Gratitude, Halloween And Honoring Those Who Passed

On this day before Halloween, I am usually pretty excited and giddy, getting ready to celebrate what is for me as a Pagan more than just a dress up in crazy clothes day. This year, though, I will work instead, and considering that we are in a temporary place, not celebrate with our usual abandon. Still, Halloween or Samhain will be exciting enough, as we celebrate and honor those who have left before us.

Therefore, my gratitude list today focuses on some special people and animals in my life that have moved on.

1. My grandfather
He passed away exactly one week after my 12th birthday, but during the short time I had him in my life, he made a lasting impression. Leaving me with an independent spirit and the freedom to choose my own path (he insisted that I would not be raised in any faith so I could make up my own mind later on), I honor him today.

2. My adopted Father
While he left me with many scars and wounds that will always define how I view the world, he introduced to me the need of taking care of our world around us. He taught organic gardening to many people, including me. He also gave me access to mythology and ancient traditions which define much of my belief system to this day.

3. Angel
Probably the strangest animal I have ever met, but also the most profoundly loving cat there was. After adopting his mother without knowing that she was pregnant, he was one of the 2  kittens (out of a litter of 6) who were completely bald. Sphynx cats are rare, and well, I must say ugly, but he was the most beautiful animal to me. After his death, I had sworn never to get another pet, because the loss was too great. But, I currently have two dogs and another cat. Still, he will always be my true Angel.

I am very grateful for having had many people in my life, briefly or for a long period of time, that made a large impact on me, and brought me to the choices I made to become me.

Whom are you grateful for in your life? Why not share that list via the Celebrate The Small Things Blog hop hosted by Lexa Cain? And stop on by Dory’s Backyard, where everyone is talking about shelter animals.

Gratitude Summer Edition

Where ever you go, go with all your heart – Confucius

Gratitude is one way to be present wherever you are, and while I try to live in Gratitude, I do fall short of that goal to be present within it more often than I would like. So every once in a while I post here, what I am grateful for. Maybe you can join me, and all of the other wonderful people of this blog hop, and feel inspired to live a little more in gratitude.

I am grateful for the many books I have been reading over the last few weeks. Most of them have been absolute gems, and I am so grateful for the time I have been able to spent reading them. And sharing them with you all.

I am grateful that the rains have stopped. We had a very wet summer this far, and while it is wonderful that we on this side of the country do not suffer the drought that California has to deal with, there is a point where it gets too much. Finally, the weather has settled back into its normal rhythm here. I am grateful for that.

I am grateful for ranch dressing. Call me weird, but ranch dressing is that little something that makes me enjoy more raw veggies. And we all should eat a lot of veggies. A little dab of ranch and a pile of vegetables and I am happy camper. I am easy to please.

I am grateful for music. I usually start my day listening to my favorite musicians, more often than not 30 Seconds To Mars. There is something about music that can inspire, get you moving, motivate, and dare the impossible. Great music and a cup of coffee, a perfect way to start the day. Oh, and of course a slice of cake.

Now it is your turn? What are you grateful for?

Here are some other bloggers who shared their thoughts this week:

http://tuckedintoacorner.wordpress.com/2014/08/02/the-odd-trio/
http://wriculent.wordpress.com/2014/08/02/odd-trio-redux/
http://lgkeltner.blogspot.com/2014/08/celebrate-small-things-august-1-2014.html

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