I usually run with a theme. This week I am focusing on gratitude. When I first started to explore in the blogosphere more than a decade ago I had no idea what benefits it would bring me. And I have been blown away. I have met some other bloggers (and loved them). Some of you I will almost certainly never meet, and it doesn't matter. So many of you have become very dear to me.
I also have some physical demonstrations of just how supportive and generous bloggers have been. I have been sent cards. I have been sent gifts, carefully chosen to match my interests/obsessions. Some things that people have made I have fallen in love with and purchased.
I am in awe at the talent and creativity I have found here. You have enriched my life (and our home). Many, many thanks.
Sadly Batty and Odie are still unwell. If they don't make a dramatic turn around we will be back at the vet on Monday.
So I have (of course) turned to the garden for comfort.
Good morning and thank you for sharing such beautiful things and all the love and thoughtfulness that lives among it all. Having gratitude and being thankful gifts us all in so many ways. “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust. Take good care of you and enjoy your week ahead.
ReplyDelete21 Wits: That is a truly wonderful quote, and so true. Thank you.
DeleteYou have enriched the lives of so many, myself included! Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts and obsessions with us. I know I speak for many when I say how much impact you've had on our lives with your generosity. You've been a beacon of goodness in my life and I count you as a dear, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that Batty and Odie are still unwell. Hopefully that passes soon. Hugs to all of you and I'm wishing a better week ahead for you.
River Fairchild: I am so very grateful that our paths crossed in the blogosphere.
DeleteHi Sue - you deserve our thanks for being there for us ... and I think bloggers know where they stand, and what they like ... we all mostly seem to relate to each other and I'm sure if we met would we'd get on like a house of fire. I love 21 Wits Proust quotation ... how very appropriate ...
ReplyDeleteI do hope your Batty and Odie improve ... I feel for you - it's so difficult to know what to do for them to ease their pain ... with thoughts - and enjoy some of the gardening to relieve your worries - cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. Fingers crossed for the cats. Tightly.
DeleteThe cats are very lucky to be in your care. Try not to fret even though you do care so much! You have certainly become dear to me. If you'd like to, and you are an Amazon prime member, you may read my little book free! It's called Aloha where you like go.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a good weekend and all the best to those sweet felines. We are praying for them. Aloha!
Cloudia: Thank you dear friend. I am not on Amazon Prime - which shouldn't stop me tracking down and enjoying your book.
DeleteOh dear EC, I feel for you, your cats, Batty and Odie shall be improve.
ReplyDeleteI love the balloon you purchased., and also your garden, beautiful.
Bob Bushell: Isn't that balloon great? It was a gift - and one I treasure.
DeleteThank you for making me smile with this post! In all the negativity of the current news, it's lovely to focus on beauty and gratitude for a while. :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope the kitties feel better soon - it has certainly been a tough time for them and for you. They're very lucky to have you watching out for them!
Diane Henders: Thank you. If I take the cats back to the vet tomorrow they will totally disagree that they are lucky to have me looking after them. I strongly suspect I will bleed.
DeleteThe first one grab my attention right away. I think it would cool at night with a small lightbulb in it. Battery operated would work.
ReplyDeleteMike: I can see what you mean but am quite happy with it hanging from the ceiling in our living room.
DeleteThe iris shots stand out the best
ReplyDeleteroentare: Thank you. They are stunning flowers aren't they?
DeleteDear little Batty and Odie...I hope they both get 100% well very soon.They are very lucky to have you in their lives. Cuddles and positive thoughts to them both from me...and from my two furry best mates (both of whom turned 20 on Friday!)
ReplyDeleteOne does meet some lovely folk through blogging...I've not met any of my blogger friends physically, but that doesn't diminish the respect and care. :)
Have a good week ahead, EC...may your little housemates make a speedy recovery. Take care.
Lee: Thank you. Some bloggers become very, very dear to us don't they? Congratulations to your furry overlords on reaching a truly impressive age. I hope you all have a wonderful week.
DeletePoor kittens - they do look miserable, and you will be feeling sad for them, too. I really hope that they start to improve soon; - fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteThe irises are doing well - the pale lemon one is my pick.
Thank you, EC, for the joy you bring to all of your followers.
Alexia: Odie and Batty weren't miserable in that photo - they were soaking up the sun. I am feeling sad (and worried).
DeleteIsn't that lemon a delightfully sunny colour.
What a lovely picture of those two rascals! And, yes, when they are feeling well they are little rascals. Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for the irises! I wish we could trade...iris for crab claw, perhaps?
dinahmow: I hope they get back to rascaldom very soon. And would love to be able to grow crab claw. Sadly I fear we cannot.
DeleteI hope the cats make a quick recovery or the vet has a solution. Our daughter’s dog, Georgie, has hip problems. We feel as bad for her as if it was one of the other family members. I can imagine how you feel when Batty and Odie are poorly!
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: They are members of the family aren't they? And loved and worried over. Thank you.
DeleteIt has been my experience that most bloggers are caring and lovely people and receiving something from them is the cherry on top. As well, meeting a blog follower in person is extra special. Thanks for sharing your little treasures with us.
ReplyDeleteOh, poor Batty and Odie, I was hoping that they would have gotten better by now. I hope the vet can do something to make them them feel better.
Your blooming flowers are filled with beauty balm. Nothing is blooming in my gardens.
Hugs,
Julia
Julia: Receiving a gift from bloggers is definitely a cherry on top. Their friendship is gift enough isn't it?
DeleteI am so grateful to the garden for the solace I find in it.
What a lovely line up of gifts, some people are so creative. That gene passed me by. I love the dark red iris!
ReplyDeleteI really hope Batty and Odie start getting well soon. Has the vet done blood tests and everything else possible?
River: Sadly the creative gene passed me by too. I AM an appreciator though. Big time.
DeleteThe kittens have had extensive blood tests and faecal tests. I really, really hope their coronavirus hasn't mutated. Which is a scary possibility.
I know what you mean. My blogging has led to wonderful friends. My best wishes for the cats.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Definitely blogging has led to wonderful friends - a huge benefit I didn't expect. And thank you.
DeleteI was about to say you sound weary but as it is such a difficult infection to treat there’s no wonder you are worried. I hope there are new (good) developments for you and the kittens this week
ReplyDeleteLoving thoughts coming your way from Melbourne- where it is sunny and dry….warmish as well😊
Cathy: Thank you. I am weary. And worried. It is sunny and warm here, though we are expecting more rain this afternoon. And tomorrow.
DeleteBlogging has lead to some amazing places for me, physically and metaphorically.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are beautiful.
May your feline companions recover fully and fast.
messymimi: You are so right about the amazing places. And people. Thank you.
DeleteThe gifts are wonderful, you are truly blessed and blogger friends do become a part of our lives.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are lovely and your cats, that isn't good they haven't recovered as yet...take care.
Margaret D: They are wonderful gifts. And are much appreciated. I do hope that the kittens get better. Today was marginally better than yesterday (which was dreadful) but they are not right yet.
DeleteNot just blog wise, but in my internet life of nearly thirty years I have encountered many acts of kindness and help without direct reward. I certainly appreciate our own connection and long may it continue. The gifts you received are well deserved but you probably don't like the drawing "I am all things possible". Just post it to me please.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I love that drawing. And appreciate the artist immeasurably so sorry, I won't be sending it on to you. Given the doom and gloom that so often surrounds us acts of kindness are very welcome and should be celebrated. And yes, I value our connection too. A lot.
DeleteI echo your gratitude in finding blog people to be friends. I'm always glad, always grateful to see your posts, and your comments. They are rays of sunshine in a world that is becoming increasingly... less than pleasant.
ReplyDeleteBill: That is a truly lovely thing to say. Thank you.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that your kittens are still not well. I am sending virtual hugs to you all. People in Blogland can be so kind and thoughtful, can't they? These connections mean so much. Our gardens can be good at providing solace when we need it - I hope yours continues to do this for you this week and beyond.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. I still treasure the felted sheep you sent me - and they live in a cabinet well away from pesky cat paws. The garden does provide me with solace - and rather a lot of work.
DeleteOh EC I am also very sorry to hear that the kittens are not yet thriving. With your love and care hopefully these tricky days will soon be history and they'll be happy little friends full of purrs and playfulness. You have some seriously talented friends.
ReplyDeleteKim: I do indeed have some seriously talented blog friends - you among them.
DeleteWhatever little things we (the blogging community) may have done for you, we have been repaid a thousand times by your friendship, your counsel, your wisdom and your generosity. As Miriam and I sit here drinking our morning coffee the two mugs in use remind us of you and bring back memories of the fabulous Australian birds we enjoyed so much. This community of friends is made stronger, wiser, more loving and more tolerant by having Sue Goldberg as one of our leaders. If we could but find politicians like you we could really start to change the world. We all love you.
ReplyDeleteDavid Gascoigne: Many, many thanks. I don't recognise the sage you write about, but many thanks.
DeleteI hope the vet can figure out what's wrong with them.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I've also made a lot of friends through blogging.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: Fingers crossed. And yes, to the many friends through the ether.
DeleteYour pictures are so lovely. And I do hope very strongly that whatever is wrong with them will be figured out soon. I am one of those who consider you to be close as family.
ReplyDeleteDJan: Many of my blogging friends are closer to me than much of my family. Sad, but true. You are often an inspiration to me.
DeleteI find blogging so beneficial in more ways than one. Hip hip hooray for bloggers the world over!!!
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: I learn from other bloggers. I laugh with them. I have wept with and for them - and they bring me beauty. Definitely hooray for bloggers.
DeleteI'm so sorry about Odie and Batty. I hope they can make a recovery. The quilt is very beautiful. But that balloon and basket beneath, where did you get it? Love it! It's pouring here with no end in sight.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I know you understand my worry for the pussy kittens. The balloon and basket was a gift, and I don't know where the donor got it from. I love it too. It is not raining here. Yet. More is forecast.
DeleteI am saddened to read that Odie and Batty are still not doing well. I hope your vet figures out what is wrong with them soon.
ReplyDeleteIt seems blogging has gone out of favor because it is so much easier to just put some images and a few words on Instagram, Facebook, Tic Tock, SnapChat, and other social media sites. However, you will only find me on my blog and I am thankful that you still blog, too. The world of blogging is truly a better place because of you. You show so much kindness and thoughtfulness in every message you leave. Your caring goes beyond words, too. You deserve all the accolades given by others because you are always there for us, no matter how far away you might be in real life. Thank you for being YOU!
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: We were told that the kittens have feline coronavirus. I had expected/hoped to see some consistent improvement by now. I will see what they say when I ring the vet later today (they are not open yet).
DeleteBlogging is my only social media, and I am endlessly grateful for the people I have found here.
so glad you are grateful for your blog readers. I have noticed how having followers in this venue of writing makes you feel like you are on an ongoing journey and friends are able to see when you are up and down and around. @theglobaldig.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteTrin Carl: Of course I am grateful for my blog readers and friends. How could I not be?
DeleteOh no to being sick. I hope they are back to 100% soon. Bloggers are a good lot. I love the kindness we show to one another.
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: I too love (and am awed by) the kindness of bloggers. And their creativity too.
DeleteSorry to hear the kitties are still under the weather and hope things resolve soon for them, and of course you. Flowers are so pretty, but am especially fond of your Iris. The first one is such an uusal color. We really do to feel like we know some of our blogging friends well. I like the fact that we meet people we might have had the ability to meet if it weren't for the net.
ReplyDeleteSandy: I really like that first iris too and am glad that the cockatoos allowed a couple to bloom this year. I have met so many people in the blogosphere I would not have met otherwise. It simulaneously expands and shrinks my world.
DeleteAwww. How kind of you to mention others. We love ya.
ReplyDeletePoor kitties. Poor you. I hope they get squared away soon.
Hugs,
Sandra Cox: As I love so many bloggers (including you). I have rung the vet this morning. She tells that the virus can be slow and to ring back at the end of the week if they are still struggling. I hope not. I really, really hope not.
DeletePS Especially love the irises.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: We do too - and appreciate just how hardy they are.
DeleteThe orchids are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI hope they start to feel better soon.
I have met some great people online too.
Mary Kirkland: The connections we make in the blogosphere are wonderful aren't they?
DeleteIn a world where we hear and see chaos and fear everywhere, your blog with your gorgeous photos make me smile and for a while I am relieved of the misery out there.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Beall: Thank you. I am a beauty addict, and there is a lot of it about - despite the fear and the chaos.
DeleteSuch a thoughtful and uplifting post! The blogworld is my escape from the harsher realities of my offline life and your blog has been my go-to sanctuary zone for several years now, especially your photos - your garden and the skyscapes. Thank you for all the ways you enrich my spaces and the blogger communities, truly appreciate them.
ReplyDeleteSending well wishes for the kitties. Hugs.
Nilanjana Bose: Thank you - and your posts and comments enrich my life.
DeleteWhat a coincidence, since I was just sitting here thinking back when we first "met" in the blogosphere - at Vision and Verb. Such wonderful times we had back then, and we still have. It is always so nice to come here to your blog, even though I sometimes miss entire weeks. The blogosphere is a lot richer because of you. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: I still miss Vision and Verb, but am grateful for the people like you that it brought into my life.
DeleteMay the kitties be on the mend soon! To have a garden like yours would be such a boon. Hugs from afar! -b
ReplyDeleteBea: Thank you. The garden IS a boon - when I am not using it to whip myself.
DeleteThis is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: Thank you. Hopefully blogger will let me respond to you this time.
DeleteYou bring so much to the blogoverse Sue and I for one (and there are hundreds more) am so grateful for your warmth and talent. Long may your big job draw as we say out here.
ReplyDeletePhotos are precious and I am keeping my fingers crossed for the little lads. I do hope this awful virus comes to an end. And fast.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: Thank you. I love that phrase - which I hadn't heard before. Just the same some days I don't want my big job to keep drawing. I am hoping to see and end to this virus. Yesterday would not be too soon.
DeletePoor little sweeties, I sincerely hope the vet can make them all better.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures; it's your turn for summer now and there is much solace to be found in the garden. I am beginning to feel quite down again, it's getting cool and wet here and gardening call come fewer and farther between. But when I think of you having a grand time outdoorsI really mustn't be envious.
Friko
Friko: Thank you. After a call to the vet yesterday we are back on watch and wait. And hoping. There is indeed a lot of solace in the garden and I hope your days (and world) don't close down too fast.
DeleteDear EC, like Batty, and Odie, two of the cats with whom I live have been to the vet numerous times--NUMEROUS!--times this year and last year as well. Ellie has started pooping and peeing on the bed again. (I have an oilcloth tablecloth there to keep the bedding itself clean.) Also, she and Matthew have started throwing up nearly every day. So I'll be taking them to the vet this week or next, depending on appointments availability.
ReplyDeleteYour blooms are lovely as are the gifts from others. And from all you embrace gratitude. I truly feel that gratitude is a sign of one's appreciation for all of life--all. And when one comes to that then Julian of Norwich's prayer that all shall be well makes so much sense and is so comforting in times of trial and trouble, grief and sorrow. Peace from Dee
Dee: I feel for you, and for your cats. These boys HATE going to the vet, and we are still rebuilding their trust after the last visits. I hope you find an answer for your poor cats and your own peace of mind. Gratitude is a gift which keeps giving I find. Hugs.
DeleteI am hoping your kitties are ok. I lost my doxie last week. 18 years. Sad. Saying a kitty prayer for your babies!
ReplyDeleteJC: I am so sorry for your loss. That is beyond sad. It is heart rending. And thank you.
DeleteI'm in awe of the sweetness I've found here - in you alone, EC. Thanks for bringing me a smile by including my book in the mix. Take good care of your heart.
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn: Of course I included your book - and could have included other gifts too. You take care too please.
DeleteThe blogging community is a marvelous one.
ReplyDeleteHena Tayeb: I have always found it so. Which surprised me, and continues to delight me.
DeleteWhat wonderful gifts. I especially like the hanging hot hair balloon, now that got me thinking of MAKING one myself! Also the raptor (?) with the words I am all things possible would really be suitable for Savvy Girl as sometimes she needs a push of confidence so thinking of drawing one for her. With Google help of course and the indispensable function of cut and paste! Beautiful blooms
ReplyDeleteWonderful
ReplyDeleteSo many great gifts!!
ReplyDeleteThe cute cats look pretty good.
And the flowers... beautiful!!
You would never have received so many nice things and support if you were not such a loving person. The Blogosphere is one great big two-way street!
ReplyDeleteI could spend hours in a garden such as yours displaying such delights!
Gini and I hope your week is filled with joyous moments.
I have changed to pop-up comments for the moment. Hopefully blogger will fix this glitch and I can go back to embedded comments and reply to you individually again.
ReplyDeleteKestrel: I love the thought of you using the wonderful gifts I have received to inspire you to create.
ashok: Thank you.
Catarina: I have been very lucky haven['t I?
Wally: Thank you. I have been lucky. I do spend hours in the garden - and should spend more.
I feel the same way about my blogging friends. I have been blessed to have met a few and yes, all we’ve met and all we have never met, become dear friends and a blogging family. The gifts I have been given, and cards I have been sent, are my treasures. You certainly have some wonderful ones in your collection. I do hope your sweet kitties will be well very soon. Incredible iris’ and allium! Nothing like getting out into the garden to release one’s stresses. I turn to nature all the time. It gives me such peace. Thinking of you and wishing you only the very best of things. Also sending a big hug :)
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. Nature is a great healer isn't it? And hooray for the blogging community/family.
DeleteSo sorry to read that Batty and Odie are still unwell, sending lots of healing wishes for the kitties.
ReplyDeleteLovely gifts from blogging friends and lovely flowers in the garden.
Take care, my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you so much. You take care too please.
DeleteOww, it seems my comment has dissapeared into thin air. I try agan. What wonderful things, and I just love that someone gave you a teeny hot air balloon. Most fitting! I like your wonderful flowers and bask in theior beauty in our autunm-grey. Hoping for better kitty-health!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): Two bloggers have given me tiny hot air balloons. And I love them both. The kittens continue to give me cause for concern - though there are some improvements.
DeleteI hope those babies make a turn around! it is beyond stressful when they are ill.
ReplyDeletee: I hope so too. You are very right about the stress.
DeleteI am eternally grateful that I discovered blogging, and that I've met you and other lovely bloggers. You've all filled my life with laughter, beauty, thought, art...so much, I could never end this list.
ReplyDeleteneena maiya (guyana gyal): The blogosphere is a wonderful supportive space isn't it? I owe so much to other bloggers.
DeleteA little late to the party. Just want to let you know, that it was not the worst day in my life when I "stumbled" upon your comments at Andrew`s, got curious and began visiting your blog.
ReplyDeleteFeel yourself virtually hugged, dear Sue.
Sean Jeating: You are welcome whenever you stop by. And I am very, very glad that you followed my comments from Andrew's blog.
DeletePoor little Batty and Odie! Hopefully they understand each other and can comfort each other. I enjoyed seeing the things other bloggers have sent you, Sue. I spotted one of Sandy's amazing crows and Sandra's book. You expressed so eloquently how I feel about all the great people I've met in the blogosphere. I cherish my blogging buddies. Special people like you have enriched my life.
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: It is a wonderful communty isn't it? Stacy's crow lives beside the bed (in a bookcase). I do miss her blog and hope she is well.
Delete