The wood crib is full of split oak and hickory, there's a warm fire in the fireplace and the chili

[Atticus]

is simmering nicely. There's a fresh salad waiting to be tossed and Mrs. A. baked a pumpkin Bundt cake this afternoon..

I am warm, dry, well-fed and have good books to read and a clean soft bed in which to sleep.

I cannot help but compare my good fortune with those in Ukraine who are facing another cold winter night in shattered homes without heat or light.

My aches, pains and aggravations are so puny I am ashamed of how often I grumble.

[cachukis]

1. And your fingertips are connected to your brain, cathartically.

[Irish_Dem]

2. I agree and I think the same way.

I look at the cold and snow.
I am warm and snug, home is quiet and calm.
Warm bed.
Freezer full of food.
No bombs being dropped on me.

Why should I complain about anything?

[Peregrine Took]

3. Living the good life. Excellent. Pascale Harter of the BBC has a wonderful segment called

"From our own correspondents" on the "Beeb" every weekend on the radio - NPR carries it.
Puts you back in the era of Edward G. Morrow as the BBC has actual correspondents in war torn and exotic locations. Each week she chooses 4 of their oral segments. The best!

I listen on earphones while my husband sleeps by my side. I think how lucky I am and pray for a better world.

Here is a tape of last weeks segments, first one with correspondent in Ukraine, then in Nepal where the whole country is in mourning over the Yeti plane crash, ...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001hdpl

[HAB911]

4. Preach, brother

[Lonestarblue]

5. Thank you, Atticus, for a good reminder that most of us have lives of comfort and peace.

Also, a good reminder that a year ago Ukrainians were also safe and able to go about their lives. Putin changed their world to a living hell. If there is a deity somewhere, I pray that it strikes Putin and his generals down. They deserve a special hell.

[housecat]

6. Half the world is starving and the billionaires could make a difference if they only had hearts

[llmart]

7. Beautiful sentiment.

I have, for the most part, always felt like this throughout my life even when I was a child. I would read stories about young girls my age who had tough lives (think Little House on the Prairie or anything by Dickens) and feel so grateful for whatever I had, which as a child, wasn't much. I've often wondered if I was just born that way or if I learned it at home or both? We were a very large family and very poor but my parents instilled gratitude in us somehow. I was married to a man who had no sense of gratitude whatsoever yet he had so much more than I did growing up. Nothing was ever enough for him. I truly feel sorry for people who can't just appreciate the simple things in life.

[japple]

8. You're a rich man. I am another who has just eaten a lovely meal of

black beans & rice with a side of broccoli (oh the wind in the sheets tonight!!!) and toffee-chip cookies made by my sister. We live in home that is warm, comfortable and is paid-for. We have everything we need in life, yet we yearn for a country where this is the standard for everyone. We know there are those in the 14th district of GA (MTG's dist.) who don't have adequate heat, clothing, shelter, food, medical care. What will it take to turn this country around? When will we start caring for "the least of these?"

[niyad]

9. No fire, chili, and salad, but I have a pot of chicken soup going, the heat works,

my kitteh is curled on my lap, and I am with my friends on DU. Nothing life-threatening is happening in my little world, so thank you for that heart-centered reminder.

Although. . . .for some reason, the library keeps insisting they want their books back!! I mean, REALLY,!

[Evolve Dammit]

10. I think every day how lucky we are not to have bombs dropping and am so hopeful for Ukraine.

I am also aware how all that could change in a New York minute. What worries me the most, is that after viewing the nation's response to the worst pandemic in our lifetime, I am aware of the millions that simply don't fucking care about their fellow citizens. That does not bode well for the next "disaster."
Meantime, we try to enjoy our relative comfort and hope for those less fortunate everywhere. No exceptions.

[Eko]

11. One day I got really frustrated and mad at work.

I went outside to smoke and was just standing there trying to cool off. Middle of summer in Virginia, hot and humid. Very. Still fuming I looked across the street and there was this older guy. Maybe 65-75. Walking his bike. One foot would get just past the other foot and he would start another step. Moving so so slowly. There were no houses or apartments anywhere near, the closest at that pace would take him an hour to get there. In prob 101 temperatures and 100% humidity. All my anger and frustration ran away as fast as it could and came back as shame and even some strength. Strength to see what I had and how lucky I was. To put things into perspective. I still see that guy in my head, one small step in front of another, still going. Helps me keep going sometimes.
Eko

[Evolve Dammit]

14. wonder if he made it home? I look at those instances as a preview of coming attractions?

[Rhiannon12866]

12. I often remind myself that I have "first world problems"

[MiHale]

13. Thanks Atticus...

Nice reminder of to think about how good we have it. Complaints on hold just experience gratefulness.