a journey of a thousand miles...

...begins with the first step. i have done new years with resolutions (& even kept a few!) & without resolutions. what do i prefer? really, it depends on the year & my mood & where my life is going when the calendar begins anew. this year didn't feel particularly resolution-worthy for me, not because i lack a need to improve (oh, believe me, i do, i do, i do!!!). in those quiet holiday moments (there were a few!), i heard my heart say, be gentle on yourself right now. i also heard the yearnings of my soul to be creative in some small way. what felt inspiring? what felt right?

after NaBloPoMo last november, i kept turning the "30 days of thanks" over & over in my mind...i really liked that part of the daily blogging. in that month i also stumbled upon a new-to-me blog with something that made my heart sing. ann at holy experience began a list in late 2006...one thousand gifts & i knew when i began reading that i would do this too. all is joy when you count your blessings!

look for the numbers randomly on the blog... count along with me...i'd love your company on the journey! a joy is felt twice when it is shared... & so it begins with the first step~

1. a steady rain in our drought-striken area

2. the boys working at their dad's side3. the laughter of friends gathered in the other room

4. water streaming over my sleepy face in the early morning5. the gentle touch of a friend from the pew behind in a quiet moment of prayer

6. cards containing words of friendship across many miles on my desksitting quietly with my gifts is like opening the flood-gates of my mind...once i will my mind to think on these beautiful things, they come streaming forth in a torrent. gratitude begets gratitude...it grows exponentially in its consideration. it is the perfect way to warm the heart at twilight on a damp january eve...