A Million Moments of Gratitude | {this little lightling}

58. The last known photo taken of me and bec before her wreck. She just graduated from high school and we were out to lunch to celebrate. I think this may be the only photo of her and the fella together as well. Needless to say, it’s one of my favorites. Isn’t she the most adorable little thing?

59. I can’t get over the fact that this is one of my jobs: to make clay things and sell them. I didn’t think you were supposed to enjoy your “job” this much.

60. Thankful to this guy for investing time and energy into teaching me how to throw pottery over the years. Worked with him for several months back in 2008 and currently apprenticing with him again. One of the best opportunities a person could have for working with clay.

61. This was one of my favorite days in long, long time. It was in hilton head, sc, the last leg of the trip the fella and I took. We got to stay with a friend for free while he was there (grateful for that, too, t.g.!). But i happened to have this turtle kite in the back of my car and decided to see what she could do. I spent hours walking up and down the beach with this thing. And it really was one of those child-like moments when the most simple things can make you happy. Loved this day to bits.

62. This, my friends, is the Amontillado Burger from Poe’s Tavern in Sullivan’s Island, SC. It’s a monster. And it’s perfect in every way. I love random discoveries of good food. I’ll probably want to go back there on vacation based on this meal alone.

63. Just after eating the world’s best burger at Poe’s Tavern in Sullivan’s Island. One of the best trips we’ve taken, just the two of us. Thankful for some sweet down time.

18. Large window with natural light flooding in, filling room, white down comforter and stacked pillows, white sheets, warm, fuzzy blanket wrapped up cozy and tight.

19. The room surrounding, as I wake, with that light from day’s dawn.

20. Wrapped canvas on opposite wall, a gift from the photographer friend, of the fellow and me standing in front of a weather worn barn dwarfed by honey suckle, me with the 5 white balloons symbolizing our years together, him in his vest and button up I love so much.

21. The iDock by bed, playing the words that have taught me so much this past week.

22. The flicker of candle light inside the bath, off the curtain, off the tile and ceiling, the scent of eucalyptus and spearmint and the comfort that warms and spread with the steaming water surrounding my sickly, aching body.

23. The emails received, inviting to new discoveries in the newest Susannah Conway course-Unravelling.

24. Homemade Egg Drop Soup and the sweet fellow that leaves work to bring me broth and sits to have lunch with sickly me.

25. A body that fights sickness—the attackers being defeated as fever flares and muscles ache and stomach lurches.

26. The day after and energy renewing as sickness retreats, flees.

27. A housemate, a friend that hardly makes herself known, but by the opening of the door after we’re in bed.

28. Car rides to the pottery studio with the housemate-friend as we share our common broken hearts for loved ones lost, and our efforts in learning how to live life while fully living.

29. The flexibility of a schedule to be sick and care for the self when it’s needed.

30. The sweet, lifelong friend who shared a recently found card written by my sister years ago, when the friend was returning from a year in France.

31. A home big enough for me, for a craft business, for a housemate, an office and a personal craft space.

32. A personal income just large enough to cover my coffee, clothes, books and dinner splurges.

33. A job for the fella to grow in and a secretary that radiates cheeriness that is an example to live by–a boss to play racquetball with.

34. Clean water to keep refilling my cup as my dehydrated body gulps it down.

35. Friends scattered all over, busy with their new lives.

36. Waking early enough to have a few hours to myself—to make coffee, sit in the morning light, gleaming through the leaves of the large maple tree and through the dining room window. Catching up on lists of gratitude and receiving emails of writing prompts.

37. An evening with my dad, on the lake, like old times.