20 Comments
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Claudette Henson's avatar

I am grateful for enough money in our budget to fill our fuel tank an extra time this cold winter. I am grateful for the new curtains Dan was just able to install to keep the young cows warmer. And so much more!

God bless you Julie, and God bless your contageously cheerful attitude 🙏 ♥️

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Good morning Claudette! Thank you for sharing your gratitude here. What a blessing to have heat and hot water for sure! God bless you Claudette and hope you are staying healthy this winter.

David Leppert's avatar

Winter into Spring (as George Winston titled his album)

The tinge of sadness that lingers with long dark days starts to turn.

Last night, the rain cleared (for at least the next 10 days) and the stars were BRILLIANT.

In the next few days, the bulbs that have broken through will start to flower.

I'm grateful for renewal - of our path, our projects and mostly - our connections.

Julie - Thanks for encouraging us to write this stuff down.

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Thank you David for writing and sharing your gratitude here with us! I believe it's helpful to bring our focus here often.

Keep going. :) Thanks again.

Gary Spangler's avatar

Words from Winter’s chill

Sure footed no way I’ll fall

Warm as toast inside

As this 2025 wintery February has unfolded I often visualize you on morning runs. Sometimes smiling! Percy Bysshe Shelley in “Ode To The West Wind” wrote, “If Winter is here, can Spring be far behind.” Happy almost March, Julie B.

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Brilliant Haiku Gary! Thank you so much for sharing and being here. Yes, happy almost March! woohoo!

Mary B's avatar

Super duper Haiku, Gary S. "Warm as toast" I read as Jim was eating warm toast. "Warm as toast" is so cozy and content.

Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham's avatar

Good one, Julie. I hear you. This has been a harsh winter to train for any Spring half or full marathons. Although I love my sneakers, I think I need something sturdier to run in. But I am thankful I was the daughter of a ski instructor, so I, too, am used to being out in the cold and handling it well. XO

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Good morning, Tracy! Aren't we blessed to have parents who weren't afraid to let us out in the cold? :) I'm running in trail sneakers on these snowy days for more traction, etc.; maybe give that a go. Thank you for reading and sharing.

KAREN V. BLOOM's avatar

Oh the ending of the poem is my gratefulness this morning. Those winter work days were not much fun for you kids. So grateful you can enjoy the snow running in it. ❤️

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Good morning Mom! Yes, those winter days on the farm were not fun at all! HA! I didn't like them, but now I see how they prepared me. Love you, Mom. :) I hope you are safe and warm today and can move inside. :)

Clark Rose's avatar

Grateful for free will

Awe & Wonder everywhere

I will honor "it"..........

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Beautiful Clark. Thank you.

This reminds me of yesterday's run. I stepped outside and heard the owl. It's the first time since last year. I was grateful I got out of bed. :)

Vineet Mani's avatar

The inspired and the inspiring like you find magnificent opportunities in adversities. Love your zeal. God bless you, Julie!

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Hi Vineet! Thank you for reading and joining the conversation. :) I hope you have a fabulous weekend. God bless you! :)

Vineet Mani's avatar

Pleasure is every ounce mine, Julie. 🥳🥳

Mary B's avatar

What a great poem, Julie. I especially like "grateful for my mittens

fingers huddle in close". ❤️ I'm grateful for deep and abiding friendships.

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Thank you so much Mary B. for sharing what you're grateful for. :) Friendships are a treasure. Enjoy your weekend.

3musesmerge's avatar

Hmmm…

This morning I am grateful that my body is moving and feeling groovy.

(I have started a new habit of gentle morning movement and have kept to it for several weeks. It’s like a great big thank you to my muscles, joints, bones, and organs.)

I like the rhyme and rhythm in your poem today Julie. 🎶

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Way to go, Gail! What a great way to start the morning. :) Thank you for sharing and reading.