October 7

This evening I am supposed play background piano muzak for a half hour at the Moon Dog Ball. When I originally agreed to this six weeks ago I thought to myself, "No problem, I'll be able to practice some really nice pieces for this and it will be fun." Yeah. Well, fast forward six weeks and I'm spastically going through all of my music three hours before I'm supposed to play. If you've been following this Gratitude Journal along for awhile, or if you know me, that's probably not a big surprise.

I'm grateful for the books I have in my library that allow me to sound good with little or no practice.

October 6

This morning, Hart spied four beautiful New York strips on sale for half off. I'm grateful he didn't second guess himself and instead bought them right then.

October 5

Many years ago, a few months after Hart and I first began dating, he decided he needed a break to "find himself." He took off to California and stayed away the whole summer. I was devastated. My general reaction to devastation has usually been to buy big. Soon after he left, I found myself in the piano store, falling in love with a beautiful secondhand baby grand piano. After convincing my father that I would be good for the loan if he'd just co-sign it for me, I plunked down the bank's cash and the piano was mine.

If Hart hadn't have left, I'm sure I would have bought a piano anyway. And it most likely would have been a Yamaha, because I think they rock. But I'm pretty sure I would have settled for a more economical, boring, upright version. I'm grateful for the decisions made during that summer and that Hart did make it back with himself in tow.

October 4

I'm grateful for covered patios that keep the rain off of my head.

October 3

They have a program at the kids' school called "Little Blue Luncheon." Politeness and best manners are the order for the day, and the children dress up for the occasion. I'm grateful we were able to find Ruth's flowergirl outfit with little fuss. It was a bit wrinkled and not the cleanest dress in the closet, but it made her happy. And since her choice of shoes was a pair of furry clogs slipped over purple bobby socks, I don't think the wrinkles are going to be the first thing noticed.

October 2

A week or so, Hart harvested the lavender from the garden. Cutting the stalks close to the ground, he bundled them into a big armfull and bound them together with twine. When you hugged it close to your body, the scent was alive and intoxicating.

I'm grateful he put the whole bundle in our basement bedroom. All it takes is a brief touch and the air is filled with the smell of summer.

October 1

I'm grateful Luke is finally finished with his literary masterpiece - an autobiography alphabet book. He worked very hard on this project, from the brainstorming of ideas (two subjects for every letter of the alphabet), to the actual writing of the stories and finding appropriate photos/illustrations. His final task was to edit and re-write and I'm proud to say he was even excited about this step. I hope his teacher finds it as entertaining as I did.