As I walked into my writing cottage this morning, Gidget wobbled toward the big wicker chair as she always does. There she stands, looking up at me with her soulful black eyes, and waits for me to pick her up and place her in her bed. Just as I did that, I felt a warm flood of joy fill me up.

It is bitterly cold today, but the sun is streaming through my windows and my petite gas stove is aglow. The holidays are just about behind us. A New Year is on the brink of breaking through.

Mornings and a New Year ready to make its entrance fills me with hope. Just like every morning we get a fresh new start, so is the New Year.

I especially took notice today after reading in the paper that a friend passed away on Saturday. She was 54 years old and had been battling cancer. She was a very gifted metal artist with her work known around the country.

I remember many Saturday mornings being across from her at our local Farmer’s & Artisans Market when I was set up there with my books. She always had a smile on her face.

Only three years older than me and she is now gone. “Awe, Chris, I’m so sorry,” I heard myself say out loud after reading her obituary.

So as I sit at my desk in my writing cottage this morning, the sky a brilliant blue and the sun filling my room with light, I’m thankful for mornings. I’m thankful for the chance at a New Year. I’m thankful for those that love me and those I love.

I’m thankful for Joyful Paws Journal and you, my dear readers, who look forward to my thoughts. I’m thankful for new avenues I’ll be exploring in 2015.  I’m thankful for the life I’ve been given.

And I’m thankful for the sun that rises each morning as a reminder to live each day the best that I can.

PS:  I published a new page to my website called Offerings. There you will find a new audio program on Self-Publishing I just released, plus other workshops in the works.

As always, feel free to comment…I welcome it!