Grateful Tuesday – The Letter “I”

I got so busy with my semester that I almost forgot this was Tuesday!

The first two items of gratitude that came to me with this letter were internet and intimacy. If not for the internet, how else would we all have met over a common interest? And isn’t intimacy what we all long for, and receive, through spanking?

Even though I love intimacy, I also am grateful for my independence and individualism. I am fiercely independent and work to maintain my individualism, and still submit myself to my SO in many ways. The difficulty comes in trying to keep a balance in that lifestyle.

I am so grateful for the beautiful iris plants that grow in my garden. They pop out suddenly, give me a happy jolt for a few days, then they are gone.

As a psychologist, I am most grateful that I have a healthy “id” that lets me get in touch with my deeper, more animalistic Self.

It also is my goal to instill ideas in my students, provide illumination and inspiration for them to continue in their schooling. I am so grateful for the ability and opportunity to do that.

I’m grateful that I do not live in a land of ice, and that I only use ice in my glass of tea. Along with this bit of gratitude, I am exceptionally grateful that I live on a tropical island! I have lived on other islands, both in the tropics and in lands of ice. Trust me, tropical islands are better!

As odd as it may seem I’m grateful for ink! I use it to write and to draw. There is no better medium for me.

I love to listen to my intuition, something most people forget to do. When I ignore or neglect my intuition, I usually get into trouble.

Intensity is another word that came to me with the letter “i.” I’m not sure if I’m grateful for that or not – sometimes I can be too intense (according to others), but I am happy and grateful that my intensity has gotten me to where I am today.

Finally, imagination plays a major role in my life, and it was part of my gratitude for fantasy. I am so grateful that my imagination is strong and active. And when my imagination soars, I like to light incense and let the aroma flow over and around my body. Two wonderful words that go together nicely – imagination and incense.

PW - Up with feminism, down with panties

Is Being Green Always Good?

In the midst of all this weekly gratitude, I’m having a “green-eyed monster” attack. Why do we think we shouldn’t ever feel envy – or to put it more precisely, why am I not allowed to be insanely jealous occasionally??

My SO is legally bound to another, but what we have is not a new situation. We’ve been together for many years, and while I’ve grown accustomed to my role with him, occasionally I really hate it.

I know it wouldn’t be the same if we were to be together all the time. I suspect we would end up like many other couples – not happy in our monogamy and looking for ways to get out of it all, but I do long for the part of him that is not mine to have.

This feeling, too, shall pass, I suppose.

PW - “Freedom spoils a good wife.”- Russian proverb

Grateful Tuesday - The Letter "H"

Holidays – This is Spring Break week and I don’t have to prepare classes for this holiday. I love teaching, but I’m always happy for the breaks we get.

Happiness – No comment necessary!

Hands – I don’t know what I’d do without the use of my hands. I use them for playing piano, playing guitar, writing (cursive and computer), gardening, loving, dressing, and so much more.

Hearing – It gets less and less as I get older, so I’m grateful to still as much as I do.

Hair – Even though it’s a nuisance sometimes, I’m grateful to have my hair, no matter how gray or white it gets.

Hairbrush – Well……….. maybe!

Hanky-panky – Is there anyone who doesn’t like a little of this?

Him – He’s the one I love doing hanky-panky with!

Humility – I need plenty of this in order to belong to him! He appreciates my humility, even though he also loves my intelligence and leadership abilities. He reminds me when I am in danger of losing my humility.

Heart – He has my heart, and I give it to him with deep gratitude.

Hysterectomy – I’m so grateful I had it done when I was still young (but after my 4 beautiful children) so I could enjoy the hanky-panky more!

Hummingbirds – They are light as a feather and look like flying flowers.

Hobbies – I have too many, but I’m grateful for them all!

Humor – None of this would matter if it wasn’t for a great sense of humor!

Horses – I no longer have my horses, and I still long to have more. Maybe someday I can get another horse. I’m just grateful they exist!

Hats – Oh, how I love wearing beautiful hats! My mother used to make some of the most incredible hats. At the time I thought she was nuts, but now I wish I had some of them still.

Head – I’m grateful for this in all its many meanings!

Honesty – And don’t we wish more people were honest?

Honolulu - I’m grateful this city is close for a break from the rural life and for its shopping.

Health – This is something I’m extremely grateful to have! I have taken great care in making sure that my health would remain as long as possible.

Home – I love my little home and I’m so grateful I was able to buy it when I did.

Hens – Oh, how I love my six chickens who give me beautiful fresh eggs every day.

Herbs – I’m grateful I can grow delicious herbs year-round where I live.

Hoe – It’s one of the handiest tools I have for my gardening.

Honey – It’s wonderful for so many things.

Hope – What would this world be without hope? I’m grateful I have plenty of this, and I offer it to others when they have trouble finding it.

Grandpa and gg - Part 2

I stood before Grandpa, our eyes holding steadily as he waited. I knew he would be patient with me, that he could wait all day for me to speak if he needed to. I wasn’t sure I could trust my voice. I stood silent, still as a statue, barely breathing, afraid to speak, afraid not to speak.

“It’s not easy being accountable, is it, gg?”

I shook my head, then remembered that he didn’t like me to respond that way, so I mustered up an answer. “No, Grandpa.”

“Well, think about your list of transgressions, and when you are ready, I will listen.”

What I had done wasn’t a terribly long list, but they were all more than a little naughty, and definitely in need of punishment.

“The speeding ticket…” I said, trying to control the quiver in my voice.

“Yes?”

“I was running late to work.”

“That makes two offenses, gg. You know I like you to be prompt when it comes to your work obligations.”

“Yes, Grandpa, but…”

“None of that, gg. So you were late to work, and driving too fast. You got stopped, which made you even later, isn’t that right?”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“Continue.”

“I don’t always eat the things I know I should.”

“That’s very true, gg. You know your health should be a top priority. I need you to stay healthy for a long time, if you are to continue being my gg.”

There wasn’t much I could say to that, so I moved to the next item on the list.

“I only exercised once this past week.”

“You know there’s no excuse for that – ever!”

“Yes, Grandpa, but I…”

“Now stop it! I told you there was no excuse for not exercising regularly and I meant it.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“Please continue. There are still a few things you haven’t mentioned.”

“I overspent my budget a little bit.”

“Just a little bit? How much, gg?”

“Just $100. I broke the heel and needed a new pair of shoes.”

“And how did you break the heel?”

“Running to work from the parking barn.”

“So, running late to work caused you to commit several offenses, didn’t it?”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“It looks like making an effort to get to work on time should be your priority from now on, doesn’t it? Of course, staying healthy will help that, too.”

“Yes, Grandpa, I know, and I’m sorry.”

“Being sorry isn’t enough to get you out of your punishment, and it doesn’t tell me you will make a change in your behavior. What do you think would help you in the future?”

“Promising you?”

“You’ve promised before, gg, but you didn’t uphold your promise. What else might make an impression on you?”

My eyes involuntarily glanced upward toward the paddles hanging on the hooks. Then my eyes fell on my feet and I knew he’d caught my glance.

“Yes, I think you know what’s coming, gg.”

I bit my lip, twined my fingers, tried to swallow, but my throat was too dry.

“Come to me, gg.”

Taking small, slow steps, I moved closer to the chair. He held me by both arms and looked me in the eye.

“You do know how much you mean to me, don’t you?”

“Yes, Grandpa.” I wasn’t able to hold back the tears any longer and they flowed down my cheeks. “Ohhhhh, Grandpa……..”

Gently, he put me over his lap, lifted my skirt and said, “I like seeing your bum in these new white panties. They fit you very nicely.”

He started to pat my bottom, lightly at first, then harder. Before long, he pushed the panties down to my knees and continued the spanking. The hot sting grew stronger on my bare skin and the same old contradictory emotions rose up in me.

I loved the intimacy, but I hated the pain. He was loving me and hurting me at the same time, I knew that. I wanted him to stop inflicting the pain, but I loved the touch of his hand on my skin. Words could never describe the turmoil going on inside my soul. I deserved every bit of punishment I was receiving, and I knew how much he cared about me, but dang, it hurt.

I squirmed, I twisted, I kicked, I wailed, but his rhythm never varied. Steadily, he continued to wallop my bum until it became a deep burning that wouldn’t stop.

Suddenly, he stood me up and guided me to the padded saw horse. He removed my panties, bent me over and spread my legs, then anchored my ankles and wrists with the bungie cords.

Although I could have gotten away easily, I knew I dare not.

“Look up at me, gg,” he said.

He stood in front of me with the two paddles and the belt in his hands.

“Which of these do you want me to use first?”

My head fell forward as I sobbed. How could I ever say which of those instruments of torture I would prefer? What would happen if I said I would prefer him not to use any of them at all?

“Look at me, gg,” he said again. “You will feel them all this afternoon, but I am giving you a choice on the order in which you feel them. Now stop the blubbering and talk.”

Hiccups from my sobs interrupted my response, but I heard myself say “Leather, Grandpa.”

“Leather what, gg? Paddle or belt?”

“Pa…pad…(sob)…dle.”

“Thank you, my dear. The leather paddle it shall be.”

I would never be able to tell you the pain on top of an already sore and bruised bottom. When he stopped, it was only to put the leather paddle back on the hook and start in with the wooden paddle. He knew I wouldn’t be able to choose between the last two instruments.

I was limp over the improvised spanking bench, but I knew he wasn’t finished. He still had the belt in his hand as he hung up the wooden paddle. He stood in front of me again and held out the belt.

“Kiss it before I continue, gg, and thank me for punishing you.”

I was beyond trying to exercise any control over my behavior. He had made me as pliable as a noodle and I was indeed grateful for his unconditional love – a love that required him to discipline me and punish me as needed. My entire aroused body vibrated with desire for this man, and he knew it.

I accepted the belt, gave myself over to the pain and let it wash over me, relishing the amount of love between us at that moment. I knew what was next as he released the cords, lifted me up and carried me to the chair.

He placed me on his lap, legs straddling his waist. I could barely sit on my beaten bum, but I was too filled with desire for him. I reached for the fly on his trousers.

“Yes, gg,” he whispered, “open the gate to our pleasures.”

He entered me, pulled me onto him until he was deep inside, holding onto my hot and sore cheeks. I vaguely remember asking if he planned to use the other gift items.

“Maybe tomorrow, gg.”

PW - “He who loves much beats hard.” - Polish proverb

 

Grandpa and gg meet again

If you saw the beginning of this fantasy last week, you’ll remember that one of my favorite fantasy roles is that of “gg” with her disciplinarian “Grandpa.” In that fantasy, Grandpa showed up unexpectedly, which was unusual. But when I know he is coming to visit, I make sure that all other obligations are out of the way so we are not distracted.

I live in an off-the-beaten-track rural area with very few cars going past. Not much can be seen from the road, and there are many big trees around to provide more privacy. Grandpa planned a visit this week, which put me into extreme anticipation. Just what would he expect of his little gg this time?

About 20 yards from the back of the house is a large shed. He has often threatened to make that into a bona fide “woodshed” specifically designed for discussing the discipline that he requires and meting out punishment when I have disobeyed.

This week, he decided we should make his fantasy into a reality. He sent a list of things I should accomplish before he arrived. The list alone made me twitchy all week, carrying out his requirements, preparing the equipment he wanted, fixing up the area in the style of a true old-fashioned woodshed, appropriate for naughty girls.

I finished putting it together, becoming more aroused and frightened as the time approached for his arrival. I finished dressing in his requested school girl outfit just as he drove into the driveway. A feeling of panic started at my toes and swept its way to the top of my head, pausing in certain pelvic regions enough to start my juices flowing.

“Hello, gg,” he said. “It’s nice to see you again so soon. I may need to make these visits more regularly. I’m enjoying them way too much.”

“Yes, Grandpa,” I replied. “I like to have you visit me often, and I miss you when you have to be away so much.”

Grandpa took my hand and led me to his car where he showed me all the packages he’d brought with him.

“Here are some gifts for you,” he said. “I think you’re going to like them. I tried to buy toys I knew you would enjoy.”

I helped him carry the packages to the house where he directed me to open them. The first was a bundle of white cotton panties in the perfect size. Although I usually wear fairly sexy bikini panties in pretty colors, I knew his choice of white cotton was to put me more into the mindset of a little girl.

“Take off those panties you have on and put on a pair of these,” he directed.

I started to take them into the bathroom to change, but he stopped me.

“No, gg,” he said sternly, “you can make the change right here. Now hand me the ones you take off and I’ll get rid of them.”

With a trembling hand, I took off my favorite lacy lavender panties and handed them to him. He wadded them up and tossed them into the trash bin, then handed me a pair of the white cotton panties. He helped me pull them up and patted my bottom.

“That’s a good girl,” he said. “Now check out another package.”

I don’t need to tell you what sort of feelings were rumbling through my gut as I opened one parcel after another and placed the items on the kitchen table. There was a new leather paddle, a new wooden paddle, a large butt plug, a wide leather belt, a box of enema equipment, a thermometer, and a packet of bungie cords.

I could hardly breathe by the time I finished opening up all the packages, and I couldn’t think of a thing to say.

“Are you going to thank me, gg?”

I nodded, an enormous lump in my throat.

“What do you say, gg?”

I took a deep breath and said, “Th…thank….. Oh, Grandpa! It’s so scary.”

“Yes, dear, I know it is. But you know what a good girl I expect you to be, and I’m not always sure how you are behaving when I’m not here to guide you. These are only for your own benefit.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“Now, where is the list of naughty things you’ve done since I was here last week?”

I reached into my pocket and brought out a piece of notebook paper where I’d written all the things I knew he would want to know, and slowly handed it to him.

“Hmmm,” was all he said as he read the list through. When he finished, he folded it back up and stuck it in his pocket. “I think this list calls for immediate action. Have you prepared the woodshed appropriately?”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

Without saying a word, he gathered the items on the table into a basket, then took me by the upper arm, pulled me back outside and led me down the driveway toward the woodshed. I resisted only slightly because I knew it would do me no good to try and get away.

He opened the door of the woodshed and looked inside. I suddenly saw the entire room in an entirely new light. No longer was it a fantasy, but a place where something awful was going to happen.

There was the obligatory straight chair sitting in the middle of the floor, of course – the one where he would sit and scold me while I stand before him in humiliation, before he pulls me over his lap. There was a saw horse with a large pillow tied on the top, where I could be bent over to receive a paddling.

There were several large hooks on the walls, as he had requested. I didn’t understand why he would want those, but now I knew. One by one, he removed the gift items from the basket and hung them on the wall. What an ominous sight! My chest hurt as I attempted to keep breathing.

I couldn’t take my eyes off his movements as he hung the leather and wooden paddles up on hooks. He placed the butt plug, thermometer, and box of enema equipment on a shelf below the hooks, hung the leather belt on yet another hook. As he stood back and surveyed the room, he smiled.

“Yes, gg,” he said. “This will make a wonderful woodshed for your future disciplines, don’t you agree?”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“Now about that list,” he said, sitting down on the chair. “I think you have some explaining to do, so come stand before me and start talking.”

I knew the list from memory, had agonized over every word I’d written, and wondered how I could explain my actions. Now, standing before him, I realized that there was no excuse for any of my behaviors, as justified as I’d thought they were at the time. Nothing I could say would be enough to ward off the inevitable.

(to be continued tomorrow)

Gratitude Tuesday – The Letter “G”

Each letter seems to bring up more and more. Thank you again, Grace and AG, for turning me onto this! It really does make me think.

Mr. G – I start out with this because he is my Very Significant Other. I’ve never had a VSO quite like this man, and I hope our lives together will continue to get better and stronger.

GG – This is my made-up fantasy girl. She is the one I become in my fantasies more than any other. I’m so grateful for her in my life! This past Saturday, in my “fantasy weekend” post, I let others know about her, too. She is ageless.

Grandpa – And this man is also in my fantasy life. He is real, and he does play the role of my Grandpa in real life, but he’s also my fantasy man. We do fantasize together often, and I’m grateful for him in my life.

Google – It is through Google that I found so many people of like mind, and continue to find all sorts of luscious things to read about and drool over.

Gandalf – He is the wizard that comes into my fantasies sometimes. I love older men, especially with long gray beards and that magical quality they have that simply transcends time.

Good food – I try to keep my slim figure, but there are so many wonderful foods, all good, and many beginning with G.

Gooseberries – This is sort of an old-fashioned fruit. My great-grandmother used to grow them and make the most delicious gooseberry pies.

Granola – Back in my hippie trippy days, I made loads of granola. I still love it.

Gravy – Seems like there’s a lot of food in this grateful Tuesday! LOL But I love gravy on biscuits, on pork chops, on baked potatoes and rice.

Greens – More food! I grow all sorts of greens and I love cooking up a mess with pork, onion, hot sauce.

Gardening – I grow more than greens in my garden. I love gardening with a passion, almost as much as I love being kinky!

Garlic – What would we do without garlic to flavor our foods?

Grapes - Grapes to munch, grapes to make wine.

Gazpacho – It never quite tastes the same, but a good cold gazpacho on a hot day can be quite superb.

Girls – I have two daughters and they are totally wonderful! And I’m a girl, and I like myself.

Guys – Oh my! The kinkier they are, the better I like ‘em!

Ginger – I like eating it, cooking with it, and uh…playing with it (giggle).

Giggles – I love being able to laugh at myself most of the time, to laugh with friends, and to see the humor in kinky sex.

Gypsies – I’ve been a bit of a gypsy most of my life.

Guitar –I’m so grateful for a musical ability that allows me to play an instrument that I’ve enjoyed for many years, both classical and folk.

Good Genes – I am grateful for hardy ancestors.

Gifts – The simpler the gift, the more meaningful it seems to me, the more thoughtful.

Green living – It’s fun to take myself back to the earth, to living ecologically, to being aware of what we do to our planet and the universe.

Glitz – On the other hand, I love shiny and shimmery things that sparkle. Go figure!

Green - For St. Patrick's Day!

Grace – I am grateful for “grace” in all its forms – persons, style, forgiveness, ease, a way of walking through this world.

And finally, I'm Grateful for the ability to express my Gratitude!

PW - Ginger – the gift that keeps on giving

A Weekend Fantasy

There is a certain long time friend in my life who knows me better than anyone, and knows how to push my libido buttons. When he called to chat with me today, we talked about general things like the weather, health, and similar boring topics. We both knew what we wanted to talk about, so we quickly moved in that direction.

He has always been my “Grandpa” and I play the role of his little “gg.” He reminds me how naughty I have been, spelling out each of my bad behaviors since we last spoke. My big toe twitches in the carpet as he lectures, I twist the hem of my skirt, knowing what is about to come. I can hardly sit still as his voice grows more stern with each sentence.

As each misconduct is relayed to me in detail, he knows what it is doing to me. He knows what I need from him and he knows how my head will begin to spin out of control soon. He loves knowing all of that, so he continues.

With each item on his list, I am to respond, “Yes, Grandpa, that is what I did, and I am sorry.”

“Will you do it again, gg?” he asks.

“No, Grandpa, I promise not to do it again.”

And he continues on down his list. It seems like the list will never end, and I’m surprised that he knew all the things I’d done, no matter how much I tried to hide it.

My doorbell rings, but it’s not the right time for my phone conversation to be interrupted. I carefully peek out the curtains, and there stands my “Grandpa,” talking to me on his cell phone. I forget to breathe as I muster up my courage and open the door to him.

He doesn’t smile, doesn’t take me in his arms like he usually does, and he doesn’t even turn off his cell. He motions me back to the phone and continues our conversation. So now I’m talking to him on the phone while he sits comfortably on my couch, watching me intently.

“Yes, gg, I can now see what you are doing and I will know for a fact that you are not just saying these things to me, thinking I cannot see you.”

I don’t know what to say to him. I just keep staring at the phone in my hand, wondering how this will play out.

“I want you to go change clothes, gg,” he tells me. “Put on your little school girl outfit.”

He waits as I do as I am told.

“Now go back to your desk with your phone while I continue the list of your offenses.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

Oh, this is so hard! I wish this conversation was taking place only on the phone, but he’ll have none of that. On the phone, he wouldn’t know if I had dressed like a school girl or not. He wouldn’t know if I actually took off my panties for a spanking or not. He wouldn’t know if I was really crying or not when he spanked me. This was too real!

I pretend not to know he is watching me. It becomes easier. I try not to wiggle in my chair as he talks, but I can’t help it.

“Why are you wiggling, gg?” he asks.

“Because I…” There is no way I can explain to him that I am turned on beyond belief, that the anticipation of a real spanking is too great, that his voice is so erotic and I am more aroused than I’ve been in ages.

“Yes, gg?”

I start to cry. I want to finger myself, but I dare not. I squirm.

“Hang up the phone, gg, and come stand before me,” he says as he clicks off his cell.

I’m not sure if I’m relieved or if I am more frightened.

“Lift up your skirt, gg.”

I slowly pull up the front of my skirt.

“Push down your panties, gg.”

Tears are streaming down my face as I push down my panties.

“Spread your legs, gg.”

And as I do as he commanded, he pushes a dry finger inside my shaved pussy.

“Is that why you were wiggling, gg? Is that what you wanted?”

“Yes, Grandpa,” I say through my tears.

He removes his finger, jerks my arm toward him and pulls me over his lap, pushing my panties down to my ankles. Now begins the real spanking – it is no longer a phone fantasy with him. Hard and harder, fast and faster. I’m kicking my feet, but he holds me tightly onto his lap.

Suddenly, he stops, stands me up and forces me to waddle over to the corner. He tucks my skirt into my waistband and pushes my nose to the wall, and walks away.

I have no idea how long I am there, my bottom stinging, my tears finally drying on my cheeks, the cool air blowing across my bum and legs. I grow drowsy.

At last, his hand wraps around my wrist and he guides me to one of the dining room chairs. He pushes me into a kneeling position on the seat and bends me over the back of the chair. He rubs the leather paddle across my sore bum before starting in with some good smacks, softly explaining how naughty I was to let him put his finger inside my pussy.

“That isn’t something little girls should do, gg,” he says. “You know better than that.”

I can only try to nod my head.

“Would you let just any man come in this house and do that?”

“N…n….no,” I tried to say.

I hear his zipper going down, feel him enter me from the rear. The heat of my bottom and the hardness of him inside of me takes me over the edge as we both erupt.

And so the weekend continues in this vein. Over the next few days I experienced his belt (for acting like a common slut), a switch (for letting a “strange” man into the house), pieces of ginger strategically placed (to make me think twice about being bad), and so much more.

By the time Monday morning came, he seemed temporarily satisfied that I had received adequate punishment and he promised to keep a better eye on my behavior from now on.

As he left to return to his home, he hugged me and said, “I love you, gg, and I love being your disciplinarian. We’ll always be best of friends.”

I hated to see him leave, but I knew he would call me as soon as he got home with some new strategy for correcting my behavior.

PW – Bare bottom spanking is a show of love.

Once Upon A Time . . .

Once upon a time, there was a little girl. You know which one she was. She was the one with the curl in the middle of her forehead, and when she was good, she was very very good, but when she was bad, she was horrid!

How many of us remember that nursery rhyme? Because I was a little girl with lots of curls always hanging down in her eyes, that little ditty was said to me over and over by anyone who saw me. Little did they know what was going on in my head!

Now that I’m an adult, I recall that same rhyme and wonder if that little girl in the poem ever got the hard spanking she obviously deserved? No one ever told me what happened when she was “horrid.” Did she get away with being bad? We can all imagine what must have happened, but we were never told. It just carried a threat.

Sometimes, I like to pretend that I’m that little girl. I want to be bad, I want to be horrid enough to get a sound whipping from someone who can deliver. But it seems like I have “being good” too deeply engrained in me. I don’t think I’d know how to be a “brat,” no matter how hard I tried.

Nevertheless, I can dream, can’t I? I can fantasize about being so naughty that I’m disciplined right there in front of everyone. I can dream about having someone who cares enough about my behavior to take me in hand, keep me in line, and give me the discipline and punishment I crave.

I can pretend, but it’s not enough.

I know I should ask for what I need, but that’s so damned hard! I want it to be spontaneous, to come unexpectedly, to not see it coming. Oh, the thrill of that!

But I also need to have that feeling of anticipation, of knowing what’s coming, of having to wait until the appropriate moment when I’m taken over a knee, panties lowered, and given a hard spanking.

He will be here next week, and says he has more plans. Last visit was a new beginning and it was very good. My “gratitude Tuesday” will include him!

PW – The sweetest words to hear are these - "You are going to get a spanking when we get home, young lady!"

Grateful Tuesday - The Letter "F"

Oh boy! This could prove to be a Fantastic letter! There are many things for which I am grateful, but the first few are my Favorites.

Fantasy – If it wasn’t for this, I probably wouldn’t even go near the second one.

Fucking – Yep! It’s right up there near the top of the list.

Figging – If you haven’t tried it, don’t knock it!

Feathers – And everything they can be used for – quills, tickling, decorating, fashion.

Farming – Feathers remind me that I have wonderful hens that provide me with beautiful and fresh eggs every day. I have friends who come get the feathers to use for earrings.

February – I’m grateful for February because it’s a short month and sends signals that Spring is coming soon!

Fathers – I was very close to mine, and I think Fathers are often underrated.

Family – I love my kids, and their kids! They get me through a lot of life’s traumas.

Friends – I am so grateful for my friends – especially when they don’t give up on me.

Fans – There are fans who keep me going, who send me fan letters, who make up my fan club. And there are the antique fans I collect. One is carved ivory, one comes from a Geisha in Japan, one is black lace, one is from China during WW II, and on and on. I also love the old paper fans we used in rural churches as a kid.

Flowers – I blog about gardening (you’d never guess which one!) and flowers are in my heart and soul.

Fuchsia – There is the flower with its sexy hanging blooms, and there is the color fuchsia that makes me feel extra sexy when I wear it.

Faces – Each one is different and attractive in its own way. I love examining a face up close. Feet – I’m so grateful for my feet! They take me wherever I need to go, hold me upright, and I love my painted toenails.

Fabrics – I could get lost in a fabric store, feeling the textures, seeing the colors, envisioning what can be done with them.

Foodnetwork – one of the few TV channels I ever watch, but when I do, I love it! Fables – I write fables to use with my clients and students. They help us to see issues inside that might stay hidden otherwise.

Fireplaces – I don’t have one now, and I really miss it. There is nothing like making love in front of a low Flame sending out warmth, or snuggling up by one with a good book.

Fish and chips – Oh my! Do I need to say anything else? There’s nothing like going to a pub in England, holding a platter in your hands with the fish sticking out over each end of the newspaper, and sprinkling it with malt vinegar.

Fishing – Speaking of “fish and chips,” I just love fishing, period. Love to feel that tug on the end of my line.

Fly fishing – Of course, one of my favorite ways to fish is with a fly rod. Even a small fish feels like it’s fifty pounds when it hits your fly.

Festivals and Faires – Don’t you just love the Renaissance Faires and Festivals?

Falafel – I’ve eaten some of the best on the streets of Jerusalem, stuffed into a large pita along with French fries, lettuce and tomato (believe it or not)!

Flutes – One of my favorite instruments in an orchestra or band.

French Horn – This is my very favorite instrument in an orchestra or band. I played this instrument starting in third grade and all the way through college. Later, I joined community bands to play.

Flamingos – They are so cute they look fake. They are an icon of Florida.

Florida – I’ve lived there, my brother lives there now, and not everyone there is a member of the blue-rinse crowd!

Faith – This carries me through whatever I face.

France – I’ve never been there, but I want to go. French was the first language I learned in school, and after that, I spoke all other languages I learned with a French accent! Maybe one day I’ll get there.

Flavor – I am so grateful for the difference in flavor of music, food, style, art, everything.

Fool – I usually have a hard time putting up with fools, but the Fool in the Tarot is inspiring. That Fool is the one who fears nothing, moves forward, tries anything, and is up for adventure.

Flesh – I love the feel of flesh next to me when I go to sleep at night.

Fog – Fog can be scary when you’re out on the ocean in a sailboat and can’t see if you’re going to hit the shoreline, but the sound of a Foghorn makes my stomach quiver, the sight of fog when I’m safe on shore is soothing in many ways.

Funny – I am so grateful I can laugh at myself when life turns funny on me.

Fruit – I love all fruit!

Four-letter words – I’m giggling at this one, because I use them all when appropriate, and I even am grateful for words like “love” or “work!”

Free – “Free” is nice to find in this economy.

Future – Gratitude for the future because if we didn’t have a future to look forward to, life would be dreadful.

Grateful Tuesday - The Letter "E"

I didn’t think I’d be able to think of anything beginning with “E,” but suddenly the words started to come.

Envelopes – I especially am grateful when the ones without the little cellophane windows don’t outnumber the other envelopes! I do love getting hand-addressed envelopes because it usually indicates that they came from someone I know and love.

Encyclopedias – This goes along with my “dictionary” from last week in the letter D. I like learning and encyclopedias are so educational! LOL I had a friend eons ago who always carried one in his briefcase to read when he had a few extra moments.

Energy – Something I normally have plenty of, except when I’m sick! It helps me to get through a long day.

Eyes – Mine need glasses to see and I’ve had two successful cataract operations. If my eyes fail me, I’m in a desperate situation.

Ears – I can’t forget my ears, even though they don’t really work as well as they used to. It’s one of the hazards of being over 40! LOL

Etudes – These studious little numbers give my fingers exercise at the piano.

Exercise – The etudes reminded me of other forms of exercise, too – like walking and working in my garden.

Eggplant – I know not everyone loves them, but I adore them however they are prepared –in a Mediterranean dish I make with olive oil, onions, and tomatoes, and also as baba ganoush with fresh pita, or simply sliced and coated with cornmeal before frying.

Easter – This is a joyous time of year, reminds me of getting a new dress every year, specifically made for Easter Sunday and the Easter Bonnet Parades.

England – Oh, how I love walking the streets of London, or driving through the Cotswolds, visiting the historic places.

Eating – This wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of my favorite activities. I’ve always had to watch my weight, not because I eat junk food, but I like too much of the healthy stuff!

Elves – Sometimes I swear I can see them dancing around in joyful anticipation of what I’m going to do next. They don’t trust me a whole lot, so they don’t show themselves often.

Eagles – When I lived in Alaska, we had some of the most regal birds flying around us. Even in Arizona, an eagle landed on a branch outside my home office window next to a brilliant red cardinal. Took my breath away!

Elk – The stately elk is another creature that we saw in Alaska. My husband at the time went elk hunting, not as sport, but to feed our family for the year.

Earth – This is my favorite planet on which to spend my life. It’s the only one we have, so we need to take good care of our Mother.

Earrings – I don’t feel dressed when I forget to put on earrings in the morning. It simply “makes” the outfit! And I like big dangling ones – none of those tiny little things for me, except in the extra piercings up my ear.

ESP – I’m not sure any of us have it, but don’t you sometimes wonder?

Erotica – Yeah, who would have thought?? LOL

Enthusiasm – This is a great word and comes from two Greek words – en meaning “with” and theos meaning God. Have you ever been accused of being too enthusiastic

Education – That’s the profession I’m committed to. No matter what ills or evils walk this planet, most could be cured with more education.

Erasers – How could we live without these?? They come right up there with the “delete” button I mentioned last week. Do you remember those pink rectangles we each had in school?

Erection – Can’t forget that! (giggle) Maybe it should have been first on my list, but I write these as I think of them.

Egg Foo Yong – A wonderful reason for going to a Chinese restaurant.

Electricity – There are times when I would love to go back to oil lamps, but who could really give it up entirely these days? Many of my neighbors have solar energy, and I’m planning on installing it before long.

Elegance – There’s something about a touch of elegance no matter what you are doing or wearing or pretending.

Elizabethan Era – Perhaps this goes along with my love of anything English. I’m a true Anglophile, but I particularly love Shakespeare and Elizabethan dress.

Environment – Something else we need to take good care of.

Empathy – This needs to be strong among those of us who love being over a lap, because we are the only ones who really understand each other.