tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post2537388309584362003..comments2024-03-29T07:15:33.972-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: 2019- Look Back in GratitudeJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-8456790335021664402020-01-05T18:35:51.721-05:002020-01-05T18:35:51.721-05:00Thanks, Julia! ❤️ Thanks, Julia! ❤️ Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04283679668845997329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-6674558282588157872020-01-01T11:25:13.339-05:002020-01-01T11:25:13.339-05:00We moved my 89 year old mother into Assisted Livin...We moved my 89 year old mother into Assisted Living. She didn’t want to go, but she needed a different level of care. The move was actually a good one for us/me. No more tracking her meds, preparing them; worrying when she was driving; concern for her finances. No more lost hearing aids, checkbooks, clothing, keys (they check her trash before they empty it). My spouse and I are very active in our retirement community, which has been good for him. I am reading more and thinking about getting back to my quilting room. Our children and grandchildren are all healthy and happy. Hello 2020! We welcome you and whatever you have in store for us. Kathlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02618313144146350826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-64025725720235611872019-12-31T15:18:44.591-05:002019-12-31T15:18:44.591-05:00I'm not sure what I'm going to get. Right ...I'm not sure what I'm going to get. Right now it looks black with a healthy dollop of silver. We shall see.<br /><br />And yes, it's gonna take a loooong time to grow out the brown.Liz Millironhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04919409969263609919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-76978817573107237632019-12-31T09:33:57.921-05:002019-12-31T09:33:57.921-05:00So sorry for your struggles Deana. Sending positiv...So sorry for your struggles Deana. Sending positives vibes your way<br />Have a good 2020danielle-momohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02004302871652952720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-66370368398489473342019-12-30T23:21:09.046-05:002019-12-30T23:21:09.046-05:00My last year has not been a good one either, thoug...My last year has not been a good one either, though my reasons are not due the loss of friends or major medical events. I lost my family friends in 2017 and had health issues at the end of 2018. I was hesitant to add a comment because I'm having a difficult time finding the positive but after reading Kathy's comments I remembered that this was a place I didn't have keep my "everything's fine" smile on my face or in my words so thank you all for that freedom. I also realized I'm grateful for actually taking a leap. I spent money on me, I traveled to Dallas, put out my hand out to say hello to those I would have watched from a distance. I am grateful that this apartment complex, that I hate living in, uses 3 inch screws to hold dead-bolt faceplates in their doorframes/studs. They probably saved my life or at least my physical wellbeing. I would like 2020 to be a year where I to try to do more me stuff, put me first more often and learn to say no with more ease. I want to be more comfortable being alone in this town of mine. I can't leave it yet and am not sure I want to. I'm at that age when starting over is seems to be for those who are strong, independent or have no choice. Anyway, so much for the negative. Here's to a more positive year.Deana Dalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09093854261937772980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-20429529851495822162019-12-30T23:14:53.242-05:002019-12-30T23:14:53.242-05:00It’s been a really rough year for me but guessing ...It’s been a really rough year for me but guessing the next few will continue to be...husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. �� I’ve also tried to focus on gratitude and referred back to a book I read a few yrs back as a book study with my staff. The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor is really a good read on practicing that positive and grateful mindset. Thanks for the post, Ms Spencer-Fleming. I am really looking forward to the new book! HApplebyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08818968879274470045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-19599774414832222452019-12-30T22:22:56.351-05:002019-12-30T22:22:56.351-05:00Kathy, I've seen some of this in pieces but di...Kathy, I've seen some of this in pieces but did not realize it was all in one year. Sending you all best wishes,which is all I can do, except to add that I've been there. I lost 2 friends in the same week, and at the time my mother was slipping away too.You already know how to think about it - I see it in what you wrote - and it does get lighter as time goes on. But wanted you to know I did see this and and am thinking of you.Trisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08058396345946250313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-30781360449974340212019-12-30T22:19:44.821-05:002019-12-30T22:19:44.821-05:00I'd be happy with silver hair, it would match ...I'd be happy with silver hair, it would match my age better but alas my artificially colored blond hair reverted back to dark brown with very little silver. At least the receding hairline has filled in.Deana Dalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09093854261937772980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-10153078863951947102019-12-30T21:40:14.849-05:002019-12-30T21:40:14.849-05:00I'm coming in very late, and I'm not sure ...I'm coming in very late, and I'm not sure anyone will see my comments, but here they are. 2019 has been one of the worst years I've had, and I can't pretend otherwise by saying it was just one of those years. I lost three of my dearest friends, after losing my sister at Christmas last year. My health took a nosedive, and I've had tests and now have more doctors than I could have imagined. I was used to going to my family doctor maybe once or twice a year. But, I should counter the bad health issues with saying that at this point, I've been cleared of life-threatening diagnosis. I still have a colonoscopy to go in January, but that will be here in its own good time. My ophthalmologist gave me the bad news that macular degeneration has shown up, but there's no way to know when it might become a problem. The doctor said it could be fifteen years, and I'm going with that until otherwise determined. My mother had macular degeneration, and the thing that concerns me most is not being able to read, well, besides see my family and friends clearly. But, hey, I'm the person they will want to ask if they've aged, because I'll say no. Really though, with the sucky year I've had, I can still say that I'm okay and looking forward to 2020. One thing that losing friends and family and having health scares teach you is that you need to enjoy the present and do the things you kept putting off, and I so value being with the family and friends I love. I plan to keep putting one foot in front of the other and finding joy in life wherever I can.Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-46144776074170891112019-12-30T20:24:19.067-05:002019-12-30T20:24:19.067-05:00Same here!Same here!Edith Maxwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01388006370860482509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-2498716313254049162019-12-30T18:44:39.462-05:002019-12-30T18:44:39.462-05:00Grateful for friends, family, books, TV, gardening...Grateful for friends, family, books, TV, gardening, cooking, and baking. Right now for a rental car because some man opened his car door right into my car December 15. I'm happy that we were both OK but don't have an accident around the holidays. I may not get the car back until January 24!Sally from PAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649707016754971847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-9274494513999713942019-12-30T17:30:22.318-05:002019-12-30T17:30:22.318-05:00Laughing. He’s written several mysteries based on ...Laughing. He’s written several mysteries based on corporate crime he investigated prior to working in the oil patch. He self published one and then got too busy to do anything more. I was hoping Bouchercon might inspire him!Pat Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12732230586783432052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-3285957367741529582019-12-30T16:38:53.270-05:002019-12-30T16:38:53.270-05:00I agree that the practice of gratitude is somethin...I agree that the practice of gratitude is something we should all be doing and a blessing that changes attitudes. I'm appreciating family and friends even more than usual as we get ready for a move for the Chicago area to the Phoenix area early next year. There are so many people and places I'll miss here, yet I'll be near my family for the first time since college (many, many years ago) and as my parents are 91 and 90, it will be a good thing. Lots of great places and things to see and explore in the Southwest as well. I'm always grateful for photography, travel, and books as well as more things than I could really mention here.<br /><br />A blessed and happy 2020 to all of you!<br /><br />janetjanethttps://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-74700480995353610842019-12-30T15:31:40.169-05:002019-12-30T15:31:40.169-05:00So enjoyed reading everyone's best thoughts. A...So enjoyed reading everyone's best thoughts. A few years ago, I had serious, recurring health issues and if you can wring a blessing out of that, it is the lesson that you cherish the good moments when you have them. A timely reminder from all of you, as the last few months have brought some stress that I can't fix. So - the blessings: 3 healthy,adorable and nearby grandkids. Grown kids who seem to like us.No one had weird health problems this year, just the normal time-eating ones so aging and monitoring. A trip to Egypt, unexpected and amazing. And a family vacation to Cape Cod- the 3 littles were ready to stay forever. A new book out and some people have liked it too. I have all of that...whatever the next year brings. The best to all of you too. (And special best to AMY - struggling kids is so very painful)Trisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08058396345946250313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-36385099442632396232019-12-30T15:26:40.602-05:002019-12-30T15:26:40.602-05:00I am grateful for this community which has really ...I am grateful for this community which has really been a source of humor and inspiration this year! Life is good. The family is fine. Grandchildren are a blessing. Hank, I'm sure you've heard that aging is not for sissies, and that it's all about the attitude with which you face the passing of time. 70? Been there, done that! Health truly is the key and I wish all of you the HEALTHIEST of happy new years. Thank you all for your wonderful stories and this great community.Judyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16128026892155650398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-3332614410138618492019-12-30T15:19:08.048-05:002019-12-30T15:19:08.048-05:00Grateful, as a wise elder told me, that "Any ... Grateful, as a wise elder told me, that "Any day I see the grass from this side is a GOOD day" and for the Y, where I strive to "keep on keeping on."<br />Grateful for the lovely authors who work so hard to give me worthwhile entertainment. I repay in my small way with reviews, but Amazon has decided I do not spend enough to review on their site. Bah, humbug. <br />Goodreads is still good, and Bookbub, and I've added a page of reviews to my website (take that, big greedy corporation!)<br />https://storytellermary.wordpress.com/2019/12/28/books-and-reviews-retirement-avocation/<br />Storyteller Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03807705866873141004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-81662407861147679222019-12-30T15:17:25.866-05:002019-12-30T15:17:25.866-05:00Ramona, sorry to hear about your mother and glad s...Ramona, sorry to hear about your mother and glad she is on the mend. You are at the time now when every minute she is well and present mentally is to be cherished. As you do. <br />Trisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08058396345946250313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-33510889910140717622019-12-30T14:50:25.830-05:002019-12-30T14:50:25.830-05:00Oh, Amy, watching your kid have difficulties at sc...Oh, Amy, watching your kid have difficulties at school is really hard. Thank heavens for peculiar blessings - who would think that impending unemployment would mean being able to help your child? Best wishes to all of you for the New Year.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553268569509053159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-29561774877784471662019-12-30T14:47:25.596-05:002019-12-30T14:47:25.596-05:00Pat, sounds like you've had a very full year! ...Pat, sounds like you've had a very full year! And forgive me, but as soon as you mentioned Frank investigating thieves in an oil field, I immediately thought, "That would make a GREAT premise for a mystery!"Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553268569509053159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-7548402786351846432019-12-30T14:44:33.033-05:002019-12-30T14:44:33.033-05:00Jim, I think I've met your mother. Would she h...Jim, I think I've met your mother. Would she have been attending Malice in the early aughts? My first conference was 2001. Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553268569509053159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-22154517267007168912019-12-30T14:41:03.563-05:002019-12-30T14:41:03.563-05:00We've had many ups and downs this year, but it...We've had many ups and downs this year, but it seems like they so often have balanced out. For example, our oldest son has really struggled with school. Also, my husband, although still currently employed, is looking for a new job as he will be laid off in May of 2020. He has nothing to do at work, though, and has been able to be at home most everyday for the past month. He helped get our son mostly back on track with school while I handled my other responsibilities. I can't say this year has been easy, but it has been full of many blessings. Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04283679668845997329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-3385691808478802742019-12-30T14:40:12.555-05:002019-12-30T14:40:12.555-05:00We're grateful to have you here with us, DebRo...We're grateful to have you here with us, DebRo!Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553268569509053159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-11175821157636508132019-12-30T14:38:56.513-05:002019-12-30T14:38:56.513-05:00Thank you for being one of the backbones (I won...Thank you for being one of the backbones (I won't say shoulder!) of our community, Ann. We just do the upfront stuff; the real magic happens down here in the comments.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553268569509053159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-40007844923806282802019-12-30T14:35:50.702-05:002019-12-30T14:35:50.702-05:0032 good years is definitely something to be gratef...32 good years is definitely something to be grateful for, Susan! And you and I can be re-nesting buddies - I'm getting used to having the Smithie back at home. Thankfully, she's also become a mature, self-sustaining adult, so i think things will go well.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553268569509053159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-24050337399910159352019-12-30T14:32:19.092-05:002019-12-30T14:32:19.092-05:00Chris, in my experience, focusing on the good thin...Chris, in my experience, focusing on the good things is even MORE important when you have unhappy events taking place. Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553268569509053159noreply@blogger.com