Gratitude and Things Not Done: Time unexpectantly well spent

Wow. I can't believe that my last post was in February. I'm not quite sure how that happened. Of course, I'm still struggling with that "do one thing at a time" issue of mine, so it's been difficult to work on my on-line shop AND write. (I'm definitely a work-in-progress on that front.) Life also intervened--yucky weather, a house-full of people during spring break, a broken tooth, teaching, a mini-vacation, two conferences, a knee injury and the sudden loss of a family friend. Sometimes it's so hard to get things done, even when those things are important. I guess I could feel bad about how long it is taking me to accomplish some of my goals--admittedly, I thought I'd have my shop up and running by now. But when I really think about how I've spent my time, I have a different feeling. I am grateful. 

...grateful for a few days spent with my family in a beautiful place before we all went our separate ways. Humor, comfort, anger, disappointment, frustration, peace, and kindness all there in full measure as we came together and parted again. 

...grateful for enduring friendships that not only stand the test of time, but grow richer. So that when there is an unexpected and devastating loss--there is a hand to hold, someone to share your shock and pain.

...grateful for new friendships that take hold fast and go deep--so, that you don't even have time to remember that you are slow to trust. 

...grateful for learning new things that turn everything on its head and make you see life differently. More on that later. 

It is always hard for me to come back to something like this blog--something that was hard, risky for for me in the first place. But it IS good to get back to my routine. I am thankful for a place to share my thoughts and connect with you. I hope you are also feeling grateful these days. If you are, I'd love to hear about it...