Tag Archives: gratitude

The Gift That Stopped Time

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

A few Christmases ago, my daughter gave me something I didn’t even know I still longed for — a custom portrait that reunited three generations of our family, including my mother, who passed away in 2007. It hangs in our living room now, a daily reminder of legacy, love, and a daughter who knows her father’s heart. Continue reading →

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Home Isn’t the House

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I once lived in a house that bounced, sagged, sank into the earth, and secretly hosted a thriving rodent community. And somehow, I still loved it. These days, I live somewhere far more stable—but the real difference is who I share it with. Turns out, home isn’t about perfect construction. It’s about a solid foundation where it matters most. Continue reading →

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It’s Time to Make a Few Calls

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

When truly great news arrives, my first instinct isn’t to celebrate alone—it’s to reach for the phone. The people we call first say a lot about who grounds us, who understands us, and who makes joy even better when it’s shared. Continue reading →

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The Days That Last

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Perfect days don’t follow a script. They’re made from moments—some chaotic, some beautiful—that linger long after the day itself is over. These are the days I’ll always carry with me. Continue reading →

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What I Try Not to Complain About (And Why It Matters)

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I try my best not to complain—not because nothing bothers me, but because complaining rarely fixes anything. Scripture reminds us that grumbling reshapes our hearts in ways we don’t always notice, and I’m still learning to be faithful with what I’ve been given. Continue reading →

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Where Love Shows Up Quietly

Posted on January 17, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Love doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it shows up in a phone call, a small voice asking to talk to Papi, a friend who chooses you again, or a memory carried in a mother’s voice. The moments that matter most aren’t loud—they’re faithful. Continue reading →

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Why I’m Not in a Hurry to Leave This Life

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

There was a time when living a very long life didn’t matter much to me. That’s changed. Love, family, teaching, and writing have given my days weight and purpose. I’m not afraid of living long—I just hope that when my time comes, I can leave with dignity intact. Continue reading →

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When Gifts Turn Into Time

Posted on January 4, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Some of the best gifts I’ve received were wrapped or handmade. These days, the ones that matter most arrive as time—shared, unhurried, and deeply personal. Continue reading →

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Relationships That Add to My Life (and the Ones That Should Come With a Warning Label)

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Some relationships recharge your life; others quietly drain the battery while smiling at you. I’m grateful for the people who bring peace, laughter, and perspective—and I’ve learned, the hard way, that not every relationship deserves shelf space. This is a friendly, slightly sarcastic inventory of both. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 21: Christmas Edition—The Day the Cheapskate Takes the Cork Out

Posted on December 25, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Every other week, I write about finding bourbon that feels extravagant without the extravagant price tag. But Christmas isn’t the day for restraint. It’s the day to open the bottle you’ve been saving, to pour generously, and to share it with the people who matter most. Bourbon can always be replaced. Friends and family can’t. Continue reading →

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