Gratitude List - 2015
Every year I update my gratitude list and add on from the previous years. 2015 held so many miracles and dreams come true that al I wanted to do for 2016 is remember, reflect and give thanks for all of the blessings from the previous year. My 2017 wrap up promises to be spectacular as well! I've already used eighteen letters and the year is just half over! It's been stellar, filled with phenomenal firsts and magical memorable moments!
There was barely time to catch my breath as one miracle turned into another. I spent very little time capturing the moments as I floated from one magical moment to the next. This is an attempt to catch up and celebrate!
There was barely time to catch my breath as one miracle turned into another. I spent very little time capturing the moments as I floated from one magical moment to the next. This is an attempt to catch up and celebrate!
My Gratitude section is set up by the alphabet for three reasons. It takes the pressure off of a numerical list with an implication, deliberate or not, of hierarchy. And it encourages me to examine things in a way that I might not think about in a linear list. Some letters can be more challenging than others and that adds to the fun! And it can - and will - be a work in progress with more to come, just like life!
Gratitude 2015
A - Alphabet
Those of you who have taken my classes know that one of my favorite ways to frame a class - whether it is Enhancing Your Life with Herbs, Heart to Hand Illustrated Journaling, or A More Creative You - is to begin with the Alphabet. This gives us an opportunity to see things from a different perspective.
The journal page represents a vacation in Ocean City, Maryland. I can still remember the joy and laughter as we gathered ideas for the final selection. Looking at this capsulizes the vacation and brings back memories much more quickly than reading pages of text in a journal.
Try using the alphabet to capture your next vacation, plan a course or a party, or outline a book!
I am EXTREMELY grateful for the Alphabet, by the way! Those 26 letters can be arranged and rearranged to fill the Library of Congress! We can use them to encourage, inspire, comfort and . . . express gratitude!
The journal page represents a vacation in Ocean City, Maryland. I can still remember the joy and laughter as we gathered ideas for the final selection. Looking at this capsulizes the vacation and brings back memories much more quickly than reading pages of text in a journal.
Try using the alphabet to capture your next vacation, plan a course or a party, or outline a book!
I am EXTREMELY grateful for the Alphabet, by the way! Those 26 letters can be arranged and rearranged to fill the Library of Congress! We can use them to encourage, inspire, comfort and . . . express gratitude!
A - Apple
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It's all in how you slice it! Viewing the year from a creative perspective made everything more fascinating!
Years ago I learned a lesson on seeing things from a different point of view that has helped me think more creatively and find more options, from problem solving to inspiration! Most of us learned to cut an apple through the core, but if you cut it horizontally, you'll find a star! You'll probably find as many stars in my website as you will mandalas! One August my blog featured a different star every day, from stars in the sky, flags, hardware stores, lawn decorations, flowers and herbs . . . we are surrounded but we often miss treasures. I'm grateful for learning this lesson and the joy it continues to bring. |
B - Baltimore Basilica
One of my most cherished moments this year was an invitation to a concert in The Baltimore Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is the first Roman Catholic Cathedral built in the United States, built between 1806 and 1821, and still a thriving and vibrant parish.
It was built by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the architect who is best known for the Capitol in Washington D.C.
Sitting in this historic building and listening to choral music accompanied by members of the Baltimore Symphony was an evening I'll cherish forever. So many senses were stimulated - sight, sound, being touched by the the presences of history.
C - Carousel in Montmartre
Carousels fascinate me - a whirling fantasy mandala! Riding one in Montmartre was pure bliss!
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C - Champagne Tasting in the French Champagne Region
One of the highlights of our trip to France was a day trip of tastings in the French Champagne region! We traveled by train and were met by Eric, who piled the 8 of us in a van for a private tour of the most exclusive "couture" houses of Champagne. Eric provided an in-depth tour of every aspect of the process. We drove through miles of scenic country side east of Paris to visit vineyards, bottling areas, underground cellars, and wineries offering sampling of their creations.
Michele arranged our day trip and Eric was our guide par excellence!
Thank you both!
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Touring the vineyards
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Wendy, Karen, Tina, Michele, and the vineyard owner and hostess!
Tina and Steve
The
trip was planned to celebrate her birthday and their anniversary!
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Walls of champagne bottles!
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Lunch may well have been my favorite meal in all of France. Eric prepared a private feast for us at Nicolas Maillart Premier Cru Brut Champagne.
Each course, from appetizer through dessert, was accompanied by the finest champagnes from the Nicolas Maillart wine cellar, with Eric's explanation of why he has chosen each to compliment the particular flavors. While we were there, Nicolas himself stopped by to say bonjour!
Can you see why I'm grateful for this fabulous year?
Each course, from appetizer through dessert, was accompanied by the finest champagnes from the Nicolas Maillart wine cellar, with Eric's explanation of why he has chosen each to compliment the particular flavors. While we were there, Nicolas himself stopped by to say bonjour!
Can you see why I'm grateful for this fabulous year?
Our afternoon was spent in Reims, touring the incomparable cathedral - check the Rs!
The last stop of the day was Champagne Tasting in a Tree House! We drove across the countryside, then hiked up a hill and crossed swinging rope bridges to arrive at a tree house with the most spectacular view!
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With Nancy in the tree house sipping rose' champagne!
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C- Copper
Copper has always been my favorite metal. Others may prefer gold, silver, and platinum, and I'll gladly accept those as well, but copper warms my heart and soul in a way no other metal every has. Copper combines beauty with usefulness. It may be my love of cooking that makes me so partial to this metal. My grandmother taught me to cook at a very young age and those memories are forever dear. I was encouraged to use the best of everything, from ingredients to cookware.
Copper at a flea market in Paris
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Copper in my new kitchen
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Copper in Monet's kitchen at Giverny!
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D - Ding Dongs!!!
One of the highlights of the year is singing with the Ding Dongs!!! We dressed up as over the top Mrs. Santas and carol through the streets of historic Fellspoint, MD as our finale! At least that has been the choice for the two years since I've joined. We also sang at the lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon, another historic section of Baltimore. (see W)
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E - Eiffel Tower
So many views of the Eiffel Tower while we were in Paris! Most of them are classic shots that everyone has seen time and again. This is a favorite - we were on a dinner cruise going down the Seine on a beautiful, warm clear night The tower was lit up and looked like gold! Love the stripes on the water!
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View of the Le Tour Eiffel from the highest vantage point in Paris - the Dome of Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre!
Nancy and I climbed an endless winding stairway to the top. Initially there are 90 steps and we thought we were there, but to get to the top of the dome it was an additional 300 stairs! Surprise! We kept going and going and going . . . and finally reached the last round of steps to the most spectacular view! It is an unforgettable experience and well worth it if you are in excellent physical shape. If you aren't, don't even think about it.
Nancy and I climbed an endless winding stairway to the top. Initially there are 90 steps and we thought we were there, but to get to the top of the dome it was an additional 300 stairs! Surprise! We kept going and going and going . . . and finally reached the last round of steps to the most spectacular view! It is an unforgettable experience and well worth it if you are in excellent physical shape. If you aren't, don't even think about it.
E - Enhancing Your Life with Herbs Course
Herbs have been a life long passion, so of course Enhancing Your Life with Herbs is one of my favorite courses to teach! Each week we examined a different subject. 1001 Ways to Use Herbs, Herbs for Healing, Haunting Herbs, Holiday Herbs, Romancing Herbs and Zodiac Herbs. I sketched over 200 herbs to illustrate the course through Keynote. It was filled with practical knowledge, legend, lore and humor! I featured a fresh herb with samples to share with everyone from my garden for each session. And I learned as much from the participants as they did from me! Our final session was an Herb Party and everyone brought herbal treats to share. So grateful to have had such a fabulous group!
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A sampling of the treats the class brought in for the party.
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F - Flea Markets
Baltimore
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Paris
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Wendy, Nancy and Tina looking for treasures!
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G - Georges
Georges is a spectacular restaurant located at the top to the Centre Pompidou and Musee National D'Art Moderne in Lower Marais in Paris.
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Name the Georges Place Mat!
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G - Giverny
This year's trip to Giverny was a life long dream come true! And it fulfilled every expectation and beyond! The gardens were spectacular, the home was a dream. The paintings, both Claude Monet's and his spectacular collection of Japanese prints through out the house, were exquisite! We toured the water gardens first, followed by the flower gardens, then the house and studio.
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G- Glass Blowing!
Thank you Mycala!!!! One of my Christmas gifts was a lesson in glass blowing! I chose to make a star fish, my dancing star, which didn't require any actual blowing, but was also invited to actually learn the blowing technique as well. It was an experience of a life time and would love to go back for a series of lessons at some point. For now, another bucket list experience completed in this phenomenal year!
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"You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star."
Friedrich Neitzeche
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H- Heart to Hand Illustrated Journaling Course
In the fall I taught two courses at the Renaissance Institute. The six weeks was my Enhancing Your Life with Herbs course. The second half of our semester was Heart to Hand Illustrated Journaling. The Heart to Hand course was a huge commitment to self exploration, discipline and learning to trust their own hand and artistic interpretation. Watching these dedicated artists unfold was pure delight! They were encouraged to be aware of their one palette preference. One woman loved black and white, some loved crayon brights, another pastels, one earth tones. Some drew daily and used words, others seldom added words. There were different preferences for subject matter, composition and borders. The group dynamic was fascinating as they supported and led each other. Because of the work involved and the commitment, it was a small group - only six continued - but they were dedicated and they have asked to continue to meet once a month in 2016.
Project Planning
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Diary
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H - Home Sweet Home
At the end of May I began to think seriously about my living situation for the coming year. My yearly lease was up for renewal in August at the Jazz, and though I had loved it for 2 1/2 years, there were some management, or lack of management, concerns. The deterioration of my living situation, along with yet another excessive increase in rent, prompted me to consider other options.
My friend Kathy was planning to move out of the same complex and has also found a real estate agent that she loved. She asked me to go along with her to look at a potential new home and I immediately felt a connection to Eve, her agent. The next week I started looking seriously. Within a few weeks, Mycala found a home on Highwood Drive in Lake Walker complete with a garden and community newsletter and plant exchange program, we fell in love with it, gave an offer, and the day before I left for Paris we had the home inspection.
My friend Kathy was planning to move out of the same complex and has also found a real estate agent that she loved. She asked me to go along with her to look at a potential new home and I immediately felt a connection to Eve, her agent. The next week I started looking seriously. Within a few weeks, Mycala found a home on Highwood Drive in Lake Walker complete with a garden and community newsletter and plant exchange program, we fell in love with it, gave an offer, and the day before I left for Paris we had the home inspection.
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H - Hydrangeas
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Hydrangeas in Paris
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White hydrangeas have always been a favorite. Actually every color is divine! When I first saw hydrangeas in the front of the house, they seemed like a sign. My hydrangea painting is the perfect compliment to the hydrangeas in the front yard and cut on the table.
During the holidays i spray painted hydrangeas, bittersweet, black eyed peas, and more to create gifts, decorations for the house and the porch.
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I - Iris
The Iris has always been one of my favorite flowers but this year she took on special significance. She is the bases of the French flour de lis, and her thee points symbolize faith, wisdom, and valor. Following the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13th, I retreated from the world and painted. It includes rosemary for remembrance and lavender for love and peace.
J - Jazz
Gregory Thompkins, Instructor
History of Baltimore Jazz
Jazz has become increasingly important over the last few years. It started with a "History of Jazz in Baltimore" course taught by Gregory Thompkins, a superlative saxophone player, well known and respected for his style and skill. One course led to another . . . I think I've taken it for four semesters now. In addition to teaching us the history, Gregory introduced us to local musicians who are making history themselves, including Carl Filipiak, guitarist, Lafayette Gilchrist, keyboard, Tom Reyes, keyboard, Richard Shelton, guitar, Chuck Ferrell, drums, Bill Monroe, upright bass, and more. In addition to class time, we've gotten to know the musicians in the community and as a result been introduced to more, including Rodney Kelly Sr. and his band with Russell Eugene Lyles, Earl Ivey, and Tony Lunsford of the Rodney Kelly Jazz Experience.
Here's the guy who started it all, playing saxophone for us at the Renaissance Institute at Notre Dame University of Maryland. His class has opened up a new level of understanding for literally hundreds of students over the past few semesters.
Here's the guy who started it all, playing saxophone for us at the Renaissance Institute at Notre Dame University of Maryland. His class has opened up a new level of understanding for literally hundreds of students over the past few semesters.
Gypsy Jazz on Monday nights at Liam Flynn's Ale House has also been a phenomenal musical experience. We try to make it at least once a month. The atmosphere is fun and festive, food is fabulous and the music lasts all evening! Edward D. Hrybuk plays the upright bass and has been there every week since we started going and he alone would be worth the trip! He is usually joined by at least one guitarist and fiddle player, often a mandolin, accordion and saxophone. Show up and be surprised - always pleasantly!
NOTE: Please be prepared to tip if there is no cover charge. They usually pass the hat. If they don't, go find it.
NOTE: Please be prepared to tip if there is no cover charge. They usually pass the hat. If they don't, go find it.
K - Keyboard (Ok, it's a stretch, but K is not an easy letter!)
This baby grand piano was at the flea market in Paris and I fell in love with it! It would look lovely in my new home. It's on my wish list!
L - Lace
Lace is ever where in Paris, in window, on windows, on tables, on dressers, on women . . . love, love, love the lace!
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M - Mandalas
Mandalas have played a very significant spiritual role in my life this year. You'll see many of them through out my website. Mandala (Sanskrit: मण्डल, lit, circle) is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Indian religions, representing the universe. In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe.
Swamiji had introduced me to the Tantric Mandala in India but I hadn't given much thought to them again until Kathryn Costa invited me to participate in her 100 Mandala Challenge. I still haven't completed it, but since then I've been much more aware and in awe of the history, power, versatility and beauty of the sacred circle. This year I walked the labyrinth at Goucher College and will be walking more this year.
Swamiji had introduced me to the Tantric Mandala in India but I hadn't given much thought to them again until Kathryn Costa invited me to participate in her 100 Mandala Challenge. I still haven't completed it, but since then I've been much more aware and in awe of the history, power, versatility and beauty of the sacred circle. This year I walked the labyrinth at Goucher College and will be walking more this year.
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N - Nest
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Our little apartment in Paris was called "the Nest" and it fit the description perfectly! It was located in a pulsating street in the heart of the Latin Quarter up four flights of stairs. It was an authentic French flat and gave us a real feel for what it would be like to actually live there. Divine!
The street was lined with bistros and restaurants, a jazz club, a gelato stand, and boutiques. It was about a half a block from Notre Dame and a block from Shakespeare and Company Book Store. |
N - Notre Dame
Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral at sunset by the Rose Window.
We timed the visit to Notre Dame Cathedral accidentally - and perfectly. We were there at sunset by the Rose Window as they were giving mass. There was an indescribable feeling of peace and comfort - a feeling that no matter what is going on in the world, there would always be hope, healing and love.
The back of Notre Dame was equally as beautiful, if not more so, than the front. The gardens were spectacular.
O - Orioles!
Why yes! That IS Manny Machado of the Baltimore Orioles hitting a home run! If you want to see me light up, just mention the Os! They were, once again, one of my favorite perks of moving to Baltimore! Thank you Mycala, for introducing me to this fabulous team! I loved football and baseball in high school and college, but got away from it in a town without a team. Just didn't seem nearly as exciting. One of these days I'm hoping to have season passes and live within walking distance of Camden Yards with a view of the bay!
Manny Machado hitting a home fun for the Orioles. We had AMAZING seats!!!
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Camden Yards at sunset. Oriole Orange and Boston red combined to compliment the sky's rosy glow!
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P - Peaceful Protest
There was a nervous energy about this crowd. Nancy wanted to run the other way as I was running toward it! Luckily it all worked out well. I took a lot of pictures and found the dynamics of the crowd fascinating. Watching the guys using the precut stencils for the graffiti was interesting as well. Not something I expected to see but I have since learned that peaceful demonstrations are frequent and very much a part of the French culture.
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Q - Quotes
Words have such power! We can remember a compliment - or an insult - for a lifetime. Words can lift us up, tear us down, give us confidence, or encourage and inspire others.
This is an example of a quote a friend shared from a dish towel her mother gave her! It is just one example of using words in a positive way. What a wonderful way to begin the day!
This is an example of a quote a friend shared from a dish towel her mother gave her! It is just one example of using words in a positive way. What a wonderful way to begin the day!
R - Rocky
My beloved Rocky passed this year, a bittersweet experience that still has me reflecting on life and death, love and loss. I'm not ready to get another cat and may never be. It was time for him to go since he had been so ill, but it was still heart breaking. He was always close by when I was doing my art work, and when I paint or do collage, he is on my mind. At times it seems he is close by and I've even turned to look from time to time. Zippy misses him too. They had a special history and bond. I love you and miss you Rocky cat!
Rocky supervising while I painted a fish on my bib overalls.
Rocky in my collage papers
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Rocky in the studio in my little cabin.
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R - Roses
The rose has been an integral part of my life for quite some time. I use the rose to make maps for my goals, and my values, and used it to create the course for my ideal weight program - Take the Rose Instead, an asset based approach that encourages people to live sensuously with more focus on finding satisfaction through sight, touch, sound and fragrance than simply taste. And then there is my free rose e-book, Ode to the Rose, Legend, Lore and Language, which is available if you search the website. There is a reason this is called Mikell's Hidden Treasure. Actually, that is one of many free resources, and I'm always adding more.
Poster I created for my Take the Rose Instead Course
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Goal Setting Rose Poster
Value Rose Poster
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R - Rose Window at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
This year roses took on an even more significant role as we stood before the rose window at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris at sunset.In addition to being a rose, the spectacular window is a mandala, making it even more miraculous! Words truly can't begin to express how grateful I am for this experience.
R - Roses - More Roses!
Oh! And speaking of roses, let's not forget the roses the waiter sprinkled on the table at the cafe' le petit point!
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Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre
Montmartre was a sacred site to pagans, and ancient Romans worshipping the planet Mars, long before Christians arrived. It was originally called Mons Martis, translated as the Mount of Mars. The name was changed to Montmartre, signifying the Mount of the Martyr and Sacre-Couer, referring to the sacred heart of Jesus.
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U - UniverSoul Circus!
One of this year's most heart warming and meaningful highlights was an invitation to join Youth 10Xs Better at the Univer-soul Circus in Baltimore! This group of young people from Harrisburg is led by the Reverend James Lyles and embodies everything that young people need to succeed. They are superb example of Colin Powell's America's Promise and the 5 Promises he recommends.
These young people have (1.) mentors, caring adults, who support and encourage them and teach them values and skills. (2). They are provided a place where they can learn, sew, play chess, ask questions and learn and interact in a safe environment. They are encouraged to have a (3) Healthy Start and are educated about exercise and nutrition as well as avoiding harmful substances. (4) Marketable skills are encouraged - skills that will not only give them an education but see that they make a living, a concept that it too often left out of the 'get an education' equation. (5.) Volunteering is also a part of their program, giving back to their community through service.
I am in such awe of this group of young people and Reverend Lyles and the other adults who dedicate their time to support them, and it was an honor to be invited to attend the circus with them! The music, energy and spectacle were over the top! It was an experience I'll never forget. Thank you so much for including me!
These young people have (1.) mentors, caring adults, who support and encourage them and teach them values and skills. (2). They are provided a place where they can learn, sew, play chess, ask questions and learn and interact in a safe environment. They are encouraged to have a (3) Healthy Start and are educated about exercise and nutrition as well as avoiding harmful substances. (4) Marketable skills are encouraged - skills that will not only give them an education but see that they make a living, a concept that it too often left out of the 'get an education' equation. (5.) Volunteering is also a part of their program, giving back to their community through service.
I am in such awe of this group of young people and Reverend Lyles and the other adults who dedicate their time to support them, and it was an honor to be invited to attend the circus with them! The music, energy and spectacle were over the top! It was an experience I'll never forget. Thank you so much for including me!
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Versailles was undoubtedly impressive but it didn't warm my heart like Monet's home and gardens at Giverney. The opulence was cold, ostentatious and over whelming. After seeing Monet's gardens, the formal gardens of Versailles felt rigid, controlled and sterile. We all have different tastes. This certainly wasn't mine. Viva la difference!
V - Versailles
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W - Washington Monument of Baltimore Lighting with Ding Dongs!
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Z - Zippy!
My best friend. Zippy. He fills my heart with so much joy! He's been my constant companion through the last seven years and I truly believe he was God sent at a time when I desperately needed unconditional love because I was beginning to lose faith that it existed. He has snuggled next to me every morning when I journal except for the times I've been traveling. Zippy and Rocky (see R - Rocky above) my Maine Coon cat who passed this year, are two of my greatest treasures of a life time.
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