Morning

Fortunately I am a "morning person". Morning is my very favorite time of the day. Shasta always gets up from wherever she's sleeping to greet me . . . often rather enthusiastically kissing my face. 

The ceramic pot was made by Chris.
The plant arrived from DeAnne
in Peoria, AZ.

On one of my morning walks with Shasta I thought to myself it would be great to have a Thanksgiving cactus plant. Continuing that thought process I decided after all the holidays passed I would venture out and see what was for sale. Or perhaps check online which is my habit for purchasing items. Now no need since DeAnne purchased one for me at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Lucky, lucky, lucky me!

Reading today's 364th entry, Morning, in 365 Tao: Daily Meditations by Deng Ming-Dao was a reminder just how much  I, possibly we, take for granted. 

"All we need is the morning. 

As long as there is sunrise, 

then there is the possibility 

that we can face all of our

misfortunes, celebrate all our blessings, 

and live all our endeavors as human beings. 

Spirituality is something 

that has become necessary 

in these troubled times. 

Yet it is inherently superfluous. 

We need it to remind ourselves, 

to bolster ourselves, 

to integrate ourselves,  

to fulfill ourselves. 

If we could simply acknowledge 

the mystery of night and the glory of morning,

 we would need neither civilization nor spirituality.

At its simplest, life begins with dawn. 

That it is blessing enough. 

That is happiness enough. 

All else becomes fullness immeasurable. 

At dawn, knell down 

and give thanks to this wonderful event. 

We may think mornings are so common 

that they are unworthy of veneration,

but do you realize most places 

in the cosmos do not have mornings? 

This daily event is our supreme goodness.

Greet the dawn. That is your miracle to witness.

That is the ultimate beauty. 

That is sacredness. 

That is your gift from the heaven.

That is your omen of prophesy. 

The is knowledge that life is not futile. 

That is enlightenment. 

That is your meaning in life. 

That is your directive. 

That is your comfort. 

That is the solemnity of duty. 

That is the light of the ultimate."

Look at what Shasta's Auntie T
ventured into her studio and created! 

Certainly 

    Definitely

        Surely

            Undoubtedly

I am ever so blessed to have such wonderful friends. 

Indeed I do celebrate . . . honor . . .  make whoopee . . . for all of my cherished friends; and of course my constant companion:

Shasta Girl, as I call her

As I look outside the sun is shining with some fluffy clouds dotting the sky. I realize how fortunate I am to be living in this cozy cottage with Shasta. In spite of my heavy heart at this holiday season, I am able to