a tale of tails, tenacity, and tedium, as told by me, usually barefoot and bellowing

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Attitude of Gratitude

I think someone slapped me on the way out this morning...slapped me and made me look closely at the beauty.  This morning, I realized how lucky I really am as a white tail deer stood in the road and looked at me.  Was even luckier when I saw this sunrise in the foggy field.
It was almost a prehistoric scene or the way I imagined one might look.  No signs of civilization, only the fog softy wrapping the land like a baby in mamma's hand pieced quilt.  Many people are unable to view this every morning and it hit me how truly blessed I am.
Then I saw this magnificent Sparrow Hawk, I think, and he waited for me as if he knew I wanted a picture.
The hawk became a little nervous, leaving his tree to light on this fence post...how amazing in that?

This appreciation could have something to do with the latest issue of MaryJanesFarm Magazine.  This issue was based on an attitude of gratitude with many guest writers.  The magazine is amazing.

It really made me think.  We have a home, humble as it may be,  paid for.  We own land, which is something many people may never get to experience. My husband and I have jobs while many do not. We have our health, a little worn, but we are still relatively healthy.  We have two wonderful daughters of which we are very proud and three fantastic grandsons.  We have cattle and horses...our dream came true. We have an extended family that works well together.

I never thought I would say this, but I am glad I was slapped this morning, made me wake up and smell the coffee, so to speak.

Last but not least, I am grateful for all my loyal followers!  I have almost reached two hundred and I am delighted!  Thank you!

18 comments:

Unknown said...

You are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. I live near the mountains and I have to slap myself a lot too.

CD

LindaG said...

We're enjoying lots of rain today. ;)
Hope you have a wonderful day!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Great way to start the day!

Emma Rose said...

Counting our blessings is a great way to start the day. Thank you for the reminder!

Rural Rambler said...

Good Morning Gail! I am with you on the gratitude. After being away from our bit of country and coming home I am just filled with the gratitude of HOME! The sunrise picture is stunning :) I know those hawks have a place in our world but after I saw what one did do a Robin's family this summer I can't hardly think about them. Great pics though!

becky said...

Awesome post Gail!
I Love the photos- especially the top one! You do have a lot to be grateful for! The hubby, the house, family & health! I don't have the hubby, the house, or the land... but I do have a wonderful family that I love very much... and my health (so far!) & the eyes to see such beauty in the everyday!
Thanks for the post & have a GREAT day!
:)

ellen abbott said...

You are blessed indeed. As am I.

Pat said...

Beautiful photos....beautiful words!

You truly are blessed!

Barb said...

I totally agree. Gratitude is a wonderful thing, of course, but waking up to that beauty all around you is simply stunning.

Did you know that according to many indigenous traditions, including Native American, Hawk is the bearer of a message. Mmm...wonder what it could be?

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

super posting....I hate it when I need to be slapped but we all do. I envy your spot in the country with all the country extras but I am pleased with where I am as well. I have appreciation for many more things in life because of blogging and great folks like you. Thanks, The Olde Bagg

Jules said...

Beautiful post Gail and yes it nice to be slapped in that way. Blessed you are. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Jennifer said...

Wow, what great pictures, especially the ones of the hawk. I loved this post because you are right. It is important to appreciate all the things we do have.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Gail..my dear friend, thank you for SLAPPING me up side the head and making me take notice with this wonderful post. Once again I am grateful to you. I do not get to see the scenes that you do, and as you know, I miss it terribly at times...but I am lucky.
I am loved. I have a wonderful family, a humble home (paid for) and love. I also have people like you in my life. People who care for other people...
Twice now you have been there for me...and you don't even know me.
To me...that is such a gift. This morning makes the THIRD time.
Thank you again...for everything!
Love and hugs to you this beautiful morning.
Mona

Country Gal said...

Well done with the # of followers ! Your blog is fantastic ! Beautiful photos and post ! I to look at the beauty of the country side around me and have always thought the same thing, we are truley blessed with all that we have! Have a wonderful day my friend!

Brenda said...

Those are the kind of slaps we all need. So glad you shared yours with us!

Irene said...

Kind of makes you feel humble, doesn't it? I must count my blessings too. I'm sure I have more than I realize. I'm glad you realized yours. Hang on to them.

Ellie Garratt said...

That Sparrow Hawk is magnificent, Gail. We had one that few into the warehouse at work a few weeks back and wouldn't leave. A gentleman from a local bird sanctuary came out to try and capture it, but the warehouse was too tall for him to reach the Hawk. Thankfully, he did leave on his own accord after about a week!

Chickadee said...

Wonderful post...and wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and creativity.

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