I was remembering a kids song about having an attitude of gratitude today…and while this year has been quite the wild ride, I always take this time at Thanksgiving to reflect on the things for which I am grateful. There are ALWAYS things that warrant gratitude.

Little things…life is so often an accumulation of little things. I am grateful for working appliances, the ability to turn on heat, a roof that isn’t leaking, good food, a house filled with music, trees that remain upright (remember the one that didn’t?), plants that have survived my less than stellar gardening skills, pots of hot tea and beautiful teacups from which to sip it, shared laughter…I want to savor and enjoy every moment.

I am grateful for a year of abundance and a life full to the brim…

For friends old and new, near and far, for those that I see weekly and those I see rarely, but that always pick up right where we left off like it was yesterday.

For work that brings me joy, for wonderful and patient clients who understand some things are worth the wait, and for the team of skilled artisans that make my dreams a reality - workrooms and craftsmen and installers - all of them not only supremely talented, but wonderful people too.

I am grateful for the gift of nature in all her inspirational beauty in every season…yes, even winter. I am grateful for the antics of our backyard birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and raccoons that keep us entertained, and for the happy chirp of our very vocal woodpecker as he is munching on suet and blessedly NOT our siding.

I am thankful for my wonderful church family that has weathered this year with grace and compassion, and most of all, I am grateful for the God who loves and sustains us all. His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.

I am so thankful that THIS year I will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with my whole family gathered around our table.

Last year we were all holed up staying safe and awaiting an end to this wretched pandemic…I am forever grateful that the quarantine afforded me precious bonus time with my two adult children. But I missed the joy of gathering around one table to laugh and eat with our family and friends - an activity we took for granted in years past. Last year we delivered Thanksgiving dinner in a basket to my parents doorstep, this year I am so grateful they will be sitting at our table with us again, along with much of the rest of our family.

I am so excited for a REAL Thanksgiving once again. The pecan-apricot cranberry sauce is all made. And the foolproof make ahead gravy and lucia rolls are on deck next. Followed by pies and veggie prep on Wednesday. We have a full complement of deli containers and bento boxes on hand to send leftovers home with the guests. We are READY (or we will be anyway!)

And then, before the turkey leftovers make it into sandwiches, just like that, we will step into the Christmas season! Christmas decor makes me ridiculously happy. Today I visited my fave wholesaler for my Christmas greens. And my friend Mila delivered two gorgeous wreaths she made to order with local greens she cut today! Talk about fresh!

I am on #teamoneholidayatatime, but I do like to be ready to hit the ground running with Christmas decor once we have properly celebrated Thanksgiving, and it is beginning to SMELL a lot like Christmas around here! Ahhhh…