gratitude - 2015

gratitude is SO amazing! I just read a short piece that says it actually changes our physical health for the better. 

and, it is easy. I don't have to work hard to be grateful for family. this year I am especially grateful, and also aware of the many overlapping circles of family ties I am so fortunate to be a part of. 

we celebrated our gratitude and tom's 72nd birthday last sunday. I thought of many big table celebrations at mom and dad's, and we moved the dining room table into the living room so we could all sit around it. me and tom, his children david and danielle and their partners amy and andrew, and my children alex and wilson with their loved ones camille and jed, and our housemate chuck too.  it was a beautiful time of too much food, fun, laughter, relationship building and appreciation. 

today will be a quiet day, ‎off to a late start. lots of chanting nam myoho renge kyo -- with gratitude for life itself and all the ways we each develop strength in our lives and happiness in the midst of whatever comes. and then later we are going to work together on the cars. yes, I am even grateful for that -- I am still able to learn new things and be the hands that use tom's knowledge as we work together. 

I am grateful for each of you, and for the amazing ways we continue to be able to share together. and I am grateful for family members that are more distant now, for many and various reasons. 

so, however you choose to celebrate thanksgiving today, and whatever foods you eat or activities you choose, and whatever family or friends you are able to join together with, celebrate with love, and know I am sending smiles your way!