The Inspiration of George Gobel

I’m not sure why I write.  I think it comes from some latent past life impression, and also from my husband’s encouragement to do so.

Over ten years ago, after a divorce, I entered into the realm of journaling.  It wasn’t really significant in that I was still afraid of the blank page and fully opening myself up to it.  I wanted to turn my life around, and I had to start somewhere.  My journal ended up being a thankful journal.  Look at the glass as half full, rather than half empty.  I’m a firm believer that dwelling on the negative will bring about more negative, and that we create our own world, and our own dramas.  It is so easy to get caught up in negativity without even realizing that you are doing it.  It often comes into our thoughts under different disguises.  Writing something each day I’m thankful for helped to crowd out some of the negative thoughts.

It must have worked.  My glass started to overflow.  I met my now husband, Chris.  Over four years ago, he encouraged me to write something more than just a journal.  That led to a writing correspondence course through a local university.  Eventually, that led to blogging, and writing some articles for organizations and for newspapers.  I’ve never submitted anything to a publisher as of yet, although, I have technically been published.  That is really not that important to me.

I ask my self why I write, and why I’ve committed to this postaday2011 on WordPress.  I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s more or less just a form of self-expression and therapy, along with exploring what is really important.  Success to me comes in the form of something on a much deeper and spiritual nature. And, writing helps to explore that.

On some days, I borrow from something I’ve written before.  On other days something fresh springs forth.  When something profound that might possibly inspire someone else, and my own self to become a slight step better I know that it is coming from something much higher than myself, the all encompassing muse that guides us all when we open up to it.

Once after reading a metaphysical book, which I don’t even remember, the name of, it said that we all have guides, and that to know our guide we should diligently ask whom our specific guide was before going to sleep.  In all earnestness I tried this experiment, dozing off to sleep thinking that some wise all knowing figure such as Merlin was assigned to me.  I popped straight out of the bed the next morning exclaiming, “George Gobel?”  Was this a cosmic joke?  After a while I thought perhaps this wasn’t so bad.  After all, look what Clarence did for George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  I don’t actually know if he is my guardian angel.  If he is I hope I haven’t cost him a set of wings.

I do know my husband in this physical realm has been my greatest muse, and I am thankful for that.

Thankful for Perfection in Whatever Form in May Take

Perfection means different things to different people.

To me it’s my husband walking through the door every evening and seeing perfection in me even if I’m dressed in the sloppiest of attire with no make up as I usually am.

It’s him telling me he’s so grateful I settled for him when it’s really the other way around.

It’s seeing the awe and wonder of water running in the creeks around our house, and when you can’t go outside it’s the awe and wonder of feeling water at least in one shower when it’s frigid outside and the water has froze in the other pipes.  It’s, while taking a shower, appreciating the tile work that my husband did and that he let me design.  It’s thinking about how much we take for granted and what the pioneers before us went through to make it all possible.

Perfection is in the senses of the beholder.  There is a section of the kitchen that has taken on a pungent smell of mixed spices that somehow reminds me of another lifetime, where or when I don’t know, but it’s pleasant.

Perfection is simplicity.  It’s seeing, smelling, touching, hearing and tasting in a moment of presence.  It’s appreciating the moment.

Supporting My Habit

My husband supports my habit, and I’m thankful for that.  On Friday I went into the hobby store for yarn, just one skein, for just one knitting project.  However, the on sale bin was newly loaded with discontinued yarn, which I couldn’t resist.

My thought process was all the knitting that would take place on those cold winter days.  I didn’t have to wait long, as the snow and freezing temperatures began on Sunday night.

I didn’t wait until I got home.  I spent a good portion of the morning at Starbucks working on those handmade Christmas presents.

I’m learning cable and completed the green scarf for my son-in-law.  I also bought some bamboo knitting needles, which I discovered I love.  Although my knitting career has spanned forty-seven years, I’m still just a beginner.  I think it was fate that I was given a whole set of knitting needles complete with case when I was ten.  An experienced knitter in our town died, and for some reason I was given her tapestry case of needles.  I always was attracted to yarn, and the year before my aunt had tried to teach me to crochet.  I both knitted and crocheted simple projects throughout the years, making hats for everyone while in college.  I eventually turned to weaving which became a business.  Now, I’m back to knitting, but as a hobby.

Thankful One Day At a Time

I decided to do a blog several days ago, but thought what is there of great importance to write, like probably so many people.  Thursday’s Child for a title immediately came to me, but as the early bird gets the worm, that title was taken, thus “athursdayschild.”  Thursday’s child, my original choice, has far to go has always been true for me.  Late bloomer, a second choice, was already taken.

One of the first things I do in the morning is meditate.  That is a hit and miss thing for me, but I’ve found that even trying makes a difference.  Bodily functions, aches, pains (this week a cold), gets in the way along with what they call those monkey thoughts.  But over the years I’ve found that persistent practice, as in anything, pays off.  Even with those monkey thoughts an “ah ha” idea creeps in.  In this case it was to actually begin the blog today and in what direction to take it.

I regularly keep a gratitude journal, which I actually refer to as a thankful journal.  Life is mainly perception.  Our thoughts control everything; therefore, in my mind it is better to have the thoughts of a half full glass rather than a half empty one.  Being thankful is a lifestyle just as eating right or exercising is.  Practice makes all the difference.

So, this blog is mainly to be about what I have to be thankful for.

I’m thankful that this morning I decided to dust off my juicer.  I enjoyed a triple jolt of celery, carrot, and apple juice, along with grapes (all organic) for breakfast.  The remains go into to the compost pile.

Anyone reading this is welcome to post something in comments that you are thankful for.