Gratitude for whales

Today marked the 10th straight day of work for me and I am more than ready to fly to Hervey Bay tomorrow and have a rest. I am planning a trip up the coast to look around Bundaberg for a day or two and just enjoy my time off. The weather had been cool and rainy but has now changed to warm sun, coolish air and very blue skies.

I was fortunate to go on a sunset cruise the other evening and watch a few whales. A fire on the mainland made some magnificent cloud colours in the sky. I have been watching for meteors at night and have been rewarded with two spottings. The Perseids meteor shower will peak in the northern hemisphere between 9-12 August. May not be as good for those of us in the southern hemisphere but have a look and see if you can wish on a shooting star.

Merilyn introduced me to the concept of a gratitude journal and I am happy to be starting one of my own. I read an article that Google found for me talking about real benefits one can receive from this practice once a week. So here is the start of mine:

Today I saw whales breeching and fin slapping. I can't explain why whale spotting always fills me with awe and happiness but it does. Maybe because I always imagine creatures in the ocean even when I can't see them (which is 99% of the time I look at the ocean) it makes the 1% so special to see the beautiful blue water come alive with whales. Ocean gazing also makes me feel peaceful and connected to the planet. I am filled with gratitude that I have the time and place to see whales and the big blue.

A resort guest was very kind to me and asked what had brought me to the island. We've had a few conversations now and today she shared the JK Rowlings book, The Casual Vacancy. I have wanted to read it since it came out and now I shall have the opportunity. For this book, the guest, JK Rowlings who has brought me immense pleasure over the years and the time to read I am grateful.

Over the last month I have made a new friend, become closer to 2 of my cousins and reconnected with several old friends. While email is not as good as sitting face to face it has been wonderful to receive kind words of support from all of these people plus my constant friends. I am very grateful for all of you friends that have encouraged me to keep blogging, stay positive and let time pass. It is working and I am so much stronger than 1 month ago. THNX FRIENDS.