It's all in the attitude. Gratitude.

Another major holiday has come, been consumed, familied, footballed, perhaps capitalized with the masses, and gone.  I have a new friend recently transplanted from Canada and she is more than a little surprised at what a big deal Thanksgiving is here in the lower States.  And, I guess it is.

I've never had an issue with gratitude.  I have other faults (countless many).  I can occasionally be insensitive, I make things harder than they need to be, and, if we're being honest, I can be a teensy bit b*tchy.  (No, really, I can be.)  Grateful, though, I am in spades and always have been.  The concept of one day where we take some time to consider our own personal blessings has been a mystery to me.  Maybe a month of thankful commemoration, or 6 months, or every darn day of our lives?  My family rarely goes around the table being verbally grateful, which I understand is tradition at many tables.  Now that I think of it, it's probably to avoid the extended play version when it comes around to me, cuz kids, I am grateful for every, every thing.  Every blade of grass or leaf on a tree, every rain drop, or unexpected smile, or nice firm handshake, or hug from a loved one (or even a not so loved one).  When I wake up in the morning and put my feet on the ugly (seriously UGLY) brown carpet on our bedroom floor that is fraying at the door threshold I am grateful because it is so much better than the cold earth to step on.  I know, it's a little ridiculous at times, but I have rarely been in a situation where there hasn't been something to be grateful for.  Perhaps my ability to be in an attitude of gratefulness is my own personal port in the storm of life.  And, perhaps some desperate life storms are required to gain clear site of the blessings of life.  I don't know.  Maybe I'm just a little crazy. :-)

 

This year we have a few extra special things to offer thanks for.  Aren't those just the loveliest people ever?  (I apologize for the fact that our dragonfly looks like it's about to land on Josh's head.  My photography skills can use some work.)  Every time I look at them I choke up with thanks.  Each and every one of them is happy light in my life.  The two on the right, Karl and Santa, will be getting married in 2010 which tickles me no end cuz we love Santa to pieces.  (For the purposes of clarification, and because I know what it's like to have a holiday name during the Holiday season, to correctly pronounce Santa's name think Santa Maria, not Santa Claus.)  Though our numbers decreased with the passing of my mother in April, the two on the left kindly provided us with this little bug.....

 

....Miss Cambria Joy....seen here pondering the complexity of life.  Add to this the constant that is my Amazing Husband and a person could just burst with the bounty of it all.  It's been a tough year for me, but all of the sad just makes the happy more welcome.

So, we close the door on one holiday and open the door to the next. 

Miss Magnolia wants you to know that there are 25 days, 14 hours, and 27 minutes until Christmas.  Am I ready?  Not even close. As previously mentioned, I will make Christmas prep much harder than it needs to be, but I will take time to appreciate the season for the myriad of glories it is.  

Thanks to each of you, who take a few minutes to read my ramblings.  Hugs all around.

Comments

[wenders]

Is it possible to be "too grateful"? I think not. I am glad knowing there are people like you out there. :)

[KnittyLynn]

And I thank YOU for your blog and sharing bits of your life with us. I've worried with you, grieved with you and wept with joy with you.

Bless you and I hope you have a wonderful holiday. :)