Mount Shasta, CA, January 15, 2026: This is my pal. His name is “Mister Blue” or “Blue-Blue.”

Mister Blue has been with me all of my life, and still resides at my bedside, because we’re pals, been together ever since Artelle Loony, Mama’s friend, made Mister Blue for me when I was quite small.

Every morning, when I get up, I spend a moment feeling gratitude and expressing thanks to the Universe, for all the things I’ve been given: Roof, warmth, clothes, food, body, health, love, friends, long life.

And then, every morning, I give Mister Blue a pat and sincerely thank him for sticking with me all this time.

We’re both over 80 years old!

I think of that, and, while I’m thanking him, I remember all the kindness I’ve been given by the humans in my life, and of the life-force and body given me by my ancestors. Thank you Universe. Thank you, Mister Blue.

Gratitude or Grumpy. Whichever you choose, you create more.

I’ve decided gratitude is way better.

And Mister Blue agrees completely.