October 30

The sky this morning was beautiful. I noticed it immediately as Brady drove us out of the cul de sac and down the hill toward the school. 

I couldn't catch the entire display in a single shot, but it was a stunning mix of light and shadow. Low down near the horizon, I could see sunlight pressing hard against the grey, trying its best to break through.

That lovely expanse of natural beauty was an awe-inspiring vision created by God. And I am thankful for His provision.

October 29

I was less than amused when the power abruptly went out at a little before one o'clock this afternoon. It was cloudy outside and only 64 degrees inside, and I was annoyed to suddenly be unable to turn on the heater. I was more annoyed when a text update told me that the lights would be off until after 8 PM.

But as it turned out, it wasn't all that bad after all. Since there was no TV, no wifi, and no kitchen appliances to keep me occupied, I took a walk and checked out the flowers. We may be approaching November, but we still have roses. And although it's not the same as my east coast experience, some of the leaves are indeed changing color. 

And then later, after he'd spent some time in his room (doing I'm not sure what), Brady sauntered into the family room, sighed, went outside, and set up the pitching net. He hadn't thrown in quite some time so it was a blessing to me to once again sit there on the deck while he worked. I gave feedback on his form, and to his credit, he took the comments seriously. He even devised an extra-goofy delivery and asked if I thought the coach would let him make weird noises on the mound if he pitches well enough this coming Spring. It was good Brady-and-mom time, and I am grateful to have had it.

The lights did eventually come back on --at around five, so PG&E successfully sandbagged the original estimate-- but for the unexpected blessing of a power outage that helped me to slow down and notice more and gave me precious minutes with my kiddo, I am grateful.

October 28

 This lovely lady here with me turned 45 today.

I tried to surprise Nikki at work with the carefully selected (read: obviously pink) balloon and a giant cinnamon roll, but wound up driving to her house because I didn't see her car in the lot. And voila, she was just leaving as I arrived!

As far as girlfriends go, she's the best and I love her dearly. She understands who I am at my core and embraces my idiosyncrasies. I know that I can always be fully myself when we're together, and I know she'll always do whatever she can to support me when I need it. 

She's a keeper, and I'm grateful to God that she continues to be part of my life. Happy birthday, gal!

October 27

I was leaving to pick up Brady from school this afternoon when I spied these two little guys in my front yard.

When I got back home, I went over to take a closer look. And then because the whole thing reminded me very much of lazy Saturday mornings with The Smurfs, I gave them their very own little photo session while simultaneously fighting the temptation to add Lego minifigs and My Little Ponies to the scene. (I mean, come on; can't you see it?)

Anyway, it was an opportunity to embrace my fun (and perhaps slightly weird) side. And I'm always grateful to God for experiences that help me to stand on the lighter side of this life.

October 26

I really wish I could remember what it was that prompted me to take this picture this morning during my Bible study. Alas, I cannot.

But regardless of whether or not I can recall the detail that triggered the photo, I can say this: I am thankful to live in a nation where I can attend a Bible study and learn about Jesus without fear of retaliation or punishment. 

Freedom is a gift from God.

October 25

I felt pretty sluggish today, so I mostly laid low; I watched football and worked on a crochet project. (And indulged in a brief pre-dinner nap.)

It doesn't feel great to admit it, but I wasn't really looking so I didn't see much.

But I did see this outside my bedroom window during the mid-evening hours: the remnants of a lovely sunset. To my eyes, it has a classic harvest-season look to it and given my affinity for Fall --for the changing of the leaves and the lowering of the temperature and the coming of the Thanksgiving season-- I am grateful for the sight.

October 24

Brady went to lunch with some of his friends this afternoon.

Before he headed out, he poured himself a bowl of cereal and started eating it with chopsticks. As I side-eyed him from across the table, he explained that he wasn't sure the restaurant they were going to visit would have any forks and he didn't want to look stupid. So he decided to practice using Reeses Puffs.

I appreciate this kiddo's ingenuity, because honestly, it never would've occurred to me to use chopsticks on cereal. I'm grateful that he's blessed with the ability to think outside of the usual box. And I'm grateful that he had the opportunity to spend time with some pals outside of school, too.