Beautiful Reminders

  "And the turtles of course...all the turtles are  free,

 as turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be." ~Dr. Seuss   

A delightful terrapin at a nearby nature preserve, eyes me with
trepidation.  A sunny day afforded my husband and I with a
chance to hike & drink in the beauty of our earth. 

"I respect the foresight of establishing protected spaces for the creatures in our midst,
beautiful reminders of God's handiwork."

~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal

Gwen's "Give-Away-Song"

 "Be present for all things and be thankful for all things." ~Maya Angelou   

https://www.gwenwesterman.com/

Poetry can capture our attention, sometimes like no other form
of communication.  It's often the root of music or melodies that
 convey the beauty, praises, and heartaches of life.  

https://poets.org/poem/give-away-song

"I love discovering new, poignant ways poets share pictures of our world that speak of
 heartfelt passion and desire."
~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal

Permission

"Give yourself permission to be a beginner." 

~Julia Cameron   

 

Learning has a "starting point" that can turn
out to be awkward, clumsy, or exhilarating.  So why not
cheer for one who makes an effort to launch into the unknown? 

"It's delightful to witness attempts to
fulfill challenges, no matter how
daunting they might appear."

~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal

 

Reading & Thinking Over Summer

"To take children seriously is to value them for who they

are right now rather than adults-in-the-making." 

~Alfie Kohn 

 

Doing the important work of reading, thinking, and
choosing to reframe what the craft of teaching should accomplish.

"Thankful for the time, the resources,
and ideas shared by others to improve
 things in school, for children."

~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal

 

 

Savor Beauty Around You

"Happiness held is the

seed; happiness shared is the flower." 

~John Harrigan

 

Looking at a neighbor's collection of flowers
that are carefully tended and no doubt loved,
I know all the world deserves such beauty.

"Cultivating living things in
 creative ways is an ultimate truth."
~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal

Woodland Haiku

"If you truly love Nature,

you will find beauty everywhere."  

~Van Gogh

                                                                          Our Indiana

                                              woodland hides the blackberries

                                                            alongside a hive.

"The poetry and the mystery of  
 our earth is indeed, wondrous."
~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal

Peace, Family, and Tradition

"Where we love is home- 

home that our feet may leave,

but not our hearts."
~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

 

The place that honors peace, family,
and tradition appears different to each of us.  
May we honor the homes around us
with the knowledge that each one is unique and worthy.

"Families vary across our world, yet 
 their memories hold eternal treasures."
~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal

Bring Miracles to Light

 "Through the eyes of gratitude,

everything is a miracle."

~Mary Stevens

Blocks away, I spy a beautiful sight.

Years ago my neighbor asked for an apple tree

to celebrate Mother's Day and this was her reward.

She urged me to take one when the fruit has ripened.

Although I cannot bear to deprive her wee children of 

some luscious fruit...that kindness is honest, lovely and sincere.  

"Remember to always remind those

you love that they're truly the apple of your eye."

~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal