"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.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

"Welcome Home, Elder Ulima!"

7.13.10. I am grateful and proud to welcome Elder Timoteo Ulima home from a two-year mission in Arizona. Great job, bro! Mahalo ke Akua.

I can't believe two years have gone by and Timo's already home. I remember when there was a time we really thought he wasn't gonna make it, but he did and he went and by his own words, it's been the best two years of his life and he left a boy and has returned a man. He gained a little weight, speaks a little more haole and wore his shoes in the house and I had to remind him to take it off! Dad and Fosi and the family made a big bbq feast. Ulimas came down and Mac's family and Timo's boys to greet him and celebrate his return. We all shared and prayed and are so happy and proud of him and look to him for that 'sparkly RM' inspiration in our home and for the Ulima ohana. We look forward to him moving on with the next phase of his life: work, school, career, marriage, family, church callings. It will take some adjustment, but he'll be fine and he will always have those two years to look back at and be grateful for. He's moved into mom's room and will start driving for Fosi soon. Welcome back, Elder Ulima!

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