thankful thursday

This week has been hard for some reason as Mr. F and I both struggle through the challenges of day to day life.  I have been fighting bouts of loneliness, self doubt, and sensations of failure.  Nothing horrible has happened, not at all.  But it's definitely been one of those weeks where things are a bit harder to handle than usual.  Midday today it struck me that it was Thursday and I had not yet prepared by weekly exclamations of gratitude.  Not once during the past week have I taken the time to check my perspective and just be grateful.  Ya know what?  I think it's time.

This week I am grateful for...

-teacups.  dainty, delicate, Coke filled teacups that make me feel wonderfully feminine.
-my yellow sundress and the way it just screams "BE HAPPY NOW!"
-a package of old magazines from a cousin I scarcely know because she knew I can't get them in Cyprus.
-a really, really helpful post office worker.
-this bush that is the most vibrant shade of fuschia I have ever seen created naturally.  (still working on taking a picture of it.)
-this post that reminded me that life is always changing and sometimes you just have to go with the flow.
-my new business cards.  I worked so hard on them and they are just beautiful!
-a guy I barely knew for a summer who is crazy, crazy talented who took the time to answer a few questions about the business side of the art world.  (in case you haven't noticed, I'm still learning!!)
-my dad.  my dad who has let me cry on the phone to him twice this week.  once because I called him at 2am my time because I had the kind of nightmare nightmares are made of and had to make sure he was still alive.  (he was and is, thank goodness!)  the second, just today.  when I felt silly for feeling weak and not being able to handle a pretty average string of days.  he just listened to me weep and reminded me that I can tell him anything.  and I know I can.
-my friends here on the island.  I got to see them last night after a crazy long (for me anyway) hiatus.  their smiles and stories just filled my soul and reminded me that I'm really not as far away as I think from everything I love.
-being a newlywed.  Mr. F and I are still figuring out a lot about how to be married.  this week it seems like we're figuring out more than usual, but I'm really grateful for that.  I'm grateful that we both are putting in the work so that our marriage will last forever and not be another Kardashian fiasco.
-my north-facing apartment now that the weather is getting warmer.  I can still wear a light sweater indoors as I work away.
-spontaneously created Mother's Day cards with pretty blush pink envelopes.
-sincere praise for my cards from the ladies at my favorite art supply shop.
-midday conversations with my mom and brother as they enjoy their visit together.  lots of laughter, sarcasm, and discussions on the closest Coke vendor.
-tomorrow.  because, as Anne Shirley once said, "tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it."