Gratitude

Today is my 45th birthday. I am full of gratitude, for I know that appreciation is the key to happiness. I have to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for all that I am thankful for. Ok, maybe not all.

I am grateful to be Kieran's mother. Her artistry brings me joy, JOY, with a capital "j". And... she makes me laugh.

I am grateful for my four daughters, whom I love so much, it makes my heart hurt. I am grateful for Darcy for sharing Cadence, Quinlan and Faith with me to love.

I am grateful for my son. He shares my desire to see the sun rise every morning and he is highly amusing

.

I am grateful to my beloved husband for being such a giving, supportive partner.

I am SO grateful for my sisters. They are the best friends who can NEVER divorce me. They will always love me, no matter what I am wearing.

I am grateful for my mom and Poppy Tom. I couldn't ask for better parents as an adult.

They are great role models of how to be (very) good people.

I'm grateful for my oldest friends, Tina and Lara, who have known/loved me since I was 7. They are still two of my closest friends in this lifetime.

In the past 13 years, I have been, and continue to be, grateful for my friend, Jill, who knows how to LIVE the way I like to LIVE.

I am grateful for kids!

and kids

and fossils

and sharks with a sense of humor

and animals who choose us as friends.

I am grateful for the beauty in the universe

I am grateful for friends who break your heart by leaving,

 then heal it with the love that comes when they come home.

I am grateful for adventures and play and being wrong and my body (in whatever form it comes in from day to day), yoga with Eddie, music and dancing, gemstones, essential oils and candles.

I am grateful for magic and the present breath of now.

for now.

* Actually, my birthday was yesterday, September 25th, if you must know. I started writing this blog yesterday but finished it today.