_Simple Gratitude by Louie Schwartzberg:

It's fitting that at this time of "giving thanks," and holiday miracles, that I share this amazing and profound 10 minute video with you from Louie Schwartzberg.  This was shared with me by a very good friend of mine, and it has become my morning meditation.  Tune out all other distractions; listen to the wondrous insight from a young girl; and the profound wisdom from an elderly man, shaped and honed by life experience and an attitude of appreciation. 

It is impossible to watch this video and not feel a new sense of wonder and appreciation for the numerous blessings in your life.  As you see the smiles and sparkle in the eyes of those photographed all over the world, recognize how small and interconnected our world is!  What if, instead of fighting traffic, hunting sales and best prices, you simply shared this video and, perhaps, a donation to a charity of your choice.....  imagine the sense of satisfaction and appreciation within that generosity:  and then pause, and reflect on the true gifts of this time of year.  Resist the impulse to spend more money, and, instead, spend more time......  with loved ones, doing what nourishes your spirit, that unveils the unfolding and becoming that is so vividly captured in Louie's time-lapse photography. 

As we prepare to say good bye to 2011 and enter into 2012, thank YOU for allowing me to share my passions with you;  for taking some of your precious time to read these small epistles, and to share in the natural beauty of our world.  You are a cherished companion and I am grateful for YOU!

God's blessings for the remainder of 2011 and for 2012!
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Today, most stores are closed, and the day is set aside for celebrating miracles, community, faith, and family.  In Maryland, the weather is cloudy and overcast, yet I'm confident, that in homes, there is warmth, laughter, love and light.  My family is dispersed along the east coast (you have a great picture of my mom on my home page!), and I miss sharing time with them.  Still, my "extended family" is all around me, and I see them in cards, memories, music, shared spiritual reflections, and photographs. 

One dear friend shared a youtube video with me yesterday that I've passed along and wanted to share with you.  "The Lost Generation" is a pallindrome (same backwards as forwards) that was written by a 20 year old woman as a school project.  It will send chills down your spine and you will find yourself praying that her vision of hope becomes a reality.

As I think about the approaching New Year, I also reflect on this quote from Joseph Campbell:  "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."  My prayer for all of you, regardless of who or what surrounds you today, surround yourself with memories of loved ones, of reaching out in service to others, of simple pleasures of a hug, a smile, a "thank you," of the miracle of music, of nature, of hope and gratitude for what is possible.

Each one of us is more powerful that we dare to believe.....  on this day of miracles, believe that you can make a difference....  you do to me!

Blessings to all!
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Giving Thanks! 11/27/2009
 
"The store was closed so I went home and hugged what I own."  Brooks Palmer

How I wish I heeded this advice!  "Black Friday....." the day when people forget about the simple pleasures of food, family, warmth, and gratitude and rush out to beat others to that one or several sale items! While I wish I could say I resisted the tremendous pull to the stores, I didn't and found myself awake and out of the house by 6:30am.  And, yes, I wasn't the only one!  I landed at Walmart at around 7:30am and have never seen the parking lot as full as it was today!  The good news is that it did require me to burn off a few extra calories from yesterday.... in having to park at a distance.  The register lines were full and people seemed content to stand in line with "all the money they 'saved,' while texting or reading messages on their cell phones.

Alas, I didn't find that one item that I had rushed out to get and was once, again, reminded that we can be so easily manipulated!

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about creating my future vs. "reacting" to it....  moving toward something vs. running away from something.  Whenever I can align my time and energy with what I'd like to move towards, I find I am most happy or content.  I think I'll spend the rest of the day doing just that......  writing, reflecting, exercising, and being grateful for "that which I already own."

Wishing you many blessings this Thanksgiving and always!

Joy
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Thanks to those of you who came to the Friends Holly Fest yesterday and stopped by to say "hi" and "Wow!"  Since this was my first time showing off my work, it was great to have such support, and great to see "strangers" affirm the quality of the canvases and the clarity and composition of my work.  Why is it that we sometimes don't believe those closest to us and need outside people (consultants or "strangers") to provide the ultimate validation????  Many thanks to Joan and Ken Drews for allowing me to share their space and witness their wondrous work and success!

It was a long day, yet a fun one and I enjoyed sharing memories of Italy with those who stopped by to reminisce, as well as laughing at those who just wanted to pause, get lost in the picture, and imagine/ wish themselves there!  I am ever thankful to my husband, Robin, who was my stable and steady business partner.  He was gentle, poised and positive with the customers and with me!  He's my rock and my advisor and I love and admire him more and more with each passing day!

So, as we approach Thanksgiving, please accept my heartfelt "thanks" for allowing me to share with you my "joys," whether they be in travel, photography, inspiration, and hope.  I pray that you recognize the many reasons you to have to be thankful this holiday season, and that you get to share quiet, fun, and relaxing moments with those you love.

In gratitude,

Joy
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