"A Year of Gratitude"

I was inspired, several years ago, by Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of the book, 'Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy." In the book, she talks about the transformative power of gratitude and encourages every person to keep a daily 'gratitude journal' by writing down at least 5 things that they are grateful for every day. I have kept a journal since I was a little girl (though sporadic, at times) and when I kept a gratitude journal in addition to my regular journal, I was amazed at the results.

This year, in an effort to combine my interests in photography, journaling and scrapbooking with my expression of daily gratitude, I've decided to embark upon a project I've entitled, "A Year of Gratitude". This is my novice attempt at photo journalism!

Everyday, I will post at least one photo and one blog (Blogspot) and status (Facebook) about at least one thing I am grateful for in that day. I will date it and only use photos taken on that day (with minor exceptions).

After 12/31/10, I will comprise all the daily photos and blogs into a book which I will then have printed for myself. I'm a little slow to respond to the Universe sometimes, and being that I just received the inspiration to do this on 1/10/10, I will post up images I have from the first of the year and be consistent daily from 1/10/10 forward.

In the process, it is my hope to honor the people, places, situations and blessings in my life. It is also my hope to discover beauty in the everyday stuff of life, to seek the miraculous in the mundane and to celebrate the extraordinary in the ordinary. I am humbled and excited to embark upon this journey. Mahalo for sharing it with me. . .may you find joy and gratitude each and every day of your life. God Bless.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

"Some Roads are Longer than Others. . ."


1.23.10. I am grateful today for visiting mom and dad.
So I made the long road trip to Laie by myself because I wanted to visit the graves (and my husband and son didn't want to come with me!). I visited with mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, Feala and Marilyn. There are just way too many people I love buried at Laie Cemetary. But at least it helps logistically when I visit. The road to move on with mourning the losses of Feala and mom, recently, has been long, but one that is necessary. The biggest comfort is that I'll see them again one day and that families are forever. I'm glad mom is with dad, after 30 years. It was an enjoyable afternoon. I always love the scenery on the drive, the Koolau mountains, Kualoa, the ocean, Laie, the temple. I listened to my favorite music, had an ice cream cone and contemplated many things. Then, I got invited by my good friend, Kalani, to go to the 'Throw Da Shaka' concert at the Waikiki shell with her cousin and friend. We had 'choice' seats in the pool area, the concert was SLAMMIN' with my favorite local artists and favorite emcee (Lina Girl!). The night continued on with good food, company, laughter and music at the War Aquarium (SHOT girls!). I had so much FUN! The road to life is filled with trials, but the people and experiences along the way make them all worth while. I am truly grateful for my life and the people in them. Mahalo ke Akua!

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