Blessed

For some reason tonight I am unable to refine my journal entry for today enough to make it public.  My head is wandering around this incredible task I've been handed called mothering.  Specifically, mothering men.  I'm feeling pretty darn inadequate, having never been a man myself.  I have a pretty clear understanding of the kind of men I want to raise: adventurers, honest, protectors, humble, courageous, peacemakers, strong leaders, unafraid of the right kinds of battles, able and willing to exercise self control...  This culture offers so few examples of that man.  I have never heard of one single little boy that ever looked to his mother to figure out how to be a man, yet I know my role is important.  Anywho.... I guess I'll let these thoughts steep and proceed with the challenge:

Week 3 Day 1

This week's challenge is to come up with at least 100 things I consider to be a blessing in my life.  It is truly coincidental that this chapter fell on Thanksgiving week.  In no particular order or ranking, here's my start as they come to me:

1. Coffee- a drink of necessity and nostalgia.  I love the depth of the flavor, variety of beans and roasts and the comfort of the fragrance.  I love that "going to get coffee" with someone leads to friendships, intimacy, acceptance.


2 My House- the circumstances of purchasing this house, in this location, during the exact right time, involving just the right people, could not have been more perfectly orchestrated. 

3 My Salon- I say "my", but let's be clear: Marilyn  is the best owner in the history of salons!  Well, my history for sure.  I am doing what I am passionate about, surrounded by the perfect mesh of gracious personalities.  These women are like big sisters to me- providing a protective, creative, welcoming atmosphere.

4 A Generous Stranger- the $1000 gift of cash, tucked in a bag of clothes for my kids last year, when I didn't have two quarters to my name.  I am still humbled, and blessed today for that.

5 The Generosity of Friends- countless lunches, coffees, furniture, kitchen gadgets, a tank of gas, rent money, birthday gifts for the kids, soft shoulders for crying,  warm homes- with Super Mario Brother's and Wii Golf/Bowling- for weekend escapes, a shared bottle of red, work appropriate clothes- in my size, strong muscles for moving my whole house, and then again and again... The list continues. I am incredibly, magnificently blessed.

6 Tulips- the signal of spring.  The most graceful flower, yet strong enough to force through the cold ground and withstand a spring snow.

7 Scars- a sure sign that healing has taken place.

8 Music- for when my own words fail.

9 Water In Nature- all forms fascinate me; today I'm thinking waterfalls.

10 Perfume- for making an ordinary tomboy feel like a lady.

11 Obedient, Respectful Kids- who struggle at home at times, but live what they're taught when I'm not around.

12 Second Chances- and thirds.

13 Comfortable Silences- because we "get" each other.

14 Montana's Big Sky- because it really is bigger here.

15 Travel- the soothing of a wanderer.