I pulled this card today and felt awash in feelings that I realized were worthy of my attention. It is so easy to forget to acknowledge the little things or the biggest things when my attention scale gets hardened around my ego-centric comings and goings, the calendar of events and appointments, and the tasks that seem to be calling around the house. But, ahhhh…when I go outside to breathe in the air, attend to the birds, the beauty of the trees around that are beginning to burst into their springtime splendor then I am immediately altered. My attention becomes unlocked, even if just briefly, and something else gets to fill me, anoint me with its elixir of beauty and wonder. Within this expanded state I can respond with genuine gratitude just to be alive! Wow, I have a sound body, with fingers that all move and do what I direct them to do. Isn’t that cool?! And then…oh my goodness look at the friends I have and the sweet family I’ve been so fortunate to have. And then, on and on my mind tumbles into the many moments of laughter, of tears, into the richness of this life, the many interactions with others, the world-wide traveling I’ve gotten to do. The moment I open to gratitude there is a qualitative shift that informs and imbues all my tasks and undertakings.
One of those undertakings is the planning of my Birthday party weekend. It’s been six or seven years since I’ve done anything special for my birthday and I was simply in the mood. So, one of the things about pulling Gratitude today is that I am truly thankful for my wonderful friends who are game to join me in my creativity. I’m holding three events in my home highlighting three things I love: great movies, creative play, and making music. To this end the middle event is a Puppet Party! I’ve made a bunch of puppets and bought a few too, and am asking folks to bring their own. The party is FOR THE PUPPETS, though the handlers get to come. I am giggling over the idea of it which has been with me for more than a year. But this weekend this idea is going to be embodied, and it will be fun and funny I’m sure, and completely unpredictable how it will unfold. This too, I’m grateful for because it’s going to be a mutually creative social adventure. Even the process of preparation has been fun! Here’s a photo of my puppet menagerie for your enjoyment. 
