Marilyn Claire Murphy

Things for which I am grateful on this day, August 31, 2016:

• I appreciate that Brutus slept in today without any howling – which permitted me to wake up naturally at about 7am.
• I am grateful for my heavenly master bedroom – which was recently upgraded and painted the most gorgeous shade of dusty greenish-blue, as suggested by my talented designer friend, Shelley Beckes. I never grow tired looking out the French windows onto the back yard birch grove which was a feature of this home with which we fell in love instantly seven years ago (or, at least I fell in love at first sight – Scott took some convincing!)

  

• I am forever grateful for the man sleeping next to me, and I recall our tender conversation of last night which began when I revealed my concern about waking up next to a bald-headed woman. Will he be repulsed? What if my head is lumpy? That conversation allowed him to reveal his concern that he’s not doing enough for me – which could not be further from the truth.
• I am grateful for this morning’s poop (a theme of this blog!), as I had a frightening episode of constipation over the weekend.
• I am grateful that there is a Kaiser medical office in Thousand Oaks, where I go early this morning for some blood work which they will process STAT before my chemotherapy appointment. I am in and out within 30 minutes.
• I am grateful for Julie Franz, who thoughtfully gifted me with a lovely necklace which supports a non-profit called, “Made by Survivors.”

  

• Ever so grateful by the caring text messages from my best buddy, Kathleen Barry, who is forever checking up on me to make sure I’m okay.
• I am grateful for the friendship of Donna Butler who has volunteered to drive me to my chemo appointment at Kaiser in Hollywood. We have a substantive and heartfelt conversation throughout the day, and I appreciate this opportunity to create a deeper relationship with this special woman.
• I loved seeing the smiles of my nurses on the 3rd floor Gynocological/Oncology department, who – once again – delight at the gourmet chocolates I have brought for them, with my picture pasted to the top of the box.
• I am grateful for my chemo nurse, Christina, who spent a good amount of time patiently explaining about constipation – and the fact that this will be an issue I will need to monitor and control throughout my treatment. Poop!
• I appreciate the wonderful care I receive from Kaiser medical staff, and that today’s chemo treatment was quick and easy – and the fact that they validate my parking each time!
• I am grateful for the man who sells gorgeous fresh fruit (especially mangos and papayas) down the street from the Kaiser medical building on Sunset Blvd.
• Excited that Gabriel Haigazian, Dan Alemshah, Hilda Haigazian, and a host of other adventurous travelers are en route to Armenia to enjoy a magnificent itinerary created by Gabriel for The WOW! Travel Club.

  

• Grateful that my car has been returned after being in the body shop since August 16. My step-daughter, Ashley was driving on her first day back in LA when she was rear-ended by a woman who was (probably) texting. Grateful nobody was injured – and that insurance will pay for all repairs. And hopeful that the woman will have learned an (expensive) lesson, as the repairs were almost $6,000.
• Grateful for a lovely dinner with treasured girlfriends at Pookie’s Thai Restaurant in the Water Court in Westlake Village – a beautiful spot.

  

• Grateful for the wisdom of Kim Stanwood-Terranova, who spoke at the Center for Spiritual Living in Westlake Village tonight – who inspired me to write this gratitude journal. Kim reminded me that I have a clear channel to a powerful force for good – and that I can use it in every moment of every day to manifest perfect health, extraordinary relationships, peace of mind, abundance, joy . . . and parking spaces, too!