30 Day Thanks Pledge

1/28/2011 Thank you to my dog, who understands the virtue of a good snuggle on a wintery night.


1/29/2011 Thank you to friends who have made my life possible, more fun, deeper, stronger and better through the years. At every really big point in my life, I have had friends stand by me. I cannot imagine my life without them.


1/30 Thanks, computer. You expand my reach and help me expand my mind. Plus there is that wonderful way you have of helping me find out the answer to some nagging trivia question before it becomes a brain irritant!

Enough said

THANK YOU PLEDGE --Day 2

Thank you, coffee -

It is snowing out. This morning, sitting at my kitchen table having a hot cup of coffee, I was reminded to feel lucky. I was warm. My dog was at my side being amusing. I have friends. Life is good. It was a simple, quiet moment of happiness. Thanks, cup of coffee, for that inspiration!

Love,
Mata

30 Day Pledge

I pledge for the next 30 days to post one thank you note a day. I want to introduce the happy discipline of daily gratitude in my life.

I am thankful that my friend Maggie who just had surgery for breast cancer has apparently pulled through the surgery with flying colors. This is my thank-you note to God for watching over all of us--Maggie, her friends, her family and her beloved husband Keith -- as she went through this process. I am spending this moment overtaken with thankfulness for the health of my treasured friend, Maggie.

Etta James, age 72 has been diagnosed with dementia and leukemia. It breaks my heart to see so many vocalists and musicians and artists go who have influenced so many people.

Letter to Etta :
Etta, I love you. If you need to go, go with God in peace and without pain. I remember when I first saw you in concert at Carnegie Hall in a show called "Divas of the Blues". It featured you, KoKo Taylor and Ruth Brown. You stole the show. There you were, on stage, hair slicked back, big hoop earrings, with a big blond ponytail, weighing over 300 pounds and by the time you were done, there wasn't a man in the hall who wouldn't have given his left testicle to make love to you. You had a way with phrasing that made us all just want to cheer you on through every word. Here is one song you sang that night.



Then you had us all in thepalm of your hand with "Sugar On The Floor".


And when you in later years turned out a ballad, it was like being rocked in your sweet arms. "How Deep is the Ocean?"


But you always had such a talent for innuendo. You really rocked this one: "You Can Leave Your Hat On"


Etta, while you yet live, I hope you feel the love so many of us have for you, and that when we pray, you feel caught up in our comforting arms.

Love to you.
Only love.
At Last.