Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Grateful

The poem below attempts to say
the ways that we can show
our gratefulness: the who, what, when;
the where, the why, the how.

(Tulips in Spring) photo by Jan Doble

Who am I grateful for?
Most any one I've known!
Those close to me, as well as those
who briefly come and go.

What am I grateful for?
Much more than words can say.
Just waking up, with all the aches--
the chance for another day!

When am I grateful?
The opportunities abound!
Every day that I've been given--
every moment I'm around!

Where am I grateful?
No need to stop and think!
It's everywhere; it's here, it's there--
any place where I can blink!

Why am I grateful?
Because I don't deserve a thing!
The gift of life--and that alone--
is reason enough to sing!

How am I grateful?
I'm afraid I haven't shown
the thanks I should--the ways I could--
for everything I've known.

So each and every day,
(through all the wind and rain),
find something to be grateful for--
that chance won't come again!
jan doble, november 2008

32 comments:

  1. Jan, what a lovely moving poem! One I should take to heart.Thank you.

    I do remember our writing back several months ago. it's great to see you back. Sorry about your losing all your posts. But I love the look of this one-your photos are beautiful. I wish you lots of luck with and and keep writing!!

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  2. That's a beautiful photo!

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  3. Hi Jan, love your header and your many fascinating photos. And the words of your poem...beautiful. A poignant message for all to be thankful.

    Sorry to read about you losing your posts--that's scary. Have a great Thanksgiving!

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  4. Jan, your photography is so vivid, and lovely. I am really enjoying visiting your blog.

    Jen

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  5. Such a lovely poem. Your photo is just gorgeous. I love the way the colours of the tulips glow against the grey backgrounds of the tree and sky. Really wonderful!

    I'm having a Christmas giveaway at my blog this week - something special I made. I love it if you would enter :)

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  6. Yes, your blog shows up in my reader now:) I truly enjoy reading it and admiring the beautiful pictures!

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  7. I agree, your photos are beautiful. Or is the butterflies you capture so nicely:) Both I think. Have a great day 2 day.

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  8. What a fabulous picture! I am grateful for this jolt of color -- hope you had a wonderful day!

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  9. Yes, the gift of life. That says it all!

    Your poem is beautiful!

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  10. I'm 'grateful' for finding a moment to visit your beautiful blog ... so enjoyed a quiet moment with you!

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  11. It really is beautiful here in words and photography. So nice to have been in your garden today.

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  12. Hi Jan - thanks so much for your visit and kind words over at my place :)

    You asked about the deadline for the Blotanical challenge. I checked the date before I posted - it's 15th December, so you have plenty of time to get creative with your entry!

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  13. Jan! I finally figured out where you went. ;) You're on my bloglines with a red mark. I'm so grateful I've found you. Beautiful post!

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  14. Wow! I think this is my favorite photo of any blog I've seen lately! I love the contrast of the colors and the gracefulness of the flowers.

    I'm glad you stopped by my blog!

    Sue

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  15. Hi Jan, You have such a great blog here, uplifting and fantastic photography! I enjoyed my visit...found you through Blotanical.

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  16. Jan, I love your approach of combining photographs and poetry. Your blog is inspiring and hopeful. Thanks for sharing yourself and your appreciation for life. Ellen

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  17. Thanks for visiting my blog, I'd never have found yours otherwise. I appreciate the nice comment about my photos - It means all the more after seeing your wonderful pics. Hard to believe either of us has read our camera instructions yet :)

    Notice how those that have suffered often turn out to be the most thankful? I'm sorry to hear you faced cancer but happy you made it a positive influence on your life.

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  18. I love the "positivity" of your blog and the stunnign photos, Jan. And, because I do, I'm tagging you for a little game. Come check out my blog - I hope you can play!

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  19. I love your blog and just commented but got an error message. This is my second try - hope it works this time...and I don't have two posts. Hm. Anyway, because I love your blog so much I've tagged you for a little game. Come check out my blog for the rules - I hope you can play!

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  20. You have a very beautiful blog-with my favorite color-green of course! You'd think I would have it on my blog. Love the grateful poem, it rhymes so nicely and reminds us.

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  21. Hi Jan,

    Lovely poem! Thanks for the comment on my www.gardenmuse.wordpress.com website. My main site is www.cindydyer.wordpress.com. You'll find photos there of things that aren't garden-related as well (although most are! :-)

    You have some really beautiful photos on your site, too! Thanks for commenting and I'll check back to see what you're up to. I noticed your profile shows you're in Virginia, too. I'm in Alexandria. Where are you located?

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  22. A poem that causes us to stop and think... then to remember to be grateful. Being thankful is a positive force in our soul that works for us in so many ways. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Have enjoyed looking around your blog.
    Meems

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  23. Jan, You ARE showing on Blotanical. Yeah!

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  24. Jan, I just discovered your blog through the comment Cosmo left (mentioning my blog) on your bloom day post . Pleased to meet another Virginia gardener! I'll be back often!

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  25. What a lovely poem today and the picture of the spring tulips is charming.

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  26. Jan, your thankful attitude is inspiring, and what a beautiful poem you've written. It's great to see tulips in December. Makes me think of the lovely surprises that await us when spring comes again :)
    Your butterfly header is such a wonderful photo!
    Thanks for the visit. We'd love to have the snow without the cold!!! Wish it were possible :)

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  27. Oh Jan, this is my first visit to your blog and what a wonderful introduction. I absolutely love this poem. Would you mind if I shared this with my readers? I would give you credit of course, and a link to and mention of your blog. If you'd rather I didn't, I certainly understand.

    Now, I'm on to explore your blog some more! :-)

    Kylee of Our Little Acre

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  28. Jan, thank you for your permission to repost your poem on my blog. Something this good should be shared as much as possible! I just posted it.

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  29. I just read Kylee's post and you deserve kudos for this poem.

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  30. Jan, You have touched many people by writing and sharing this poem. Thank you for your gentle reminder. :-)

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  31. and, i am grateful to u for the suggestion..congrats on the good blog..

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  32. Thank you to everyone who commented here! I appreciate each and every comment and since I didn't reply right away it just makes more sense to write ONE BIG THANK YOU right here!! I'll be sure to visit each of you on your blogs at some point! Jan

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Thanks so much for visiting and taking the time to comment! Please enjoy your TODAY and all of the gifts in YOUR garden of life!

Jan

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