Day 16,609 Gratitude

Today I am so grateful to sketch in my sketchbook journal. In perusing the pages from the last few days, I see that I've got the morning pages practice down pat. As always. But it's a whole lot of handwriting and not enough art. So I'm playing with ways to bring the book back into balance. Turning over a new leaf. I sketched the bonsai that my mama gave me last year. Maybe it was the year before. Whenever it was, it was because it was on the wane in her care. (Say that fast three times.) Somehow a family rumor got started that I have a green thumb. The truth is I'm just lucky. It gives me lots of greenery to draw.

Speaking of that lucky thumb ...

Today I am so grateful that my Christmas cactus is blooming AGAIN. Third time in about four months. I don't understand. I toss in about 10 ounces of distilled water once per week. It sits beside a drafty, east-facing window. Curious to see if it intends to bloom at random throughout the year. I know that's exactly what I plan to do.

Last but not least ...

Feeling grateful for brighter days. There is unseasonable cold upon us. Winter's last gasp. (We hope.) But the sun has shifted. Our home is situated in such a way that we receive ample morning and evening light. It's streaming into each room from angles that it hasn't since last fall. I noticed last night that it was still slightly twilight at 8:40 p.m. and I think I might've squealed a little.

Longer days. I welcome them.