Out my window

I saw a blackbird sitting on the topmost branch of a tree. The branch was spindly and unable to hold the bird's weight. The bird kept toppling off and readjusting its wings and feet to stay on top. It could have easily had the same vantage point on nearby thicker branches, but no matter the difficulty it was undeterred from seeking either an unobstructed view or from conquering the tree.

About that list...

So, I obviously fell off the gratitude wagon. Not that it was intentional. I am actually very sad that I did not make it to the end, but life can just get too busy sometimes. I'm going to think of it as a pause instead of a failure. Twenty-two days of recording and acknowledging gratitude are still 22 days.

Gratitude: Day 22

Camaraderie. Not that this is at all what I had expected, or where I would have originally looked for it, but I'm glad we both have people individually and collectively that we share mutual respect and trust.

Nice meals. Food always tastes better when shared with those you love.

Gratitude: Day 21

Creativity. My husband has taught me a lot about this. I have never felt overly crafty, artsy, or generally creative. But he has taught me that there is creativity in most things. We all look at things in our ways and we approach things from a unique angle. And I'm grateful to have the influence of his unique perspective on things.

Gratitude: Day 20

Helping people. I am fortunate enough to get to do work that is rewarding. Giving talks on health, answering peoples' questions and working one-on-one with individuals gives me the opportunity to make the world a better place. Health really does start with food--but most people are too confused by what they see on television and/or find the topic too boring to give it much thought. I enjoy the challenge of combating those two issues and helping people to feel better.
Over the years certain experiences, even knowing certain people, really cemented a level of concern about people's relationship with food. In school, reading study after study and learning from progressive doctors, chefs, and authors, was an amazing experience--even eye opening for someone who had given the topic a lot of thought. I am grateful for all I've learned both in and out of the classroom. I am equally grateful for the opportunity to plant seeds that help people feel better.

Gratitude: Day 19

Pretty things to see. I recently added a few blogs to the blogroll I read just because they are pretty. I enjoy looking at the pictures. No need to make anything or buy anything or be told to buy something because everyone else has one. I love that there are people out there who dedicate their blogs to just looking at things, seeing the beauty in them and sharing that with other people.

Gratitude: Day 18

Reading. This is something I definitely value more as I get older. Not only do I appreciate having the skill to read but I appreciate the fact that I have so many stories to choose from. There are so many great books out there, I always have things I love to read.

I also appreciate the fact that that there are so many options these days for how a person can read. You can buy books at a store, you can order online, you can use a book reader, or listen to an audio book, you can borrow books from a library, you can swap books online from people all over the world. I love all the options!