Finding Grace #8

Continuing the countdown toward 100 things for which I am grateful....

81. Tea. I love a good cup of tea first thing in the morning. I like mine with honey these days.

82. Paper. Sorry, computers and bits and bytes. I am still in love with notebooks and composition books. This time of year I grow nostalgic for education as the stores put out school supplies. I love the smell of a new notebook.

83. Public restrooms. Gotta have these when you're out at the mall, you know?

84. Taxes. Bet that got your attention! Why would anyone be grateful because they pay taxes? Well, taxes create roads. They pay for sewer and water. They go toward curing cancer. They pay for new technologies. They PUT A MAN ON THE MOON! Do you think I could do any of that by myself? No way. It takes more than one to create things things.

85. The inside of an Oreo cookie. I have never liked the outside stuff much but I really do like the creamy filling.

86. The letter "A". I don't know why, I just do.

87. Love. Isn't this the greatest feeling? To be in love with someone?

88. Passion. Here's another great feeling. It is so great that we can feel passion for people, pets, things, activities. It is what makes us unique, creative and inventive.

89. Shrimp. I love shrimp, they are one of my favorite seafoods.

90. Storytellers. Where would we be without the folks who can spin a yarn? How boring would it be if we didn't have Shakespeare as a common reference point?

91. Oak trees. I am really grateful for these trees, and particularly the ones outside my window. Their majesty and long life has many lessons for us all. They endure nature's stress, man made stress, hatchets, and insects and yet still stand tall. They also give great shade.

92. Cars. I know they are terrible pollutants but I really like my Toyota. I like getting where I am going, I like moving fast. I won't mind if we find a different fuel or type of engine but I sure don't want to be stuck at home all the time.

93. Email. Okay, a silly thing. But I like writing letters and hearing from friends.

94. Good shoes. Really necessary for walking and less-sore feet.

95. Ice. I like to crunch ice in my soft drinks. I also like to put it on sore, aching muscles. It also keeps the ice cream from melting.

96. Donuts. Fattening, yes! But by golly they are good.

97. Showers. I could stand under the shower for a very long time, but I time myself and keep it to four minutes (five if I have been very good).

98. My husband's heart. I am really humbled that this man loves me.

99. Ketchup. I do not like to eat my french fries unadorned.

100. Being able to come up with 100 things to be grateful and thankful for. It really makes life seem a little less intimidating. I have so much. I am truly blessed.