Actually, this photo has nothing to do with my blog topic. I just liked it. It shows the fantastical facade of Venice's spectacular Basilica di San Marco.
It's Gratitude Friday, the time of the week when bloggers, inspired by Diana at Creative Structures, take a few moments to reflect on elements of our lives that we're grateful for.
Today, I'm reflecting on how really fortunate I am to have a well-paying, full-time job. Particularly in these times -- the latest stats suggest more than 6 million Americans and about 1.6 million Canadians are unemployed. That is a lot of people without work, and presumably without incomes -- and these numbers likely don't even reflect the total ranks of the jobless.
I'm also reflecting on how really fortunate I am to be able to write for a living. Imagine that -- I'm paid to think, and write. Not always in that order.
Occasionally, I'm required to put together Power Point presentations, which I dislike doing. I think Power Point is the work of the devil, but that's irrelevant.
I write, therefore I am (and eat, and travel.)
Comments (14)
Sandra it's clear to me why you get paid to write. I love your way with words..the short blogpost above proof that you can make your readers see your point, appreciate your wisdom and your wit. I too love that photo! Aah piazza San Marco! Grazie!
Posted by Barb Cabot | September 18, 2009 12:11 PM
Posted on September 18, 2009 12:11
Awesome photo! I'm grateful for my job (and job secutity) too. I don't always love it but I AM grateful for it!
Posted by Annie | September 18, 2009 2:56 PM
Posted on September 18, 2009 14:56
I'm leaving for Venice in a week. We have 8 o 9 nights there.
Posted by leslie | September 18, 2009 5:54 PM
Posted on September 18, 2009 17:54
Thanks very much Barb!
Annie, I thought of you when I picked out this photo. And I know what you mean, I don't always love my job, but I so grateful to have it.
Leslie, that sounds like a wonderful plan -- more than a week in Venice! What a luxury, to have that amount of time to just savour such a remarkable city.
Posted by sandrac | September 18, 2009 9:15 PM
Posted on September 18, 2009 21:15
ARGH - I have THREE powerpoint presentations to put together this weekend. I agree - the work of the devil!!!!!!!
Posted by Jerry | September 18, 2009 9:34 PM
Posted on September 18, 2009 21:34
Sandra, I am grateful because you write and because you can. Your words are good for the soul!
Posted by letizia mattiacci | September 19, 2009 4:13 PM
Posted on September 19, 2009 16:13
Jerry, that sounds like a really horrible way to spend the weekend. It's a good thing you have your trip to Greece to look forward to!
Thank you so much, Letizia, what a nice compliment. I think writing is good for my soul, especially when I can write about Italy!
Posted by sandrac | September 19, 2009 4:46 PM
Posted on September 19, 2009 16:46
Hi Sandra, a well paying job that you enjoy doing is a great thing to be grateful for. I can see why you are a professional writer, you are so talented.
That's a beautiful photo of the Basilica di San Marco.
Have a great Sunday.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | September 20, 2009 1:11 PM
Posted on September 20, 2009 13:11
I don't know how to do power point, but I like watching them! Beautiful photo of the basilica in the golden light, and also gorgeous shots of San Luca!
Posted by Palma | September 21, 2009 9:51 AM
Posted on September 21, 2009 09:51
Write On! [pun(s)] intended]
Posted by Brad'll Do It | September 21, 2009 3:41 PM
Posted on September 21, 2009 15:41
Thanks Kathy, don't you wish we were in front of San Marco right now? At least you have your trip to Scotland coming up soon!
Palma, as much as I enjoyed visiting the Sanctuary of San Luca, my lunch at Trattoria Meloncello at the bottom might have been the best part of the day!
Brad, I'm wincing :)
Posted by sandrac | September 21, 2009 4:30 PM
Posted on September 21, 2009 16:30
Great post! And I hate power point too so I had to chime in. We have lost the art of telling a good story or providing a compelling argument with "only" our voices and our bodies. Instead people stand in front of a screen and read the words. Agh!
Posted by Chiocciola | September 22, 2009 8:27 AM
Posted on September 22, 2009 08:27
Hi Chiocciola, that's it exactly! As a writer, it causes me pain when people think they can better communicate by throwing a few phrases and buzzwords up on a screen. We're obsessed with visual tricks to the extent they become crutches.
Posted by sandrac | September 22, 2009 4:50 PM
Posted on September 22, 2009 16:50
I am also grateful that you write. I am in awe of your talent. I have played around with power point but have never actually created something. It does look complicated. Great photo!!
Posted by girasoli | September 27, 2009 2:00 AM
Posted on September 27, 2009 02:00