Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Quick Without Thinking...



...Seven things for which I am grateful today...


ONE
For blue skies this morning that are clear of the hazy, gray smoke from the forest fires burning for weeks in various parts of Western Canada. The air is sweet today.

TWO
For the good rain that has watered thirsty, thirsty ground and helped with those forest fires. Not to mention, my own little patch of earth where my flowers and trees are most grateful.

THREE
For the cooler temperatures this week as anything over +31C feels too warm for this chickee. Today I feel more energetic and less sloth-like.

FOUR
For misty goblets of homemade iced lemonade with a dash of anise oil to sip on a hot day. 

FIVE
For the ability to enjoy the summer as it unfolds moment by moment, knowing that there is no having to get up before dawn to go to work, and there's no need to head off to bed long before the sun gives its amazing twilight summer show in the late evenings.

SIX
For spontaneity and the freedom to invite someone spur of the moment for chicken salad on croissants served with iced tea and lemon.

SEVEN
For the gift of this blog and my beautiful blogging friends who still come to visit. Honestly, I didn't mean to be away for so long between posts. (We were on a couple of mini-holidays. And, then I've been working feverishly away on a delightful project these last couple of weeks. Something I cannot reveal just yet, as it's meant as a surprise for someone who reads this blog.)


“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” ~ John Lubbock, The Use of Life 


Now, whether you're sitting in the shade of a tree listening to the leaves rustle, or you're off tackling some neglected project with gusto, or you're sitting with friends on a cafe patio, I'm wishing you a happy day and a joy-filled week ahead.

Gratefully,
Brenda
xox


15 comments:

  1. Always lovely to read your posts, Brenda.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your words are like a paint brush.
    I visualize each stroke of your words.
    You have painted a beautiful picture of SUMMER!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh the relief of fresh air after fouled or fresh air after heat or rain after the dust...it sounds loverly. Hmmm...a bit of a mystery here...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi, Brenda...what is it about the heat that makes us feel so listless. I'm looking forward to leaving behind the 100 degrees predicted in Texas for the Northeast.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The air after a rainfall is so refreshingly clean and sweet. Our skies are blue again after a week of ugly smokiness. I'm glad things have cooled off for you, as they have for us. And I'm glad you are free to enjoy the evenings and not have to get up quite so early in the mornings. Sweet summer days to you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. haha, on humid days, I too, feel very sloth-like! And anise oil in lemonade? that sounds quite intriguing. Might have to try that. Sounds like you're having a good summer Brenda. We've had loads of rain, but right now the temps are perfect and low humidity. I fell asleep on the deck this afternoon. Heavenly!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such lovely summer blessings, Brenda! So glad that you are enjoying sweet summer days! Our rainy summer has made our gardens flourish here. I just came inside after many happy hours in the garden today. So, I'm feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ever-so blessed to spend time with the flowers and herbs. The world is smaller than we think. The winds brought the smoke and haze from the terrible forest fires in Canada all the way to us near Chicago! Hope the danger is past in Western Canada. Have fun working on your surprise project, Brenda! ♡

    ReplyDelete
  8. A list of gratitudes is always a good thing!! Loved reading your list of blessings! I share your love of slightly cooler temps as well as spontaneous hospitality. And blog friends are so nice that way. They come back to visit when you return from a hiatus, planned or unplanned. Sometimes there are simply not enough hours in the day to keep up with everything.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm thankful for home, hubby, security, God and family...

    ReplyDelete
  10. #5...have you retired from your job Brenda? If so, I'm so happy for you! Makes your summer days and evenings more enjoyable! Linda

    ReplyDelete
  11. #5...have you retired from your job Brenda? If so, I'm so happy for you! Makes your summer days and evenings more enjoyable! Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda, yes, yes, I'm happy to report the job is done. And we're free as birds again. Woohoo.

      Delete
  12. Beautifully written as always, Brenda. Glad you're back.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. We've been enjoying our share of the heat here in the South, with the occasional shower that barely wets the ground and does nothing to cool it off. There are always projects to do around here - whether we want to or not. I'm glad you are enjoying your free time in all the ways that make you happy.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ah Brenda a great list to be thankful. It sounds like you are enjoying retirement. Can't wait to see your new project. Have a blessed week. Hugs!""

    ReplyDelete

To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo