Alii Kula Lavender Farm

My sister and I went to Maui in October 2009 for our annual Seester’s Trip.  First of all, let me tell you how absolutely beautiful and breathtaking the land, sea and people of Maui are…someday I shall return to Maui, maybe to live there forever!  I hope ya’ll come visit me.  

As we wound our way back to the airport for our evening flight home, our last stop on Maui was the Alii Kula Lavender Farm.  I think we were drawn to this place so that we could honor our Mother.  Jo {after four children shouting out ‘Mom’ 531,343 times a day our Mother quit responding to the word MOM in any deviation so we started to call her by her given name so that she would acknowledge her children!} always loved lavender…in any form…essential oils, sachets, sprays, spritz, it didn’t matter what form--she loved lavender and we grew up with the smell of lavender.  Jo would go on and on about the healing properties of lavender {more about that later}.  This place was a little piece of heaven on earth. 

We first made our way through the gift shop/café.  We shopped, we ate lavender scones and drank lavender tea {it is way better than you may think…now the lavender chocolate didn’t do much for me, but the rest was fabu-Lo-so. The essence of chocolate should not be messed with...}.   In the gift shop I purchased a container of Lavender Body Butter and the Lavender Shampoo {the human formula, not the dog shampoo}.  I LOVE the body butter!  I use it on my face, hands, arms, legs…my body!  Hence, the name!  Duh.  The shampoo is just amazing!  Talk about shiny, squeaky clean and smelling good!  I actually just placed another order with them on Saturday!  

We then started our self-guided tour on the ten acre farm, apparently there are a gazillion types of lavender!  The smells and physical differences of the varying types of lavender is simply amazing.  The farm is sprinkled throughout with different statues, hidden benches, and chairs so that you can take a rest or just sit and enjoy the sights and smells of the farm. 

After taking the time to do the tour we still had time to kill before our flight so we took time to sit in some chairs we found hidden in a small grove of trees located a knoll. We took our books, water and lavender tea and just sat and enjoyed the sound of the footsteps of the other tourist, the buzzing of the bees, and just enjoyed the quiet of the space. The photos on the blog are from our trip to the farm.  If you ever make it to Maui, the lavender farm is a MUST do! 

 

From the Akii Kila Lavender website:  
In the uplands of Maui, nestled along the skirt of Haleakala (House of the Sun) lay the beautiful gardens of Ali`i Kula Lavender.
AKL resides on an elevation of roughly 4000 ft. and is home to approximately 55,000 lavender plants and 45 different varieties of lavender, olive trees, hydrangea and protea blooming on 10.5 acres, offering the first and only Lavender Lifestyle experience on Maui. Cared for and created by Agricultural Artist and Horticultural Master, Mr. Ali’i Chang.
Relaxation, Rejuvenation and Renewal are all held in this magical place that the spirit calls home!
Ali`i is more than a Grower, he is Guardian.
The beauty of his work can be seen across our 10-acre stretch. On any given day he can be found nurturing his flowerbeds and lavender fields with attention and charm.
Though his lavender beauties are not native to Maui, they have settled on our majestic mountain with style and grace. Thriving in Kula’s perfect weather, our lavender blooms year round.
Lavender was given to Ali’i in 2001 by a dear friend and being the consummate gardener that he was, he planted the herb with the best of intentions to have it breathe and blossom into what AKL is today—a true work of art!
This masterpiece in which he calls his home speaks of the life he lives and the legacy he wishes to leave behind. His art of growing plants and enriching our resources is greatly enhanced and adorned by the many artifacts and collectable's Ali’i has acquired over his many years of travel and entrepreneurship. These accented pieces give way to the incredible detail and richness that takes form in his craft.
Alii prides himself on having an impeccable and ever-changing canvas for all eyes and takes considerable pride in his work and the work of his people. And though his flowers could never look more beautiful as they do, or his plants could never grow better than he already makes him,....he will always find ways to create something incredulously impressive….he is a true perfectionist.
Ali'i Kula Lavender (AKL) is the premier purveyor of unique, quality Lavender products on Maui and is a leader in promoting a health and wellness lifestyle.
AKL produces products that enrich the quality of life by evoking joy, rejuvenation, comfort and serenity. Each product is carefully made using natural, botanical and organic ingredients as often as possible. As a lifestyle company we are animal and earth friendly and encourage our visitors and guests to do the same.
AKL is built on a value-centered philosophy of "Aloha" which means love, friendship and responsibility. This principle speaks to the quality of our relationships with the land, the community and each other. It is what influences our behavior and encompasses our level of excellence in which we do our work.
AKL is an integral part of helping to grow sustainable economies through agri-tourism and provides agricultural education that supports our community based business model.
AKL creates profitable growth, expanding career and personal development opportunities for our employees and the communities of which they are a part. As a steward of the land,
AKL promotes best practices that respect the Earth and the Environment and gives special homage and respect to our Kupuna (elders) whose spirit has empowered us to nurture and protect our land and our people.

The various health benefits of lavender essential oil include:

Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.

Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.

Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago. A regular massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.

Urine Flow: Lavender essential oil is good for urinary disorders as it stimulates urine production. It helps in restoring hormonal balance and reduces cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder. It also reduces any associated cramps.

Respiratory Disorders: Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapour or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.

Hair Care: Lavender essential oil is useful for the hair as it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits.

Blood Circulation: Lavender essential oil is also good for improving blood circulation. It lowers blood pressure and is used for hypertension.

Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion as it increases the mobility of the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and thus aids in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.

Other health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to treat leucorrhoea. It is also effective against insect bites. The oil is also used to repel mosquitoes and moths. You will find many mosquito repellents containing lavender oil as one of the ingredients.

As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that diabetics stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people having sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting and headaches due to usage of lavender oil.

Information obtained from http://www.organicfacts.net

The purveyor of mankind and the root of all evil.

It rules the world, it is fought over, it is pursued by most for their entire lives, it evokes happiness, it induces sorrow, it corrupts, it fulfills, it enables death, it is the reason we go to school, it is the succor of our religious establishments, it is the reason we go to our grind everyday, it facilitates marriage, it desists marriage, it compels sin, it gives sustenance to the needy, it encompasses us our entire actuality.

I just can't let it go...More from 365 Thank Yous

I just found this post on...sigh....yes, Facebook!  John Kralik, author of 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Gratitude Changed My Life posted a note on his Facebook page as the New Year began reflecting on the the old and hoping for the future.  John Kralik INSPIRES me!  I'm telling you people YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!  

"At the end of many of the years of my life, I stood a stiff drink in hand, watched the sunset of the final day, and said good riddance, thinking, after a year like that, things can only get better. No one, not even the most negative-minded of the tribe (which used to include me, I suppose) could objectively say this has been a bad year for me. In fact, it has been an uncommonly good one, one of the best. I had 365 fresh chances to make the world a better place, and, every once in a while, I did so. Relationships healed. Love ones thrived. I was blessed in every significant category of my life." ~ John Kralik  (The sentences highlighted in red sing to my soul!) 

How can you not love what he has to say in those four sentences?  Those four sentences send a message of hope to the all of us.  We, too, have 365 fresh chances to make the world a better place.  I am still six notes behind for the year, but I will stay on track.  I have already received two phone calls from people thanking me for the thank-you notes I sent thanking them for gifts (this would be the snowball effect I so love).  How cool is that?  One phone call was from a friend I don't often take the time to communicate with, she just happened to stop by the week after Christmas to bring me a food gift.  Those of you who know me well know how much I love a food gift...preferably cake or chocolate for those who are thinking about stopping by to pay me a visit.  :P

"Unlike that day on January 1, 2008, on January 1, 2011, my life is good; as good as I want it to be. I am at peace that I have, and have had, a good life. This year, in 2011, I hope to help others have a good life. I hope to repair more of the damage I have done to those who have loved me." ~ John Kralik   


By doing my own 365 days, I also hope to help others have a good life.  It doesn't really take much to make a difference.  Sometimes the smallest thing can make the biggest difference.  I'm a big believer that words have power.  By sending a thank-you note you are sending a big message in a small package.  

Thank you once again, John Kralik, for your words of wisdom and inspiration. 

Band of Brother's

We band of brother's came together this last weekend in October 2010 to face our Goliath of the moment. We fought through our broken bones, our sore muscles and our faltered pride. We rose to the occasion of our nemesis. We are becoming young men and have found that winning does not always teach us the meaning of life. We have attained our pride from losing and striving to not accept that conclusion. Winning is a lot better and we will take forth this time in our memories as a culmination of pain, pride, and brotherhood that brought us together. We are a "BAND OF BROTHER'S" and this will continue with us for the rest of our lives.

365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life

Sherry aka Grace here (although I am sure you will be able to distinguish writing styles)...I have decided to rise to the challenge offered by John Kralik in his book 365 Thank Yous:  The Year A Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life.  I have a bit of catching up to do to stay on track.  

Today is January 23rd.  I wrote some notes on Thursday, Friday and today and I am now at a total of 17 notes!  So I'm only six thank-you notes behind!  I WILL catch up.  I am excited to see what the year will bring.  And just a note to all of my friends and family...I've covered the Christmas gifts so now I have to get creative and start thanking all of you for what you bring to my life...keep a check on your mailbox.  


You can order this amazing book by clicking on this image.  You won't regret it.  I promise.

What Am I?

I was placed by the wind or a soul. 

I feel the sun rise and cast my veil until the light fades into night. 

I acquire the bounty of the rain in the spring, the warmth of the sun in summer, the cool breezes of the wind in the fall, and the fridges of the coldness in the winter.

I stand watch as the lineage of life comes and goes.

I see all the happiness and sadness of mortality as my time transpires. 

I behold as life ensues and traverses through time towards its culmination.

My continuance is ignored until I fall.  

If only I could relinquish my chronicle of time, the discern of life as seen through my leer.  

Introducing the Harley Tank

I have a new contributor to my blog.  A man.  I know....me...letting a man in my sacred space.  But I think it will be pretty cool to have a guy's perspective and take on this crazy life we live. 

He will be writing under the pen name of Harley Tank.  It kind of clashes with Grace, but don't most women and men clash in one form or fashion?  I consider him to be a bit of an armchair buddha.  He's a deep thinker.  His brain is wired totally different from mine and that is exactly why I like his writings.  He makes me look at things on a deeper level from a totally different perspective.  

Harley Tank is a husband and the father of three young boys.  YIKES! How does he do it?  I am a wife and the mother to only one man-child and that ONE keeps me on my toes, drives me crazy and fills my heart with love and pride all at the same time.  

I look forward to his posts along with the opportunity to have a glimpse into the male psyche.  This is should be interesting!  

Harley Tank with his family.

Review: 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life

I wasn't sure what to expect after I saw John Kralik on Good Morning America in December as he promoted his book. He appeared to be somewhat nervous during the interview. I threw caution to the wind and decided to order the book since I'm working on my own gratitude thing.  After reading the book, I now more than understand his nervousness.  Keep on reading...

"...I discovered that I had been misspelling the word grateful - as greatful - for my entire life.  Because I had used the word so infrequently, no one had ever pointed this out."

All I can say now is boy am I grateful I purchased this little book!! It is not at all what I had envisioned. I had envisioned a book with 365 thank you notes with an anecdote to follow. What I received instead was John Kralik's personal story of how he was once an angry, 50-something curmudgeon who thought life was handing him one bad thing after another.  Woe is me.  Kralik finally stopped long enough to hear his inner voice and listen to his heart. As I read this book I would occasionally cringe as Mr. Kralik would note how he had not been grateful in the past, thereby reminding me of times in my past when I should have been more grateful and gone out of my way to thank that person in my life. Thank you for the reminder, John Kralik. I will certainly do better in the future. 

"Originally, I viewed this difficulty as arising out of the difficulties of my life.  Anyone, I had thought, would have found the exercise a challenge if they had had my problems.  Yet three hundred notes disproved this premise.  The difficulty of the exercise had been caused not only by external problems but by my own ungrateful focus, my materialistic envy and resentment....With the help of my three hundred thank-you notes, I had examined the life I had viewed as perfectly awful and found that it was a lot better than I had been willing to acknowledge.  Maybe I was not such as bad person after all."

Kralik takes his readers on his personal journey as he finds gratitude and grace in his life. Maybe it was his mid-life crisis? Albeit, this was not your typical 'let me get a sports car and have some fun' kind of mid-life crisis, but a deep and personal crisis. As the story begins almost everything is lost to Kralik, his business is in the tank, he has alienated his two older children, and he has been twice divorced and is living in a temperamental, crappy little apartment (you have to read the book) with his young daughter.

"To me, it seemed that Scott and I had forged a tiny bit of human warmth in this eroding wasteland." 

During a nature hike on New Year's Day, Kralik finally takes the time to listen to his inner voice, and then begins the task of writing a thank-you note every day for the next 365 days. As he writes his notes to his children, old friends, doctors, ex-spouses, employees, service people, landlord, the Starbucks guy, etc. he begins to notice a change. He notices that he is suddenly being rewarded with the unexpected; Kralik is being rewarded with kindness, love, respect, and even repayment on outstanding loans. His note writing builds a bridge back to the man John Kralik always wanted to be, not the bitter middle-aged man who tended to place blame on everyone else for the course his life had taken. 

"This teacher looked at me differently after that. First of all, she remembered me.  Whether she had ever looked at me with a skeptical or adverse judgement before that I am not sure, but I am nearly certain that she didn't after that note was written.  By noticing how she truly cared about my daughter, I had convinced her that I, too, cared and now we had something special in common."

Kralik discovers through his note writing that everything that was good in his life was already in place, he just needed to open his eyes and his heart to see them. Through his thank-you note writing campaign, he was able to rebuild stale relationships and open them up to be bigger and better before. This time Kralik is clear sighted enough to truly appreciate the friendships and other important relationships in his life. By opening himself up to those in his life he was rewarded with the warmth that comes with the deepening of any relationship.  This was something new to Kralik, but something he decided he truly appreciated having his his life. 

"At fifty-three, I knew I as lucky to have such siblings, and I was lucky that all my siblings were alive.  Theses were blessings I had seldom noticed until my thank-you note project..."

The last thing the author gives to you as his reader is hope. Yes, HOPE! He proves to his readers that it is never too late to turn your life around, and to be grateful for what we do have. Also to respect others and to let others in our own small orbits know that we do see them and we do appreciate them. It appears that gratitude has a snowball effect, by showing someone gratitude they in turn show gratitude...and so on. This is where I will stop and YELL from the top of my lungs to tell you I LOVE the snowball effect!  This is also a great story of redemption; we all need redemption at some point in our lives. 

"Through the process of writing thank-you notes, I had developed a notion of being blessed with grace that was meaningful to me.  And I could see this grace and these blessings everywhere--in my sons, daughter, siblings, friends, and colleagues, for just a few of more than a hundred examples--where I had not seen it before."


This book had the power to evoke so many emotions.  It had me laughing, crying, and cringing!  It gave me a sense of sadness, despair, anger, courage, pride and joy for the author.  I could see parts of myself in John Kralik as I read the book, and I am grateful that I, too, have been able to find gratitude and grace in my life at this point in my life.  This book only reinforces what I have learned over time and sometimes learned the hard way.  It also challenges me to be a better me.  I may start my own thank-you writing campaign.

John Kralik shows great fortitude in writing this book. He lays out his character flaws, problems, and his personal issues to show with the world that there is a way back to yourself. I say kudos to John Kralik for his moxie and thank him for sharing his story so others may learn from his experience. 


To see the video from Good Morning America, click on the link:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Books/video/man-sends-note-every-day-one-year-365-thank-yous-12411437

Beads of Courage

 It awes me how different charities support one another, and that is exactly how it should be. 

LeAnn Pidcock, mother of the young man behind LEGOS for Leukemia, forwarded this story to me through...yes...Facebook.  I told you there were wonderful and amazing things to be discovered on Facebook.  Just stick with me and I'll prove it to you day after day. 

Here is another children's charity, with just a minimal amount of effort and money, where you can make a big difference in child's life.  

..."the most moving stores are from families who have lost 

their fight." 

..."Jean Baruch graduated from a top nursing school in Arizona.  She stated that she had all the tools to meet the physical needs of children stricken with cancer, but what she struggled with the most was meeting their emotional needs."  Low and behold ‘Beads of Courage’ was born. 

..."The meaning of beads and their power goes beyond the ornamental.  It’s an ancient art come to life in a new way."    

..."On an annual basis, over 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer.  Beads of Courage is able to support over 15,000 children with this {heartwarming} program."

..."These beads seem like such a little thing, but they absolutely are not.  They are more like beads of life."  

From the Beads of Courage website:  

Interesting Facts About Beads

Throughout history, in cultures across the world, beads have had a huge number of functions. Here are a few interesting facts.
Beads signify strength and courage
Just like medals, ribbons and certificates, many ancient and modern-day cultures use beads to show bravery and accomplishment. They have long been used to protect warriors from natural and supernatural enemies, along with lending special magical protection for heroes during long journeys.
Beads have every-day uses 
They have served many practical purposes throughout history, from weighing down scrolls, saddle blankets and table cloths to serving as calculators (like the abacus) to prayer tools (like the rosary). Today, we see beads in mats, car seats, and curtains. Can you think of any ways that people use beads today?
Beads carry value 
Beads have been traded for everything from gold to beaver pelts, ivory to spices, and even slaves. Societies across the world have made beads from tortoise shells, wood, pottery, sea shells, seed, ivory, stone, egg shells, animal teeth, bone, claw and horn…and glass. Some of the world's most talented glass artists devote their whole careers to making beads.
In many societies, beads are believed to carry protective and healing powers 
Did you know that the Egyptian word sha means "luck" and sha-sha means "bead"? The Magical Eye bead of Turkey is believed to ward off evil. In parts of Asia, beads were scattered like seeds at temples to induce bountiful harvests.
Beads signify status
In China, during the Qing (pronounced "ching") Dynasty, officials, army officers, their wives and children were required to wear strings of court beads. The Emperor himself had to wear special beads. For the Asante people of West Africa, kings and other great people get the privilege of wearing Bodom beads. In our own society beads of pearl, gold and precious stones can be symbols of wealth and prestige.
Given the length of time people have been fascinated with beads (over 43,000 years!), as well as their usefulness for counting, adorning and symbolizing importance, they're just right for recognizing and recording your courage as you travel this journey.

Scattering Kindness Wherever She Goes

My lovely sister, Andrea (or Newman, as I refer to her as), has an organization called Scatter Kindness on Facebook (here we go again with the Facebook thing).  


She has a daily post to scatter kindness throughout the world.  It is her mission, "To scatter the seeds of kindness one small act at a time, redefining global warming."

My sister gives her readers a thought provoking quote and then follows it up with a simple lesson on how we can apply it during our day.  Here is an example:

As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person. ~ Paul Shane Spear 

Today: Changing the world of one person is easy... it begins with a smile.

It's nice to have that daily reminder as we start our day to stop, think, and be kind.  As the day continues, it will suddenly without warning, jump up and gently tap you on the shoulder reminding you to just be kind.  The world can always use more kindness.  Not to mention how it can make you, as the giver, receive a little joy in your day.  What a wonderful thing!  


You can click on the link above and become a part of this grass roots campaign to spread a little kindness.  


Here's a sneak peek at her new t-shirt design:

The Women's Long Sleeve T-Shirt I designed on CafePress.com

Legos for Leukemia

I stumbled upon a worthy cause while on Facebook last night.  I know...Facebook, Facebook, Facebook!  But there are so many good and amazing things to be discovered on Facebook.  

What surprised me the most about this super cool charity was that the young man that this charity was founded to honor, Mark Flanders, was originally from my hometown of Goodland, Kansas.  See! It IS a small world!  I don't remember Mark since he was a few years behind me in school, but I do remember his siblings.  It must be hard to lose your brother at such a young age and just imagine the loss felt by his son, Christian. 

Christian Flanders with a HUGE pile of LEGOS!

On March 9, 2007 my Dad, Mark Flanders, lost his battle with leukemia at the age of 34.  In his loving memory I founded LEGOS for LEUKEMIA annual toy drive.  To celebrate his life I deliver donated toys to Children's Hospital on his birthday, February 18th.  To date my charity has helped over 135 children with the uncertainty of cancer.  

To donate:

Send a new LEGO set of any size to:

LEGOS for Leukemia

c/o Christian Flanders

15035 E Hinsdale Drive

Centennial, CO 80112

His son, Christian, is an amazing young man to go to the effort, as a senior in high school, to collect and distribute all those LEGOS to honor his father.  I know his Dad must be proud.  

They are only 74 boxes away from their goal for the year.  Most stores have started putting their toys on clearance so now is a GREAT time to pick up a box and help this young man reach his goal, honor his father, and bring joy to a child's life!  Yesterday I purchased two boxes for $7 and one big box o'LEGOS for $20 on clearance at my local Wal-Mart.  I mailed the three boxes today, I hope ya'll will take a few minutes out of your day and drop a box in the mail soon. 

He's both witty and wise.

From Larry's World of Life, one of my old high school chums.  He's kinda like an armchair Budda.  He has some great observations about life that can make you stop and think.  This is a good one.  

There are ONLY FIVE things you can change in your life to make it different.

Larry Joe Miller

1. Your attitude.

2. Your spiritual belief.

3. Your Job.

4. The place where you live.

5. The people you surround yourself with.

I am grateful, I am grateful, I am grateful....I am.

It's only Wednesday, yet I shall turn my week of trials into gratitude.  Just read it and weep.

~One huge pot of soup made by the facebook community since my husband (the family chef) is sick.  I am grateful my facebook cookery friends are willing to give help to those of us with minimal cooking skills.  After a few days of adding a dash of this and a pinch of that-- it finally tastes good!  And I learned how to make vegetable beef soup, not vegetable beef bland soup. 

The Monster Pot.

~One kid that still has a staph infection, I am grateful it is not MRSA.  I am grateful Dr. Williams knows my child's skin issues and changed his medications. After so many visits to see Dr. Williams because of he who gets contact dermatitis more often than he should, I'm grateful I no longer have to ask, "What is contact dermatitis and why does he keep getting it?"  Now if he could just prescribe a bubble to hold the boy.  

The Kid - the one with contact dermatitis issues. 

~One husband with bronchitis, I am grateful it is not pneumonia.  I am grateful Dr. Williams stayed late this evening and worked my husband into his busy schedule.  I am grateful I was able to have quiet time to read and finish my book as I waited for my husband at his appointment.  I'm grateful that for a guy who can't match his socks, he sure does know his medicine!

Dr. Williams, the family savior for the past week.

~One meibomian gland (eye) blocked with an eyelash, I am grateful it wasn't pink eye (which is what I thought I had).  I'm grateful Dr. Ryan could work me in within a few hours and remove that darn eyelash and relieve the pain.  Let me just mention that Dr. Ryan did state that he had seen this only four times in his 30 years of practice.  He said, "It's like winning the lottery."   I'm grateful I have to go without my contacts for only one week and not forever.  I'm grateful I have my funky, old glasses as a back up.  I am. 

Who knew such a gland even existed?

~One tire with a screw in it (after spending $10 on air), I am grateful I did not have a blow out going 64 mph (my usual speed on the open highway).  I am grateful Trent's Auto Service was able to repair it on the spot after I limped up to their door this morning.  I can't say enough nice things about the young man that worked on my tire.  He was so kind, had a huge smile and was fast!  

Screws do not belong in tires!

~One missed lunch with girlfriends due to stuff, I am grateful for the possibility of tomorrow.  I'm grateful they are still my friends after I had to cancel lunch today.  I'm the one who is usually not so forgiving when lunch is cancelled.  I'm grateful one of my friends is willing to meet me tomorrow, right friend?  

A luncheon of days gone by.

~One trashcan party that included two trash bags and three dogs, I am grateful the dogs didn't get sick from their party.  I'm grateful the trash was splattered over only three rooms and not the entire house.  I'm grateful my son usually checks behind me on most nights and puts the trash out of reach of the Trashcan Trio.  Next time I'll make sure I go to bed first so I know the kitchen gets locked down properly!

BoBo - The Leader of The Trashcan Trio Gang

~ One secretary who has covered for my tardiness and absences this week.  She has gone above and beyond the call of duty.  I am grateful I have Amy to cover for me as I run in and out the door, and then call her from road to do things I forgot to do while I was at work!  Lawd, what would I do without her?

Amos

I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow brings so that I may be grateful for new things in my week! 

Today is now Thursday.  Today I am grateful my darn dogs ate the unopened loaf of Martin's Potato Bread and not the homemade banana bread my sweet niece made for me yesterday.  I don't even know HOW they found it up in the cupboard.  Strange things happen after I go to bed.  I'm grateful I have three dogs to constantly keep me on my toes, entertained and loved.

At least it's not the banana bread.  

365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life

Again, what would I do without Facebook?  Another one of my unmet, yet wonderful, Facebook friends sent me a link about this book.  I watched the video from ABC News and now I'm hooked! First of all, I MUST have this book!  Secondly, I must start sending my thank you notes tomorrow.  I think I'll start with my friend Adrianne.  Thank you, friend.  How inspiring!  Here is the description from Amazon.com:  

One recent December, at age 53, John Kralik found his life at a terrible, frightening low: his small law firm was failing; he was struggling through a painful second divorce; he had grown distant from his two older children and was afraid he might lose contact with his young daughter; he was living in a tiny apartment where he froze in the winter and baked in the summer; he was 40 pounds overweight; his girlfriend had just broken up with him; and overall, his dearest life dreams--including hopes of upholding idealistic legal principles and of becoming a judge--seemed to have slipped beyond his reach.

Then, during a desperate walk in the hills on New Year's Day, John was struck by the belief that his life might become at least tolerable if, instead of focusing on what he didn't have, he could find some way to be grateful for what he had.

Inspired by a beautiful, simple note his ex-girlfriend had sent to thank him for his Christmas gift, John imagined that he might find a way to feel grateful by writing thank-you notes. To keep himself going, he set himself a goal--come what may--of writing 365 thank-you notes in the coming year.

One by one, day after day, he began to hand write thank yous--for gifts or kindnesses he'd received from loved ones and coworkers, from past business associates and current foes, from college friends and doctors and store clerks and handymen and neighbors, and anyone, really, absolutely anyone, who'd done him a good turn, however large or small. Immediately after he'd sent his very first notes, significant and surprising benefits began to come John's way--from financial gain to true friendship, from weight loss to inner peace. While John wrote his notes, the economy collapsed, the bank across the street from his office failed, but thank-you note by thank-you note, John's whole life turned around.

365 Thank Yous is a rare memoir: its touching, immediately accessible message--and benefits--come to readers from the plainspoken storytelling of an ordinary man. Kralik sets a believable, doable example of how to live a miraculously good life. To read 365 Thank Yous is to be changed.

What's not to love about this book?