The Make-a-Wish Foundation. They are sending one of my former students on a chopper ride through the Grand Canyon next week and sending one of my current students to Disney World as well.
The young man who took the photo of the little African-American girl staring up at the new portrait of Michelle Obama hanging in the National Portrait Gallery. Mrs. Obama predicted that the portrait would have an impact on little girls of color who would see it in years to come, but it only took a matter of weeks before we saw photographic evidence of this truth in the sweet photo of an awestruck two-year-old.
My Shark robotic vacuum which has made my life easier and house cleaner.
Young people, those who make my life better because I know them as well as those who I don't know, but I see attempting to make all our lives better.
Books
The opportunity to serve as mentor to a young man at church as he goes through Confirmation classes.
The chance to do the same for both of his brothers who came before him.
Family
The opportunity to make the bouquets for the wedding of a young lady I love.
And the simple truth that
even into a bleak and dreary world the Spring returns
Yes, there are so many precious things for which to be thankful. That spring will follow winter no matter what is one of the nicest.
ReplyDeleteEven though I am a winter person at heart I am overwhelmed by the joy spring brings me every year.
DeleteI agree with you, May, we need to focus on the good in life more now than ever, gratitude generates hope for brighter days!
ReplyDeleteThe Make-A-Wish Foundation is such a wonderful thing for those it serves and for their families, a precious gift of happy memories to cherish!
That was a beautiful photograph you refer to, I took note of it too! While some had issues (some always have issues with everything), I thought it was a beautifully done portrait.
My daughter has a robotic vacuum and loves it, keeps up with the dust and pet hair on her floors. I suspect one might choke to death on kitty fur in my house where four out of five kitties have long fur and shed a lot despite frequent brushing. I like to think of it as soft and cozy. :-)
Yes, there are many outstanding young people out there setting an example and giving us hope for tomorrow. Not all kids are self-indulgent. I bump into great ones all the time!
Books... no more needs to be said, imagine our lives without them!
How wonderful to be a mentor to all three young men in a family as they prepare for Confirmation. You will hold a special place in their lives and memories forever, and are helping them mature into being good and Godly men!
You are making wedding bouquets? A woman of many talents, obviously! Would love to see photos of them when you are finished! I also want to know if you did the artwork or filters on the second photo above? Both pictures are truly beautiful!
Yes, Spring returns, both in the cycles of life and in our personal lives too. We have highs and lows and sometimes struggle through dark and difficult times, but if we hang on and have faith, joy returns like Springtime. God is good! Thank you for joining us at TToT, I loved your list! XO
In terms of the portraits for the Nat'l Gallery...art is so personal, I doubt there has ever been a portrait that pleased everyone. Plus, my gosh! Did you see the likeness of the one done of President Obama? I would not want my work compared to that one. I have no idea how someone could render such a spot-on likeness as that.
DeleteThe family who has allowed us to mentor their sons is so special to me. These three young men are each so different from one another, but share really fine qualities. They have much to contribute to this world.
The photo is a shot I took on my phone and tweaked with an app called Prisma. I downloaded it for free and play with it almost every day. The top is also done the same way, just with a different filter. I highly recommend it, but will warn you that it is very easy to spend more time than you intended tweaking and experimenting with your pictures.
Beautiful photos and wonderful list of thankfuls.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I was so glad to find those few lonely flowers in the yard.
DeleteI love that you spend the time "tweaking" your pictures. They're great and always make me smile.
ReplyDeleteWonderful quote. It is important. Too often we're speeding on that life train and forget about what we do have, and focus on what we don't.
I don't believe I've seen the portrait, but will go in search of.
Mrs. Obama, imo, is a tremendous example for all young girls and women.
Ah, nothing like a good vacuum cleaner :D
Thank goodness spring returns :)
Have a good week!
I agree completely about Michelle O. I saw on Instagram today that she has now met the little girl, and they had a "dance party". So sweet!
DeleteI am so looking forward to spring. I anticipate it with greater and greater desire each year. I love how you enhanced the photos. The Obamas are stellar examples of who/what people should be and how they should behave. I do miss them in the White House. Inspiring youth inspires you, I think. It's in giving we receive.
ReplyDeleteIt absolultely IS in giving that we receive. I was not at all surprised (but was pleased) to read this week that you are a former kindergarten teacher. Lucky kids!
DeleteWe've had snowdrops and crocuses peeping through lately...Spring is on its way :)
ReplyDeleteIt turned blustery once again this morning. I didn't see it coming, and didn't embrace it with my whole heart when it arrived!
DeleteI noticed lots of crocus blooming today, too. Such a happy sign of upcoming spring.
ReplyDeleteI received trips from Make A Wish when I was sick as a child and so did my younger brother. We had an amazing family trip to Orlando when I was thirteen. They do good work and I'd love to volunteer somehow with them, to give back.
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