Sleepy black and white cat on a blanket beside a steaming coffee mug and open journal on wooden kitchen table

The Armor of Morning Gratitude

The author shares how cultivating gratitude has significantly improved her life. Through daily reflection on what she is thankful for, both big and small, fostering a positive outlook and mental well-being. Readers are encouraged to adopt this habit, highlighting its potential to transform perspectives and enhance emotional health.

Silhouetted person walking with cat on shoulders along suburban street at night under streetlights and crescent moon

Shelter Shared

In “Shelter Shared,” the author narrates the transformative bond between a girl and a stray tortoiseshell cat. Initially seeking solace, the girl finds joy and healing through their companionship, realizing that it was she who needed rescuing. The cat’s presence brings warmth, comfort, and a renewed sense of purpose to her life.

A Christmas Eve memory.

On Christmas Eve 1985 in Frankfurt, a young American soldier on guard duty experienced a heartwarming moment. A jovial group of German locals, slightly inebriated, offered him a bottle of wine while singing festive wishes. This unexpected gesture transformed his cold, lonely night and left a lasting impression.

Older, smiling, well-dressed man wearing a cowboy hat at a party.

Be happy you knew him.

The author reflects on the remarkable life of her father, Bernard “Bud” Earl Ware, Sr., who lived from 1923 to 2020. Emphasizing his hard work, community service, and love for family, the message encourages others to celebrate his life rather than mourn his passing, highlighting the importance of helping others and expressing joy.

Single feather floating on lake water with sunset reflection

Gratitude Project: I am grateful for last words.

The Gratitude Project isn’t always about the easy things. Today, it’s about a friend I lost too soon, the unfairness of life, and the limitless possibilities he believed in. Holding onto a final, private message, I’m realizing how much weight a simple act of kindness can carry. Today, I am making lime curd, remembering a good man, and finding gratitude in the words people leave behind.

I am grateful for Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

#ProjectZen #Day23 #GratitudeProject Yesterday we received food from the Eastern Illinois Foodbank pop-up pantry in Champaign, Illinois. We are so thrilled! Produce, frozen chicken, snacks, canned goods, and smiles. With me not being able to work right now and as of yet not eligible for aid of any kind, getting a little help and love…

I am grateful for unexpected warm days in February.

#ProjectZen #Day22 #GratitudeProject 60 F. degree days amaze me in the middle of Winter. It’s February 22, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois and I have my front door open, and the screen door window is cracked open. The windows in my kitchen are open. Stale indoor air baked by our furnace is filtering out and fresh…

I am grateful for those who create Beauty.

#ProjectZen #Day21 #GratitudeProject I am grateful for those who create Beauty. For every book I have read. For every song I have heard. For every dance, film, and play I have seen. For every painting and photograph I have studied. I am grateful to all who create Beauty. Without their creative expression, the voice given…

I am grateful for my first china cup.

#ProjectZen #Day20 #GratitudeProject I was five years old when my mom presented me with my first official fancy china cup! I was thrilled! It’s such a small cup, festooned with happy creatures (a duck, a frog, and two mice) flowers, butterflies…..in cheerful colors. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy this cup made…

I am grateful for good days.

#ProjectZen #Day19 #GratitudeProject Day 19 is a good day. I am grateful for good days. Those of you that know me personally know I live with a chronic, incurable disease that has altered my life a great deal. Maintaining energy levels just to do normal, every day things can be challenging. Sometimes, like this morning,…