Can you guess what this room with a view is?
???
Yes?
No?
I’ll give you a hint:
See that pumpkin-pie colored strip at the bottom of the photo? It is my arm–sparkling with water.
See that mashed potato-colored strip in the bottom right-hand corner? It is porcelain. (I think. Maybe it’s enamel–who knows!)
See that “Oh, My God”-colored strip throughout the rest of the photo? It is my view.
By now you’ve probably made a serious attempt at an answer or have come up with a wisecrack (please feel free to share: wisecracks are encouraged, welcomed and appreciated. Rest assured, they will not be graded–unless I just can’t help myself!)
Being a former English teacher, you will understand my hesitation at saying “Bathroom” is the correct answer to this riddle.
I am leaning more toward, “Bath Room.”
As in:
Bath Room!
Surely you can see the joy reflected on my face.
What you can’t see is the joy radiating from my heart. (Well, just maybe these two are the same.)
But the joy comes from many reasons:
#1) My husband wanted me to have a bathtub. We only have a shower indoors, and not enough room for a tub. And when your body is not always comfortable to be in, any comfort is welcome!
#2) Three years ago when I had a tube coming from my gallbladder to an outside bag, and it ABSOLUTELY could not get wet, and I didn’t know if I could ever have surgery, I was told I may never be able to get in water again–a shower, a bath, a pool, a lake, a spa….Yikes! Too much information!
#3) When my husband installed the bathtub this summer, I was too weak to even consider climbing into and sitting in an outside tub.
#4) I can once again use pretty smelling bath salts–the kinds that make me smell like a Goddess and give me silky skin!
#5) I can go to bed in total relaxation, innocent and pure and sleep as soundly as a freshly bathed baby.
#6) I can remember to be thankful!
How about you? What are the joys in your life that remind you to be thankful?
I know you must have thousands upon thousands upon thousands. But if you don’t, or if you’re having trouble even coming up with one, I invite you to come visit my room with a view.
Heaven is only a joy–and a bath–away!
Room With a View
of Heaven!
Beautiful Gayle!! I’m thankful for how you reached out to me in my time of need. Thank you my friend!
In my prayers and thoughts always
Xoxo
We’re definitely sisters on our walk!
I am very thankful for your words of joy, your pictures and you. I am so grateful everyday for being born with the good fortune and wisdom to have made a life for myself in this special place of natural beauty with the ultimate freedom to be who I am or can conceive to be. I only wish it were so for the rest of humanity. Blessed be.
Time! In time the rest of humanity will catch up. 🙂
Gayle, A smile of joy from a person who is beautiful on the outside, and most definitely beautiful on the inside. Blessings to you and Mike on this Thanksgiving.
Cindy
Thank you. We are both blessed to have each other! Blessings to you, too.
I am so happy to see you in the tub! Mike was so excited when he was setting it all up the last time we were there, I bet he was even more excited to see you in it. I would love to have a bath with a view. You are truly blessed…as well as a blessing. Enjoy!
Love and hugs,
Ken and Laurian
The bath awaits you, Lady Laurian. With or without a glass of wine!
I’m thankful for a lot of things this year, my family, my friends, this beautiful day outside, but I am also very thankful for your friendship with my mother, because I know how happy you make her. <3
I love your mother! She makes me feel sparkly inside. You have the same qualities! Happy Thanksgiving.
Now that’s what I call a place to relax and give thanks! Happy Thanksgiving to you, Gayle.
Love,
Canda
Yes, I want to sit in it everyday. Can’t wait to try it in the rain. 🙂
Your bath room with a view is spectacular, Gayle … as is the smile! You’ve reminded me that luxurious baths–the bubbly, soothing smells kind–are on my gratitude list,too. However, all that reference to food has me salivating for Thanksgiving specialities… Enjoy it all, my friend!
Okay, if you insist! Salivate away!
Dear Gayle,
my husband is totally healthy and writing a book. He is coming back to work next term.
Our daughter is coming home from NY and another is getting married in June ,so we are thankful for that.
Krystyna
You have so much to be thankful for, Krystyna! We will have to exchange books when we’re finished. What a story!
I guessed a hot tub. That looks alot more comfortable. You are such an inspiration. Thank you. Love Mike & Norman.
You are certainly welcome to come use it. We would love to see you both!
Oh Gayle, what a bath-room!! And I love your bath buddy keeping guard on the floor – everyone needs one of those. I am thankful for so much, where to begin? Will keep it a short list! The Blue Ridge Mountains that surround me, the neighbor’s wide, bowl shaped field right across the road and all the cows and calves playing there; the flock of crows who rise out of the mountains at 6 am and announce the rising of the sun; winter sunsets; guests at my table sharing good food; squirrels, deer, opossums, birds, all at my feeding station; poetry that carries me away; music; color; light; and most of all? Beautiful, courageous, loving friends, such as: (can you guess? You get ONE!) – YOU! With love, Rita
Ah, clever Rita. How lovely it would be to sit with you and have tea. Then a trip around your place scratching and smooching all the wet noses of your four-legged friends. Your blessings are many. May you continue to enjoy them in good health!
Gayle i am so glad you are having a great day and nice pictures. One of the many things i am thankful for besides family and friends and a job is that i am thankful that i have a personal relationship with God and that He loved me enough to die on the cross for my sins and arose again and that i realize that i am sinner and needed Gods forgiveness and ask Him into my heart. And i know even though health issues which i am going though and my husband is in the hospital right now going though his that God will us us through this time. I don’t know i i would get through life. I wish you and your husband a great Happy Thanksgiving. And have many more lovely baths.
Hi Cindy, You are so lucky to have found your savior! I know that He is with you and your husband in this time of trial. Keep Him in your heart the best you can!
Looking good Gayle, well maybe the toes look a little prune-like but don’t get out of the tub, it suits you.
Hi Judy,
I think of you so often–every time I hang clothes out on the line. (Go figure!) Hope you and Curt and happy and cozy.
Gayle….You never fail to blow me away with your positive, compassionate, fun-loving take on whatever it is you’re contemplating. I love the outdoor bath room that Mike lovingly created for you….what a lucky pair you two are!
I’m so grateful for my family of origin and my ancestors who were such good and honest people. I’m grateful for my sweet prince of a husband who is happy to see me each morning, and lovingly cradles me to sleep each night. I’m grateful for my stormy times, for they show me where I need to be more mindful and thoughtful. I’m grateful for amazing friends like you who inspire me, and keep me honest.
A very blessed Thanksgiving to you and Mike…..With deep love and respect, Francie
Sweet, Francie! What beautiful blessings you have–even when it’s stormy! Hope you’re enjoying that new home of yours. Maybe one day we’ll make it that far to see it. 🙂
Gayle sweet Gayle – I appreciate your beautiful reminders to never lose sight of the blessed essence of life, no matter what blocks the current that we are navigating. The way you choose to live with such abundance makes the whole world spin with more ease. I am so grateful to know you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Mike!
Thank you, Jan. You can imagine–that tub is awaiting your next trip West. Hope your Thanksgiving Day is full of thanksgiving!
Denny and I have been blessed beyond measure with joys in our life. However, one of the best joys is watching your heart bubble over with happiness in that amazing tub with a view! It’s those moments that take our breath away that stay with us forever. Your connection with your creator has allowed you to experience so many breathtaking moments. May they continue to deepen your appreciation for the amazing life you have been given. We love you and all the joy you bring to our hearts. Hope your Thanksgiving was extra special.
Hi Deb, Don’t you just love the joys!!! Let’s both have many, many more moments that take our breath away–as in riding that bike up hill. 🙂
That is a magazine cover picture for sure. You look beautiful! and happy. I love your bathroom! And your postings.
Great idea! I’ve been looking for a cover for the book I’m writing! Thanks, Judith
Just catching up, I guess. That picture, of you in the tub (plus the explanation as to why it is there) is the most beautiful picture I have ever seen in my life!!! No bullshit!! I love you guys! Happiest of New Years to the both of you!
Karen Coffey
Thanks, Karen. Happy New Year to you, too! Maybe you’d like to soak in the tub some day. 🙂