"The Importance of Being Thankful"

 

With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, I started thinking more about the importance of being thankful. Especially during this time of year, I like to contemplate the things in my life for which I am truly grateful. 

One thing that I am feeling thankful for right now is that I'm finally getting to write this blog post! I'm running a bit late with my post since I've been working on a pet portrait which was due yesterday. Just in the nick of time, I finally finished it! It must have been okay, since the ones who commissioned the portrait seemed to love it! Happy! Thankful!

Pastel Portrait of Cute Dog

I even have a thankful journal that I write in at the end of every day. My journal entries range from simple things like being thankful for a beautiful, sunny day or being thankful that I am still able make some calculations using a pencil and paper (I can cypher like Jethro who often does cyphering on one of our favorite television shows, "The Beverly Hillbillies," a '60's American sitcom.) instead of using a calculator.

In my journal, I write about important things, too, like being thankful that the vet's less-than-positive diagnosis for one of our beloved cats has changed- We researched healing our cat. We even contacted a psychic who is a reiki master that did long-distance reiki on her. Greg, who is a natural healer, continues healing her periodically. In addition, we contacted the prayer group at Julie Green Ministries to pray for our fur baby. (FYI- www.jgminternational.org ) 

Doing all of the above seems to be working because she has made a remarkable recovery for which we are truly grateful! (The power of prayer, positive thinking and doing, and being thankful for her healing all worked together for a positive outcome.)

For a better life, author Eldon Taylor says to say, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." and to smile.

Being thankful is really important since it opens the door for even more wonderful things to come into our lives. In fact, you can be thankful in advance for things you hope to manifest in your life!

We have a pretty painting of a colorful arrangement of vegetables that my father, Bill Botts, did when he first started painting. It hangs in our kitchen, along with a plaque above it, with the word "thankful." These are colorful, everyday reminders for us to always be thankful for our blessings, not just one day a year, but all year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

For a positive memoir about living life in Southern Appalachia, check out Becky's book, "Down Memory Lane" which is on Amazon in both the Kindle and paperback versions. For more information, please see the widget above.

Positive thought: "Try to stay positive, and thankful, and believe that things will get better!" -Becky Arnott

Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, December 2, 2023, Becky

 

An Easter Celebration in Tennessee

Welcome!

(This blog post is a little late this week due to a portrait commission I needed to finish. It was a multi-people-animal pastel portrait that was rather challenging. However, it turned out well as the person I did it for seemed to be very pleased with it! Sigh of relief! Thanks for your patience. For more portrait info, please visit www.beckyarnottartist.com )

I'd just like to share with you our recent Easter celebration.

Easter Sunday, we were invited to Bonnie and Doug's for an after-church Easter brunch.

When we first arrived at their lovely home, these pretty blooming flowers immediately captured our attention. The weather has been really perfect this spring in this area of Tennessee for an abundance of beautiful blooming trees, shrubs, and flowers.

"Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life."-S. D. Gordon

There were flowers gracing the inside of the house, as well.

Everything seemed very festive with Easter decorations such as these balloons-

Preparations were still underway in the kitchen for our Easter meal.

In the meantime, everyone seemed to enjoy the appetizers...

as well as the fellowship-

The food looked really good, and some even had interesting names such as "Mary Magdalene" rolls.

We had the blessing before our meal.

The food was delicious, and healthy!

Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal.

Besides Easter, there was another special reason to celebrate, Mike's birthday!

I bet the dog was hoping for some special Easter treats, as well!

Thanks, Bonnie and Doug for this special Easter celebration. It's one we'll always fondly remember.

Easter question-
"Q: How do bunnies stay healthy?
 A: Egg-xercise!"
-Author Unknown

Positive thought: "...make every day a holiday and celebrate just living."-Sydney Smith
Thanks for visiting! Until next Monday, Becky