through this little blog we have created, i have come to find it difficult to make a short list of things i am grateful for. i often see something and think "this has got to go on the blog!", but before i know it, i have completely forgot about it. i suppose the ultimate goal is to remind oneself of the wonderful things in life and to be consciously aware of them all at the same time.

 i discovered something interesting last night from a book i am reading and it made me think about the choices i make each and every day. the book said that our bookstores are often filled with "self-help" books on how to improve our attitudes, images, skills or thoughts, yet do we find the same amount of literature on finding the beauty in life or how to help others? we frequently make excuses or find we are too tired (i'm the worst at doing this!) to do something beautiful for others. why is it that we soul search and work to better ourselves (mentally, physically, whatever), yet something so simple as doing good, volunteering or making a conscientious effort to find the beauty in life can be the ultimate "cure" to our problems? i am in no way saying i have this mastered or am the perfect "do-gooder". far from it people, far from it. it's just food for thought. so perhaps during the upcoming holiday season where we tend to give more and think of others in need, we can intentionally work to better ourselves through helping others or by finding the magic each day brings and make it last longer than usual. because my friends, it is truly a wonderful world we live in full of incredible, incredible things.

 like any other skill, be it throwing a ball, playing the piano or learning a language, we learn from practice. and because of this practice i feel that my gratitude list has become as simple as riding a bike. easy, thrilling and carefree.

so on this beautiful, but chilly fall thursday, i offer up my little piece of gratitude (don't get too jumpy...they aren't that exciting...)

* candles burning
* upcoming trips
* doing laundry without having to pay for it
* a full fridge to choose from
* new songs - lovin' "we found love" by rihana
* talking to brothers
* jeans friday!
* being able to vote - aren't we blessed?!
* a clean bathroom, shower and all (i know you hate cleaning showers like i do...)
* the smell of hot coffee - i'm fairly certain i said that last time, but it's just too good!
* boots
* christmas commercials/movie previews (i know i shouldn't be excited yet, it's not even halloween yet!)
* my husband: his drive, motivation and hard work to be able to provide for his family


have a lovely weekend and enjoy the hunt to find something to be grateful for...

peace,
b