You all probably guessed that my word is thankful. I’ve thought seriously about several other words but it has to be thankful.
More than just sharing here, or in my personal journal about the things for which I’m thankful, I want to learn to live my life in a state of being thankful. There’s so much to be thankful for . . really every minute of every day I could think of something and still wouldn’t cover it all. I think that if we spend more time being thankful and less time wishing things were different, or wishing for a better life, we’d all be happier. I’m not saying I’m “there” but that’s what I’m going to work toward this year.
I won’t share everything I am thankful for but here are a few that just pop into head and deserve a place at the top of my list.
Vince – As most of you know, we met on the internet way back before that was cool and at that time, the last thing we were expecting was a date. He was in Georgia. I was in Louisiana. I asked a question in an online forum about a printer for my computer. He answered it so I thought . . this guy knows what he’s talking about so I asked about a scanner, and then I asked about how to upgrade my modem to a faster speed. I wonder if he ever looks back and thinks . . I should have stopped after answering that first question! Life isn’t always a bowl of cherries around here but at the end of the day, I can’t imagine that there’s anyone any more perfect for me. Thinking back to how we met, how we got together, the obstacles, and even after we were together, those first couple of years when our families blended about like oil and water . . it was just meant to be! There are nights, even now, when I stand in the shower and say “I will not go to bed mad! I will go out there and discuss this with him. I will say “I love you” and kiss him goodnight!” I can’t imagine where I would be or where Chad would be without Vince in our lives.
Health – I am thankful that it appears my parents and Vince have recovered, or, are recovering from Covid. I think I have good genes because I’m so rarely sick. I could get bad health news tomorrow and I’ll still be thankful that in my 66 years, I’ve had such good health, good energy and pretty much always feel good.
Living in Missouri – I was never sure this day would come but you all know how happy I am to be here and I’ll be much happier when Vince is here and has found his little “man cave” location. Living closer to Chad, Nicole and Addie has been my dream . . really, it consumed about all my thoughts . . for so long and I’m thankful that Vince agreed, even though I know it wasn’t his first choice for a place to live but he knew what it meant to me.
My Grandparents – I’m thankful for the influence they had in my young years. I wasn’t able to spend as much time with my dad’s mom as I was with my mom’s parents. My dad’s dad passed away four years before I was born so I never knew him. I think I’m much like my dad’s mom. I was talking to one of my older cousins not long ago and she told me that Granny was always scared at night and even in the summer, she’d lock the door and close all the windows. Granny was a little woman but no one walked on her. She was strong and fiercely protective of her kids and grandkids. My mom’s mom was quiet and kind and I never ever saw her angry. She was soft hearted and her feelings were hurt easily. I’m not so much like her. 🙁
Without being told, I learned so many things by example from my grandparents – simple things like always do what you said you would do, always be on time, be nice to everyone even if they aren’t nice to you, never give up and you can do anything you want to do.
I remember one time when I was a teen and short skirts were in style. One time Granny (dad’s mom) looked at me and said “Honey, your ankles are pretty but a nice young lady never shows her knees!”
Until I met Vince, I never thought about it but many of the immigrants, like Vince’s parents, had left all their families behind and Vince either never saw his grandparents or doesn’t remember having seen them. Not having a close relationship with grandparents just changes the family dynamic . . in my opinion.
Blog Readers – It probably sounds dorky but of many of the blog readers really feel like good friends, even though I’ve only met a few in real life. A couple of years ago, I was going through a bit of a crisis and confided in a blog reader whom I’ve never met but I knew she is a Godly lady. She really devoted a lot of time to helping me keep my head above water and I’ll never forget her kindness. I have a reader who doesn’t live far from where we are now and she’s told me over and over that if I need ANYTHING, just call and she and her husband will be here . . and I know they would. When we moved to MO the first time, a blog reader, who was also a longarm quilter, jumped right in and helped me get all the licenses and do everything I needed to do to be “legal” in MO. She lives near Kansas City and several times when I was flying out of KC, I’d stay with them. They even came to visit us in Texas!
It really is comforting to know that so many of you are out there if I needed help in your area, someone would be there for me. I love the comments and the emails and I suppose since I’m a bit of a loner as far as social activity, you really are my friends.
That’s enough . . I could go on and on!
carolyn says
Well you know if you’re ever in New Jersey you have a place to stay….
Love that line from your grandmother! So happy that you’re going to have the sort of relationship with Addie that you had with your grandparents! I’m hoping for the same with my granddaughters…so far so good! Had a wonderful time on Saturday when we had an impromptu pizza night at our house. Snuggling with the girls while we watched Frozen II, reading stories, playing with the toys their mom used to play with…such fun!
Judy Laquidara says
If I’m ever in New Jersey, you can bet we’ll get together but I don’t see a trip to NJ in my near future. Same with you if you’re ever in MO.
Sharon McCurdy says
Thank you! I’m thankful for your blog too! You are part of our lives too and we may never meet in person. But if we do, I’ll bring the Dr Pepper. I started following you as a quilter. I’m not a foodie and don’t really like to cook that much. Half the time, I have to Google some of the things your cooking. Lol You make me laugh and sometimes even cry, but I consider you a friend too! I’m glad you are part of my life!
Judy Laquidara says
Thank you. That’s very sweet to read this morning. I appreciate you and would love to have a Dr. Pepper with you!
Louise Clark says
I live in Alabama and I have been reading your blog for years without commenting. It’s funny but I will say things like “my friend Judy said this” even though we have never met. I am thankful for you and all that you share with us. I remember when you made the move to Texas and I am happy that you were able to move back close to Chad and his family. Hugs to Rita and Boots.
Judy Laquidara says
That’s funny. When I first became active in online quilt groups, Facebook and the blog, I’d say to Vince “my friend, Susie, said this” and he would say “Is this a REAL friend or an internet friend?” He no longer asks that. He knows most all of my friends are internet friends, though I do have more friends in this area because I have friends that are real life friends in Kansas City all the way down to the Springfield area.
Most all the friend I talk about have a description that goes with a story. Mary is “the wedding dress Mary”. Connie is “Connie who hates winter”. Vicky is “Vicky with the dachshund”. There are dozens of friends I talk about and Vince now feels like they’re his friends too. I’ll say something about Mary and Vince will say “Do you mean the wedding dress Mary or our neighbor, Mary?”
Dottie Newkirk says
One of the things I LOVE about your blog notes to all is that you are a REAL person and in addition to sharing bits and parts of your life, you inspire me with your “food for thoughts”.
The older I get, it seems (maybe it’s just “today’s world”) it is harder to be kind and not cranky. I know it’s harder to think kind thoughts with everything going on, LOL. BUT, I do try and I make sure to thank God for all he’s done for me every day.
Nancy H. says
I like your word. I actually bought a gratitude journal this year. No dates and it may take years to fill in but it has prompts in it. I felt that I needed to have something to look back at and remember the good stuff. Sometimes we forget how blessed we are when we are in the daily grind.
I love reading your blog and consider you one of my friends. I think I have more internet friends anymore than real life friends because I love to be home so much. I have no problem not leaving the house for days on end, unlike my husband who wants to go somewhere daily. Usually shopping for stuff we don’t need. Can’t say I like house work but love being home.
I started following you as a quilter. I am not a knitter but stuck around because you have such a fun blog. Love the Vince stories. I can identify so often with the communications because something similar would have happened to my husband and I.
I feel like we have been through a lot together. Your desire to move closer to Chad and family, Speck dying, Cat, the cookie molds and all the chickens every spring. Remember no more chickens they are a lot of work. Stay away from the farm store! I know you miss the eggs but you now have the farmers market.
Twyla says
Well, Judy, I am thankful for you and all the info you have given us. Today I am cooking Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup and thanks for the recipe. I used Garam Masala along with the Kroger Zesty Seasoning I use a lot on my pork ribs I cooked in the crock pot yesterday. Oh my word what lovely flavors.
Twyla says
I meant I use the Kroger Zesty Seasoning often. Not a lot on the ribs.
Judy Laquidara says
It’s funny how that first sentence you wrote could be read in two ways – you use the seasoning a lot or . . you used a lot of it on the ribs. I’ll have to look for that. Dillons are in this area . . well, just one now. Joplin had one that was lost in the tornado and they didn’t build back. There’s one in Pittsburg, KS, which isn’t far from here so, some day I’ll go over there. I miss having a Kroger. The one in Texas near us closed several years ago.
Cilla says
I also tell my husband “My friend Judy” and he asks is that the Judy that helps you spend your money? ROFL. Yes, that one. lol. So far you have not steered me wrong.
Julie says
My husband feels like he knows you as well as I do…or as well as I “think” I know you, since we’ve never met.. LOL! I’m always talking about things you say and do, though I don’t often comment. I was so happy for you to get to move back to Missouri, though I wish it was the other side of the state! We are in a small town south of St. Louis, having moved back home from Alabama in 2013.
Nelle Coursey says
I love this. One of the things I am very thankful for is that I met you and you helped me to continue my interest in Knitting and other projects. I consider you a friend and if there is ever anything I can do for your here, just ask. Thank you for being my friend!
Gale Yawn says
Hi my friend, Judy in Texas. That is the way I’ve always described you to my friends. Now I’ve had to change it to my friend Judy who used to live in Texas, so they know who I’m talking about. I’ve followed you ever since we were roommates in Alabama way back when. I read and enjoy your blog every day. You always entertain me. Sometimes I laugh with you, cry with you, and then sometimes I just shake my head at you. But I will always consider you my friend and hope the feeling is mutual.
Penny Holliday says
A wonderful post today, Judy! I am so glad to be your friend (through the internet) & thankful for your blog!