Thanks As A Way of Living - Day 33

1. I am grateful for a day to just be still.
2. I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a hospital visit to a friend.
3. I am grateful for the opportunity to share some of my own experience strength and hope with the person who quote just happened" to be in the hospital, in the next bed to my friend.
4. Still very very grateful for the most amazing Christmas weekend still abuzz about both are candlelighting in the Christmas morning service.
5. Grateful for the ways that spirit flows through me when I let it happen.

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 32 - Christmas Day

1. I am grateful for April actually wearing Christmas jammies top church! I had invited folks to wear ugly sweaters or the Christmas PJ's and several did.
2. I was grateful for the couple from, our neighborhood who visited for the first time this morning. They said they have been walking by for the past few months and decided to check us out.
3. I am grateful for a wonderful Christmas Season at URO and I am grateful now to rest for a few days. It has been very busy!
4. I am grateful for the relaxed atmosphere as we explored the idea of its time to BE CHRISTmas.
5. I am grateful for a wonderful time with my family this afternoon. Good food, and sweet energy.

Merry Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my current gratitude practice - maybe till the end of the year. A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way of Living - Day 31 - Christmas Eve

URO Had A Full House on Christmas Eve

1. I am grateful for the incredible teamwork of our volunteers and staff. Christmas Eve was a joyous and relatively easy experience.
2. I am grateful ror the luminaries which ringed our property and were such a welcome invitation to all and connected us to our neighborhood where almost every street was lined with light.
3. I am grateful for the most incredible Christmas Eve Candle Lighting service I have experienced in several years. The feeling of love in our was amazing.
4. I am grateful for the many people who helped make our musical program over the top! Wow!!
5. I am grateful for a lovely lunch with friends.
6. I am grateful for the many gifts I received and especially with the pan of lasagne from Shirley which I will take to my family gathering tomorrow.

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way of Living - Day 30

1. I am grateful to our Outreach Team who allocated funds for Christmas for two of our families.
2. I am grateful for Saundra and the Ford Employees Fund who adopted three families through Unity of Royal Oak.
3. I am grateful for my sister, Dion, who not only let me use her van to deliver gifts today but went with me and helped.
4. I grateful for Carol's willingness to be Christmas Carol as she had done for many years .
5. I am grateful for the families that received our gifts of love made real.  I love being able to put feet and food to our prayers.

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 29

1. I am grateful that the small amount of holidays related shopping is finished and I no longer need to wait in long queues or dodge peoples carts.
2. I am grateful; that I was able to listen in on the Christmas Eve music rehearsal this afternoon. The spirit of Christmas is finally stirring within me.
3. I'm grateful that Liz can play the piano for Christmas Eve which allows Kim to lead and direct.
4. I'm grateful that the piano tuning service was able to come out on short notice after the sudden shift to dry winter air took the sound south.
5. I am grateful for ongoing support from our Board of Trustees which makes things run smoothly.

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 28

1. I am grateful that today is the Winter Solstice which means the days will begin to lengthen. 
2. I am grateful for memories and photographs of my mother and my awareness of her nearness this first Christmas season since she made her transition.
3. I am grateful that I remembered to buy flash paper for our burning bowl service.
4. I am grateful that the cold symptoms fro earlier in the week are dissipating.
5. I am grateful for a really sound sleep last night. I feel fantastic today!

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 27

1. I am grateful for the twenty people who gathered at URO and went caroling in our neighborhood. It was a good community building event.
2. I am grateful for the six houses where someone came to the door and especially for the little kids who enjoyed our christmas carols
3. I am grateful that the weather was decent with snow but without bitter cold.
4. I am grateful for being able to simply participate without being the organizer.
5. I am grateful for a finding a set of warm gloves in my size on sale!
6. I am grateful for the joy in the room when we came in from singing and had snacks.

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 26

1. I am grateful for the wonderful chicken soup I made today with garlic infused chicken broth I bought at Aldi last week. Wonderful garlicky flavor!
2. I am grateful for this cold quiet day. It forced me to slow down and pay attention.
3. I am grateful for a warm conversation over dinner with my neighbor Fred this afternoon. His wife of 54 years passed this past February and he is learning to navigate life in a new way.
4. I am grateful for Norma the neighborhood Christmas Luminaries Chair person in Royal Oak. We will have 50 luminaries surrounding Unity of Royal Oak in Christmas Eve.
5. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn about some of the side TV stations since I dropped cable. I am enjoying the PBS side station @Create a lot among others.

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 25

1. I am grateful for this focus on Peace this Fourth Sunday of Advent which led me to the meaning of Shalom which then led me to the awareness that peace is more than the absence of conflict and that peace is a consciousness of deepest connection to Source. Preaching regularly is a powerful personal spiritual practice.
2. I am grateful for the streamlined service opening that grew out of conversations with several people over the past week. I didn't feel like I had to rush the talk.
3. I am grateful for Harvey's singing The Holly and the Ivey today. I love to see people stepping into their gifts and sharing them in community.
4. I am grateful for Sharon and Richard choosing to celebrate his birthday with the entire community by providing lunch from Chicken Shack as well as ice scream and cake. The sense of community, connection and ownership grows each month.
5.  I am grateful for having nothing that I must tend to at the moment allowing time for a nap and some music. Now to dream about Christmas ...

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 24

Cleared Lot & Walkways - Thanks Leone Outdoor Services

1. I am grateful the parking lot and walks were already cleared at Unity of Royal Oak when I went in this morning for our Men's Group Meeting. Before hiring Leone Outdoor Services, the parking lot wouldn't be cleared until Monday (for the medical offices that share our lot) and the walkways and public sidewalks waited until I could find someone to shovel.
2. I am grateful for the six men who turned out on a snowy morning that had been forecast to be icy for our reformed Men's Group. A hearty bunch of guys who made breakfast and then had a heartfelt conversation.
3. I'm grateful for the new coffee maker and everyone liking the coffee. We're a group of coffee snobs in the men's group it seems. 
4. I'm grateful that ,y new snow thrower worked like a champ and had enough battery time to clear the driveway and Porkchop's spot out front too. Porkchop has short hair and is small so he isn't a fan of wading into the snow to do his business.
5. I'm grateful the forecast freezing rain did not materialize and I was able to easily get to the venue for a wedding I was officiating. I prefer a stress free zone.

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 23

1. I am grateful for this electric snow thrower that arrived as promised yesterday. My cardiologist and primary care physician tell me I must not shovel snow. Now I can be fully compliant.
2. I am grateful that I assembled the snow thrower and charged its battery in advance. Sometimes I procrastinate until the last possible moment, not this time.
3. I am grateful for time to think. I am a lucky man and pastor so time to ponder, wander, reflect and contemplate are essential and allowed for me. No more, "Richard - stop day dreaming."
4. I'm grateful that my cousin Jolene and my sister stopped by for a minute. The connection with family has grown more important for me as my generation of our family finds itself to be the elders.
5. I am grateful that I persisted with the clerk at Kmart who told me that if I hadn't received an email or a text then the item I had ordered for in store pickup wasn't ready. I told her that their system had told me the item would be available the prior day. She seemed doubtful but physically went to check and there was my sweater. Saved a trip back to Lake Orion.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 22

1. I am grateful for the variety of activities happening tonight at Unity of Royal Oak. In addition to the usual Attitudinal Healing and Thursday Night Thrive we had Caught In Conversation. Incredible for a small congregation in a 6500 square foot facility!
2. I am grateful for our relationship with Song and Spirit Institute for Peace. Tonight, we hosted the second Caught In Conversation program where 85 people from the Abrahamic traditions (Christians, Jews & Muslims)  gathered around 11 tables to share a simple meal and some conversation about who we are and how our faith has been important to us. Awesome!
3. I am grateful for Imam Steve El Turk from IONA who is a peacemaker and an amazing man!
4. I am grateful for Cindy Jacques who jumps in wherever I ask her too and always delivers more than requested. She makes my life easier.
5. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn and grow and be immersed in a community of faith..

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 21

1. I am grateful for the decorations all around Unity of Royal Oak. I like Christmas lights and decorations a lot however, I don't put too much up at home at this time.
2. I am grateful for an amazing full winter moon. Makes me smile and wonder.
3. I am grateful for a few minutes with Hazzan Steve and Brother Al from Song and Spirit stopping by this morning.
4. I am grateful for the energy of our Sanctuary. I love to meditate there.
5. I am grateful for Dave and Dan, brothers who are long time residents of the neighborhood.  My driveway is now fully clear.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 20

1. I am grateful for the ways our Outreach Team supported our partner, "For The Seventh Generation" as they work with families in the the Foster Care system in Michigan. Another way  we can make love real.
2. I am grateful to lead this community called URO. Love is making a way.
3. I am grateful for the rapid response from Greg @ Leone's Outdoor Services today when I made an inquiry about clearing the sidewalks and the lot if it snows on the weekend. Now we have a plan in place.
4. I am grateful to work with other organizations. Thanks Rotary!  
5. I am grateful for the plans Kim Lange shared with me about the music planned for our Christmas Eve Candle Lighting service at 6 pm on December 24..

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 19

1. I am grateful for the still winter morning after the first snow storm of the season. The stillness of a crisp morning makes me smile.
2. I am grateful that I was able to get out of the driveway this morning. I had many errands to run and I wasn't sure I'd get out because I am not supposed to shovel snow per my cardiologist.
3. I am grateful that I was able to order the snow thrower I wanted and it will be delivered.  After traveling all over SE Michigan looking, I found the item on Amazon at the same price.
4. I am grateful for the help of my niece Ashley who came over and cleared a path for Porkchop to do his business and a path for my car from the garage out to the street through where the city plowed.
5. I am grateful for the assistance of a knowledgeable clerk at Restaurant Equippers who helped me assemble the right coffee system for Unity of Royal Oak. Makes my job so easy!

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 18

1. I am grateful for the Unity of Royal Oak Music Makers. Their dedication and talents bring joy to many.
2. I am grateful for Mark & Tatiana sharing the gift of music this morning, beautiful music on a snowy morning.
3. I am grateful for the hearty souls who came out in the snow to celebrate a day themed on Joy.
4. I am grateful for the folks out plowing and salting. Keeping the flow moving.
5. I am grateful for the Love that draws us together in celebration and service.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 17

Porkchop's New Blanket

1. I am grateful for this new blanket for Porkchop's bed in my home office that I bought at Aldi for a really good price. He seems to like it too since his old blanket was worn out and he likes to be covered up and warm.
2. I am grateful to have a plan in place for someone who can pick me up and get me to URO to deliver the Sunday lesson if the roads are too bad fr me to drive. It is important to me that we have service even if only a small number of people attend.  Carol has a Yukon, yeah!
3. I am grateful to have a warm house on this cold night. I am mindful of the many people in our area who are homeless and the many people working to provide shelter.
4. I am grateful to discover a young (he will be 16 on Christmas Eve) musical genius named Ethan Bortnick tonight on PBS. What a blessing he is as he inspires young people to transform the world. Wonderful talent and he reminds me that the best is yet to be so hang on world!
5. I am grateful to have a dishwasher which is running as I finish this blog entry and work on the sermon for tomorrow. For most of my life, I was the dishwasher.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 16

1. I am grateful for my dad teaching me long ago to label wires, in this case to put a twist tie on one. My new twist is to then take a picture with my phone.
2. I am grateful that I am able to notice my rising frustration level and chill before I make a big fuss and embarrass myself. This has not always been the case when talking to telephone or companies.
3. I am grateful for my ability to understand and apply technology. Helps me understand the trade offs.
4. I am grateful to my niece, Alicia and her husband who gave me their old TV stand when they went to a wall mount. It looks good and serves my purpose well.
5. I am grateful to find a way to maintain The Weather channel live as well as several other cable channels without cable. I like saving $100 per month and having access to stations I like in the event that I want to watch them.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 15

2016 Giving Tree

1. I am grateful for the growing traction that Outreach is establishing at URO because making the love that is God real has been a longstanding personal theme. #LoveIsOnTheMove
2. I am grateful for the very generous nature of our congregation as we reach out in love through projects like the Giving Tree which makes me feel happy and proud.
3. I am grateful that the energy that called me to join Unity of Royal Oak as Spiritual Leader is drawing the most amazing people with incredible passion, skills and spiritual gifts into community. Truly the dream I have long held for my life is unfolding in ways that are beyond what I had imagined.
4. I am grateful foe last Sunday's quarterly Town Hall Open Forum and the vision for our physical plant that continues to take shape. The building is not the church however it is a springboard and focal point for our community and the ways we  make Love ral and felt in the communities we are called to serve.
5. I am grateful for the ways that God made a way when I had all but given up on my calling. Grace given and gladly accepted.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 14

The Light of Christmas Shines for You!

1. I am grateful for the people in the neighborhood around our Spiritual Center who stop by to say how nice the decorations look and then inquire about who we are which gives me and opportunity to share my "elevator speech" about Unity of Royal Oak and invite them to attend.
2. I am grateful for Barbara'a suggestions about CPAP's and other Apnea therapies. Keep me from ignoring the issue.
3. I am grateful for the 18 hats that were stuffed in our mail slot when I opened up today. Little fluffs of love for Foster kids.
4. Grateful for good ideas for January theme that came out of my weekly meeting with Kim.
5. Grateful for an open and honest conversation about issues related to building rental. I appreciate it when people bring their concerns

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 13

The McKeeman Family!

The Music Makers of Unity of Royal Oak

1.  I am grateful for the McKeeman family. Tonight they brought an incredible energy of young families from many backgrounds into Unity of Royal Oak. Absolutely amazing!
2. I am grateful for the Music Makers of Unity of Royal Oak who were practicing at the other end of the building. Beautiful music for our Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service.
3. I am grateful that the leaking toilet in the ladies room in Fellowship Hall is repaired. It was not the several issues I thought it might be. Thanks Mac!
4. I am grateful for the growing energy around Unity of Royal Oak and our intention to be a presence for love and peace. For a short time 21 months ago, I wondered if it was just me.
5. I am grateful for completing the process of selecting a new health and dental plan. It takes a load off my mind.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 12

Kruse and Muer on Main St, Rochester

1. I am grateful for a wonderful birthday dinner at Kruse and Muer with my dear friend Cindy. It was good to catch up and to walk along Main St and look at all the Christmas Lights.
2. I am grateful that all of the socks had mates. Sometimes, when I do the laundry, I have single socks left when I am finished. Today, all the socks had mates.
3. I am grateful for being able to sleep late this morning. I accept the gift of time for me.
4. I am grateful to live in the Greater Rochester Area (Rochester + Rochester Hills). There is lots to do and see in any season, small city atmosphere, multiple restaurants adn lots of green space.
5. I am grateful to be me and happy. Who, how and where I am is perfect. Thanks Love!

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 11

Grandma and me in Ventura, CA around 1986

1. I am grateful for my maternal grandma, Esther Ledger. Today would have been her 105th birthday. She had a huge influence on me both genetically and in terms of my personality. She was smart, quirky, stubborn, a terrific cook and story teller, loving, curious and you always knew there was a little more to the story than she was telling. Thanks Grandma!
2. I am grateful for our creative director, Kim Lange, who knows how to suggest something that will stretch me in a way that I can hear. 
3. I am grateful for the sense own ownership that continues to grow at Unity of Royal Oak. Today, Simon and Harvey creatively got the power to the lights on the railing out front, 
4. I am grateful for the sense of centeredness that can emerge from a deep breath and a moment of prayer. This morning, I was feeling upside down with having crammed too many tasks into too short a time just before service. We finally found a moment to pray and in that moment I shifted.
5. I am grateful for this amazing song, The Heart of Christmas by Matthew West. This morning Julie Noe delivered this big time. Selfless love is heart of Christmas. Thanks Julie!

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 10

1. I am grateful for the season of Advent that leads up to Christmas. I consider advent a call to deepen my own spiritual practice in preparation for an authentic experience of Christ on Christmas.
2. I am grateful that my vocation and avocation are the same. For many years I made a living at a job and on the side I was a spiritual teacher. Since 2005 I have been employed as a minister.
3. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve families through officiating funerals and memorial services. My approach to the preparation for a Celebration of Life allows me an opportunity to connect deeply with families and get to know the person we are celebrating.
4. I am grateful to be the Spiritual Leader and Pastor at Unity of Royal Oak. There is nothing better in my book than amazing, beautiful people traveling and serving together.
5. I am grateful for the neighborhood I live in and especially the neighbors who live on either side. I have real neighbors who watch out for each other and lend a hand whether it is cutting back vines or helping me get Porkchop out when he got stuck under the deck. Have kind neighbors makes a huge difference in life.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 9

1. I am grateful for this daily practice of sharing 5 things I am grateful for and why. I appreciate the exploration of the why because it keeps me from resorting to quick answers.
2. I am grateful for the members of our Board of Trustees. Each of them brings gifts and talents that compliment mine and the other members of our board.
3. I am grateful for my Nexus 6 phone. I like the unclutter by bloatware fact that it is pure Google which also gives me quicker updates.
4. I am grateful to have a washer and dryer in my house. Growing up we (means me) often to do the laundry and a laundromat.
5. I am grateful for my friend and spiritual teacher, Martha Creek. She is authentic, to the point, supportive, smart and real.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way of Living - Day 8

1. I am grateful for my sister's willingness to drive to my house on a cold rainy night to let Porkchop out to do his business. A late afternoon appointment in Clarkston took much longer than I originally planned and I was scheduled to lead a group discussion at Unity of Royal Oak at 7. Should I go back to URO and start the group ontime or stop at home and let Porkchop out after more than 8 hours without a potty break? Fortunately my sister was willing to let him out, play with feed and generally love on him. 
2.  I am grateful fort the Thursday Night Thrive circle tonight. Safe, supportive and sacred--for all of us.
3. I am grateful for Sandy Hess and her insights and support. It is good to have someone to talk through the tough feelings with and to have the perspective of another person.
4. I am grateful that the time of an automatic death sentence from AIDS has stopped (at least here in the US.) On this World Aids Day, I remember the way too many personal friends that died from the mid 1980's until Doug's death in 1997. So much grief for so long I could hardly cry. 
5. I am grateful that there are alternatives to driving on the expressway. The past few years I have noticed that driving on the freeway at night when it is raining or snowing can bring on a bit of anxiety especially in unfamiliar or dark areas. So, I get off and drive the surface roads. It is good to have options.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved