I Am Thankful For:
Green grass
Fresh fruit
The neighbor kids playing in mud puddles
New skincare products
An afternoon nap
Not speaking out in anger
My husband picking up dinner when the power went out
My son's new car
A beautiful Saturday
Kindness
A long hot bath at the end of the day
Cupcakes
When my husband makes me laugh
Chatting with my daughter
I have a confession. I haven't been completely honest with you recently.
It's a known fact that I am a coffee lover. If you follow me on Instagram, every Monday you get a cute little reel of my coffee preparation process along with a little inspirational or funny video bit, or some music. I drink at least a few cups of coffee every single day.
But here's the thing... That's not entirely true.
Don't get me wrong. I most definitely am a coffee lover. And I did drink at least 2 to 3 cups a day. Until about a month or two ago.
You see, I've been having a lot of stomach issues. Heartburn - sometimes extremely painful, stomach aches, nausea, belching. I know - it paints a pretty picture, doesn't it? It reached a point where it was bothering me enough that I went to see my doctor who referred me to a GI specialist.
Based on my symptoms, they suspect it's gastritis or an ulcer. I tested negative for H Pylori, which is good news. We're trying to treat with medication to start. I go back next week, and depending on my progress (or lack of), they'll decide whether or not to schedule an endoscopy.
In the meantime, I have to be careful with my diet and avoid anything that upsets my stomach. Which is currently a long list. Including coffee. I admit that I have had a cup here and there. And if it's weak and has plenty of oatmilk, it usually goes ok. But, mostly I've been drinking tea and honey (sometimes also with oatmilk) for my caffeine fix.
And there you have it. As much as I enjoy my coffee - I've been forced to become a tea drinker.
I Am Thankful For:
When the storms have passed
Freshly laundered bedding
Games
Sushi
When a stranger compliments the sweater I made
Feeling cozy
The smell of rosemary
Cranberry muffins
My daughter's family stopping by
The pear tree in bloom
A drink of cool water
Dogwoods starting to bloom
Lilacs blooming
Book club day
Cardinals
Watching the eclipse
A return to Spring weather
My "baby" sister
Rainy days
New dog harnesses
I Am Thankful For:
A day at home
Comfort food
Long talks with my sister
The beauty of Spring
Dreams
Grocery shopping with husband
Fresh air
Four deer in the backyard
Hearing a mockingbird sing
Wild violets growing in the yard
New sandals
Easter
Warm, sunny days
A new month
Max feeling better
A cooling breeze
Azaleas blooming
Last night there were storms. We were more fortunate than some areas that were hit with severe storms, including tornadoes. It was a rough evening for many.
This morning I stepped outside to hear birds singing. There was a light, refreshing breeze. The sun was shining through the remaining clouds.
This reminded me that there may be storms in life. Some are loud and scary, but not severe. Some rip through feeling as if they are destroying everything and leaving us completely devastated.
But the storms always pass. Always. No storm, no matter how severe, lasts forever.
Yes, we may have to deal with the aftermath. There may still be grief. And we may have to rebuild, or completely start over.
But, after the storms pass, there is sunshine. And a brand new day.
Keep those affected by yesterday's storms in your prayers today. And if you are struggling through one (or more) of life's many storms - I pray that you may you see the sunshine soon. 🩵
March was a rough month, especially the last couple of weeks. I am happy to put it behind me and move on to April. Hopefully this month will be kinder and gentler than the previous 31 days.
Things are well and truly starting to warm up here in North Carolina. I am hoping to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather for some walking and a hike or two. Hopefully the pollen levels cooperate and don't make it too miserable to get outside.
My "baby" sister has a birthday this month. I probably won't be able to celebrate with her in person this year. That won't stop me from celebrating and appreciating her, though!
My reading list for April is still very much up in the air. I have already read the book club selection for the month (The Maid by Nita Prose). I will be completing Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross over the next day or two, and beginning Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward. After that, I may try to finally read a few of the books that are piled up on my nightstand.
April is going to be a month of doctor appointments. I have lab work scheduled and my yearly well check. My dog, Ziggy, is scheduled for a checkup this month.
In the last days of March, I completed the cardigan I had been crocheting. I'm working on a character hat for my daughter to wear to a comic convention this month. After that, I can't decide if I want to work on another sweater or try something completely different.
March saw mixed results for my goals. I did purge and reorganize my purses, and, as I already said - I completed my crochet project. I did not, however, walk three days per week. If I'm being completely honest - I don't know that I set a foot on my treadmill for the entire month. 🫤
My goals for April:
March felt like a month of extremes. From the roller coaster ride that the weather put us through (40's one day, 70's the next, then back to 50's with lows in the 20's), to situations and circumstances that had me struggling to find my peace at times. But I am making every effort to stay focused on the positive. So let's take a quick look at some of my favorite things from the month of March!
On the first weekend of the month, the Man of the House and I had a little date day. We started with breakfast/brunch then went to see "Dune". Afterwards, we went and picked up our new refrigerator.
My daughter and I took one day and went to Biltmore Estate together. We walked through the gardens and conservatory, had a nice lunch, and took my grandson to see the baby farm animals. Who can resist baby piglets, lambs, and chicks? Not me!
My Christmas cactus surprised me this month by blooming again. This has never happened before! I'm not sure what, if anything, I'm doing differently, ' but apparently the cactus likes it. Does this make it an Easter cactus?
The cherry blossoms bloomed this month. The tulips are now opening up. And there are tons on buds on my azalea and lilac bushes. I can also see the peonies popping up out of the ground. All the beautiful flowers are an added bonus of springtime.
I had a day this month when I had my feelings trampled and felt as if my heart had been broken. That was definitely NOT a favorite moment. But, it did remind me of the people in my life who love and care for me. They allowed me to vent and provided a shoulder or two to cry on. Does it take away all of the hurt? No. But it certainly helped ease the pain a bit. And those people are absolutely some of my favorites.
What are some of your favorite things from March?
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I Am Thankful For:
Sleep
Planning my next crochet project
Coffee and a good book
Textung with my cousin
Meeting my husband for lunch
Cherry bloasoms falling like snowflakes
Getting compliments from strangers about my hair
My appointment went well
Weekends
Trips to Sam's Club
Getting take-out for dinner
Tulips blooming
Getting back on track
Veterinary care
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I Am Thankful For:
Lunch with my dad
Spending time with my son
My husband's flight getting in on time
Blue skies
Springs-like breezes
Early morning thunderstorms
Listening to the birds sing
When the rain stops
Lunch with my husband
Big yellow and black butterfly
Falling cherry blossom petals
Bangers and mash
A morning cup of tea
A delicious St Patrick's Day dinner
People who actually care about my feelings
My husband bringing me flowers
My husband making dinner
Rest
The first day of Spring
