clark was quietly playing with the playdough and matchbox trucks he loves, moving 'rocks' and 'logs' from one spot to another. I was working on a little knitting project and fiddling with my phone, trying to find the perfect kids Christmas playlist. 

"Oma, play with me", he said quietly, looking up at me with his beautiful blue eyes. I stopped and looked at him.  He gave me a heart-melting smile and turned, wrapping his little arms around me. 

"Oma, play with me," he repeated, maintaining eye contact, his little chin pointing up.

"Of course, sweetie", I replied, putting down my knitting, smiling at him. We chatted, two workers loading up trucks with rocks. 

 

Thanks for the reminder, dear little one. 

Five Good Things

There is much today to be to be saddened about, to be frustrated about, to be anxious about, and yes, even to fear. I could probably write a long post about all of those things. But... I'm not going to, at least not today!

Instead, I'm going to think of five good things that have come out of social distancing and the other circumstances that have arisen out of the CoVid19 pandemic that we are all now facing.

1. I've become more appreciative of store employees. For some of them, their job description has changed and they are managing line ups of potentially anxious people in mostly a friendly manner. I've stayed away from stores (many have closed now)  more than usual lately, so heading to Costco this morning suddenly made this CoVid19 threat feel a whole lot more real.

We waited 40 min to enter the store. Implemented: Social distancing, cart handle wiping,
and a minimal number of shoppers allowed in at one time 

2. I'm learning new skills online, like video editing. Mind you, I'm talking about simply cutting a video up into smaller files so they will send! But maybe I'll learn how to add music too!

3. I've sent my  almost 3 yo grandson a Storytime with Oma episode. I talked to him, and read a book aloud, showing him the pictures. I realize there are MANY book reading sites online, but when OMA does it, it becomes more special. Apparently, he enjoyed it! I might bring my puppets out for the next episode ;)

Back a week or so when we could still visit regularly!

4. I've connected with a few neighbours that, honestly, I hardly know except to chat with over the back fence each gardening season (starts in May usually) or to buy honey or eggs from. This month I've had a simple chat on the phone to check in on a widow in my neighbourhood, and dropped off some fresh baked goods. I know it's important and necessary and simply the right thing to do. We all need to know someone out there is watching out for us, especially if we're elderly and housebound. I've have to push myself to do this, because I generally don't tend to go looking for strangers to visit with. But it's been good. At this time, we really can't visit in person, except to stand outside the door a safe distance away.

5. I'm showing my face a little more online. I usually like to stay quite anonymous or at least I don't put my face out there too much. But now I'm using FB Messenger Video, FaceTime, and Marco Polo more often. I love to text, but at this time in history, it just makes sense to see the faces of the people I'm communicating with. And I think that's a good thing for now! Makes us all feel a sense of community a bit more, don't you think?

What good things have you noticed in this unique time we are living through right now?

Y is for Youth

Being around little people once again has brought such a fullness to my life. What is it about being around the young? What is the attraction of childlikeness?

Young children have such a 'joie de vivre'  and who doesn't want that?  They have energy. They live life in the present, without worry of the future. They aren't afraid to ask questions, to think, and to explore. They find joy in small things. They aren't afraid to make mistakes.

Spending time with my grandson brings back so many memories of when I was a young mom. My heart was full and I found so much joy in simply watching my children learn and enjoy life. They were so dependent on us, their parents.  To give myself to their growth and development, to focus on their happiness and health instead of just my own, expanded my life. We are meant to share and love and live in community and family says it best, I think. 

I don't want to forget what it means to be a child, and thankfully, the gift of grandchildren will remind me! 

Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty...Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.
~Franz Kafka

U is for Up Close

Up is where my little chihuahua Prince Enzo belongs. He simply LOVES to be up on my lap. His favorite pastime is to be covered with a blanket and snooze on (or beside) someone. He lets out a deep sigh and settles in. He enjoys being as close to his humans as possible. .

My little grandson either puts his hands in the air or says "up" when he wants to be carried. He loves kisses and hugs, so it's a joy to snuggle with him, too.

Pets and wee ones feel loved when held close. It's a reminder to let the people know that they are appreciated. Kind words and hugs. Keep your humans and your fur babies close!

K is for Kindness

 Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life will we have learned to live well with others.Cesar Chavez

Both children and animals are totally dependent on the care of others. Their dependency reminds us that we were all once that vulnerable. What a responsibility we have towards those who cannot speak for themselves!

We are teaching our grandson, by example, to be very gentle, and most of the time he is. If we see him doing otherwise, we remind him that Enzo needs to be treated very carefully and that we are kind to our animals as well as our people. 

J is for Joy

The other day I took my grandson and Enzo the Chi outdoors for a little romp in the backyard. It was a warm, sunny day-- the kind of day you imagine when you think 'spring'. Well, Enzo couldn't contain his joy. He zipped up and down the yard, and ran back and forth past us as I played tag with him. I swear he was smiling! Little C and I both had a good laugh over watching this little canine go crazy.

I wonder when was the last time I literally jumped for joy? Well, my heart was full of joy when I met my new granddaughter for the first time yesterday, but I didn't jump. I got a little emotional and quiet, to be honest. Joy can be expressed that way, too. 

Moments of wild abandonment and letting loose are healthy for anyone. Little children and happy dogs remind me what it's like to express joy without reservation.

I is for Identity

Often when little C comes over for a visit, we play the naming game. He loves picture books and loves to point to the objects we ask him to find. He's also beginning to name us. Opa is "pa" and Oma is "omm-ma". And he is even starting to say his own name. He knows who he is and he's quite proud of it!

It is wonderful to watch little children, so secure in who they are. They haven't yet experienced the words and actions of others to make them begin to believe they are somehow lacking and 'not good enough'.

I wish every person could keep their childlike confidence and know their inherent value.  We are all unique and valuable, but sometimes it seems to take a lifetime to regain our true identity and be comfortable in our own skin.

 This song has been playing in my head while I was thinking about my word for today.

In other news, my second grandchild entered the world yesterday at 5:18 am! A sister for C! Be still, my heart! What a little miracle a newborn baby is-- another precious human being with her own identity. And we are excited to witness her unique little character and personality unfold!

D is for Dining

When little grandson C comes over for a visit or an overnight stay, it often includes dinner. At our house, we make a point of setting the table (a simple set up, really) and eating in a relaxed manner. Little C knows he gets to set  his own plate, bowl, and cutlery on the table. He used to proudly push his Ikea high chair over to the table, but he's graduated to the booster seat now. He's happy to sit down together with us to share a meal. My heart melts when he bows his little head before we dig in.  We love to see him enjoy his food. We're learning what he does and doesn't like. These days he is using his 'no's and 'mmmmmm's quite freely. It's quite amusing.

To live well,  enjoy the little things like sitting down at the table to supper, however simple it may be.

These are the same dishes my grandson's daddy used when he was a wee one. 

My young teacher

"The older I am, the younger are my teachers"  

I read this today on Instagram this morning, and  I've been ruminating on it ever since.  I know that I have been reminded to appreciate the little things, to be present in the moment, and to celebrate victories, large and small!  All this from my almost-two-year-old grandson.

Truth!

Thursday 13- the Gift Edition

How can it be Thursday already?! December 27 at that!

Did you have a wish list this Christmas, or maybe you just added items to one that was only in your head. Did you  walk into a store shopping for someone else, and then spot something and think "I'd like that!" Yes, that was me. I refrained from actually buying for myself, though (although my hubby and I were shopping and he bought me something on the spot!) 

Gift giving and receiving has come and gone. I so enjoyed watching my little  20 month old grandson help to open presents this year. I think he enjoyed that more than the actual gifts he received!

For this Thursday Thirteen, I've decided to list 13 things I have already that I am very thankful for.. gifts that weren't under the tree. It puts things in perspective when we all sometimes get caught up in the "I really wanted" or "I wish I had received" vortex.

1. Running Water. When I turn on the tap in the kitchen, both hot and cold water are available.

2. My Kitchen. One that most would agree 'needs an update'.

3. Kitchen Gadgets.More than I need.

4. Friendly Neighbours. I actually do have a neighbour I can call at anytime and I know she'd be there to help out, if needed.

5. Safe Transportation.

6. A warm cozy bed to fall into each night.

7. My sweet little pet, Enzo.

8. Health Care when I need it.

9. A family that loves and cares for me.

10. Wonderful children and their loved ones.

11. The internet - keeping up with friends and family!

12. More food than we need.

13.  Our public library - so many books, so little time

Thursday 13 - How do I love thee?

I spent the morning child minding my little 20 month old grandson, the light of my life! So, I thought, why not list the ways to show love to my little sweet pea?

1. give him a home baked oatmeal scone
2. read a book, especially one where he has to lift the flaps or find objects!
3. chase him around
4. teach him how to play hide and seek
5. twirl him around in a swivel chair, first one way, then the other
6. turn on the music and dance with him
7. snuggle with him
8. have a sleepover
9. smother him with kisses
10. carry him around and  let him touch the trinkets and decor around your home
11. let your hand puppet talk to him
12. let him throw doggie toys for Enzo the chi to retrieve
13. tickle him

The books are coming!

I've been on a sort of book binge lately. I received a generous Amazon gift card from my previous employer when I moved on to other adventures at the end of June. To me Amazon equates books, even though I could order so many other items,  and so I began loading up my cart, looking for both new and used good reads. I finally clicked on 'checkout' and now I'm happily awaiting the mail carrier each day to see if there's another package to open.

Here is one I received this past week. The Power of a Praying Grandparent by Stormie Omartian is  a book of encouragement and prayers to remind me to pray consistently for my grandchildren (one dear little boy and one on the way so far!). It reminds me to focus on encouraging my son and his wife as they start out their parenting adventure. I remember how exhausting it can be with little ones and it's such a huge responsibility (and a privilege) to raise children. These days there are so many more waters to navigate with our ever changing times, including the explosion of the internet. It seems we had an easier time in some ways.

Becoming a grandparent was one of the happiest days of my entire life, and I want to be the best I can be and a force for good in my grandchildren's lives. My mom has been a great role model, of which I am so thankful!

We are promised that our prayers won't return void. God is always working, even though we may not see it or feel it. And so I will continue to pray!

"Having a grandchild is to forever have your heart walk around outside your body"