Courage Faces Fear and Thereby Masters It, Part III 8/31/12

    Good morning everyone,

I'm up early. It's 4:30 a.m. I already made and ate breakfast, along with getting some studying in.

    I have an island of skin removed from my

Calmness in the Eye of the Storm, Part IV. My Source for Sanity, Serenity and Strength

I'm thankful for principles that allow me to stay calm in the midst of the storm

         Good evening everyone,

I'm dealing with intense negative issues---problems---on many different fronts.  If you only knew.  For most people, such times are usually emotionally overwhelming.  It isn't for

Calmness In the Eye of the Emotional Storm, Part III. Tranquility When Tempted to Be Agitated or Depressed ....................8/27/12

Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.
Image: "Countryside: Across the Valley" by Tim Blessed.  Copyrighted photo. Used by permission. 

      Good evening,
How was your day? I'll get to today's topic in a minute, but first I'll share

A Fantastic Way to Start the Week ...................8/26/12

The majestic view I had tonight.  I love the skyscape!
Image: "Wetlands: Winter Winds" by Tim Blessed. Copyrighted photo. Used by permission. 

          I got in about an hour ago. Sumptuous days like today are divine. It was rich, varied, physically demanding, emotionally rewarding, intellectually stimulating, pleasant to my eyes, and serene.  It's hard

Calmness in the Eye of the Storm, Part II. Perspective and My Source for Serenity and Strength

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of
comfort, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.

       Hi there.

This was not a good day, if I look at things horizontally. What do I mean? If I look at my circumstances from a worldly point of view, I should be despairing.  I don't and I'm not.

       I see life

Serenity: Being Untethered to the Demands of Today's Technology

     Good afternoon, 

I recently wrote someone who sent me several e-mails and voice messages, and didn't understand why I didn't respond right away.  I wrote the following as a follow up.  It reveals my attitude towards

Alexander the Grey, Part II. The Joy of Simple and Quiet Pleasures With a Dear Friend

I used a glass bowl, like this one, to give Alexander the Grey water

    Hello everyone,

I hope you had a terrific Thursday. This evening, I did laundry. The scent of freshly washed clothes invigorates

Alexander the Grey(t), My Friend, Part I .....8/22/12

      I'm bumping up the following story. It was written a year and four months ago.  It's the second most read post of all time.  Here's a a secret I'll let you in on: whenever I read it, I

God Is Not My Spiritual Bellboy, Part III .................................8/20/12

This is not God. I'm sorry if you were mistaken.

   Good evening,

My Gratitudes for Today:
1. I rested today. That's unusual. It just worked out that way.
2. I'm going through some changes in my life, unexpected ones. Moments like these make me happy that I'm not

All That Has Gone On Before, Has Been Preparation For Today's Opportunities, Also, God Is Not Our Spiritual Bellboy ................8/21/12

Image: "Autumn Bouquet" by Tim Blessed, copyrighted photograph

     Good evening,

How are you?  I am a happy man. I wrote a

The Need for Boundaries, Revisited ........8/20/12

      Good evening everyone,

The day was eventful, but good. I saw several clients and also attended a class. For those who haven't read this post, I'm bumping it up.  I first wrote it last year, in July. Let me know if you resonate with it.

This lady is not opening her mouth for a dental checkup

         It was a dramatic day, today. I prefer avoiding them, when possible.  An intriguing conversation with someone I almost did business with, took place this afternoon; thank God for

A Fire Lit Under the Innkeeper

   How are you?

The day was lovely, I met with friends, rode my bike at length, with speed, twice, and heard a speaker who lit a fire under me. Best yet, I got his number and will follow up by getting personal advice from him. Other than that, it was an average day.
My Gratitudes for Saturday:
1.  Today, I ended a relationship with a person I mentor. I don't mean it to sound that way. Ending the relationship is not a

The Innkeeper Is A Lucky Man Who Has Loving, Caring Friends: The Indispensable Support of My Balcony People ...............................8/18/12

Acts of love and kindness never die, but in the lives of others multiply.

      Good morning,
It's a few minutes past Friday.  Often, I use this part of the week to reflect upon my high and low points for the past week.  This week had it's ups and downs.  But, knowing me, it shouldn't surprise you that

Our Values Have to Precede Our Attachment: Otherwise, We Are Selling Ourselves Short ....................8/16/12

"Amidst the constant turmoil and drama that surrounds us, as we live life, many stop

 noticing what is going on with themselves.Something more important and life threaten-

ing always seems to intervene....When we acknowledge a situation as it is, we want

look at our options instead of looking at the options available to other people."

                                                                                   Courage to Change, p.359

The following are general principles from Al-Anon Family Groups. I'm sure they will

 help when trying to figure out our responsibility in our relationships with others.

Innkeeper's Note:  

         I'm bumping this up. It was originally posted at the end of last year. 

They are principles that allow me to have sanity and dignity when relating

with others.  It amazes me how easily we

The Innkeeper Is Loved by Others and Is Venturing Into New Areas, Geographic and Emotional

Where my friend and I rode today. I like the urban forest in this part of town.

    Good evening,
I'm tired again. Tonight, it's a good tiredness.  Last night, I slept well for the first time in a long time---I woke up after eight hours, feeling toasty and rested.

    Today, I made lunch for a guest who dropped by. His enthusiasm for what I cooked made my efforts a pleasure.  In the afternoon, I met with someone I mentor.  A vigorous bike ride, was had.  I couldn't shake him---he stayed right with me.  :->   I feel the effects of

It is so rare...to find a complete person, with a soul, a heart and an imagination; so 

rare for characters as ardent and restless as ours to meet and to be matched to-

gether, that I hardly know how to tell you what happiness it gives me to know you.

 --Hector Berlioz

     Good evening,
I'm exhausted. I slept poorly last night.  I awoke at 3:30 a.m. and did not return to sleep after that. Even with that being the case, I'm happy.  After this post, I'm going to bed.
My Gratitudes for Monday:
1. For hope.  It moves me forward.  I know hope because of hard work I've done in my life, working on those areas needed improvement and my relationship

Saw Friends, Deeply Loved, Growing As a Person, Avoiding Emotional Vampires and I'm Happy ..8/12/12

Across this estuary is Alameda Island.  This is Shoreline Park, an area I passed 
today.  I often sit at that bench to the right of the lamp.  It looks out upon the 
view revealed  in the next picture. 

     It's that time again. I'm tired. But, not so exhausted that I can't

     Good evening,

Today, I'm working a double shift as the innkeeper.  I saw several of you earlier today.  Here, I am again. Having asked you to produce your gratitudes, I don't want to be remiss in sharing mine.  One life showing the way is better than ten tongues trying to explain it.
My Gratitudes:
1. I'm thankful for the fun of riding on BART, the local metro train service where I live.  More interesting than watching TV, if I watched TV.
2. I'm thankful for not thinking this week when stressed. I simply put

The Innkeeper's "Movie" Moment: Discovering Kindness in A Sea of Humanity ...........8/11/12

Inside a train. The one described below was twice as crowded as this. It was packed.

      Good morning,

Thank you for dropping by.  I know many do, without sharing gratitudes.  How come?

       It's easy allowing the pressures of life to weigh us down.  What I love about recovery from despair, abuse, and emotional vampires (those who want to suck all the energy out of us) is that we learn how to seize life----even in

Connecting With My Guests: I've Been Out of the Loop ..............................8/10/12

From within its walls did many of today's events occur, and yesterday's, too.

    Good morning,

Did you miss me? Late last night I arrived at home and conked out. I was beat. I'm up early.  Soon, I'll  head to a business meeting, another attempt at building my practice.  How was your Thursday?

    I rode multiple miles yesterday, using my bike.  On top of that, I met with a company where I might provide my services.  Afterwards, I went to the DMV (the department of motor vehicles, for my guests who don't live in the U.S.), an experience in itself.  By late night, I felt as if I was walking through

An Intense Week for the Innkeeper ..............8/8/12

       Good evening,

I'm tired.  My week has been intense, but intensely good.   But it was rigorous---physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally.  Tomorrow, I'm pursuing funding for my business.  I've an appointment at 10:30 a.m. in a city that's six towns away.

      I'm ready for the interview.  Wish me luck.  Your prayers are requested.  Success happens, we are told, when preparation meets

Greetings to My Russian Friends

      Hello,

How are you, today?

      I want to give a special greeting to my Russian guests, who have become the second largest readership for this inn.

     I hope you are enjoying your accommodations to this inn.  Be careful, before calling it a night, I've left chocolates on your pillow. Signing the registry to this inn, by sharing three gratitudes, makes the innkeeper happy.  Making your stay as pleasant as possible, is my hope.  Let me know if you need any help getting acquainted with the different amenities found here, at the Attitude of Gratitude Inn.

    Она была моя радость Вашей поездки. Гости из вашей страны сейчас мой второй по величине клиентуры. Что вы будете наслаждаться больше всего вашего пребывания. Пожалуйста, ответ на русском языке. С ресурсами Интернет я могу воплотить все ваши замечания. Желая Вам очень благодарен за день, Павел

   For the rest of you, I'd love hearing the gratitudes you have for Wednesday.

   The Innkeeper

A Busy But Happy Innkeeper---Staying In the Solution

     How are you?

I've been busy, busy, busy.  Did I tell you I've been busy?  :)   I've spent time in the nearby town of Oakland, taking care of business the past two days.  This evening, I didn't get home until 10:30 p.m.  Am I complaining?  Not at all.  I'm happy,

Blessed by Empathy, Traveling Down Memory Lane ................................8/6/12

Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family
Anthony Brandt 

      Good evening everyone,

I just got home after a busy day.  Dealing with business had me out of town.  A lot is going on.  The most encouraging fact is that I'm making headway with

Love: Balancing Perspectives

         After the break, are thoughts from Carl, for a post I wrote this morning.  I could not leave them there, hidden within

Armida, Part I. Counting Our Blessings: A Reminder That Tomorrow or Next Month Is Not Guaranteed, Revisited ...............................8/5/12

Innkeeper's note: 
      I'm bumping this up. Let me know what you think. This post, written last year in May puts my recent struggles in perspective. I dedicate this post in remembrance of my dear friend, Armida, and her family.

      How are you?  I'll discuss today's topic after my gratitudes.

I've been on the go for several days. Thursday, I met with friends.  Afterwards, some of us took in a movie.  My oldest son is a manager at a twenty-five screen theater and I get to see first-run movies for free.  It makes me

High and Low Points for the Week 8/4/12

   
     How are you?

     Yes, I'm here early.  Please get over your shock. :)  The weather feels and looks like it's Fall: overcast, windy, chilly.  I'm going to make some grub and

Getting Things Done, Part II, A Moonlight Ride and Experiencing Unexpected Love ......................8/3/12

My Gratitudes for Friday
1.  I survived the day even though I did not get to sleep until 7:30 a.m.  I'm grateful for the endurance, strength and clarity of mind I had, it was

The Healing Power of Long-term Friends and Feeling Our Emotions .............8/2/12

“The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet

our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”      Don Williams Jr.

Image: "Tullamore Lane" by Tim Blessed.  Copyrighted photograph, all rights reserved. 

Gratitudes for Thursday:
1. Today, it happened.  I got clarity on issues that were troubling me. And the clarity I got was not what I hoped for. I found out that resolving

Photo taken with my mentee's smart phone. The moon is being coy, hiding behind a mast.  I

love the color of the sky.The water was placid, like my spirit, today. I love the old boat on

the far left .Made in the 1950's.

        Good evening, one and all,

Today, I was unusually energized, encouraged too.  Refreshed and more