Day 87 of Gratefulness: Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families

I love working with this client, as they are so dedicated to making their event successful and fun.  They are easy-going yet work hard.  This is my 4^th year working with them and I thoroughly enjoy every minute.  I am really looking forward to their event this weekend and to raising more money for their great programs.  

Day 86 of Gratefulness: A good cup of chai

There is nothing like a good cup of chai and I have to say so many people make it wrong.  I cannot tell you exactly how to make it right, as I have never tried making chai.  It just needs to taste good.  I guess that is relative to the person drinking it but for me it cannot be too sweet or too milky.  I want to taste the flavor of the spices and I like the drink it hot, not too hot that you are burning your tongue but not warm either.  When I get a really good cup of chai than it is a good day.

Day 85 of Gratefulness: Good local honey

I took a tour of a local nonprofit called Earth Links.  They provide a work program for people who are homeless and low-income to learn skills and create Earth-friendly products that sustain people and the planet.  (yup-took that straight from their website)  They make some amazing products including lavender lotion bars, lip balm, soap, bookmarks, bird feeders and so much more.  Most of it they grow in their garden.  They also produce their own honey and let me tell you it is truly amazing.  They me do a taste test while I was there and by far the real stuff was so much better.  Yes, the stuff you get at your grocery store is most likely not real.  Do not get my wrong there is some honey in there but it is so processed and they love adding other things to it.  The real local stuff is the best.  You can taste all the flowers.  It is also great for folks with allergies.  It tastes like candy it is good for you.

Day 84 of Gratefulness: A glass of wine

Being that is Friday the 13^th and I had a rather long day it was nice to finish it off with a glass of wine.  Wine is so light and relaxing.  It doesn't have that strong punch that say a jack and coke has.  It goes nice with chocolate or a bath but I had neither today- just a glass of wine.

Day 83 of Gratefulness: A Sense of Smell

I woke up this morning and took a deep breathe in and I was in love with all the scents in the air. It was not the smell of bacon or the smell of coffee.  It was the smell of life.  If you take a minute, close your eyes and take some really depth breathes, what do you smell? Really focus on the scents coming in.   Life is all around you and so often we do not take two seconds to smell the roses.  It is honestly a miracle.

Day 82 of Gratefulness: The after the rain storm feel in the air

It has been dry, dry, dry in Denver but this afternoon we experienced our first lightening storm of the season. It included a bit of hail, loads of rain and even a tornado siren. The pitter patter sound of the rain as it hit the ground brought on memories of my childhood. The lightening was magical and the thunder intense. I am fortunate that my 2 year old black lab is not phased by the roar of the thunder. The best part of the storm was walking around after it had passed. That fresh smell of rain coming off the leaves and a cool tint in the air was so refreshing. I am looking forward to more of these in the near future.

Day 81 of Gratefulness: The Daily Love

A few months ago I signed up to receive a daily dose of love and each morning I am inspired by the message that is sent me. Every day starts with a few beautiful and inspiring quotes, a powerful call to action and a few paragraphs with an engaging message plus a set of affirmations to send you on your way for a day filled with love. These messages stream in from a man named Mastin Kipp. Sometimes I have an ah-ha moment or a moment like “I totally do that”. Other times I experience moments where I feel filled with joy after reading it. I look forward to starting my day off in this direction and appreciate all that the daily love and Mastin have to offer the world. Check them out at http://thedailylove.com/- sign up for your daily dose of love.

Day 80 of Gratefulness: Recycle Bins

It feels like every other day I am making a run to the recycle dumpster. It is really unbelievable how much of the waste we produce can be recycled now a day. Think back 30 years ago, it was 1982. I can tell you that my household or the households around me did not have a recycle bin. Even 20 years ago I do not recall recycle bins. It is becoming more and more common now a day that eventually we will think it is weird not to have a recycle bin or a compost bin in every household. Kind of like when you used to be able to smoke on airplanes - yuck! I appreciate what the recycle bin means and how it is changing our perspective on the world.

Day 79 of Gratefulness: Running

Running is such an easy thing to do but always hard to get started. I have taken a few months off which I seem to do every winter. Getting back into running is always a killer, as my body wants to resist the discomfort. I know that if I keep at it though it will seem so normal and comfortable. It is like anything in life, changing who are you is going to be uncomfortable at first but eventually it becomes so normal and natural. I just love the fact that running is something you can just walk outside your front door and do. No need to go to a gym, drive a far distance or really need any special equipment outside of a good pair of running shoes. I am look forward to more days of running and getting back up to my 5 miles.

Day 78 of Gratefulness: Dedicated Volunteers

Volunteers always amaze me. They will give of their time, share their talents and so often their treasures just for the better. I spent a few hours this morning with a small group of volunteers at the Stapleton Egg Scramble where I saw hundreds of children hunting for Easter eggs. I was there with Young Philanthropists Foundation promoting their Bash Dash event. The volunteer activity was easy and went by so fast because we all committed to it at 100%. When you dedicate your time in this manner it is so enjoyable. It will not matter what you are doing because al that will matter is how happy you are.

Day 77 of Gratefulness: Genuine & Authentic Conversations

I have been rather blessed with great people walking into my life lately. This morning I spent over an hour with Jennie the founder of Green Spaces and Green Route. She has so much passion for the work she does but what was beautiful about our conversation, besides the coffee, was just how genuine and authentic it was. These are the moments in life that I truly cherish. They are so real and soulful. When they happen it is like pure magic. I look forward to many more of these moments.

Day 76 of Gratefulness: Writing

I felt the urge to start writing again today and realized how much I appreciate it. Sometimes writing for me is just a blog entry, sometimes it is writing a newsletter and others times it is writing a story. Stories are my favorite because of the creativity that comes from the process. They allow you to dream and put it down on paper hoping that someone will be drawn in as much as you are. Writing is calling to me to do more and tell me story. So I will do just that.

Day 75 of Gratefulness: Scotto

It is not often that I get to talk to Mr. Scott Reeder but the days I do I totally love it. Now if I could figure out how to get more of it...life would be grand.

Day 74 of Gratefulness: A change in the weather

Change is defined as: make or become different. We absolutely had a change in the weather since this weekend. We went from 80 degrees days to 32 degrees with a little bit of snow. The beauty of change is that it is not stale but keeps you constantly moving. I love movement and flow as it is feels graceful and elegant. Stale just feels stiff, hard and rather uncomfortable. I particular like the cooler weather we are experiencing today. It is refreshing, light and often feels magical.

Day 73 of Gratefulness: Laughing

Almost everyday Bella and I play laser. Basically it is me shooting a laser pointer around the room as she chases it. I often giggle at this game as she is just so adorable and does some funny things to get it. I even broke out the tickle me elmo doll today as I wanted to continue enjoying the moment and the laughter. Laughter is so good for you heart and soul and something I recommend a dose of it everyday.

Day 72 of Gratefulness: A Clean Yard

It is great when a small group of neighbors can spend a few hours cleaning the yard. Let me tell you we had one dirty yard from living in the city. It is crazy how many people just throw things on the ground- where do they learn this from, how did this become normal in our culture? Something to ponder I guess. I am just grateful that we now have a clean yard and can enjoy it together.

Day 71 of Gratefulness: Meridian Massage

I treated myself to a massage today from Robert with Meridian Massage. Since I am rather active and do not always find the time to properly stretch myself out these massages are such a blessing. Robert is so good at working with you on your overall health and providing you with easy solutions to get you back in track and feeling on top. I am so grateful for the massage today.

Day 70 of Gratefulness: Margarita

Even though the skiing was tough today with the warm temperatures we have been having the day ended with a margarita. Something so simple, and powerful in flavor and refreshing on a warm day.

Day 69 of Gratefulness: Yogurtland

I think temps hit close to 80 degrees today- even though it is still March in Denver. I had to take the team to Yogurtland for some frozen yogurt goodness. The variety of flavored frozen yogurt and toppings is overwhelming. I have some favorite toppings, which is mostly fruit, nuts and a little bit of coconut. I will occasionally put a few chocolate chips in though for some added sweetness. The price is just right that I love treating others to this yummy goodness.

Day 68 of Gratefulness: Book Sharing Flash Mob

Today was our book sharing flash-mob and actually the first flash-mob I participated it. About 30 people took part in it and it was so much fun to watch the reactions and expressions of people passing by. The beauty of it all was actually sharing the book with a complete stranger afterwards and hoping that it made their day a little brighter. Doing simple acts of kindness is truly amazing.

Day 67 of Gratefulness: Root Down

All I can say is OMG! Everything I put into my mouth was truly amazing. The Organic Carrot & Thai Red Curry is now my new favorite soup. The coconut pie dessert, which was both gluten-free and vegan was better than any coconut pie with gluten or egg in it. I am looking forward to their Raw night in May as I know it will so be worth it.

Day 66 of Gratefulness: BC Serna

I sat down with BC for like 2 hours as he shared with me his vision on Volunteer It Up. When he first shared it with me months and months ago I was excited but I was not bought into it. Today his true passion and drive shined through and I was sold. He is so authentic about truly making a difference in the world and it shows in everything he does. I feel lucky to know him and I am grateful for our friendship.

Day 65 of Gratefulness: Group Meditation

I have not attended a group meditation in a while and today I finally made it to one. Meditating together is so powerful because of the energy it brings and the power of all of us collectively participating in it together. It is very beautiful and authentic. You realize that we are one and together we can shift our perspective and the perspective of the world.

Day 64 of Gratefulness: People vs The State of Illusion

This movie is so powerful; especially since I am way down the rabbit hole on this stuff. I am kind of a junkie but it has changed my perspective on life and has made a huge impact. One of the key messages of this movie is that there is good in everything. I honestly believe that every decision that someone makes it intended to be good but a lot of our actions differ. A great example they use in the movie is someone who is an alcoholic. What is good about drinking a lot of alcohol you may ask? We need to focus on the intention behind the action rather than the action. Many people drink to escape the worries and anxiety they have. They want to be present and relaxed. Sometimes drinking makes people feel confident and at ease with themselves and their situations. The decision to be present and in the moment, to be confident and peaceful is something a lot of us strive for. Could we change our actions and find a better way to be these things? Yes. Will it be easy? That is up to you.