I am grateful -- for my life.  This gratitude extends to my art, which brings me a true happiness.  As i work , i discover painting neutralizes my thoughts raising consciousness beyond the trials of daily life.  I feel a transformation from confusion into curiosity, loneliness into a personal wholeness, sadness into a silly wistful feeling, and most of all, disappointment becomes loving gratitude. I hold gratitude for so many things, but especially for the people in my life, those i love dearly and those who love me back.  I am grateful for the world i live in, what it has given, and those who work to save it.  

I'm currently working on a painting which proceeds i intend to donate to one or two causes, one of which is  the H.O.P.E. campaign (Helping Other People Everywhere) -- artists supporting education and peace.  This piece was started with good intention, but it's been slow-going because i tend to work on several things at once.  Even so, i had an opportunity to work on it today, the painting has been fun, the cause desirable, and i'm totally  pleased to do it!

Original Miniature Watercolor by carolynn mcdade

8" x 10"

 Sharing the poem, Thoughts which i came across at gratefulness dot org.  Their editor's comment regarding the poem --  

Gratefulness springs not only from what we're given, but from what we're able to let go.

Thoughts

When all thoughts
 Are exhausted
 I slip into the woods
 And gather
 A pile of shepherd's purse.

 Like the little stream
 Making its way
 Through the mossy crevices
 I, too, quietly
 Turn clear and transparent.

-- Ryokan,
translated by John Stevens