life safari 2008 (13)

What a positive(ly) fantastic day today.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

to be alive another day
to be sober, clean and smoke-free another day
for the day off today
to have dinner at Spaghetti Western with Frank to look forward to
that the Chronicle threw a free paper this morning for all
I will enjoy looking at it tonight while I watch tv
for the gift of my faith today
that I treasure my prayer and meditation time when I wake up (wake up-after 2 cups of coffee)
that's my reality (above)
to have a "little Tiger" living with me - Precious
God's abundant Grace

life safari 2008 (12)

Twelve is my favorite number. Big and round and even. (don't say a word dAAve !)
Happy Friday everyone. It is going to be a banner day - weather-wise.
Could not get to sleep last night. I have those nights. I just can't and don't want to stop thinking and moving about.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

that MS cancelled that all-day meeting tomorrow
my kink that I had in my back last night has disappeared - Thank YOU God
for this cool morning
the dove cooing
that it is the weekend
to be sober, clean and smoke-free another day
to enjoy Precious. What a wonderful gift from God to me (one of them)
God's Grace
for friends who enjoy sharing their knowledge unselfishly
to be able and willing to give to other's what has been so freely given me
I consider God's patience, salvation
for plans with Frank this weekend before he leaves town next week
I get a haircut next week
thank YOU

life safari 2008 (11)

What a wonderful Thursday !
the weather was outstanding. I had a lovely lazy morning to start and after several cups of coffee got going. Dug up some paperwork I had to respond to.
I took my time in my prayer and meditation and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was very peaceful and serene afterward.

My Gratitude List for today:

We had a wonderful talk tonight on conscience. Particularly, morality and conscience formation as a Catholic. It was very timely as I have been doing work on this very area of my life at this time. I got an answer to a question that I've had in my mind for several weeks. It is the next half of a change (life change) that I am making as I walk my Spiritual Path.

I absolutely LOVE my life today. It is because of opening my heart to God. Oh, make NO mistake. I owe my background of the past 10 years to AA and my AA family for where my journey has taken me to this point. My Spiritual Journey started in 1997 and has taken a route "as the crow flies". A slow, moderate start-again, stop-again route. Nothing planned, nothing expected. But, when I chose to seek solace in the Catholic Faith, my life changed. I stuck my toe in the water in 2005 but found I was not ready to commit. In those two years a small grain of interest and desire began to grow.

One of the best things I've done is join the RCIA program at Saint Anne's Catholic Church !
I have been on a growing and developing faith in God that has totally brought me HOME.

As Bonnie put it tonight, I am as a rose bud about one-third opened at this point in my development.

I am eager for the next two-thirds blossoming
Praise God.

Elayne, thank you so much for the materials you loan me to expand my education and interest.
Frank, thank you for giving of your time as my Sponsor and your help in my journey. I am proud and thrilled to take this walk with you.
Kudos to RCIA Team, Events Team (fantastic food every week) and all class mates. What a wonderful support system I am Blessed with - AA and RCIA-Awesome

life safari 2008 (10)

God gave us all the same amount of measure of Faith and Grace. I have just as much as Daniel did in the Lion's Den.
It's what we do with it.

Thanks Elayne. I will always remember the impact those words had on me. It gave me much hope and determination.

I love the story. Daniel 6: 2 - 29

life safari 2008 (9)

Oh boy, what a day today ! I have not had such a grueling day in a long time. Too many issues and upsets for one day. Glad I'm off tomorrow.

I would like to just take Precious and go away for a long road trip.
eat our dust !

I am, however, Grateful and Thankful...

that I had the background I had coming up
no one has to wonder where they stand with me - just ask me
But, you'd better have b___s !
this coffee. just what I needed after my day
Precious and her "kitten" that comes out when we play ball
Precious because she is so loving and nurturing. It is a Blessing that I have her at my abode
she helps me unwind from stress - thank you Precious
for praying for the Grace to go straight home from work rather than to the store for ice cream
God's Grace
that I am implementing prayer more. I am relying on God. I am trusting God more
I am letting God in
what a Blessing
Thank YOU

life safari 2008 (8)

Good morning, well, afternoon, now.
Slept in this morning.
Had a wonderful visit in the atrium by a pair of beautiful Cardinals. Precious and I were both taken with their beauty.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for life today
the gift of Faith
to be close to a haircut - will get it soon
for Precious
all the wonderful, comfortable gifts I have been given so freely
I think about those who have no food or place to sleep comfortably and safely
I made my first step toward contributing to those in physical need this morning
where there is a will, there is a way
through God, all things are possible
It's a beautiful day
thank YOU

life safari 2008 (7)

It is Monday and good to be alive and well.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for a new week to walk the path I feel called to walk by God
to feel light in Spirit today. I was weighted down yesterday
You know, I only need be accepted by my Heavenly Father
Today, all is well with my soul
I pray that the same is true for my loved ones
Peace be with all of you
Thank YOU

life safari 2008 (6)

Happy Sunday !

I am sitting here listening to something running in the background on my computer. I have no indication of what it is but it is absolutely maddening because it happens most often any more and slows down my computer to a crawl

I think some of these programs just "take over" in the background and I'm held hostage to them

I am also not pleased at this nonsense. The running has slowed now and it appeared to be Yahoo-Messenger that was the culprit. If it keeps up it will get deleted and that's that.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

that the delete button is at my disposal
finally, the noise has ended
to be happy, joyous and free today
that Scott had a very successful show and he's getting the recognition for his talents
for a good time with Frank last night
that's it ! I am going to relieve myself of this Yahoo Messanger right now
Later

life safari 2008 (5)

Yeah, warmer temperatures. I needed this changes so that my finger tips can heal. Cold weather is very hard on my skin on my hands.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

today is Saturday. Frank and my afternoon to eat at Spaghetti Western
and, after we eat, to go to Scott's opening of his very own art exhibit
Gospel music and wonderful singers
Precious. my awesome, sweet and loving cat. What a wonderful gift to me
God has Blessed me with too many wonderful gifts to name
I commit to sharing it all with other's
Pass It On
God's Grace

life safari 2008 (4)

Gooood Morning !! I am sad about some situations with a couple of my friends/family but, I know that, when we all hold our problems, hurts, etc. up to the Light of Faith, we can be healed.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful...

for God's Grace
that it is Friday
it will warm up over the weekend. I have those nasty and painful cracks in my finger tips that I get in winter
that Scott got published in a pretigious magazine (awesome rug design)
that Scott also has his own Art Show this Saturday evening
that I am more prepared for Lent today than I was December 31 st 2007 - it's a Blessing
that we are back to RCIA
that my routine of going to Mass will start back up this Sunday
that Easter and, really, all of the holidays have a more special and important meaning to me than they ever have
Precious and her little Spirit. How loving and nurturing this little cat is
to be clean, sober and smoke-free another day
for my Faith in God today
thank YOU

life safari 2008 (3)

What a lovely day. I have slowly putzed around all morning and am finally ready to get a shower, dressed and get out of the house.
Have a few errands to run and then get to RCIA.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful...

for the power of prayer
the more I study The Word, the stronger my belief and trust in God becomes
that I got on the treadmill for 15 minutes this morning. And, it was turned "on"
to be a new woman in Christ today
that Precious and I are together
for the fact that we are both healthy
there is a Pilgrimage I want to take soon to Missouri
my consciousness has brought me to a place where I must make some changes
I must be true to God as I understand Him according to my conscience and perspctive
that I can accept other's conscience and perspective for their own lives
that I hope that my actions will not cause any hard-feelings on the part of my friends and family. I however, must do what I understand to be my Spiritual Path
I am praying and talking and thinking hard regarding what I just said. I am not going to make a rash or impulsive decision
with this said, I end with the words I like and mean very much... Peace Be With You
thank YOU

life safari -2008 (2)

What a nice day - cold, but nice.
It is rewarding to be able to have happiness, joy and peacefulness all day. We'll try to duplicate what I did again tomorrow.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

that it will be in the 70's over the weekend (so they say)
to be home from work and warm
to have gone to the nooner and saw people that I love and care about
for that big bowl of hot Lentil soup for dinner
that I'm off tomorrow and RCIA in tomorrow evening (it's been 2 weeks)
that God spared 2 loose dogs from being hit on Bellaire this morning
Precious in my life
God's Grace
Thank YOU

life safari 2008 (1)

Happy New Year everyone. I fell asleep around 10:00 last night so missed (another year) the ball drop in NYC.

I am pleased with the new day today, the colder weather and clear skies.
I have much to be Grateful and Thankful for.

Friends and Family
God's Saving Grace through Jesus' death on the Cross. When I last expressed the thought that I was not good enough to have God's favor and forgiveness, a friend of mine said that... "Surely, Jesus shed one drop of blood for you." I found much comfort in that thought and so remember it when I feel unworthy of God's Grace.
for the committment to get my body in healthy shape - it is, after all... The temple that houses my Soul. My body is on loan to me for this day and age - it is not mine to treat without honor and care
to pray more
to pray with maturity as a Christian
to dedicate my life to God and God's Will
to love my neighbors as myself ( and, you know, it's all about ME) SO,
to carry myself so that folks see Jesus' face when they look at me, not mine
to look for Jesus' face in other's faces
to eat less and exercise more
to love more and complain less
to serve other's unselfishly
to help those who are hungry, homeless and in need of care
the only thing that separates me from those living in the streets is:
a bit of money and a few pills for my mental illness
If these folks had the money to buy the pills they would be like me in most instances - how sad they have not the opportunity that I have been freely given
to do the deal, not just talk about "doing the deal"
God, take me, use me and..."May other's see my good works and glorify God's Name."Amen

Again, Happy New Year ! Peace be with YOU

life safari #171

Well, Good morning on this last day of 2007.
I have been Blessed this year and have learned new things. Now, this year I have the challenge to act on the Blessings and newly found ways and thoughts.

I have let myself go physically. Gained a tremendous amount of weight and gotten myself in a unhealthy pattern - sedentary and lazy.

It is my goal and pledge to get myself up and out and walk - also to eat responsibly and sparingly. I know what to do, I simply have not been doing it - for a long time.

It's the getting the first step made - that is the step I am going to make with much celebration ! I am tired of doing the same things expecting different results. It's much like a dag chasing its own tail, no?

I am eager to begin 2008. I will be 58 Feb. 2, 2008 and look forward with happiness to the year ahead.

It is my mission to improve in these areas:
being more loving to all
better at prayer and meditation
helping the hungry, homeless and battered
becoming more Spiritual
spend less
eat less
exercise more
more Grateful
more Thankful
sharing my happiness with others
changing my thought process
saying nothing negative
judging no one
Happy New Year everyone

I am Grateful and Thankful...
to be alive
to be free of drinking and smoking
to live in America where I'm not persecuted for my religious beliefs and practices
Thank YOU

life safari #170

Good Morning, Happy Saturday !!

I am Grateful and Thankful...

to be off work today-with the weeks... start again, stop again (with holidays), I find it difficult to remember what day it is
I can savor my memories of 2007 for a day or two longer
to be delighted to enter the year 2008
for all the Blessings and Grace I have been given
to grow older with Precious. We are both slowing down a bit
the possibility of getting an A.M. shift again in the near future-somthing more "normal" and the opportunity to be available for Church service work on the Events Team
that Barbara is still holding her own with her infection. The Antibiotics have worked thus far
for my friends and loved ones with whom I look forward to being with in the year ahead
for RCIA starting again this Thursday evening. I've missed everyone and the lessons
for the cold, damp day - why not?
I will be 58 early this new year. 58 is the new 38 !! SWEET
God's Grace
thank YOU

life safari #169

Is it 2008 yet ?????

What happened. Time flew and now it's standing still.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

to be sober, clean and smoke-free another day
that the cold weather feels soooooo good
that I got my car fixed this morning. Had a generator light on - nothing major
that tomorrow is Friday
that the holidays will be over for a while soon
these broken work weeks are getting tiring
for Precious
that I know better than to tease any animal
God's Grace

life safari #168

Jesus' Tender Mercies
thank YOU

life safari #167

Well, good day for the ducks !

I am staying in my end of town today. It's supposed to get very cold in a couple of hours.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

I have lovely Christmas memories this morning
I'm not having to beg for alms today
I'm not in a hospital today
I'm not living on the street today
I'm not having to ride a bus to get around today
my family is not all deceased today
New Years Eve has not been a "big deal" to me for years now. I'm usually fast asleep before the ball drops in NYC
my family's business is closed from Christmas Eve until January 2nd - enjoy your time off !
for the gift of Miss Beulah's Pieta statue replica - Thank you John and Janice !
fond memories of Christmas' past (when we were ALL here)
Precious and her cat company
God's Grace

life safari #166

What a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day !!

Good company, good food, good music, goodwill and good weather.

Started Christmas Eve working. Ended with awesome music at Church and Midnight Mass.

Visited with a friend in the hospital late morning. Met a couple of her friends who came to visit also. Talked a bit regarding different topics, rearranged some of her presents so she could view them and had a nice time.

Went by the Lambda Center and got a cup of coffee, cookie and kissed a few frinds and made merry.

Went to have dessert at my sister's. My Nephew and Niece were there with their 4 childeren.
Had a wonderful time watching the kids do their "thing", talked and laughed and kicked back.
The kids all liked their stuffed Zoo Animals that I got them. Each different, all cute as can be. I scored on that Christmas ! I included a photo of the real animal with each stuffed animal.

Julia got the Maned Wolf
Hunter got the Meerkat
Lucy go the Snowy Owl
Ella got the Okapi Giraffe
Lucy wanted Julia's Maned Wolf but that was the only mis-fire we had and that got settled quickly because Lucy is Julia's "little sister" Big sisters know how to diffuse such situations. Julia put the Maned Wolf down the front of her blouse and ran away from Lucy until Lucy got over it.
What a fun and Blessed Christmas I had this year.

My sister and Brother-in-law gave me Miss Beulah's statue of the Pieta that she bought in Rome some years ago. I was and am very touched to have it. As my sister said, none of Beulah's kids are Catholic anymore and she would want you to have it. What a thoughtful gift from two lovely, caring and sentimental people. I will treasure it always.

Merry Christmas !!!!!

life safari #165

Well, Happy Christmas Eve !
Worked from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm, made $ 0.00 money. Had 18 tickets from those entering the building who were visitors, and, had no other activity. A very exciting day (yawn).

The weather pleases me. I hoped for cold weather the two days and nights.

It will be a long night tonight. I am going to hear the music concert at 11:00 pm tonight at church and then attend Midnight Mass.

Tomorrow, will go to 9:00 am Mass then to St. Joseph's Hosp. to visit a friend there for a while.
Then, I'm going by my sister's for pie and coffee and a nice visit at 3:15 pm. What a lovely evening and Christmas Day I have lined up !

Wishing all of you a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - MERRY CHRISTMAS, I love you.
Welcome home Hayden !!

I am Grateful to be me, kathryn marie frazer today
I have an awesome life, awesome friends and loved ones, a truly Blessed life, indeed. All because of...
You, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and, yes, YOU too !!!