Even though it's still February, some of the trees, bulbs, and vines are starting to bloom here in North Texas. The familiar aroma of honeysuckle was wafting in the air when I pulled into the driveway after choir practice last night and it brought a big smile to my face. Sure enough, the honeysuckle vine draped over my back gate was already showing its yellow flowers and giving off its heady perfume.

So today, I'm thankful for the five senses and the pleasures that smelling, seeing, touching, tasting, and hearing can bring.

Read an article recently about people who have "an attitude of gratitude" living better and happier lives. So, I'm going to try and write regularly about things for which I'm thankful.

Right away what comes to mind is being employed. There are so many people without a job right now, including my younger brother, that I need to thank God daily that I have a job and one that is currently not threatened.

I am also thankful daily for the gift of song and for my love of reading and all the avenues available to me to obtain just about anything I'd like to read, including my favorite, the Public Library!

Currently, I'm reading The Art of Conversation: A Guided Tour of a Neglected Pleasure by Catherine Blyth. I'm only a few pages into it, but already I feel as if the book is speaking right to me because my conversation skills are sadly lacking. They've never been great at the best of times, but I feel as if they continue to deteriorate.

I'm also reading The Secret Papers of Madame Olivetti by Annie Vanderbilt which is about a woman spending the summer in the South of France writing her memoirs as part of a healing process. I've only just started it as well and should spend the afternoon really getting into it; I fear I've been a little distracted each time I've picked it up.

Just added a widget to my site. Not sure if I know what I'm doing....