Truth, Humor and Joy in images..

What are you grateful for today?

1. For the ultimate escape to the silent center of the Pacific Ocean.

2. For the Common Dolphins, Bottle nosed Dolphins, Gray Whale, Sea Lions, and gulls who joined us…

How kind of them all to show up on such short notice…

3. For my Fathers humor and skill; for his gifts, his kindness, his generosity, his example and his Love.

He IS what Love is, and I’m grateful for days like this, spent in his sweet company.

I am blessed to be my fathers daughter.

4. For my children–is there a gift more grand than that of motherhood?

I love sharing this life, this world, and these gifts, with the most impressionable, beautiful, appreciative, compassionate and intelligent people I know.

5. …in pictures.

What are YOU grateful for today?

It’s been an exciting time!  Over the past 12 days, I’ve spent precious time with thousands of Southern California students, Appeared at the AEF Authors Festival, Lead 3 Assemblies, visited 17 classrooms, and created 525 Love Jars with 1st-3rd graders — we had one SPECTACULAR Valentine’s Day-Week! View photos in the Reading is Fundamental of Southern California (RIFSoCal) Newsletter HERE.

    60 Blessings for Today

The 50th Day of the Year

For Soul Nourishing Opportunities:

1. AEF Authors Festival

MY Thanks to the Alhambra Educational Foundation for the invitation to read my best-seller, “What Love Is A-Z” to multiple groups during this special celebration of literature.  We had so much fun!  What a *phenomenal* group of dedicated educators and staff–it was a privilege to participate and I look forward to seeing you again next year!  *Special Thanks to ASB President “Ashley” for her assistance and support during my visit.

2. FAB (Film Advisory Board Award)

“What Love Is A-Z” was nominated and won the Tribute for Excellence in Children’s Literature from the Film Advisory Board (FAB), and I am so honored!  My abundant gratitude to the board for their recognition and acknowledgement.

3. 525 Children, OH MY!  (That’s a LOT ‘o Love!)

This was a magical day–there is no other way to describe the joy, connection, celebration, friendship and LOVE that filled the air at Middleton Elementary School in East Los Angeles this past Friday!

Our youth need us now more than ever before–children deserve to feel empowered, know that they are loved and treasured just the way they are, and be reminded of just how big of a role they play in our lives now, and in the future.

Without them, what have we got exactly?

My abundant gratitude to the dedicated LAUSD staff, teachers, personnel, parent volunteers, RIFSoCal, Sandi Marvich (NuSkin), Kimberly Reid, Laura Marlow (Author of Tommy the Throwaway Dog) and most of all, to the STUDENTS, for making this day, and this life, simply magical.  You are LOVED beyond measure! 

4. My work with CCHR Florida

This organization is lead by Earth Angel, Laurie Anspach in conjunction with the CCHR Florida Youth Group (a small army of powerful young leaders who are changing the world one hug at a time).  Right now, you can purchase a copy of my book, “What Love Is A-Z” through their site, and 100% of the proceeds will support their powerful mission to serve, empower, and educate the population while exposing psychiatric violations against adults and children.

To learn more, please click the link…need support for yourself, a family member or a friend?  Call their National Hotline.  You are never alone–thanks to CCHR Florida.

5. For my team, who makes everything I do possible–we’re not meant to do it all on our own, and good thing too because, who would want to? 

For the Writers Quotes I heard along the way…

6. “I love deadlines; I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by..” ~Douglas Adams

7. “There are two kinds of writer; those who make you think, and those who make you wonder.” ~Brian Aldiss

8. Asking a working writer how he feels about his critics is like asking a lamppost how he feels about dogs.” ~Christopher Hampton

9. “No tale tells all.” ~Alexei Panshin

10. “We write to taste life twice.” Anais Nin

For the Questions the children asked me this past week during Q&A that made me laugh, think, smile, reflect and even cry… (I love being a Children’s Book Author–have I mentioned that?)

11. “Do you ever yell?”  Ask by a first grader with ponytails and pink fingernails..

12. “When I grow up, will you buy my book?” Asked by a 3rd grade boy, who planned to write a book about cars.

I told him I’d only buy his book if he promised to autograph it for me.

13. “Will you come back every Friday?” Asked by a 2nd grader who thought it would be a great idea to do Love Jars and book readings each and every Friday.

While I whole-heartedly agreed that there would be no better way to spend our Fridays, I let the child know that I’d have to run that idea past the school board…

14. “Do we get a copy of your book?”

Thanks to RIFSoCal, I was able to answer, “Yes”.
Thank you, RIFSoCal!

15. “Do you ever take kids home to your house?”

No…but trust me when I say I want to!

They are just so cute…
For the gifts my family gave from the heart for Valentines Day–one of my most favorite Holidays:

16. Flowers…

(I realize they came from the neighbors yard..he’s little…he meant well.)

17. Two words: Sees Candy.

This has to be what Heaven tastes like.

18. Homemade cards, with coloring that runs ever so slightly outside the lines in an obvious display of concentrated effort on behalf of well intending child.

Children are what love is.

19. For Love Letters.

20. For Heart Shaped Rocks.  They make excellent Paperweights.

For adventures and the folks you meet along the way:

21. For the man in East LA, who couldn’t speak English, but understood I need directions–he grabbed a napkin and pen from his glove box, and drew me a map, and then sent me on my way with a smile and a nod.

22. For good (and very brave)  friends who help drag homeless drunk people and their belongings out of the street while everyone else drives by, narrowly missing his legs (thank you, Catherine–you’re an Earth Angel).

23. For the kid ahead of me in line who didn’t have enough money to pay for his Subway Sandwich.

Love shares, knowing there is always enough.  God bless the people in line who offered to contribute.

24. For One Way Streets…or rather, for the fact that I have survived going the wrong way on these streets more times than I can count.

I guess what I’m really grateful for here is my survival…

25. For safe travels…I’ve done a lot of traveling during the past 12 days, and I’m grateful to be home, safe and sound.

For Sunday Mornings

26.  The Quiet

27. The snoring dog at my feet as I type

28. The scent of fresh cinnamon rolls

29. The coupons that wait patiently in the center of the LA Times

30. Hot tea with Honey and Mint Sprigs from my garden

31. Mismatched Fuzzy Socks

32. The hummingbird who stares through the kitchen window…what is he looking for exactly?

33. Free time to meditate, engage in pilates, and open my heart space

For Sunday Plans, loosely unstructured–

34. Bike Rides to the park

35. Sidewalk Chalk

36. Thank You Notes

37. A visit to our Monkey at the Moorpark Zoo

38. Raspberry Frozen Yogurts

39. Time to gather clothing donations for Tuesdays pick-up

40. For the fact that I love my life the way I do–I see any plans, no plans at all, and the plans the fall in mid-flight, all as blessings.

41. For my personal Truth, Beliefs and Feelings, and for the freedom to respectfully share them without consequence in the United States of America.

Newt Gingrich frightens me.  I realize he has a purpose–we all do–

but still, he scares me a little.

A man who believes that our countries poorest children should be mopping our floors, is likely a man who should be…mopping our floors.

K, I feel better now.

42. For Women who bend the rules a little in the name of greater good.

It’s been said that no well-behaved woman has ever made history.

43.  For how good this feels…

44. For the dedicated and unparalleled educators and faculty members of the LAUSD.

Let us honor those who teach to serve the children and the world.

45. For free-will.

When you hear bad news (and there’s plenty of it floating around these days within the sound bytes of life), don’t ask “God, why?”; instead ask, “God, how can I contribute to the solution?”

You’re here on purpose, there are no mistakes, and it’s all unfolding in divine order. Please do not look away–instead, look within.

Please, please, do not play small.

46. For gratitude in and of itself

47. For the healing effect this soul food called “Gratitude” has on my life

48. For the blessings that roll through me as naturally as breathing

49. For the ability to express myself in words, so that I might never burst…

50. For the 50th Day of the Year–so far, I am LOVING 2012!

60 blessings today–we’re nearly through, yet I could go on and on.

For what we must always remember:

51. Our potential is limitless.

52. All things are possible with Love.

53. We were created to shift the world..each of us, in our own magnificent way.

54. We were created to raise our voice, and the vibration of humanity.  There is no mistake that you or I are here right now.

55. The answers are inside you–all of them.  The hardest part about that is being quiet long enough to listen…but it’s worth shutting up for.

56. We are each one whole part of a bigger whole.

57. We were each created for greatness–each meant to contribute something, or some things, that no one else on earth could possible offer.

I swear…

58.  To forgive is to set yourself FREE–love yourself enough.

59. We are each perfect, just the way we are.

60. There is no more powerful way to shift your perspective, and your life, than to count your blessings.

What are you grateful for today?

1. For the perfection of life in this one Now Moment.
2. For veggie Taquitos.
3. For my clients who allow me the honor of working with them.
4. For travel–I leave in an hour for the AEF Authors Festival, and look forward to seeing all the children, fellow authors and educators.

I live for little faces, I tell ya..

5. For the rain. From rain comes flowers.
6. For inspiring strangers..and free smiles.
7. For old photographs found in the least likely places, as if divinely planted.
8. For the love and warmth of my children who “already” miss me, though I haven’t left yet. And, I’ll be back tomorrow…

Could I love them more?? Is that possible?? Just when I think it’s just not possible, I find I love them more.

9. The scent of Sweet Peas.
10. The sound of the wind chimes–I think it might be the Angels, playing music..
10. For organic fresh fruit from the Farmers Market, and fruit salad for dessert.
11. For lessons learned the hard way–at least I learned.
12. For happiness; another form of courage.
13. For baby steps. 100 of those is equal to 10 giant leaps!
14. For Nutella.
15. For the truth–

Truths 1-5:

1. You can.
2. You are just right for the job of being You.
3. You can do anything you set your mind to…and your heart on.
4. You have been perfectly prepared to be exactly where you are right now, and
5. You are Loved beyond measure, just the way you are.

(It’s true.)

What are you grateful for today?

Count your blessings…

Gratitude for today, Day 33

Homemade orange juice pops in ice cube trays, warm sheets from the dryer, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (hehe), perfect pitch in the shower, inspiring strangers, brilliant colleagues, true friends, fuzzy socks, petitions for change…

Wait, was that 5 already?

What are you grateful for today?

1. February.

I LOVE February!

Valentines Day, my birthday, all the “Love Stuff” everywhere–I’m so grateful for February!

2. For the 88 Baby Food Jars I received by mail today from several Moms across the US. Thank You!!

And the inner city youth of Los Angeles thanks you, too…it will be a day we will always look back with a smile..

Read more about our Valentine’s Day celebration HERE.

3. Hot, organic, hazelnut decaf by the fireplace…this just feels good.

4. Framed finger paintings which hang proudly above the mantle..

Masterpieces, if you will.

5. People Holding Hands, created by my friend Nan Ray–it’s educational materials that teach Love, Acceptance, tolerance, and Self Celebration–I love this curriculum, and the plush dolls that go with it. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.

Wow..Nan, I’m honored to know you, love you, and be loved by you.

If you’re a parent, teacher or care provider, check this out!

I’m grateful to know I share the planet with people like Nan.

**
What are you grateful for today?

If you started Jan. 1, 2012, then you’ve counted 155 reasons to celebrate your life…and if you started yesterday, then welcome! You’re right on time..

Gratitude for today, Day 31 (already, somehow)

1. Long conversations with my Dad…we never realize we’ve been on the line as long as we have been because the conversation, connection and laughter is as natural as breathing.

I so love that guy.

2. Watching the dream of a longtime, very close friend come true.

Her tenacity, passion and inspired action have lead to a new product that has the power to shift lives–
I’m grateful to know someone so astounding, and so bright.

3. Leftovers.

Some food is just better the next day!

Like Chinese food…mmmmm.

4. I found $11 dollars in my jacket pocket this morning.

Oddly, just the other day, I donated a coat to the guy behind Target.
I’d left $10 in the pocket.

5. For my little boys singing voice. From the bathtub, I hear him singing the theme sing to iCarly.

God, he’s cute.

What are you grateful for today?

Count your blessings.

Today, all day long, I made a cognitive effort to smile at every person I came into contact with.

Even the lady with the pursed mouth, folded arms, and short tone…yep, even her. (In fact, I figured she needed the smile more than anyone else I’d come into contact with all day..)

Smiling at her anyway, while speaking softly, and kindly seemed to loosen the drawstrings that sealed her lips shut.

(Hehe..)

She just needed a little love ANYWAY!
So, the smiles I passed out all day came back this evening when God smiled back…

Do you see it???

Isn’t it beautiful?!

Smiles are meant to be shared…

Gratitude for today, Day 30

1. Smiles. (They’re FREE–how do knock that?)

2. For the moments when God winks at you.

3. For those who remind me what it looks like to feel sour on the inside.

4. For teachers. Is there anyone more inspiring?

5. For smiles from up above…

Do you SEE it? Do you see the smile in the sky?

Count your blessings! What are you grateful for today?

(Here’s one to get you started..)

Are you with me?

Gratitude for today, Day 29

1. Children’s Birthday Parties–I love them! The excitement, the party games, the friendships, the laughter…the cake..

(I love cake.)

These mini-ragers bring back memories~

2. Kids jokes.

(It’s always good to have a spare kid joke in your back pocket.)

Joke:
Why was 6 afraid of 7?

Answer:

Cause 7, 8, 9!!

Get it?

7, 8, 9…

3. Every stitch of laundry is DONE.

I feel so accomplished..

4. “Tommy the Throwaway Dog“, By Laura Marlow — based on a true story. It was our bedtime story tonight, and one of Sprouts favorites.

Thank you Laura Marlow for this beautiful contribution to children’s literature.

5. Fuzzy socks, and Jammie’s still warm from the dryer.

Its only as difficult as you make it..and it’s your turn!

Are you with me?

What are you grateful for today?

(Ah, the musings of a writer as the lights go on…)

Before I ramble on for even another sentence, I want to thank my friend, a teacher and fellow writer and blogger for the Versatile Blogger Award nomination. C.B. Wentworth, it was an honor and a JOY to see The Gratitude Garden receive the recognition and nomination after only 26 days (or 130 blessings).

Thank you for the gift, for the smile I have on my face as I type this, and for the light and insight you share in your own blog.

Review:

The Gratitude Garden

“This is probably the most positive blog out there! Each day there is something to be thankful for and this fantastic blogger lists her daily moments of gratitude. In turn, she encourages others to leave reasons to be thankful. I love the reminder to see my day through the lens of gratitude.”

The appreciation is mutual, and I’m grateful for your acknowledgement!

Visit the *beautiful and inspiring* blog of C.B. Wentworth HERE.

Also, winners are asked to “List something others don’t know about you”.

Hmmm…

I was first published at age 12 in a book called, “The Write Stuff”. It was a compilation of poetry written by foster children.

The full story behind this is published in Debbie Dachingers #1 Best Seller “Dare to Dream; This Life Counts”, but still most people don’t know that about me.

I still have a copy of that book from my childhood, and still feel grateful to my social worker for the invitation to participate.

Lastly, I was also asked to nominate 7 other bloggers, and share their blogs with you.

Only 7!?!?

And the nominees are:

1. A Scrivnerburg 365

365 days of real life, JOY through the lens of a gratitude with a loving, humorous, homeschooling Mom who captured the most precious of moments on film. We’ve been counting blessings together since 2007…

Elli, thank you for all you share with me, and with the rest of the world. You are an inspiration!

2. Gratitude is the Hearts Memory

Lola Jean is honest, raw, loving, insightful, and wide open in this recount of gratitude through her hearts memory.

3. Off in the Ethers

An inspiring and poignant blog about the challenges of depression, choice, Love and life. Beautifully written:

“No matter what the darkness whispers, the light IS your truth.”

4. You’re a Writer! Inspiration and Support for New Writers

Excellent blog, thought provoking advice, and FUN to read whether you’re a “new writer” or a best selling author! I love writing, and sharing creative momentum is good for the writers soul.

5. …from the Bungalow

Blissfully Bald: Why my wife and I decided to shave our heads

Read this and you’ll see why it’s been nominated.

6. Life and Laughter

Got Writers Block? Need to laugh? This blog should take care of both those issues…
7. Simply Said

Lauren Scott, Poet

Uplifting, unparalleled talent.

**

Oh, and my blessings for the past two days? 5 a day…

Well, the 7 blogs above–I feel blessed by the magic these writers share, and feel grateful for the opportunity to highlight their talent.

8. For those who Pay It forward, and inspire others to do the same.

Today, donate an old coat to a homeless person–leave $10 in the pocket.

9. For fresh baked quiche and red grapes (yes, lunch is ready!)

10. For all who contribute to my life, engage my mind, touch my heart, and inspire creative flow…

Im so, so grateful.

What are you grateful for today?

Count your blessings….

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Dear Nominees,

To accept your 7×7 Link Award:

• Thank who nominated you and include a link
• List something others don’t know about you
• Choose seven links on your blog that you think are worthy
• Nominate 7 bloggers who have not received the award and include links
• Notify the bloggers you have nominated