Love

I am grateful for the love of my family. Family of birth, and those I've picked up along the way. For the love of my friends, be they near or far. And for the love of my service dog who is at my side through thick and thin. Love knows no boundaries, it simply is.

Friends

I am grateful for friends to talk to on the phone and via text messages

I am grateful for the weather

It was only 83 degrees yesterday! Here in Phoenix, AZ that is nice and cool.

I am so grateful for some days in the 80's so I can lay out on my back patio and enjoy my new backyard. It's not completed yet, but the landlord sent me a check to pay the landscaper, so it's started, and will be finished soon. Probably within the week! :) YAY it will be nice to have a beautiful yard to look at and it is wonderful to have lovely weather to lay out in.

I am grateful that it's warm enough to wear shorts almost all year long in Phoenix.

Mom

I'm grateful for my Mom who has stuck by me through whatever I've done or said in my life. Even if she doesn't agree with me, she loves me.

Pene

You were joy personified. A bouncy trouncy fun fun fun fun friend! And I miss you already. I ache inside knowing you are gone. I hope your journey from here on out is your every dream. Wherever you may be in the next life. And I hope for those you loved in this one, that your friends and their friends will watch over your beloved.

I am grateful for the joy you brought in my life and those around you. You will be missed.

Color

I am grateful for color, because it brightens my world, and allows me to be all the more creative. I painted this plate at Color Me Mine last year. It's too expensive for me to go there often, but it can be a really fun creative outlet from time to time.

Gratitude for Pain

Pain is a constant in my life, and as such inspires much of my art. Without having lived with a chronic pain illness, I would not have become the person I am today. I am grateful for the pain despite the times I forget this, because it reminds me of my strength. I know I can get through anything. And I know who my true family and friends are. Those who stuck with me before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and after, those are my true family. My Mother, Father, sister Amy, Aunt Isabelle, etc. and especially Patch and Carlie.

Sometimes I am told I am a very patient guy, but I don't see it as patience, I see it as being willing to persevere. The above painting was done when I was coming out of a particularly bad flare. It's called Myalgia, My Pain.