15 days of thanks

November 15, 2012

Always The Write Time Author, Editing, Nontraditional College Graduate, Publishing, scribes @ ASU, Uncategorized, Writing , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

[Image credit: Felixco, Inc.]

Several of my friends on Facebook have been posting what they’re thankful for each day.  These posts range from appreciation of the tangibles like husbands, children, friends, deodorant and pajamas to the intangibles such as playfulness in life, God and the sunrise.  But instead of listing something each day, I stored them up:

  1. Each and every one of my girlfriends who are as unique as the pattern on a butterfly’s wings (you know who you are) who build up, inspire and never let me forget I’m loved.
  2. My family near and far.
  3. Bikram Yoga for its healing benefits, inside and out.
  4. A strong body and workout buddies to share the pain and sweat.
  5. The promise of Someday.
  6. Books.
  7. Nut and rice crackers (gluten free!).
  8. White Russians.
  9. Coffee.
  10. Permission to giggle.
  11. Dark chocolate.
  12. My new church.
  13. Medical insurance.
  14. Both my jobs (publishing assistant and writer).
  15. Galaxy SIII.

What are 15 things you’re thankful for?

Beauty for ashes

May 19, 2012

Always The Write Time Author, Editing, Nontraditional College Graduate, Publishing, scribes @ ASU, Uncategorized, Writing , , , , , , , 2 Comments

[Image credit: Danilo Rizzuti]

Just when the caterpillar thought the world
was over, it became a butterfly. ~ Proverb

My daughter knows how much I love butterflies.  Not necessarily the winged insect (although I think they are beautiful, delicate creatures), but rather what they mean to me in the bigger scheme of things: fortitude and new life.  This proverb is scrawled on the side of a mug I received for Mother’s Day, one of several hand-picked gifts for the special occasion.  It sits on my desk at work now, and each time I glance at it, I’m reminded that this new season of my life is actually filled with layers, not unlike a cocoon.  Currently, my health issues are one such layer.  But instead of getting stuck in this season, I realize that whatever is going on with my body is simply a necessary part of the growth process in order to thrive with wings intact — just like all of the other challenges life throws our way.  Sometimes it’s just growing pains, and other times it’s the real deal.  But the world is not over.  And as the lyrics of one popular song promise: I’m counting on beauty for ashes.

Are you a butterfly living in all its glory, or a caterpillar endeavoring to transform itself?