Friday, April 4, 2008

Feel-Good Friday: Gratitude with Attitude!

Yesterday I woke up feeling good. When I opened my eyes, I felt well-rested. The first thought that entered this often restless mind: Thank You for this beautiful day. Thank You for this gift of life. I'm not joking. As if Someone had taken these peaceful, all's-right-with-this-tiny-corner-of-the-world sentiments, wrapped them in Kraft paper, and sent them packing in a UPS (United Peace Service) truck to be set on my doorstep. Before my feet hit the floor, before my first sip of French roast.

And talk about cool coincidences: A few minutes later I was sipping that French roast and looking at some blog comments. 'Akelamalu--I haven't looked at her blog Everything and Nothing in a while'--that's what I was thinking. That's when I felt the pull of some gravitational force. I clicked to wander over to her place.

There I learned she'd just been awarded the Gratitude with Attitude Award. Wow, I'd like to have that one, I thought. Reading Akelamalu's post, I learned she didn't want to choose recipients and so the award was for the first 12 commenters. I was number 7. I came, I commented, I collected! It is such a fun-looking award too. It bears the name of Greatfullivin, its creator. Technically, I was awarded it by Akelamalu, who was awarded it by someone else. But Greatfullivin is the one who created it and started it circulating, so it's highly appropriate that that name remain there.

NOW, I will blindfold myself and twirl drunkenly through cyberspace. I will do this 12 times, and each time, when I open my eyes, the first blog I see will be awarded the Gratitude with Attitude Award:

1. Jo at Celebration of Life. Excellent choice, my gods of randomness. Jo suffered a series of setbacks a while back that would land many of us in a padded cell. The suicide of a spouse. A car accident she miraculously survived but with numerous serious injuries and dizzying bodily pain. A boyfriend who walked away from the accident and the relationship. The death of her mother. And look at what Jo's blog is called. Celebration of Life! She loves life and her family and her work and her home in Wyoming. And she has lost ONE HUNDRED pounds by focusing on living sweetly. That she is an inspiration is a study in understatement.

2. Meg Wolff, of becoming whole. After losing a leg to cancer, Meg took the time to grieve. Then she got back on her remaining foot, had a prothesis fitted, and put that new foot in front of the other. She kept on. Then she lost a breast. The doctor told her to make her peace with God. She did, but she knew she hadn't completed her work here on this earth. She wanted to be the strongest, healthiest Meg possible, so she began learning all she could about nourishing her body. She started eating a macrobiotic diet. She began to radiate health and happiness. She authored books about her experiences with cancer. She authored cookbooks about her new way of eating. Several years later, after that close call with death, she says she feels healthier than she ever has in her life. Yes, she glows!

3. JS, of Influx Transposer. I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds in calling attention to a blogger who chooses to author her blog anonymously. A few months ago we were talking about animal spirit helpers here at A Life with a View. JS commented that she was curious as to what hers might be. I immediately thought of a giraffe. JS sticks her neck out to live her life as authentically as possible. For one, she's a lesbian who has chosen to raise a family with her partner. For another, she's a devout Episcopalian who feels led to the ministry. Now, the Episcopal church doesn't officially condone gay clergy. Why does she remain in such a church? Why, I assume, to lead by example. That's what I call courage. That's what I call "GREATful living."

4. Mima, of Mima's Doings. A world traveler and adventurer--she's the one who gave Bennie and me the hint about snorkeling in the Yucatan--Mima was diagnosed with MS a while back. Now, because of immobilizing pain, she seldom leaves the house except for doctor appointments and the occasional, heavily medicated visit to relatives. But she writes a blog about her "doings." She is still quite the adventurer, although her journeys now are more often of the reflective, interior kind. She also regularly circles the globe, calling on blogs, dropping off dazzling comments that make us grin from ear to ear. An unselfish bearer of good cheer, Mima is a woman who is determined to live well. And yes, she does!

5. Angel, of Life Is a Gift from God. Need I say more? Angel's blog title says it all.

6. Whim, of The Babblings of a Whimsical-Brainpan. Survived a horrific fire. Sustained equally horrific losses in body and spirit. Writing a book about it all. Cheering on the rest of us bloggers.

7. Calamity Jane, of Medication Time. Hilarious ROFLMAO writing by one who is cooling her heels, awaiting a kidney transplant. No, I'm not kidding.

8. Jeff, of A Word in Edgewise. The kind of guy you'd love to have living next door. An unassuming family man who loves baseball and writes about it beautifully. As a kid, he endured countless operations for a cleft palate and instead of looking back on his painful childhood with self-pity, he jumps for joy to be "average-looking." He's modest. He's very cute.

9. Heather, of Bad Kitty Art Studio. Like all of us, she's had her share of troubles. Right now her loving husband is working his a** off to find work. You see, the family recently pulled up roots and relocated for him to take a particular job, but now the company's had to cut back and so that particular job is gone. So Heather is churning out paintings at a frantic clip as well as clearing her studio of unsold pieces. There are kids to be fed, rent to be paid. Rather than assuming the Injured Artist pose, Heather is rolling up her sleeves and having a garage sale. Incredible buys on wonderful things.

10. Sometimes Saintly Nick, of Nick's Bytes. Retired pastoral counselor. Recently had to begin using oxygen. Posts hilarious jokes on Mondays. Looks unflinchingly at the injustice and pain in the world and reminds us to Do Something. Writes with great love about his boss and spiritual nemesis, Alex the feline. Come to think of it, Nick is more than sometimes saintly. Try frequently.

11. Sandi, of Holding Patterns. Retired cop, wife, mother, and grandmother. Dealing with RA. Celebrates the fact that gun-carrying is no longer in her job description but is not too sentimental to deliver a well-placed left hook when it's called for.

12. Carol of Carol for Peace. Like Nick, Carol reminds us to do something to right the wrongs in the world. She also shares her beautifully written reflections on the natural world, accompanied by photographs that celebrate the quiet beauty in the world. That goes for Carol herself. Hers is a quiet beauty.

Wow. That's 12 already? So many "greatful" bloggers left unsung. You know who you are.

83 comments:

Celebration of Life said...

Thank you San, I am humbled! I started blogging in order to step out of my comfort zone and to express my experiences in a positive way in order to help others. I have found blogging is an excellent way to not only help myself but to inspire others. If I have helped only one person out there in blog land then I have achieved my goal. Not only that but I have found and connected to some very positive people whom I admire and adore. Thank you so very much!
Jo

Mima said...

San, thank you so very much for the award, I am not sure that my attitude is always in the right place, but if the gods of chance had picked me, then I guess that has to be the case, as they are never wrong!!!

I also have days when I wake up and say thank you, and more especially moments in the day. Sometimes you stop to think, and its thank you for the wonderful people that are around you. They are very special moments. I remember one in particular while I was living in Grand Cayman, I was walking down the road on my way to work, and the sun was shining (nothing unusual there) but suddenly there was just a huge realisation of how lucky I was to be standing there. I was nearly blown over by it. The really special ones live with you, and can be called upon in times of need!

Preity Angel... said...

Thank you San for such a lovely Award. So very kind of you. I am grateful to God that I got such a lovely friend.

Thanks again and thanks for all that love. God bless you

Angel

A.Bananna said...

In all things give thanks! that is what I have been learning! LOL. It is easier said than done that is for sure! :)

Sandi McBride said...

San darlin', thank you so much...I'll try to live up to this...I think you should invent your own blogging award using that incredible banner...you could call it the Live with a View Award...for those who haven't given up on life and are always looking for ways to share the joy...hugs
Sandi

Carol said...

Oh San,

I'm laughing right now. Just yesterday, I wrote the most un-gratitude-filled post I've ever written (at least I hope I've never written one that bad before).

And now I read your descriptions of the other eleven awarded bloggers and I'm blown out of the water with gratitude that such strong people exist in this world!

Totally humbled that the gods of randomness chose me to be side-by-side with such examples of courage. Totally knocked to my knees realizing that yesterday I was not the peace I wish to see in the world.

I think I'm having a little post-surgery depression going on and this is a friendly whack on the head to remind me to appreciate all that is.

Thank you from the bottom of my pea-pickin' (in May, I hope) heart!

San said...

Well, Jo, don't get too humble or you'll start to annoy me and the first thing you know I'll be rescinding the award.

Just kidding. You are most welcome!!!

San said...

Mima, see you've gone and inspired me. Again.

Thank you for being you.

San said...

And blessings to you, Angel.

San said...

Anna, I completely agree. The difficulty is laughable, isn't it?

San said...

Sandi, your idea for a new award is simply fabulous. Watch out. I may carry through.

San said...

Carol, I happened to miss that post, but I'm sure you had your reasons to rant. But strangely enough, when I went over to Jane's to inform her of her award, and after all of that talk about her "hilarity," what do I find, but a political post?

You guys just won't be pigeonholed, will you? The nerve.

Anonymous said...

San,
I can feel the warmth of your heart emitting from my screen as I read your gratuitous award offerings.

Meg Wolff said...

San,
You are the coolest. Thanks for the award and I look forward to reading the others!

Sparkling Red said...

Thanks for posting links to so many fantastic blogs. I almost hope it rains this weekend* so that I have an excuse to stay in and read them all. ;-)

*OK, maybe not rain... I'll find time some other way!

myonlyphoto said...

Hi san, finally I was able to write you after I clicked through your recipients on the way to the comment box, lol. God bless you for all this work, you have done an amazing job introducing your blogger friends. And also congrats to you it is well deserved award. Interesting you sensed the happiness. Thanks for sharing again, Anna :)

San said...

Chewy, classic case of projection. You're quite the warm one yourself.

San said...

Meg, you are so welcome. I hope you enjoy the other blogs.

San said...

Red, your comments are such a delight. I know you will find a way to blog, come rain, shine, or the arrival of aliens.

San said...

Anna, God bless you and your explorations in blogland.

Jeff B said...

Thank you my dear, those were very sweet words.

Most of the time when awards are handed out we simply see a list of names. I don't think by any means that there's anything wrong in that, but the way you presented a piece of each recipiants story was very thoughtful and much appreciated.

whimsical brainpan said...

Congratulations San!

And thank you so much!

Velvet Ginger said...

Jo greatly deserves this award!!! You are a sweet heart!

Jennifer S said...

What a lovely award! It suits you!

jsd said...

Thank You San, and hmmm, perhaps some cosmic energy was about this morning...This morning when I got to work, I put my things in my office and then headed back outside to the other office building where the flavia machine resides...on my way back with coffee in hand I started to pause, then slow, and then I prayed and said a litany of thank yous to God for many things and lastly for the sounds of the birds talking to each other.

In doing that it changed my attitude about my whole day ahead of me - it gave me a lightness of heart I needed.

murat11 said...

San: That was a smokin' post, full of love and blessings. Sweetest of the sweet, lots of heart and honoring.

Akelamalu said...

I'm so pleased you took the award and passed it on. :)

San said...

Jeff, you are very welcome. It was a lot of fun providing a juicy detail or two about you.

San said...

Whim, thanks!

And you're welcome!

San said...

Rubye Jean, I believe sweetness runs in your family.

San said...

Jennifer, it's always a pleasure to see your lovely picture show up in the comments.

San said...

Wow, JS, now I'm reading your comment in the early morning and it feels like a blessing on my day.

I drink a toast of French roast to your lightness of heart, as I listen for birdsong outside my window. Yes, it's there.

San said...

Paschal, you are one smokin' commentator.

Tell me about lots of heart, man.

San said...

Akelamalu, I am too. THANK YOU for providing the opportunity.

Indigo said...

Wow! You really know some heroic people! :)

Have a nice weekend, San!

If you're interested, my story is at www.indigohalo.com I'm an abuse survivor, but I did a lot better than merely survive! :)

Preity Angel... said...

Just stopped by to say hello to a good lady..

Love you always

Angel

Preity Angel... said...

Just stopped by to say hello to a good lady..

Love you always

Angel

San said...

Hello, Angel. Hello, Angel.

There's a glitch in the software today. But such a pretty face to show up twice!

San said...

Indi, I placed a reply to you earlier. And it vanished into thin cyberspace. The software tricksters are having their fun today.

Just wanted to thank you for providing the link to your site. I LOVE reading about people's triumphs.

Calamity Jane said...

Thank you so much San - you are really too, too kind. I shall be doing some blog maintenance in the next couple of days and I shall add the award then. Thanks agin for stumbling across me :-)

Celebration of Life said...

Hi San! I am celebrating today; my 3rd grand daughter was born this morning. I blogged her picture if you want a peek at our new miracle! ;o)
Jo

San said...

It's always fun to stumble across you, Jane.

I look forward to seeing the award over at your place.

San said...

WOO HOO, Jo! Brooklyn is quite the beauty. Takes after her mom I believe.

John-Michael said...

The Very Best thing that I can do to serve the best interests of those lovely people who grace my blog with a visit today, is ... post a link to this message.

So, that's it! My post for today is your presentation of these 12 marvelous individuals ... and the Spirit who generously makes their stories available to us all.

I do love You!

indicaspecies said...

It's such a pleasure to come here and read (and learn) what you have to convey. :)

Heather said...

Thank you San! I love my new shiny award, and I'll be showing it off soon to everyone! *grins*

Unknown said...

I just released that I’ve not said “thank you” for the award! If I’d not purged myself of self-reproach feelings, I’d feel guilty. So here I am not feeling guilt but gratitude as I say, “Thank you, my dear San.”

Daryl said...

How very cool and it would seem to me very 'you', San.

I am off to read the blogs of the attitudinally grateful bloggers!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant blog to read. I have read some of the blogs you mention and agree wholeheartedly.

Best wishes, Crystal

virtual nexus said...

San - I got sidetracked following the links. Great post, and nice way to feature people.

You seen the blogger in draft side bar that loads up-to-date first lines of your blog roll? I'm trying it and think it could be useful for a selection.

Cath said...

San - what a wonderful tribute to fellow bloggers and they are all so deserving! Some I know, some I'm off to visit.

Thank you for introducing me to them and well done on the award - richly deserved.

You are the best. Sending love. xxx

katydidnot said...

great list.

San said...

John-Michael, that is most generous of you.

Love to you...

San said...

Celine, as always, you are gracious.

:-)

San said...

Heather, you're accumulating so many, I hope you don't have to spend your life dusting your awards.

San said...

And just in the Nick of time, Sometimes Saint. Your award was about to morph into Ingrate with Attitude.

Totally kidding, as I'm sure you know.

San said...

Thanks, Daryl. Enjoy the other blogs.

San said...

Best wishes to you, Crystal. What a brilliant monikier--Crystal Jigsaw.

San said...

Julie, thanks for visiting again.

Speaking of sidebars, I've been meaning to add you to mine. Today I'm working on my vintage laptop which doesn't allow me to update my own blog, just respond to comments. But when I'm at another machine in the next few days, I'll be updating the blogroll.

San said...

Cath, thank you so much!

Love and kisses back at ya...

San said...

Katy: great towel.

david mcmahon said...

Several familiar faces there - great choice, San.

Bless ya

Cath said...

San - what a wonderful selection of blogs. It has taken me hours and hours and HOURS to read through them they have been that good!

What excellent company you keep! Thank you for introducing me to them.
Bless you.

San said...

David, blessings to you, man.

San said...

Cath, you are wonderful to follow the links and discover these great blogs for yourself.

Much obliged, lady.

Bruno LoGreco said...

Excellent blog. Thank you!

San said...

Bruno, thank you for visiting, man.

Bruno LoGreco said...

Thanks for the warning on the speed bumps. I've already hit a few, felt kind of nice actually :)

You have a beautiful energy.

Cath said...

San - just gotta say thanks again for getting this one rolling and the intros. You are brilliant.

It's took me two days now to get through everything, post my own and get awards up but soooo worth it. It has all made me feel so good and a lot of it started right here with you.
Thanks buddy.

Jeanne said...

That's so cute and so nice to share with those who bring joy.

Andrea and Kim said...

San, you so deserved this award. I am glad you were there to claim it, too! It is amazing how our inner voice leads us to always do the right thing...the challenge is just to listen to it!

Gratitude is the real vitamin of our inner life and you have shared some really wonderful people who have chosen to share this with the world through their own lives and through blogging...reaching out to so many more that way! I, for one, am so very eager to visit and spend time with each of these special people.

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity to everyone you share so much with. This is a beautiful post from a beautiful person.

Leigh Russell said...

Inspiring blog, San. You are so positive! I'll visit again. I found you via my good blogbuddy Mima.

~Babs said...

San, thanks and many kudos to you for introducing these wonderful Blogsters.
Since they're friends of yours, I'm sure they all deserve the award, as do you.
Haven't read them yet,,,,but I know what I'll be doing this evening.
Keep on keeping on,,,and expecting the miracles.
(We've all found one in you)

Velvet Ginger said...

Sweet San, I just read your whole post again. I thik it's wonderful that youare "reminding" us that we have so much to be greatful and thankful for. Even when we think we don't have "much" we have a fotune more than people in 3rd world countries, the mentally ill, the neglected elderly, and what about the homeless. If someone from the "outide" looks in at me they may think I don't have "much", but if they measured the love and support my family gives me...they would think I was a millionaire! Again...thank you for reminding us to be thankful!!!

San said...

Cath, your enthusiasm is inspiring. I am so glad to have befriended you in blogland.

San said...

Jeanne, thanks for visiting.

San said...

"Gratitude is the vitamin of our inner life." Kim, I love the way you express that.

You are such an encourager.

San said...

Leigh, a good blogbuddy of Mima's is a good blogbuddy of mine.

San said...

Babs, you know how to make a person feel good. Thanks!

San said...

Rubye Jean, you are one rich woman. And you recognize what you have. Thank you for such an inspiring comment.

Preity Angel... said...

What a lovely comments from all blog friends.

Lori Skoog said...

San,
I read your comment on another blog and clicked on yours. Very well done...you certainly get a lot of responses. I am a retired art teacher and for the past 6 years have been teaching at our (horse) farm. Very involved in many other projects...one of which is raising funds for public art installations. I can really identify with some of your writings.
Lori

Anonymous said...

Good post.