To Give Thanks

Today is a day to pause in our tracks and take stock of our lives.  While we might be busy cooking for tonight's Thanksgiving dinner, try to find a quiet corner for a few minutes alone. Ask yourself what you are thankful for, and I mean truly, deeply thankful for.

Many of us take other people for granted.  Please do not.  They might not always be there for you.  We might think that our finances are in order and then we are layed off from work.  We think we are grateful for our up-to-date home in the right neighborhood, but that is all just on the surface. Of course we can be thankful for all of the above, but please think again.

What happens if you loose your loved one, if you loose your job, if you or someone you love become seriously ill.  What would you be thankful for then?

My answer to that question is:  who is there for you in hard times, who are you there for when other people struggle?  If you are surrounded by generous, wholehearted people that you would do anything for and you know it is a two-way street, that is all that matters.

So I am thankful for my LIFE, for I am lucky enough to have a LIFE filled with LOVE.

I have said it before, but today I choose to say it again.  Love one another while you have the chance.

That is the only way to give thanks.

I thank You from the deepest corners of my heart that you are here.  You make my life.  For that I am eternity grateful.

All Saints' Day

In remembrance of our loved ones who are no longer with us. The love remains ...

Sunrise

I woke up this morning sensing something different behind my curtains.  There was a warm glow reaching my face making me wanting to get up.  To want to get out of bed is a very rare feeling for me, as I am not a morning person.

I took my robe and surprised my teenage son to be in the kitchen that early.  He normally is there long before me, so he asked me why I was up.  "To watch the sunset", I replied.  "You mean the sunrise", laughed my son with a grin on his face.  "Yes, that is what I mean", I laughed back.

Both of us knowing that I have seen plenty of beautiful sunsets but I can count on my fingers how many times I have seen the sunrise.  I mean, to really see it rise.  Of course I have stumbled out of bed to get going in the morning plenty of times.  Often just struggling with the fact that I have to be up early, completely missing the actual sunrise.  This morning was different.

I went outside and saw the sky transform from a slightly lit orange glow to a full canvas painted in the most beautiful shades of pink together with some orange strokes.  As I stood there I was inhaling the morning-glory and exhaling the night.  I welcomed this new day with a child's wonder.  This world IS beautiful, and I need to greet it with gratitude, was all that I felt.

This day stirred something new within me.  I need to do this again.

I need to watch the sun rise from below the horizon to fully visible in the sky.  As the sun greets us, I have to welcome a new day.  Later, I will say goodnight to this beautiful world.  So there will be no more of just sunsets, sunrises are equally as magnificent.

Good morning glorious earth!

Book Event - SWEA Los Angeles

Tomorrow evening I will be discussing my book, "Två själar - samma tanke", hosted by SWEA (Swedish Women Educational Association) - Los Angeles.  I will talk about how the book came about, read two chapters, answer questions, and sign books.  It will be a cozy intimate evening where I think we will share our stories, as I think my story is also yours.

The evening will be held in Swedish, and I cannot wait to share the English version with all of you English-speaking friends and followers.  It is in the making ...

I am excited for tomorrow evening with a grateful heart, and cannot wait to share stories with you!

A warm welcome!

Book Harvest

 

The days at the Book Convention in Gothenburg, Sweden, was filled with experiences that I am still taking in.  It was four days of working hard to promote my own book, meeting other writers, going to seminars, and talking with publishers.  All along being surrounded by supportive family and friends.  I could not have made these days as successful and fun, if it wasn't for my amazing support team!  I bow in gratitude for you!

Most days didn't end at the Convention Center, they ended hours later somewhere where the networking continued.  So the only thing lacking during these days were sleep.  That was a small prize to pay for all that I received!

My heart is filled with memories of inspiring meetings, interesting people, and also a lot of fun moments!

I could of course not be at the Book Convention without buying books, that was truly impossible.  I found my favorite publisher, among with some of my favorite authors.  I had to buy another suitcase to bring back all these wonderful books.  Instead of harvesting pumpkins as the season is called for, I will dive into my Harvest of Books.  One book at a time, with a heart filled with gratitude.  Printed literature is still alive!

My love affair with books continues ...