When saying “I appreciate” is not enough—apprecilove!
Tag: #gratitude
Finally Home and Why It Matters—Jamaica 3 Months After Hurricane Melissa ©Dawn Minott
A firsthand account of Jamaica’s recovery after category 5 Hurricane Melissa, highlighting the resilience of its people, the ongoing challenges of rebuilding, and the urgent need for climate justice and long-term support.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays ©Dawn Minott
During this time of togetherness and giving, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace and happiness. https://videopress.com/v/2ViRaE5m?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true 2025 All Rights ReservedDesigned with Canva Images by Pexels Like what you see? To never miss a post click HERE👈 to subscribe & follow the blog. There’s more HERE👈 and on Spillwords, the …
Continue reading Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays ©Dawn Minott
JamaiCAN: The Will That Refuses to Quit ©Dawn Minott
From Cool Runnings to a historic bobsleigh win a day after Jimmy Cliff’s passing, this is about the will that keeps showing up.
we are JamaiCAN, we CAN rise again — a tribute poem for Jamaica ©Dawn Minott
A tribute poem for Jamaica post Hurricane Melissa (category 5) which devastated the country.
Jamaica Strong ©Dawn Minott
Through it all, we will rise and rebuild—Jamaica strong.
Gucci Cross: written by Fragile Dogubo, recited by Cherry Paul Ede
Grateful for the old rugged cross! Nothing boogie about it.
Milestone: 1,000 Posts ©Dawn Minott
1,000 posts and counting ‼️
Ancient Prayers for Today’s Cares — Reflect. Pray. Release. ©Dawn Minott
Timeless prayers from the Bible reflected on, reimagined for today, and released into God’s hands.
A Table Set With Words ©Dawn Minott |a Haibun
Just a menu set of words, plain but sincere.
The Gift Leads The Way ©Dawn Minott |a Haibun with audiovisual
A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.” — Proverbs 18:16 (NKJV)
Midweek Boost: You’ve Got Everything ©Dawn Minott
You likely already have everything!
A Gastronomy Discovery in Ocho Rios, Jamaica—birthMONTH 2025 Travelogue 3 ©Dawn Minott
There are the 5 love languages, then there’s Jamaican food the 6th love language!
Pretty Close, Jamaica—birthMONTH 2025 Travelogue 2 ©Dawn Minott
It’s that time again—when I quench my wanderlust with my annual birthMONTH explorations.
Midweek Boost: Let Go ©Dawn Minott
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge to get over the hump. Happy hump day!
A Prayer of Surrender
Explore the beauty of surrendering to God's presence in every moment.
Spillwords: Spotlight On Writer
Spillwords highlights my craft! #grateful
Time Won ©Dawn Minott
A lot to say, little time to write it all.
Do It Now
“Now” is always the right time to let someone know you love them.
Life All In ©Dawn Minott
Living with no regrets.
Show Up 100! ©️Dawn Minott
I show up for myself 100% committed. Period!
Thankful ©Dawn Minott
THANKFUL!
Flower of the Day Challenge #71: Precious Poinsettias
It’s Christmas decorating time!!!!
Sweet Nostalgia: Sundays, Ice Cream & Childhood Memories in Jamaica ©Dawn Minott |with audio
Simple pleasures, treasured memories of childhood.
Nature’s Morning Serenade @Dawn Minott
Finding GRATITUDE in each moment of LIFE!
Boom! Thank You! ©Dawn Minott
Thank you!!!!
messy-unpredictable-beautiful LIFE! ©Dawn Minott
Living life is an array of experiences, emotions, relationships, responsibilities, and choices that constantly shape and challenge our existence.
Mid-Week Boost: Happy
Be your own happy!
Mid-Week Boost: Begin Again
You can start again!
Back to Africa: A Travelogue ©Dawn Minott
Three years ago I was in the throes of making plans to celebrate my birth over the full month of April, like I’ve traditionally done for birthdays past. However, on 11 March 2020 after the corona-19 virus infected people in 114 countries, WHO declared a global pandemic and soon thereafter countries were locked down. And …
Shabbat Shalom: The Stay ©Dawn Minott | with audio
Living this thing called life is interspersed with periods of “stay”. In this post I’d like to share my reflection on being in a period of stay—when everything that all my senses encounter shouts: “leave”, “run”, “cower”, BUT that still small voice keeps insisting on “stay”. There is stay that is relevant to one’s positioning …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom: The Stay ©Dawn Minott | with audio
Today’s My Birthday—I’m Enough ©Dawn Minott
Happy birthday to me!
Resurrection Sunday: The Master Key ©Dawn Minott |with audio
Friday there was sorrow. Saturday was silent. But Sunday is coming and indeed it is here—RESURRECTION morning. Blessed Easter.
Shabbat Shalom: The Sacrifice ©Dawn Minott
Easter Saturday is silent. Easter Sunday is coming.
Life’s “Poetree” of Gratitude©️ |with audio
Let everything that has breath, breathe in gratitude, exhale praise
End Racism, Build Peace ©Dawn Minott | International Day of Peace, 21 September
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race, gender, class etc.
Shabbat Shalom: Dear God, I’m Grateful | with audio
Extraordinary flowers that look exactly like animals, aliens, fairies and other strange creatures
Midweek Boost: What’s Deeper Than Love?
I was helping my nephew with his assignment, when I saw a pensive expression that was far too intense to be just about his school work.“What’s up with that look?” I asked. With deep sincerity he responded with his own question: “Why are you helping me?” And he wasn’t satisfied with “… because you’re my …
BirthMONTH—Day 29: I Affirm Today to Appreciate Closed Doors
What the Most High intends to bless you with, you will receive because not only does He shut doors, He opens doors too! Happy birthMONTH to me!
BirthMONTH—Day 28: I Affirm Today to Live in Gratitude
I choose to live in gratitude. I pause to notice and appreciate the things that often get taken for granted like a place I call home, food and water, family and friends, a job.
BirthMONTH—Day 27: I Affirm Today to Expand
Today I just wanna thank the Most High for each gift He’s blessed me with. Happy birthMONTH to me!!
BirthMONTH—Day 26: I Affirm Today to Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care—caring for your mind, body and spirit—is not a luxury nor is it selfish. Self-care is a necessity. Happy birthMONTH to me!
BirthMONTH—Day 25: I Affirm Today to Exercise the Power of Choice
When based on my hopes and not my fears, my choices will create room for me. Room for exploration, growth, learning and overall self-development. Happy birthMONTH to me!
BirthMONTH—Day 24: I Affirm Today, I Am Enough
I WON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER: I am enough. I have enough of what I need to be the exceptional me. I am enough—just as I am! Happy birthMONTH to me!
BirthMONTH—Day 23: I Affirm Today to Let Go
I can’t receive the now when I hold on to the old. Surrender to let God work. Happy birthMONTH to me.
BirthMONTH—Day 22: I Affirm Today to Thrive Not Survive [Senryu]
Today I affirm to live fully, thriving not just surviving
Life Exhaling©
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump LIVING between inhales and exhales.
BirthMONTH—Day 18: I Affirm Today God My Most High
BirthMONTH affirmation: Letting God be my Most High.
Today’s my BIRTHDAY—I Affirm Today to Stand in My Truth
It takes courage to be your unique authentic self, to be resolute in who you are at the core, to “do you” when everything else and everyone else around you screams at you to fit in a mold/in the status quo/in what is expected.
Life All In© published on Spillwords
My poem “Life All In” is published on Spillwords.com. Head on over there and show me/my art some love.
Mid-Week Boost: Persevere!
The power of words—they can tear down or build up. The proceedings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation hearing to the Supreme Court attests to this.
Mid-Week Boost: Pray For Peace (1 month in)
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump. In the lyrics of Vince Gill, “let there be peace on earth and let it bring with me”.
Celebrating Women & Girls Everywhere: International Women’s Day
On this International Woman’s Day: Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, just and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. 2022 ©DeeMin All rights reserved Thank you for journeying along. …
Continue reading Celebrating Women & Girls Everywhere: International Women’s Day
Sunday Photo Reflection #25: Fruit Art
Photograph it or eat it?! Ate it!! 2022 ©DeeMin All rights reserved Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! Feel free to “like” or drop a comment, I love hearing from you. You may start here👈 and for more subscribe to the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name—Jehovah Raah (Shepherd)
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Jehovah Raah—the God who is our Shepherd.
Shabbat Shalom: Prayer For Peace & Ukraine
Click👆to listen to audio of this post In light of what is taking place in Ukraine and its heart-rending and life-altering impact, I’ll pause the “What In God’s Name” series today to instead offer a prayer for peace. However, before the prayer I’d like to go back to a giant statue that was put up …
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name—Jehovah Nissi (Banner)
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Jehovah Nissi—the God who is our Banner.
Shabbat Shalom: New Year—New Thing [with audio]
PLAY👆to listen as you read along Some times it feels unreal, but we’ve actually been hunkered down for almost two years. Can you believe it?! Just about every aspect of our lives have been constrained and in some instances crippled by an infectious agent that is so small it requires a microscope to visualize it. …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom: New Year—New Thing [with audio]
Give Thanks
Thank you for journeying along! First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more subscribe here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Midweek Boost: Autumn’s Hooray
Reflecting on photos from my favorite park mixed with quotes from folks who spoke the sentiments of my heart before I did … "Autumn leaves shower like gold, like rainbows, as the winds of change begin to blow."– Dan Millman "There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees–as if we …
Listen To Your Heart©
In the moments when you’re still, you’ll winQuiet the noise—the distractions—withinThat’s when the listening of your heart begins Listen to your heart, it’s calling to youListen to your heart, it’s telling you what to doListen to your heart, it’s giving you the better view Other voices are loudSilence every soundIt’s the virtue best bestowed Listen …
Shabbat Shalom: Wholeness is Worship [with audio]
👆PLAY👆to listen as you read along For today’s Shabbat Shalom post the focus will be the wholeness in worship. And I’ll explain it using an ancient story told in the Bible in the book of St. Luke, the 17th chapter. One day Jesus was passing through a town and came across ten men who were …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom: Wholeness is Worship [with audio]
Sunday Photo Reflection #18: Seasonal Decor
The joys of the season are all cleverly brought together in this beautiful decor design. No trick and nothing spooky here, just the beauty of nature exemplified. Hello Autumn! Hey there Harvest! What’s up Orange?! Contributing to Fandango’s One Word Challenge, trick; and the Word of the Day Challenge, spooky. Thank you for journeying along. …
Continue reading Sunday Photo Reflection #18: Seasonal Decor
The Power of Choice
When the Most High God created us, He gave us a most powerful and beautiful gift—choice! The power and beauty of choice is that it’s predicated on there being more than one option or possibility; and, the path taken will over time make you, you. In other words: you make choices, choices make you. We …
Sunday Photo Reflection #19: Pumpkins, Gourds & Harvest
I went apple picking for the first time! It rained but that didn’t stop me from climbing trees to fill my bag with the choicest of apples. Topped it off with freshly-made apple cider and delish apple donuts. Yummy 😋 There were pumpkins of all sizes and shapes, some painted with adoring smiley faces. There …
Continue reading Sunday Photo Reflection #19: Pumpkins, Gourds & Harvest
Flower of the Day Challenge #16: Fashionable Foxglove
Presenting MsFoxglove, fashionably adorned in a lavender-polka-dotted-glove-like ensemble taking the 1st place award for the “most delicate” in the garden. Thanks to Cee for hosting the Flower of the Day prompt. Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, …
Continue reading Flower of the Day Challenge #16: Fashionable Foxglove
Don’t Let Go©
Don’t let goFlashing lights, billboards aglowWatching life beneath him flowPeople cluelessly dithering to and froWhat’s dangling above, they do not knowGrisly thoughts, they’re starting slowFeelings of trepidation, quickly growGotta turn it around, change it somehowBreathe—calm erratic heart, pulsing slowRegaining composure, decidedly avowMaintaining grip, even soDon’t let go 2021 ©createdbyDEEsignAll rights reserved This piece is in …
Focus©
Unending lists of things “to-do”, less check marks on the side, I view Moving hither and thither am I, all around is stimuli Linking breath with motion, getting present in body to mind devotion Breathing-in-breathing-out, finding equilibrium all about Finding drishti, finding mountain, palms at center of heart—that’s certain Foot pressed into inner thigh, extending …
One Year Blogiversary: 🎉🎈🎊Honoring Small Beginnings
I almost missed it — it’s my 1-year anniversary (October 3rd)!! To all 367 of you who chose to be here: THANK YOU! Thank you for: 11,758 views 5,917 visits 5,412 likes 1,756 comments 571 best views ever for a post Join me in honoring the principle of celebrating “small beginnings” 🎊 🎈 🎉 2021 …
Continue reading One Year Blogiversary: 🎉🎈🎊Honoring Small Beginnings
The eARTh of God – Trees & Shrubs
Pictorial ode to the ART God created in eARTh … 2021 ©createdbyDEEsign All rights reserved Thank you for journeying along! First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Who’s In Your Corner? [with audio]
👆PLAY👆 Listen and read along Life is a fight. A good fight. We go through the extremes—the ascent of ups and the declivity of downs. Though we don’t choose what we go through in life, we can choose how we go through it and who we go through it with. One thing fighters have is …
Nature’s Cloud Serenade© Haiku
Sun sets sky alive Orange clouds dance across blue In effusive praise After-word: Sitting outside, hard at work on the computer when an orange glow danced across the screen. I looked up to see the sky evoking this beautiful orange that cascaded all around me. An experience to capture and freeze in a photo moment …
Snappy One Liners #4: New Day New Way
Doing something a little different this week. No poetry. No prose. Instead I’ll be posting a series of snappy one-liners that are as good as a mouthful like: Life’s too short not to live new day in a different way. You may also like previous posts in the series: #1Change, #2Be YOUniquely you, #3Know You …
Nostalgic©
As NY is under another wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, I’m nostalgic for the good ol’ days. You know, those days: When you sneezed in public and folks around sweetly whispered “bless you”, not shoot you a disparaging gaze that shouts: “how dare you!” When you stood in close proximity without terrifyingly pondering: “is he …
Finding Happiness©
Happiness is a vine that takes root and grows within the heart, never outside it.Kahlil Gibran It isn’t about the size of the city It’s about the people you’re with The experiences Those little moments Like Cup of hot chocolate on a snowy weekend morning Music Listening to an old record Reading by the river …
Sunday Photo Reflection #7: Happy Garden Vibes
One of the positive things about movements being restricted by this pandemic is that it freed up time and so I picked up new hobbies. In addition to blogging (you may like “Why I Created This Blog”), I also started gardening over the past 2-3 months and it’s been pure JOY! So before I lose …
Continue reading Sunday Photo Reflection #7: Happy Garden Vibes
Shabbat Shalom: God Started It, Science Confirms It
Before I understood the true meaning and the blessings of the Sabbath, it was more like an arduous religious ritual observance. And as an adolescent, I recall at the end of just about every Sabbath I came down with a terrible migraine headache. Research on the anthropology and psychology of religion have confirmed the psychological …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom: God Started It, Science Confirms It
Lovers’ Quote: You Are My Yes©
You are my yes Everything you are I’m yes to Yes to all of you Thanks you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Gratitude with Empathy: Post-COVID
It’s almost 6 months to the day today, I was feeling the sickest I’ve ever felt and an ER doctor confirmed what I dreaded—I had contracted the novel corona virus. I shared that experience in “I Survived Covid-19: Gratefully Surrendered” I recall the days when I found it difficult to breathe, and the days I …
Some Days Other Days©
Some days I amaze myself Other days I’m searching for the phone While talking on it 😜🤪🙄 Then I remind myself Hang in there Written for Jim Adams’ Thursday Inspiration, today’s prompt is “hang.” Thanks you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Fake It Till HE Makes It
It’s the wee hours of the morning and sleep has evaded me. My thoughts are somewhat lucid and I want to write. In search of motivation to direct my thoughts, I went to Fandango’s One Word Challenge and the word today is “lucid”. We’ve all heard and may practice the old adage “fake it till …
5K…Another Milestone
THANKS galore to everyone who viewed!!! When you’re starting out, each milestone is a motivator!!! Thank you for viewing! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Something About Spring
It’s in the melting of snow, the thawing of the earth ... ... and rain-logged-swollen rivers cascading It’s in colorful rainbows formed after rain suspends its falling ... ... and in days growing longer, warming up in sunny splendor It’s in the colorful array and fragrant smell of flowers blooming ... ... and the new, …
BirthDAY: I Affirm Today to Always Celebrate ME
Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
Another Milestone: 100 Follows—THANK YOU!
Today the blog reached another milestone—100 follows! Yippee 🥳 THANKS to each of you. I appreciate you so much—you’re part of the motivation for my writing. From Mauritius to Macedonia, from Ghana to Sudan my words have traversed the globe connecting with people in places I’ve never been: how incredible is this?! THANK YOU! I …
Poem—Kamala Harris Senryu: HERstory©
Before-word: On this historical day in US political history, I’m trying my hand at the Haiku (5-7-5 syllable, 3 lines form) in tribute to Kamala Harris. Haiku are usually written about nature, the seasons, a beautiful moment in nature, an emotional experience while in nature, or change. A haiku should share a special moment of …
Ode to Sunrise
This morning I woke up to the most beautiful orange hue filling every corner of my room, cascading in from the window above my bed. I got super excited because I knew the sun was on full-on display, and today’s DAWNing was gonna be majestic!!! I was right! So I grabbed my trusty phone camera …
Quote: Love and Life
“Love and life can be the most wonderful and awful all at the same time. Make the best of both.” Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
Poems & More 