A Journey of Thankfulness

November is a month to give thanks for all our blessings. 
I have a lifetime of thanks but today I want

to reflect on how this 1st day of November began for me. 
AND share with you, my blogging friends
an entertaining story about my journey of Thankfulness.

I am "thankful" I have new blogging friends!

This story has nothing to do with quilting but 

to be in line with my quilting blog....

here is an autumn batik quilt I made last year!

I'm snuggled under it right now.

This morning I had surgery on my left foot 

for tarsal tunnel syndrome 

(like carpel tunnel only in the ankles) 

and a fascia muscle release.  

I have this issue in both feet,

but can only repair one foot at a time.

 

This surgery has happened AFTER 

finding a new doctor, an MRI, a nerve conduction.  

Before Dr. Berlet I had 3 months of wearing night splints 
custom orthodics, painful cortisone shots, 

6 weeks of physical therapy, steroids and pain inhibitors.

I am "thankful" for Dr. Berlet. 

I originally thought this all began in Fall, 2011 during vacation, 

You know, the extra walking shopping, sight seeing and 

taking a barefoot walk on the beach for 1/2 hour each day.  

If barefoot, the soft water/sand causes you to use 

the muscles in feet and legs differently.  Who knew?

If you walk the beach please wear proper shoes. 

I am "thankful" for the beach!

I am thankful for "wine" at the beach.

Then a good friend of many, many years said, 

"What about all that dancing you used to do".  

I loved to dance in nightclubs and hardly 

ever sat down-given the chance to dance.  

I am thankful for all the fun I had dancing with my friends!

And now for the entertainment I promised.
During my late 20s and early 30s 

I was a professional dancer and 
director of an ethnic dance troupe.
I was lucky to travel to Egypt and yep
this is me on a camel in front of the Giza pyramids.

"Raheja" was my stage name and I'm dancing  with a very sharp sword balanced  on my head at the Aegean Supper Club

in Columbus, OH

Raheja (me) was a featured "belly dancer"
at one of two local restaurants in 
Columbus Ohio for many years.
I also danced in other cities, states as well. 

I am thankful for the Agean and Fisherman's Wharf!

As a belly dancer for 15 years and instructor for 13 years
 (teaching hundreds of students)
I danced on the balls of my feet for countless hours
Yes...that dancing may be now 

be taking a toll my 60 year old feet.   

  

I am "thankful" that my belly dancing brought 
such joy to others and to my heart, soul and creative spirit!

Today,  my wonderful husband, took me to surgery, 

got me home safe and sound, picked up scripts, 

my lunch, made me coffee, and is catering 

to my every need or whimper! 

God has blessed me with a second chance 

to share a love that is second to none.  I got it "right"
 with Mr. Right, this time...my soul mate. 

I am "thankful" for Phil Gordon...the love of my life.  

Perhaps he is not an actual Kwilty Pleasure,
 but my best pleasure "to have and to hold"!

Tell me something your are thankful for.