A Thousand Gifts and counting

As I write this, I think of how much that I take for granted.  I have SO much to be thankful for!
Living in a country that is free
Eyes to see and marvel at the beauty around me
Ears to hear
symphonies
children's laughter
ground beef that is on sale for $1.69 a pound - I just separated and froze 15 pounds

a daughter that says she loves her fiancé so much it makes her cry

my sister

my brother

ballet

grosgrain ribbon

velvet

stripes

shabby chic

French country
Teddy bears

 Dolls

Friends who help me re-tile a bathroom

Friends who call to see how I’m doing

Neighbors who give me tomato plants

Friends who help me garden

Being trustworthy enough that some choose to share with me their pain

Prayer

Strawberry rhubarb pie

Homemade bread

My Dyson vacuum

Clean floors

Being a night owl

Having the summer “off”

A car that runs

Going to buy plants only to find that they are half off or less

A new hard drive

Buying a printer at a yard sale for $5 that is also a scanner, fax, and copier Yes!

Friends who go to yard sales with me

Friends who surround and support my daughter as she begins a new chapter in her life by saying “I do” in two weeks

Having a policeman for a neighbor and his awesome family

The ability to think

Hope

My collection of foxes

thrift stores

I am linking with 

Don't forget me, he said........

I went to a funeral today. Stan’s wife had died this past Sunday after a 2 ½ year battle with cancer. In true character, Stan was at the door greeting people when they walked in. We hugged, I told him I was sorry for his loss, we talked for a bit, and then he said, “Don’t forget me.” I couldn’t believe that this man was saying that. Stan is the neighbor that everybody wants. Stan knows everybody in the community – you think I’m exaggerating, don’t you? But, he does. He knows what is going on in their lives and can tell you the names of all their family members. Stan is the one who is out plowing the neighborhood in his small tractor after the blizzard so that people can get out to the store. Stan is the one that I called when my dogs went on a 6-hour hiatus and he heard the concern in my voice and said, “I’ll be right there.” He drove from his job and came and picked me up because his pickup could take the terrain that my car could not. I could go on and on, but you get the point. ..How could anyone forget Stan?! He lost his wife of 48 years this week and I think about how lonely and quiet the house will be. It happens so suddenly, doesn’t it? Even when we expect it, it just seems so quick. Life goes fast. As I work to build my business, network with others, my job, etc., I remember that the most important thing is relationships. It truly does not matter how big our bank accounts are, how many people love our designs, how good we are at our jobs. What does matter is the people that God places in our lives and how we allow Him to reflect His love to those around us. Who has God placed in your life?