Editor’s note: Karen Harris Tully is a writer who lives in Raymond and has agreed to keep a journal to share with Daily World readers during the odd and uncertain time we’re all navigating.

Dear Journal,

I’ve been hearing the same piece of advice lately from several different sources: practice gratitude. Usually I think of gratitude as a feeling, so it’s interesting to think about gratitude as a practice. A new book I’m reading called The INFJ Writer (specifically for writers like me who test as INFJ or INFP on a Myers-Briggs personality test) suggests starting every writing session with a focus on gratitude, for the people and things in my life, and for my writing. So, here I am, giving it a try.

I’m grateful for so many people in my life, my husband Mike, our kids, family and friends. Today I’m focusing on Mike’s parents, Kathy and Bill, for being so present and helpful in our lives and with their grandkids. Growing up, I knew my grandparents loved my sister and I, but they lived in different parts of the country and we didn’t see them often, sometimes once every few years. Kathy and Bill are retired and don’t have to do everything they do for us, but they are fully part of their grandkids’ lives and that is a true gift, one I don’t want to take for granted.

Bill likes to joke and play around, when he’s not walking miles per day, and takes the kids on 4-wheeler rides, making me cringe. I ask them to wear helmets and don’t watch.

Kathy was an educator her entire career, and always comes up with art and science projects to do with the kids, and dance for our little ballerina. Our son asked me yesterday if I thought he would be a talented tap-dancer and I know this is Kathy’s influence. “Yes,” I replied. “You can do whatever you put your heart, time and practice into.” Right now, that seems to be Mario videogames. Sigh. At least they love books, puzzles, and board games too, and most of all, time with their grandparents.

Song of the day: Kind and Generous, Natalie Merchant

Karen Harris Tully is a novelist living in Raymond with her husband and two small children. She writes sci-fi/fantasy for teens and adults and can be found at www.karenharristully.com.