Vanessa
A List of Thanks
The Blog Post In Which I Express Gratitude and Dodge Rabbit Droppings
Simple gratitude on the blog this week.
Last Sunday, I woke to the golden glow of the sun, low in the east. Overnight, the moisture in the outside air had solidified into tiny ice crystals, coating surfaces with a delicate spray of white that positively sparkled when the sunlight met them.
The snow in my backyard nearly reached the tops of my boots. The top layer had hardened to a powder-covered crust, and I could see the imprints of tiny rabbit feet zigzagging across the yard. Droppings were scattered about as if the bunnies had pooped while in motion (maybe they had; I don’t know anything about bunny habits).
I breathed deep; the cold air clearing the way to my lungs. I moved here and there, my boots making deep gashes in the snow - so clunky and undignified compared to the rabbit’s tracks.
I made pictures.
I liked the pictures.
I thought about why I liked the pictures. And then I made a list.
I’m Grateful For:
My mobility (to easily bring myself closer to these experiences)
My backyard (a slice of private space to enjoy)
My winter gear (warmth to allow me time to experience the moment comfortably)
My camera and tools (to allow me to capture the feeling, hold it close, and share it)
My eyesight (the sense I count on the most to take in the world) and my glasses (which fix my inadequate eyesight)
Sunlight (obviously)
Quiet (in a time of too. much. noise.)
Mornings (a kind of rebirth every 24 hours, really)
Winter (holy moly, I never thought I’d say it)
and
Wonder (may it stay with us always)
A reminder: despite the ills of the world, which can feel all-consuming, there is magic right in front of us. We just need to tune in to notice.