Day 12 ~ Tanner

We were meant to be together.  This I know for sure.

For almost three years now he has been a faithful, loving companion.

He is a magnificent specimen of the feline kingdom.

All 15+ pounds of his buff stripy self!

I love him dearly.

Oh my, yes.  I am *most* grateful for my Tanner Boy

Day 11 ~ The Marblehead Light

I don't remember how old I was when I fell in love with this lighthouse.  As best I can recall, it was a special site for me even back in high school.  And to this day, it continues to be a sacred space.

Each time I go, whether for just a few minutes or for a longer, more meditative visit, it is a reverent pilgrimage of sorts.  I find the energy there very centering, cleansing, and healing

Last summer, I had the chance (for the second time in my life, I believe) to tour the inside and navigate my way around the top open-air lookout.   The view is spectacular!

There's Cedar Point Amusement Park straight ahead in the distance.

And a wonderful view of the magical rocks below.  (More on those in another post.)

Then back down the 77 steps of the narrow, spiral staircase!

This is the oldest continually working lighthouse on Lake Erie, in operation sine 1822.  When the original light keeper died in 1832, his wife took over the role, making her the first woman light keeper on the Great Lakes.  (Click here to read more.)

There is a lovely museum house on the property now.  It contains an array of interesting historical treasures about the Lighthouse, as well as certain artifacts from the surrounding area.

If you ever have the chance to visit, I hope you do.  You will not be disappointed.

* * *

I am indeed grateful for the Marblehead Lighthouse. :)

Day 10 ~ A Good Hairdresser

Finding a good hairdresser ~ who can handle short hair creatively ~ is a true blessing.

Recently, my 'go to' stylist left her place of employment and I was unaware of her new location.  So, in the meantime, I took a chance on a local salon, to which I had never been before.

The results were great!  And I am happy to report that it was an enjoyable encounter with a good outcome.

Yes, today I am grateful for good hairdressers!  :)

Day 9 ~ These Trees

When I Am Among the Trees

~by Mary Oliver~

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness,
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, 

and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, 

to be filled with light,

 and to shine."

Almost every morning for the past six months, these trees have greeted me ~
faithful sentinels of strength and wonder.

Countless hours have been spent simply soaking in their beauty and majesty.

I am overwhelmingly grateful for their presence in my life at this time.

Day 8 ~ My Honda

Today, I am grateful for my 1994 Honda Accord.

18 years ago this week I purchased it new ~ and it has served me well ever since.

With more than 194,500 miles on it now, it seems fitting that my new bumper sticker reads:

Powered By Optimism!

Day 7 ~ Miracles

As we become purer channels for God's light, we develop an appetite for the sweetness that is possible in this world. A miracle worker is not geared toward fighting the world that is, but toward creating the world that could be.

Marianne Williamson

They are all around us.   Every day.  With every breath.

They arrive when a lifetime of pieces fall perfectly, astonishingly into place.

And sometimes, when we're incredibly blessed with amazing grace from the Universe, they sit across the table from us, hold our hands, look into our eyes, and speak Truth to our being.

Today was one of those days.

* * * 

My goodness, how grateful I am for miracles!!!

Day 6 ~ Squirrels

I find them endlessly fascinating and entertaining!

And...they bring an important message.  (Click here to read more.)

Here on the North Coast of Ohio there are mostly red squirrels.  Compared to the common gray squirrel in the city areas, these furry friends are quite fat and fluffy!

I especially like it when they pose for a photo!

* * *

Today, I am grateful for squirrels.  :)