Spontaneous Musings

Day #29 of the 60 Day Gratitude Meme

2020-12-10T01:56:57Z

Which I'm growing weary of, as are you, no doubt.

The prompt is What bill are you grateful to pay?

Frankly my internet and cable bill, although also rent bill. And very grateful that I have health insurance. I'd be dead without it.

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Day #28 of the 60 Days of Gratitude

2020-12-08T03:53:23Z

The prompt is What about your home are you grateful for>

It is is quiet and has indirect light in the office living room, with a nice view of trees and sky.

Both are important right now. Because of where my apartment is located in my building - it's very quiet. I don't hear any street traffic. No sirens. Nothing. Occasionally voices in the hallway, or stomping down the steps. I might hear people out in the courtyard or behind me. But mostly, it's quiet.

And the indirect light - keeps them apartment from getting too hot in the summer, and reduces glare.

There are many other things I'm grateful for as well. But those two I'll mention here.

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Day #27 of the 60 Day Gratitude Challenge

2020-12-06T03:05:36Z

The prompt is What are you grateful for in your country?

Various freedoms that I've begun to realize that I've taken for granted.
Freedom of speech/expression in particular. Not everyone has it.

I dated a doctor from Shang-Hai, China once and he explained to me that while the health care in his country was admittedly better - they didn't have some of our freedoms. For example, he explained, we wouldn't be having this conversation in China. We couldn't have it. If we did, we'd be thrown in jail for sedition.

The Freedom of Speech/of expression - is a right that we constantly have to defend, and we should not take for granted. It's a pesky one though - because other people get it too. This means, I have to tolerate forms of speech from others that are offensive.

But, it does come with restrictions - hate speech generally speaking is not allowed. I got into an argument once with George RR Martin on Live Journal over this. He insisted it was, I said, no, speech that incites others to kill or maim or hurt falls under hate speech and is not permissible. There's a test, of course, and it's rather rigid, but certain types of hate speech can be prosecuted and are, under the Civil Rights Act, and are not protected under the First Amendment. In addition, pornography isn't permitted, in particular pornography that puts another in danger or is harmful or seditious such as child pornography. (Mapplethorpe is okay.)

Overall though, our freedom of speech is pretty all-encompassing and because of it - I can post entries on the internet critiquing my government without worrying about anyone arresting me. I'm grateful for that. Not everyone has that right.

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Day #26 of the 60 Day Gratitude Challenge

2020-12-03T03:48:10Z

This is Day 26 of the Gratitude Challenge.

The prompt is meal that you had today that you are grateful for.

The baked salmon, aspergus and broccoli rabe that I fixed myself tonight, although the chicken ceasar salad I got from Foodkick today is a close second.

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Day #25 of the Endless Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-29T22:15:29Z

Day #25 of 60 Day of Gratitude Meme.

The prompt is What about your city, town or area are you most grateful for?

The Mass Transportation System - the intricate interlocking system of subways, trains, buses and ferries that make it possible for me to go anywhere I desire without a car. I've not had to drive in over 20 years, and I feel liberated. I can go anywhere in my city, and travel to places out on Long Island, outside of New York, upstate, without a car.

So many New Yorker's take it for granted, but without it - there would be gridlock 24/7, and you can get places quickly and efficiently. I've read on the subway, written on the subway, listened to music and books on the subway, and watched musical acts.

New York City wouldn't be New York without the subway.

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Day#24 of the Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-27T04:21:59Z

This is Day 24 of the Gratitude Challenge.

The prompt is What about social media are you grateful for?

Short answer? You. All of you.

Long Answer? The friendships and connections that I've made with others over the years. Which is another way of stating that I'm grateful for all of you. It's like having hundreds of pen pals from all over the world.

Because of social media - I've met people in Sweden, Greece, Japan, India, UK, France, Spain, Russia, Brazil, Ireland, Africa, and across the United States and Canada.

I remember one Christmas, my mother looked over my shoulder as I was reading posts on Live Journal on their computer (I was visiting them at the time) - and asked, wait, "you are corresponding with someone in Greece?"

Through social media - I've learned people are people wherever they may be.
More connects us than divides us. And we can share so much, without ever seeing each others faces. That we are all more than our gender, our ethnicity, our race, our sexuality, etc. We are unique individuals. We each bring something special to the world. We are all gifts. And we are in this together - for good or ill. And we can only get through it together.

I've learned so much from my friends on social media. I've gained so much. You've taught me so much about myself and the world around me, and you continue to do it every day. And you've often kept me sane when things seemed too difficult to bear.

So the best thing, the thing I'm most grateful for on social media is all of you.

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Day #23 - 60 Day Gratitude Meme

2020-11-25T23:32:41Z

The prompt is What aspect or app on your phone are you grateful for?

Remember the days in which it was enough that the dang thing rung and took messages?

I'm grateful for the health app at the moment - it keeps track of my blood pressure readings, walking, health tests, etc. All in one neat little place with no paper. YaY!

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Day 21 of the 60 Day Gratitude Meme

2020-11-24T01:20:11Z

The prompt is What small item do you use daily that you are grateful for?

My MacBook Air Laptop. I don't think I could live without it. I'm using it to work remotely, visit with people electronically, watch church services, and write.

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Day #20 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-23T01:39:07Z

The prompt is impossible again...

What are you grateful for in your daily life?

I don't know. Having a good job and being financially independent? I've been in the situation in which I've had neither, so I don't take that for granted.

Mainly, I'm grateful that I can buy whatever food I want or need. And haven't had to worry about that. So many people in my country and around the world don't have that privilege.

( Read more... )

I am grateful there are organizations that give to the hungry at least.

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Day #19 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-21T16:14:49Z

Day #19 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

The prompt is What Splurge Item that you own are you grateful for?

The Steel Case Work Chair that I bought in May. I spent more than I usually do, it cost more than the television set - but it has been a life-saver. Even if I had to buy a wheel for it - it was missing a wheel.

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Day #18 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-19T23:53:11Z

This gratitude meme is not easy, just saying..

Today's prompt is What trait do you have that you are grateful for?

I suppose they mean something other than a physical attribute? Otherwise I feel like I already did this one.

I'm an empath. I can feel energy in living things, locations and have a natural ability to see another person's perspective and feel their emotions, although I don't always understand where they are coming from.

This is a gift and a curse - but I'm grateful for it. It's kept me safe for the most part. And it's helped me understand others. I thought everyone had this trait, but apparently not. I realized this when I saw my grandmother's body and instantly knew her energy or soul was gone. It was empty. No one had to tell me. But other people didn't pick that up at all.

It's hard to explain to people - and I've always had it. I just thought everyone did. It took me a very long time to realize this is not the case - and it is a gift, for which I should be grateful.

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Day #17 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-19T01:57:20Z

This is Day 17 of 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

The prompt is What about your job are you most grateful for?

Well, first of all, I'm grateful I still have one. A lot folks don't.
And that there are so many things about it - that I am grateful for it is impossible to pick just one.

I guess if I were to choose - the fact I can help others through analysis, problem solving, and writing. And contribute to the city, state and society in which I live in a major way - while furthering my values.

I went to law school - because I wanted to save the world or at least make the attempt. I wanted to help people and to contribute in a meaningful way. See? I believe we're all here to help each other, and the world around us - not to have fun and escape. That by helping each other in some small way - we make the world better. But it's hard. And it's best when we do things we're good at.

I'm good at communicating - and analyzing stuff - and I wanted a job that incorporated both in a meaningful way. I'm grateful that my job does that. Through my job, I've ensured the safety of millions of commuters. I've ensured people have jobs and receive reasonable pay for them, without costing the state too much in the process. I'm proud of what I do. And as crazy as my workplace makes me at times - I feel that I've contributed in a meaningful, if small way.

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Day #16 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-17T22:58:47Z

This Day #16 of 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

Today's prompt is What "band" are you grateful for?

I'm assuming this is a musical band.

Okay, fine, I'm picking the one who I own the most music from...

Their music was versatile and influenced so many others, while they themselves were influenced by so many...

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Day #15 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Meme

2020-11-16T22:47:53Z

This is Day #15 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Meme

The prompt is Name a body part or something about your body that you are grateful for

Hmmm.

I always liked my eye color. It's not the same as the rest of my family - my immediate family all has varying shades of brown eyes. I've extended family members who have my color or a version of it, but my immediate family doesn't.

My eyes depending on what I'm wearing and whose looking at them are either hazel, green, or blue. But when I look at them they are green with sparks of yellow streaked through.

I've been complimented the most on my eyes - how pretty they are. So I'm grateful for my color. Even though I'm far sighted and near sighted at the moment, and have worn contacts to see distances since I was a kid, and now use reading glasses to see up close.

Also grateful for my long fingers and toes. And my long limbs.

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Day #14 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-16T02:10:29Z

This is Day #14 of 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

The prompt is What rejection are you grateful for or name a rejection you are grateful for. (It was most grateful for - but it's hard enough as it is.)

I don't know. I try not to remember the rejections. Also there's been a lot of them. I survived, obviously, and moved on. Rejection - I've learned has very little to do with me - and a lot to do with the person doing the rejecting. It's not personal.

I suppose I'm grateful that I didn't get those law jobs I applied for in Missouri and Iowa. I'd have been miserable in them.

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Day #13 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-15T02:02:32Z

This is Day #13 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge.

The prompt is Season of the year that you are most grateful for.

Easy, Spring.

I'm not sure I need to explain why.

It's a season of renewal, rebirth, and second chances. Of re-awakenings. And beginnings. I feel I can start again in the Spring. Plus mild temperatures, usually 50s,60s, and 70s. Or 60-s and 70-s.

Longer days. More sunlight. And we're over the hump of the stressful fall and winter holiday period.

OR I'll just post a picture.

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Day #12 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-14T03:41:17Z

This is Day #12 of 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

Today's prompt is Name three living people in your life that you are grateful for.

(I changed it a little.)

1. My mother - who is my best friend, confident, and cheerleader.

2. My niece - who gives me hope and keeps me sane.

3. Jay - one of my bosses at work - who helps keep me centered and mindful

Here's a picture of one of these women, with her cats...of whom I'm also thankful.

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Day #11 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-12T22:23:01Z

Day #11 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

Prompt is Name a movie that you are grateful for

I admit - I love Star Wars. It's among the few movie franchises in which I'm a fan. And it was, outside of possibly the Monkeyees, my first fandom.
More so than the Monkeys, since I wrote fanfic in my head, picked up novelizations, read the radio play, and seen all the films. I loved it.
It turned me onto science fiction. Prior to that science fiction was monster movies or boys venturing into space.

I loved Princess Leia - who was smart and snarky, and relatable.

It worked for me. We all loved it in my family. It was for the most part, a shared love.

So, I'm grateful for Star Wars. I'm glad it exists. And I'm glad I saw it - hmmm, maybe I'll rewatch some of the movies this weekend on Disney + . I'm grateful that I have the ability to do that as well. Thank you to the lovely person who made that possible - I need to buy you dinner and desert some time, you and your lovely family.

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Day #10 - of the 60 Days of Gratitude Meme

2020-11-11T22:57:47Z

This is Day #10 of 60 Days of Gratitude Meme

The prompt is Name something from your childhood that you are grateful for.

Theater for Young America in Kansas City. In the fifth grade - I was introduced to Theater for Young America. We had recently moved to Kansas City, and my parents took me to a live children's theater presentation. I fell in love.

For a shy, awkward child, with a speech impediment (a lisp) - theater was a godsend. Because of theater - I no longer have a lisp, or any speech impediment.

My parents enrolled me in various classes, during the school year and in the summer. I did two long summer programs - we'd take classes, and perform in a theater production for about a month. During this - I performed in The Hobbit as the Great Goblin (I was five foot ten in the sixth grade and towered over almost everyone). Also in Midsummer Night's Dream. And I learned how to sword fight on the stage with glowing swords.

I'm grateful for this experience and for organizations like this one across the US.

"Theatre for Young America (TYA) began in 1974 at the Waldo Astoria Dinner Playhouse. In 1977, the troupe became an independent organization and moved to Overland Park, Kansas, where it performed for 17 years in a converted cinema theatre. During this time the organization grew from 4 productions to 7 or 8 per season, added drama classes, summer workshops and summer productions, and outreach workshops in schools. TYA operated in the Mission Center Mall from 1994 to 2003."
( Read more... )

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Day # 9 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-10T23:34:55Z

Day # 9 of 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

The prompt? Name a place that you've traveled to that you are grateful for

Costa Rica - which I was finally able to visit for my birthday in 2017. It's absolutely beautiful - and I got to see an active volcano, as shown below:

I'd been wanting to visit it forever. Finally found a way through G Adventures - a environmentally sustainable group travel agency, out of Canada.

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Day #8 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-10T01:14:53Z

The rest of the days are HERE.

Today's prompt is What Lesson in Life are you the most grateful for?

I almost skipped this one, but a word came automatically to mind.

Humility.

I'm grateful for being humbled by finding myself on the opposite side of an argument.

In this case the lesson happened when I was about seven or eight, perhaps even younger. ( Read more... )

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Day #7 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-08T23:22:05Z

The prompt is Name a book you are grateful for.

Hmmm.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle

As a child, it was hard to find science fiction novels with female protagonists in the 1970s. There were mystery novels, regular novels, and to a lesser degree fantasy novels that had them, but not quite that many scifi for some reason or other. I'm not saying they weren't out there - just that they weren't easy to find. My Aunt, my mother's oldest sister, who was a sixth grade librarian in Vegas, Nevada - introduced me to science fiction through Madeline L'Engle. She also sent me an interview with the writer. She did the same thing with Zelphia Keatley Snyder, a bit later. In Vegas, they apparently had a school district - with on school that only had sixth graders. She was the librarian for that school in the 1970s and early 80s.
(My Aunt died at the age of 55 from a blood clot - in 2000.)

I loved the books and devoured the series. Years, later, on my birthday, I saw the movie and was utterly charmed by it. It managed to capture what I adored about the books.

And much like the lead character, I too, struggled with a bothersome younger brother.

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Day #6 - of 60 Days of Gratitude.

2020-11-08T02:01:51Z

Feeling very grateful today.

This day #6 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge.

The prompt is ...What in nature are you most grateful for?

Trees!

I love trees. They've kept me sane since March. I walk outside and touch trees. No matter what happens, there they are, stalwart and steady against the sky.

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Day #4 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-05T22:27:47Z

The fun part of these challenges will be to see how often Shadowkat miscounts or loses track of which day it is. I almost put day 7.

I didn't like the prompt. So I'm making up my own.

A song that you are grateful for

Brave by Sara Bareilles

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Day #3 of the 60 Days of Gratitude Challenge

2020-11-04T22:12:00Z

The prompt is Name a food that you are grateful for.

Power Salad greens specifically uncooked spinach, rainbow chard, and argula, also mustard greens.

Why? They are good source of fiber, protein, and vitamin A - also easy to put together in a quick salad. So a salad of spinach greens, green onion or red onion, white or red raddish, cucumber, and another protein of my choice.
Dressing? lemon juice, and maybe some olive oil. Trick to making it flavorful is putting in just the right mixture of salad greens, and toppings.

Rest of the days are HERE.

I'm doing this meme to help keep my head above water and stave off depression. I don't really care if anyone else does it. ;-)

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