Namaste. One yoga pose I can manage without toppling over.
I woke up this morning still shining from the polish of the evening before. A last minute dinner invitation was eagerly accepted, and the simple, delicious meal of bread, soup, salad and chocolate shards was just as nourishing and satisfying as the conversation that ensued. Subjects ranged from bad breakups to pop culture to a place called Girdwood, all before parking on the topic of gratitude (no doubt encouraged by the presence of fine chocolate and good company).
Close friends who needn’t impress, we went around the table sharing the good, the bad and the ugly, the laughable and the regretful. The exchange was unhurried and sweetly telling , little moments disclosed that made me even fonder of the diners I was already so fond of. We took a few detours, but the paths led back to a sincere appreciation in knowing that small moments assemble to make a big life. Needless to say, I wanted second helpings.
I share this recollection with no intention of being smug, or of dishing up some thinly-veiled braggadocio. Simply, the moment moved me, providing me a lesson to leave my laments and carping in the kitchen with the dirty dishes. To clear the table of such things once in while and dine on gratitude.
I need neither a winning lottery ticket nor a new car to tell me my life is good. That being surrounded by the beauty of nature, the richness of friendship and the gift of abundance is not to be taken for granted or lightly. There is power in being thankful; it is high octane fuel for the head and the heart.
So this morning as I try to pen a thank you note worthy of my spirited hostess, I struggle a bit. Perhaps, all I need to say is thank you; your dinner left (and continues to leave) me full.
Taking some time to stop and smell the …
Beautiful post Tom! The first line made me chuckle, the rest of the post warmed my heart, and the sight of those flowers? Stunning!
Thanks, Tom! The attitude of gratitude is so powerful and so healthy!
Isn’t it true. Being grateful is simple.
Indeed…namaste! xo
Namaste, indeed. Beautiful post and the flowers are so gorgeous! Great way to get my day started … thank you so much. 🙂
Shirley
How right you are and so richly said. Thank you Tom.
I had a similar evening as I traveled north to a memorial for the mother of a dear friend. To sit around the table with her family and be a part of remembering and being thankful for the time and friendship, thank you for reminding me what is the most special parts of my life, sharing with friends.
Namaste!
Loved the post and these flowers, ahahah!!!!!What a heavenly sight.
Aaahhh, that’s nice. Flowers are incredible & your gratitude’s are beautiful.
I am not much of a computer consumer but every now and then I serendipitously click in the right spot. Today I fell into some lovely words and perfect sentiment. Thanks Tom, and namaste.
You look mahvelous!
I found this blog today when reading about Opal apples. Suddenly I realized, yikes, he lives on Vashon and almost missed my boat to work reading some of the previous ones!!! Love them all so far.
I’m sitting sukhasana-style in front of the pc so already my day has started on a good note. You are so right on about the lottery ticket and new car….I am so glad that those days and ways of thinking are far, far behind me.
Sounds like a lovely evening, and those spring flowers are gorgeous.
Nothing but tulips in this garden so far!
what a lovely way to start my day.
Hi Tom,
I was looking up the Opal apple that I tried today and found your site! How pleased am I. You are living the life I dream of! I had a little garden but since my “D” am just in a lil’ condo, but I hope one day to do all that you are doing, maybe in N.C. where I have a patch of 11 acres. Till then I’ll enjoy your lil’ blog. Very lovely! 😉
Tom,
That was indeed a special evening and yes we need to not take for granted what we have: “beauty of nature, the richness of friendship and the gift of abundance”
Cheers
Heguiberto
Truly, there is nothing better — good food and good friends. A beautiful way to spend an evening!
I love you for your humor and your heart! And your jam.
Well and beautiful said, Tom. How blessed we are when we have a bounty of friends…