Thursday, July 22, 2010

"T" Is For Thankful - Alphabe Thursday, Alphabet Soup, July 22, 2010





 
"T" Is For Thankful - Alphabe Thursday, Alphabet Soup, July 22, 2010

Today is the finale of Jenny Matlock's Round One of Alphabe Thursday so she is
having us do one last post which she is calling Alphabet Soup.  We could re-link to
one of our previous alphabe posts or write something new.  I wish I could remember
what letter was the only one that I missed but this feeble old brain is not responding
to gingko so I'm doing a new one.  I have a feeling my life is about to become very
topsy turvy so, before that happens and I lose my sense of humor entirely, I have been
trying to think of some things for which I am thankful at this date in time.

 - I am very thankful that I finished my poetry book, "Life's Journey" and published it
on Amazon. Grandma Moses and I have something in common - though I'm not a
grandmother.  I have even sold two dozen books now!  I am really thankful I am not
depending on book sales for food and shelter.

-I am thankful for the beautiful review of my book written by fullet who works for a
Catalan publishing house.  It was a most unexpected and sweet surprise and I will
admit to almost shedding a few tears ( except that, at my age, crying really makes
my eyes puffy and I look grotesque ).  You can see Josep's review on his blog at:

-I am just finishing up a three day visit at the home of my son, Alex, and Laura, his wife
of 2+months.  I am so thankful that these two, after knowing each other and dating for
six years, married May 7th.  Just being around them, and my two granddogs, gives me
such a sense of happiness.

-I am thankful that I started blogging.  I have gained so many new friends and learned
so many new things since September 2009 when I wrote my first "Carmen's Chronicles." 
With the loss of my forensic nursing profession, after 21 years, I felt like I was near
insanity ( some would say I still am, others might say I have long since succumbed ). 
Blogging gives me a daily focus and allow me an avenue to express myself, my thoughts,
an opportunity to write poetry and to meet an amazing number of interesting people and kindred spirtis, world wide.

-I am thankful ( and also, incredibly sad ) that my youngest son, Jeremy, at nearly 26,
will soon be moving into his own place with his lovely girlfriend, Katie, who graduated
from Cal Poly in June with a degree in design engineering.  I am desperately looking
for another roommate so I won't have to go through looking for a new place to live and
all the headaches that entails - but I love Katie and am so glad that yet another girl will help counteract the testosterone I've been exposed to all my life.

-I am thankful that my poor mother, who has had so many problems this year, came
through her emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction, none the worse for wear.  I
appreciate the prayers and support of everyone.

-I am thankful for my family and dear friends in my life.  Just when I think I can't endure
another thing or feel overwhelmingly depressed, that telephone rings and on the other
end I hear the voice of a friend in India or a package arrives in the mail from a Swiss
friend, bearing marzipan or my son looks at my dinner plate and says, "Mom, couldn't
you have put on more spinach and less potatoes?"

Yes, I am thankful!


Oh, yes, just want to let folks know that Jenny Matlock is having a great giveaway on her blog...a $60 CSN giveaway.  There is so much in their catalogue, you'll have such fun trying to decide what to get.  Anyway, check out Jenny's website for the entry requirements:

I am participating in Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday







18 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:03 AM

    What a sweet post, Carmen! It's great to take moment and be thankful for things or people that we often overlooked!

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  2. Thanks for reminding us we constantly need to reflect on how much we should be thankful for!

    Have a lovely weekend,

    LOLA:)

    PS Mine this time is HERE. Hope you can join me!

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  3. And it is this attitude that has endeared you to so many, so quickly.

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  4. Carmen- but insanity is such fun! Glad we have met!

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  5. i too am very thankful to have met you through blogging Carmen, your poems and posts, pictures, and humor are always a joy.

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  6. Yes! We have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful that you share your blogs with us, I enjoy reading your words and looking at your photographs. I hope you find a soul sister for a roommate, preferably one who picks up after herself.
    Kat

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  7. Great post. It looks like you have a lot to be thankful for.

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  8. Thank you for visiting my blog. I had to jump over and see yours. It is very nice. I love the pacific ocean picture. I am from the cost of N. California and miss this type of view.

    Nice post. It is good to remember there are things in life to be thankful for. I wish you the best of luck in your roommate hunt. I may have to do this myself this fall.

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  9. I love gratitude lists and this one really speaks volumes.

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  10. Wonderful heartfelt post, Carmen! Life is always evolving and we must always keep being thankful for the changes that happen along with what remains the same.
    ♥ Pat

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  11. Thankful. A wonderful word and your list was perfect!

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  12. How sweet..congrat's on you book that must feel wonderful...consider the prayers for mom said...blessings..I am thankful too to have met you ...blessings..bkm

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  13. Icy BC -
    Sometimes I feel like I complain all the time. I needed to remind myself that there is still much for which to be thankful!


    Nora Johnson -
    Now that I am home from my three days at my son's in West Sacramento, I have a weekend of catching up to do!


    lakeviewer -
    It is nice to think that I might be endeared to a few around here. It sure helped my drooping spirits when I lost my job. Friends are where you least expect them!


    Sharkbytes -
    I must agree with you there. Insanity has its moments, that's for sure, and is responsible for some of my best times!


    betchai -
    I could just repeat your comment back to you. You are a kindred spirit in our blogging world and I always look forward to your post as I do to meeting up with a friend.


    Kat_RN -
    You kind words are much appreciated. I feel happy that you like my blog. As for a roommate, if it doesn't work out, I truly am not above camping out in my van for awhile till debts get paid and I try to sort some things out.


    signed...bkm -
    It is lovely to have come across you in cyberspace and to have made a friend. I truly do feel a great sense of relief to have finally published that book after years of dreaming about it...and I appreciate the prayers for my mother.


    Brenda -
    Unfortunately, I sometimes forget to be thankful and I need reminding!


    Pat @ Millefiori Favoriti -
    Nice picture! I feel like I'm never going to catch up with all I've missed the last few days. It looks like I may have to pack up my belongings for storage, sell things and figure out what is next. That may limit blogging pretty soon but I'm sure it will all work out, somehow.


    Cheryl -
    I need to learn to be thankful more often. I forget, especially during the hard times.


    SariJ -
    It is a bit overwhelming to have to make so many life changes at 65! If I can't find a roommate, I will have to look at other options, some not so pleasant.

    Isn't that Pacific shot with the daisy fields wonderful? One of my favorites of all time.


    Viki -
    I am hoping that my thankful thoughts will sustain me through some difficult future times!

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  14. These are great things to be thankful of, so I don't know what is my review doing there, he he. Thank you, Carmen!

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  15. I am also thankful for so many things in my life most especially for our little boy who has brought so much joy to us!

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  16. I love the review of things you are grateful for. I'm a big believer in counting blessings.

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  17. lovely post Carmen ... it is always so good to be thankful and appreciate all of the good things in life ..

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  18. Anonymous11:38 AM

    Oh Carmen, what a lovely link you added to our Alphabet Soup!

    Thankfulness is something I try to be mindful of. It sounds like you do, too.

    Sounds like things are changing in your life. Change can be scary but, oh, it keeps us from getting bored!

    I am going to do a giveaway of your lovely poetry book this week as well!

    Thanks for linking! I am thankful for it!

    A+

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