This very strange year is getting closer to its end. As part of the yearly cycle this time of year is associated with harvest, preparing for winter and holiday celebrations. The days are cooler, animals growing fatter as they prepare for the winter months while farmers bring crops in and prepare their fields for a time of rest.

  Today is a holiday and I’ve enjoyed a break from work. An odd break this year, it meant that I didn’t feel obligated to check work email while I’m at home, but it is a break from the normal routine. I’m also grateful that our temperatures have dropped down to just hot summer temperatures. After the readings I’ve seen on our outdoor thermometer, I thought I might need to get a block of ice to tape to the outside sensor so it wouldn’t melt.

Several years ago, I started writing and posting an article every two weeks. It was a challenge to myself to see if I could keep to a schedule for writing. I am amazed to look back and see almost four years of posts, almost all of them written every two weeks in spite of challenges in my life and at my day job.

August has started, the last bit of summer, the ‘Sunday afternoon’ of the season. This year all of the months seem more like Monday’s that won’t quit, repeating some kind of bad news day, after day after day.  A Sunday afternoon would be welcome at this point, a break from the grind of daily routines.

Like many others, I have been reading more books during this time of uncertainty. After reading a book about someone’s search for faith, it mentioned the idea of recognizing the blessings in our life, including ordinary events and items. With this thought in mind, I decided to try and find the blessings I my life throughout my day. As I go through my day, when I have a moment of anxiety or depressed thoughts I take a moment to be mindful of the blessings in my life.

I hope that everyone is doing well as we move into a new month. In the US it is time to celebrate the anniversary of our founding, the Fourth of July. It seems a bit odd to think about celebrating, yet it sounds like a welcome break from the current world events. In the meantime, I continue to observe and make connections about things happening in my life. I have two stories for this article, so pull up a chair and set a while. I’ve got the kettle on for a cup of tea, or a Keurig for those who prefer coffee. ;-)