Thanks As A Way of Living - Day 7

I Am Leaf Mowing Man

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.

1. I am grateful to get home in time to spend an hour and a ha;f mowing leaves before it got dark. This may be the last leaf mowing day before snow hits.
2. I am grateful there there were enough leftover scalloped potatoes for supper. Scalloped potatoes are comfort food that reminds me of Grandma Ledger.
3. I am grateful for the young lady who walked into Unity of Royal Oak today and asked, "What is this place?" As I shared my 3 minutes elevator speech and gave her some information about our Spiritual Community, she smiled and said she was very interested and would be back to check us out.
4. I am grateful that I did not get married out of high school like so many gay men of my generation did in order to do what was expected. I was engaged and was headed down the path of hiding our in a marriage. Fortunately, I knew who I was and that things would not be fair the the woman I was engaged to marry.
5. I am grateful for the play "Fun Home" that a group of us saw tonight. So many memories were stireed up, so many reminders of the way things were in the not too distant past. Thinking of Rich among others.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

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

Thanks As A Way of Living - Day 3

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. Oh, and no repeats.

1. I am grateful for Porkchop - my dog, because he reminds me everyday not to take anything too seriously.
2. I am grateful to Deanna and Colene for selecting me as their wedding officiant. I have known these two for several years and am honored to facilitate their marriage after 23.95 years.
3. I am grateful for my scalloped potato making skills. Growing up my favorite places to be was with either of my grandmothers in their respective kitchens. Tonight, I made cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham and was so aware of my grandmother Ledger as I sliced and chopped.
4. I am grateful for retirement savings. After several; years without saving for retirement, I received my welcome package from the 403(b) plan for Unity Worldwide Ministries - woot!
5. I am grateful to hear about the neighbor who stopped this morning to compliment our volunteers on the way the grounds look at Unity of Royal Oak. One of our goals is to be a good neighbor and it is gratifying to know that the neighbors appreciate the efforts  of our team.

Always in Love,

Ric

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#LivingThanks

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

Thirteen Days of Living Thanks

Esther Karvala Ledger

Today, I am thinking about some of the gifts I received from my Grandma Ledger who was born 102 years ago today in Upper Michigan. Grandma, thanks for:

1. An incredible inquisitive spirit.
2. Your unconditional acceptance, you were the first family member beyond mom and dad who knew I was gay.
3. Teaching me how to make your stuffing.
4. Salad Dressing Cake with Coffee Frosting
5. Oatmeal Squares
6. Your patience at having all of your grand kids over to decorate sugar cookies
7. Pasties and meat pies
8. Home made Bismarks
9. Being curiouser and curiouser
10. Many Christmas eves spent with you prepping Christmas dinner.
11. Countless hours spent together in the kitchen.
12. You once told me you wished more people could see God in everything like I did.
13. Interesting stories of your growing up in Iron River, actually Stambaugh and the surrounding areas like Beachwood.
14. Sharing the last few years of your life with me.
15. Your stubborn, iron will which allowed you to live your own way.
16. Helping me take care of Grandpa Miller.
17. Always making me feel special.
18. Your love of the underdog.
19. Never holding it against me when I failed you.
20. Visiting me in Ventura, which meant taking your first plane trip in your 70's
21. So much more lives in my heart ...