My children and I send one another memes all day long in Discord, and today my youngest forwarded one with an implied (and disrespectful) sexual reference. I was surprised and, as he and I thumbed through our phones next to one another, I mentioned my surprise to him. He was confused at my reference; from his comment I could tell he thought the image meant something entirely innocuous. I let the moment pass and I felt a small moment of gratitude.
Every day my children pass where they are safe, as they grow into adulthood, is a day I cherish.
I have for the first time a large enough set of orders I am setting up a waitlist for my works; In doing this I have been fiddling with my professional website and so it’s down at the moment. I think typically I’d feel irritable and anxious at this hiccup; I can’t afford to at the moment. I get up and work work work until it’s time to be with the family. I get my bike ride and my yoga in. I do my volunteer bit. I eat dinner. I clean up. I spend as much time with Ralph as I can. “It’s boring, but it’s my life”. Except, it’s not boring. It’s busy, and I have to make sure to have some mindful moments, and some play moments.
Beeps has a brand-new tablet we purchased thanks to a tax return and a great deal on Craigslist. The damn thing is so big we’ve given up our dining room table so he can do his work there. It’s lovely to have my child nearby and drawing away, even if they are often dug into headphones, they will still laugh aloud at my jokes or comment on my own music. I instruct Ralph to make twice as much dinner as typical, since the boys get up, fiddle on their phones, and then serve themselves large quantities of leftovers. Growing is hard work!
Tomorrow morning I have a Skype date with a pattern designer on jean fit; I hope to also finish the dungarees on my table before diving back into a crepe dress for a local client. I’ve also got to schedule – besides the waitlist for clients – something I haven’t scheduled myself in a good long while: a break.
5/21/2018:
I am grateful for sleep last night; to wake up feeling rested.
I am grateful for gorgeous sunny weather today!
I am grateful for hot coffee in the morning, and for delicious food during the day.
I am taking less time on social media and that is going really well. I am grateful I can change habits that are not serving me.
Today I made headway on a pair of trousers and I had a glorious time. I am sad my Echo won’t pair my phone (so I can’t listen to my books) but I am glad I could listen to good music.
I am grateful for a bike ride and coffee date with Ralph!
I am grateful for snuggles with my children.
I am grateful for movie night tonight and an amazing roasted tofu and broccoli salad!
I am grateful for yoga today. Every day this year!
I am grateful for a hot shower and a cozy bed and a partner to share the bed with.
5/22/2018:
I am grateful for deep sleep last night, and to wake feeling rested.
I am grateful for hot coffee and for sunshine in my kitchen.
I am grateful for time in the studio, finishing up a pair of jeans and a repair to a pair of trousers.
I am grateful for cat snuggles, and for five loving pets.
I am grateful for yoga today – every day this year.
I have been spending less time on social media and I am grateful for the experience of more mental peace.
I am grateful for fabrics in the mail!
I am grateful for a delicious dinner tonight, and time with the family.
I am grateful for a hot shower, cozy PJs, and time with Ralph.
goodnight!
5/23/2018:
I am grateful for deep sleep last night and waking feeling well. It has been SO long since I’ve been sick and I have almost two years without a kidney procedure. I am so grateful!
I am grateful for hot coffee this morning and sunshine.
I am grateful for time in the studio working on a dress.
I am grateful for a biking and coffee date today at noon, with Ralph!
I am grateful for a walk this evening with Beeps.
I am grateful for time seeing my ladyfriends, and for a meeting.
I am grateful for yoga today – every day this year. I am grateful for my practice and although it has been benefiting me physically for some time, it is finally noticeably benefiting me mentally.
I was looking at pictures of the last quilt I made, and thinking it’s time to start another. I found a lovely pattern and fabric to proceed with. I am going to start buying bits for the quilt starting now. I am pleased with this plan!
I have so many orders ahead of me but today I felt I was getting “on top” of it all and I’m feeling a bit cheerful about that.
I am grateful for tofu barbecue sandwiches tonight!
I am grateful for time playing Mario with Nels tonight! I am not even THAT bad at it!
I am grateful for a hot shower and soft pjs and my lovely bed and bedroom.
Goodnight
5/25/2018:
I am grateful for a deep sleep, if a little short!
I am grateful for another gorgeous day outside!
I am grateful for yoga in the morning, followed by hot coffee and an even hotter shower!
I am grateful for time in the studio cutting out a dress, and then doing repairs on a client’s garments.
I am grateful for a bike ride with Beeps, and getting to see a couple friends on the town.
I am grateful to finish up an (overdue) writing project today. I am grateful for Phee’s help in some technical drawing (and yes, I paid him!).
I am grateful for a safe and warm and loving home.
I am grateful for time with Ralph, every day. He is home for several days now – an extra long weekend – and I look forward to spending time with him.
I am grateful for payday!
I am grateful for new soap! Two kinds – a homemade delicious super sudsy soap I bought online a while back, and Dr. Bronner’s peppermint hemp – classic!
I am grateful for a hot shower, and cozy PJs, and a cat and partner to cuddle with.
I am grateful for a cozy bedroom, and a candle, and a soft bed with homemade quilts!