Gratitude Monday -- Spending Energy Edition

The  power locks on the driver's side of my car have messed up. They will not lock. Much as I would love to take a door apart and see if it is a simple fix, I don't have that skill so I will leave it to the professionals.
This means I get to spend money, and yes, I do mean it.
Money is energy. It only serves when it is being used.  While it is important to save money for the future, it is also important to use it.
Send it out to do what money does: pay for goods and services.  Those who are paid can use it to do the same, thus setting up an energy path where things get done.
I like money. Not in and of itself as it is an inert object, but for what it can do: feed me, clothe me, take me on trips.
It can't do any of that if it is hoarded.
It isn't money that makes the world go 'round, it is is energy.
Putting the energy out in money form makes things happen. That is important for a functioning society based on using energy in the form of money.
I will get my locks fixed. In doing so I inject energy into my local world and for it I am grateful.

Gratitude Monday -- I Include Me Edition

Yesterday I decided I wanted beanizza, that is, a bean pizza.  I make them fairly often because we both like them,
I am grateful for a variety of reasons with the biggest reason being I have the skills, materials, time, and ability to make the thing I want to eat.
I've adapted a regular dough recipe for gluten free and I use a commercial flour for it. Robin Hood Gluten Free Flour makes a wonderful dough. It takes a tad more liquid that called for in a regular recipe, but figuring it out is pretty easy.
I'm grateful I put the bean recipe together for the topping, and I am grateful we both like it.
I am grateful that there's a type of fake mozzarella that is awfully good. Yesterday's had really mozzarella, some cheddar, and the fake mozzarella.  They were tasty.
I've figured out how to turn tomato paste into a pretty good sauce, got the spicing sorted out, and learned that the dough can rise and then rest in the fridge until I need it.

While I am not trying to brag, the point must be made that whenever we do something that works out we should take a moment to let ourselves know we've done well.

Few people hesitate to say how badly they've screwed up. They'll go on and on about how awful they are. That's just as much bragging and saying how great you are.

I am not saying I am great or the best, I am saying I figured out a thing and it is a hit and for it I am grateful. And I include me in that expression.

The beanizza in question.

I challenge you to find something about yourself for which you are grateful.

Gratitude Monday - Grateful Beyond Words

 I am grateful for the moments beyond words.

Gratitude Monday -- Social Media Edition

I am grateful for social media. Not just because it keeps me in contact with friends and news and whatnot, but because it is currently making my job easier.

I'm doing some freelance work for the local paper and have had to search out people and/or organizations to contact. On more than a few occasions a social media site has served my needs.

It's been a great help and for it I am grateful.

Gratitude Monday - Bib and Tucker Edition

I am very grateful for the rib bibs my cousin sent us.
One side has hogs, the other cows.  Terry Utas did this of her own accord after I joked with her about needing one for everyday use.
We've used them a few times, notably when we have ribs such as in the photo.
As they were swine ribs, we wore the bibs swine side out.
It protected my clothing, but as you can see, did nothing to stop the spread of sauce on my face.

*Please note the use of tucker in the headline is in reference to the Australian slang term for food and should not be confused with the women's clothing item from the 17th to 19th Centuries.

Gratitude Monday --Spring 'n' All Edition

While it is not officially spring, it may as well be.
Much of the snow is gone, pussy willows are out, and I heard a robin singing in the neighbour's spruce tree Sunday morning.

It wasn't much of a winter, but I am still grateful spring is well on its way.

Gratitude Monday -- This Is Why Edition

I am grateful for the life I lead.

This is one of the reasons why: