Thanksgiving Blessings

Thanksgiving 2008 is in the books now; remnants of pumpkin pie and turkey left in tins and platters, and both hearts and stomachs filled to the brim.

We spent the day at my sister's house celebrating with family and friends, taking our traditional family photos and sharing laughs with those close at heart.

I look around me at the people I call family - the true blessings I've been given - and I'm humbled at what I have. Though I don't have a perfect life, it's close. I see a wealth in smiles on young faces and new babies to love; in those I have just met....and those I have loved forever.

In the late afternoon we spent time at my mom and dad's house, coming down from the busyness and slowing to a state of peaceful contentment. When I'm there I can wrap myself in a cloak of memories and feel safe in the presence of the two people I admire and respect more than anyone else I know.

It is this coming "home" that makes me feel grounded. It fills me up so I can come back to conquer the dragons that await here - the dragons that seem much smaller once I return.

I am thankful for the riches I hold everyday when I open my eyes to this world: my husband and children who, in all their imperfections, love me in all of mine. And I'm grateful that with all of our little idiosyncrasies, we match perfectly.

And though this Thanksgiving is indeed, now history, it's a new chapter in a book I will go to again and again, read often and glean much from what has been written.

I am truly blessed.

G.T.

This is the face of loyalty. Our blue healer/border collie mix named G.T. He truly is a one-of-a-kind animal who is our protector and guard dog, but who also loves baby kitties and melts at the human touch. A couple of weeks ago I watched as one of our cats chased a tiny mouse across the back yard. G.T. actually barked at the cat, trying to get it to let go of its prey.

With a soft heart, piercing blue eyes and a gentle spirit he's been a part of our lives for 7 years now. We are almost even in age, he and I....... yet I find by watching him, there's still so much I can learn.

Sky to Sky

These two photos are of the same windmills at a different angle and at a different time of day.

I have always been fascinated with the beauty of nature, particularly the sky. From the brilliance of a blue October to the thick white film of humid August, its variances between are continual like a child's colorful kaleidoscope.

I'm looking forward to the beauty that awaits...

Grease Is The Word

Since the beginning of the school year, a large part of my time has been taken up with preparing for our musical, "Grease". Each year it seems that there is more to do to get ready for this annual production and many hours (and dollars) were spent on set design, costumes and even building "Greased Lightning", the infamous car driven by Kenickie.

It was my son's first time to perform and he had a big role, including a solo he did with style. I was proud not only of how well he did, but also of how he handled the compliments afterwards with his wonderful smile and classy manners. The best thing of all? His best friend was there for the final performance: his red-haired, college-aged sister.

It was a long road on the way to this success with glitches along the way including the loss of two actors a week before the show. But all the worry was for naught as they put on four stellar performances. We were small in number but great in talent and determination which made for an outstanding show.
We may be a small dot on the Kansas map, but Broadway ain't got nothin' on us!

Ushering In November - Skywatch

There's something sweet about this picture. Maybe it's the fact that these two don't get to see one another much these days. Maybe it's the enduring and endearing friendship that they share. Or perhaps it is the innocence of youth, the hope for a new day and the dreams that lie for them both over tomorrow's horizon.

For more on Skywatch click here.