One of my favorite (so called) reality shows have for many years been NBC's "The Biggest Loser". As someone who's had weight and self worth issues almost her entire life, it's been inspiring to me to travel on this journey with these amazing and inspiring people. A new season just started, and the toughest trainer is back... Gillian (just the name sends a shiver down my spine...)
As I am watching the first episode of the new season, a thought occurs to me... I could never do this, because I will ALWAYS take the least painful, easiest, non emotional way out of a situation... These people are truly amazing to stick with it... I'd never last a day!!!! So as I contemplate how I react to situations, and ponder on why [that] is and, if I want to/how to change it... I'll just give a shout-out to those people who stare challenge in the face and strive on... You are my hero's!!!!

Now when it comes down to courage, I know that it is a many layered "onion" (lol) and it comes out for people in different ways, at different times and in different situations... and I'm sure I can philosophize on that subject many many times and come to a variety of answers... and I'm sure cleverer people than me have... but for this moment in time... I had a tiny light-bulb-moment...

New-York'alicious!!!

Today I'm grateful to live in a city which has so much going on and so many things to experience, and many of them for very little money. :)

Antibiotic cure 2.0

I've started another cure of Antibiotics to get rid of the pneumonia. My doc gave me a prescription and this time it'll "hit" both the lungs and the sinuses.... so hopefully I will be able to get well before the Christmas Holidays! (I am SO SO SO thankful for modern medicine!!!!)

In other news, tomorrow I'm going to head over to see them fill the air in the balloons in prep for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade with some friends! Pictures to come!!! This is a New York Tradition kind of like the parade itself... and New Years Eve in Times Square (though that one is one I have purposely skipped due to crowds, weather and lack of sanitation!!!) Last time I spent TG here in the city I didn't go to see them fill the balloons so I am glad I get to go this time. :)

For the beauty of the earth....

Thankful day... erm... (oops)

The little things in life, like a child looking at you and knowing you. Loving you for being... well YOU...

Good friends, friends that are like soul "twins" or kindred spirits... Friends that by a mere look or touch can uplift and sustain you.

The colour GREEN!!!!

Stories

Once upon a time... There once was a [fill in the blank].... East of the Sun and West of the Moon... In a Land far far away, in a time Long Long ago.... It is a truth universally acknowledged... It was the Best of Times, it was the Worst of Times.....

There are many ways to end a story... and even more ways to end them... but a good story captures your attention and holds it in it's grasp right until the last punctuation mark....

Today I am grateful for stories, great stories that are told, that last through time and place, that brings out emotions, Inspirational anecdotes, challenges our views and our opinions. Stories of love lost, love gained and eternal friendships. Swashbuckling Pirates, Brave Heroes, Sad Heroines, Comedic characters... you name it... :)

This posting was brought to you through inspiration from the latest movie version of Anna Karenina!

Fall Foliage

 While visiting a dear friend in Yonkers, I took the opportunity to get some pictures of the gorgeous fall colors and the gorgeous weather we had. We took the kids to the park and enjoyed the crisp and fresh air and the sunshine…

I am thankful for my five senses... though they're not all operating at full or perfect capacity... I am grateful that I have them, and thereby be able to enjoy life, and all the beauty in and of the earth... My taste-buds are slowly coming back, and it's been incredible to discover them again.. after six weeks of illness... another step on the uphill latter.. (if that's even the correct idiom... lol)