Pretty tree

Hi friends,

Well, I wish I could start by being grateful for finally having internet, etc., but as I still do not, I can't. And yes, it's about to send me over the edge. But this isn't a complaint blog; it's a gratitude blog, so let's get on with it.

Today I'm grateful for my friend Donna who dragged me (not really, just encouraged me) to a beautiful plant show at a beautiful (from the outside anyway, they wouldn't let us in) chateau. So many gorgeous, colorful flowers and trees, and so many adorable garden thingies, it was a treat, and I'm grateful for all of the beauty.

I'm also thankful that I am not a smoker and never have been. And I'm thankful that so far I don't smell anyone else's cigarettes from my apartment. (Once the windows are open, I can only hope for the same luck.)        

So what about you? What are you grateful for today?

Here's a picture of the gorgeous saucer magnolias (there are 2 quite close together). Enjoy!

bisous

Rewiring our brains

Hey friends,

Nope, still no internet, etc. (I really don't know how it is even POSSIBLE that this situation persists in 2012, but every time I complain, someone reminds me that I live in France...early 19th century France, apparently.) Nonetheless, the miracle of public networks allows me to at least keep in touch, and for that, I am truly grateful.

I'm also grateful for this amazing, amusing video. Take a look at the link below...you'll be so...er, grateful that you did. It's about rewiring our brains for happiness--the whys and the hows. I'm going to try this starting immediately!

I'm also thankful for my work today with two great clients, the gorgeous spring weather that seems to be more and more frequent, and my cute, sweet parents.

Let me know what you're grateful for...I love getting comments! And don't forget to watch the video!

bisous
http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html

Um, yeah...

So about my gratitude blog...I haven't forgotten it, abandoned it, or gotten bored with it. It's just that I STILL DON'T HAVE INTERNET AT HOME!!! Or a home telephone or television. I'm using a public internet network right now, but it isn't ideal. France Telecom is coming on Wednesday, and they are supposed to install a phone line so that 48 hours later, I can be back in business. If you happen to have any good juju you can send my way, please consider doing so.

I really have missed coming here, and I am looking forward to getting back to it on a regular basis. So, let's get down to gratitude. I am grateful for this blog and its patient heart...it was just sitting here waiting for me. Nice. I'm also grateful for SPRING which has come to Paris! We got off easy this year--except for two weeks of Siberian weather, we had a mild winter. Count me as super-grateful for that too!

I'm also grateful that Duke lost...to LeHigh...early and embarrassingly in the NCAA tourney!  (Sorry Duke fans, but that is good stuff, even in Paris.)

So what about you? It has been AGES since I've heard about you and what you're grateful for, so if you care to share, I'd love to know. Hope all is well!

p.s...here's a pic of a gorgeous birdie (taken at the Salon d'Agriculture last month). Isn't he somethin'? I love his black and white feathers and his use of red to accent the ensemble. He really is one snazzy dresser.

bisous!