CELEBRATE LIFE!

Remember the phrase that starts, "I'd rather be--"? I can't think of any thing I'd rather be doing, or any place I'd rather be.

My residence is in northern Indiana, where we're enjoying the transition into late autumn--color drifting down from the trees, rain spattering the windows, breezes finding the chinks in our sweatshirts with their near-icy fingers. The sun appears once in a while. The dog, Joy, thinks sunshine equals Nice Day. Once outside she's puzzled: today is nicer than the one before, but where did all the grass go?

The impatiens in the photo are the last vestige of summer--my mums are beginning to bloom, and there's a pumpkin on the patio. (In case you're wondering, the chicken-wire cage around the impatiens and a pot of herbs is to deter interested squirrels and cats. Very interested squirrels and cats.)

At this moment, I'm writing--my most rewarding, and frustrating, activity. That's what I prefer to do. Later on, I will prefer to knit, working on hats, mittens, and scarves for folks who need them with my knitter friends at church.

At meals I read. Caveat: This is only possible if you have a very forgiving housemate or live alone. My housemate, Joy, doesn't mind if I read. But I better remember her when I finish my cup of yogurt and allow her to get the very last vestige of yum-o out of the bowl. (That's Joy, 16.5 years old and still my good buddy.)

Segue to food. Not only a necessity in this life, but definitely one of Life's Little Pleasures. I love good food--interesting food--exotic food--making it, eating it, sharing it. Years ago I discovered I have gluten insensitivity, like so many people, and now I cook gluten free. When I don't buy GF foods readymade, I bake them myself: pizza, scones, cookies, brownies, breads of all kinds. I'll be posting favorite recipes from time to time.

Yesterday was yoga day. Fifteen of us showed up for therapeutic yoga with our instructor, Sharon. We meet twice a week for an hour each time--stretches and counter-stretches, end with meditation.

Today I worked with Emily, a young friend I taught to knit. Tomorrow I knit with the ladies at my church who started a fiber arts ministry last January. (More on this later.)

There's so much to celebrate in life! Always something to discover, to explore; something new to learn or teach; new books, new activities, new ideas. New friends, new neighbors to serve. New Day equals New Adventure.

Welcome to Thursday's Child: Together let's celebrate Life!