friday present:

Friday's dose of gratitude.

1. Languages. 

When you learn a second language as an adult, it cracks open the poetry of your mother tongue. Strange things happen: The pitch of your voice kites up, your dreams lean in vividly, your thoughts--when walking alone--shift. I've found that my Spanish voice lilts a higher pitch. And, while I can't really claim to speak Turkish, I have had two technicolor dreams in Turkish: one last year while we were traveling through Turkey and one more recently. Of course I can't remember what was said, but maybe some dormant nook of me speaks a little Turkish after all. 

If you're immersed in a new language long enough, you might even relearn emotions: sadness, kindness, friendship, love. It is in some ways the perfect opportunity to recreate yourself. Then again, after a while, you are still you. No matter what you say. And who are you? And who am I? And really aren't we just one? No matter what we say.

2. Flowers.

Life's other poem. Fresh cut flowers rarely make it down to these parts, and I miss them dearly. Especially economical daffodils, irises and planted orchids from Trader Joe's! Last night after downloading some YouTube how-to's, Serkan origamied me these delicate napkin roses.

 3. Old family photos.

Yesterday we walked to the cemetery in town to snap some photos. Neither one of us had been before. It was a gray day, and the Puerto Natales cemetery is surrounded by a huge cement wall--as gray as gray gets. Perhaps not the most uplifting of activities, but I always find cemeteries peaceful and calming. And seeing the old photos reminded me of the old family photos I hold so dearly. Not to mention my beautiful family members.

4. B+.

This week I finally re-identified my blood type: B positive. I used to give blood as often as I could in the States, but I truly couldn't remember my type. What I love most about B positive is, of course, its message. A sweet serendipitous reminder, in English, that is.

5. You!

You, too, are my serendipity. Your comments, encouragement and the happy accidental discoveries I trip over throughout the day make me smile. You light up my mornings, noons and nights. Sometimes warm fuzzies emanate. And, really, the timing couldn't be better. All I can say is thank you thank you thank you!

{photos: 1&3: unknown; please let me know if they're yours, 2: me, 3: moonyen}

What are you thankful for today?