Grains of Sand

As a kid, I remember running to the mailbox just after we heard the mail truck drive by in the hope there would be a letter from a friend or the grandparents, maybe a magazine or clothing catalog.  Remember the JCPenney catalog?! These days I don't even get the mail every day, let alone run to the mailbox. Okay, running to the box may be out mostly because of my age, but a lack of excitement certainly plays a part too!  I don't know about you, but my mailbox is filled with junk mail or bills or the dreaded political ads.  Seriously, take a moment to ponder when was the last time you got fun mail?  I know the last time I did was this month, but that is only because it's my birthday month. Other than that?  I couldn't even tell you.  Maybe Christmas? Here's the thing.   You have how many friends?  One, two? More?  Perfect!  Write them a note.  An actual note on paper with a pen.  It doesn't have to be long....

I live in a house with five other humans who are all able to communicate with their mouths.  And yet, I find myself scratching my head sometimes over our lack of communication skills.  One of my children in particular has a hard time with conversation.  He likes to throw out fact upon fact, but the conversation isn't necessarily interactive. I was discussing this with a friend of mine who also happens to be a communication arts teacher.  Yay for me!  We were brainstorming all sorts of ideas and solutions.  You know, we were having a conversation about my son's lack of conversation skills. (;  One of the ideas she came up with was TableTopics ;  a set of cards filled with lots of engaging questions to inspire great conversation.  She graciously loaned me her version. That night I pulled a card.  Our question was, "If you could master a musical instrument, what would it be?"  Silly me, I thought I would get answers that range...

Welcome back my friends.  Can you believe it's Thursday already?  Sheesh.  Where does the time go?  I hope your week was filled with joy in the everyday, beautiful memories and gorgeous sunrises.  Today I'm thankful for: 4. The dishwasher!  That beautiful modern machine that works so I don't have to. 5.  The printing press.  I have a book addiction that would not be a thing if it were not for the printing press. 6.  The coffee maker.  There are just some things in life that put a pep in your step and our faithful coffee maker is one of them.  Always there waiting to brew the perfect cup.  Sometimes, the coffee maker is the first thing I think about when I wake.  P.S. Yes, that's coffee in the mug.  It's how I like to drink my cream.  :)