Grateful

This year has been full of unprecedented awful. But, there is still beauty in this world. So, on this day of thanks (Thanksgiving in America), I thought it would be best to take a chance to remind myself and share with you what I'm grateful for.

• First, and foremost I'm thankful for my husband. There's no way I would get through this life without him by my side. He's my rock, my encourager, my everything.
• Of course, we wouldn't be the people we are without our families. And, even through all our ups and downs and not always seeing eye-to-eye, there's no way we would have had the strength and optimism to persist in some of the challenges we've faced.

• I'm so very thankful for our home and property. Hurricane Sally hit us hard and changed our landscape forever. But, change can be good, and we're finding that things needed to change out here. We've been given the opportunity to make our own stamp on Silverlox and not just go with the footprint that already exists. We were much luckier than some people. We realize that and are grateful. We have a secure roof over our heads and warm beds every night. That's plenty to be thankful for. 
• The love of our pets, Zoe and Rosalina as well as the joy of raising chickens (they have no love for us, they're chickens), is something else to savor for sure.
• Our health. We've been very fortunate to have stayed healthy this year. Though we both need check-ups, we're letting those that need medical attention have it as doctors and staff are overwhelmed with the current pandemic status.
• We have some financial stability. There are so many who can't say the same and are really struggling this year. I recognize how privileged we are and am hoping we can find some way to give back this holiday season. 
• Our friends. It's been a struggle to have and keep connections with so many of our friends. I have a close-knit few that I've been able to see out in the wild over this year and it's been such a joy to have that contact. I'm desperate to see and hug a few more, but despite the distance and time, I know our friends will be there on the other side of this.
• Hobbies! Having a variety of interests in crafts and outdoor activities has definitely kept me sane.
• Technology is a real blessing most of the time. It's helped maintain friendships, keep us entertained, and pays the bills.
• The election of a new president. I'm so thankful. That's all I'll say about that.
• All of you! You're included in the friend category as well, but we'll likely never see each other face-to-face. I want to make sure you know how thankful I am that you come to read my blatherings and leave comments that delight and inform me so. (Even if I am awful at responding to them sometimes.) I feel blessed to have found each of you here in this wide world of the web. Thank you for being here!

I KNOW there are many more things that could be added to this list, but it's a start. I hope you have plenty to be grateful for this year and take the time to reflect on it. Let me know what you're most thankful for below. I believe that gratitude is important to keep perspective. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

12 Ways to Show Gratitude and What I'm Thankful For

Since American Thanksgiving is upon us, it's the perfect time to stop for a moment and reflect on giving thanks. There are dozens upon dozens of ways to express gratitude, but I've compiled a handful of my personal favorites to share with you. 

1. Say "Thank you" and tell someone why you appreciate them. This is the most simple of gestures, but it can really make someone's day. 

2. Perform a Random Act of Kindness/ Pay It Forward. It doesn't have to be a large display, something small and anonymous works. While you can find loads of examples elsewhere online, here are a few ideas: give out $5 gift cards to strangers, pay for the person in line behind you, hold the door open for someone, let another car out into traffic, leave a dollar bill on someone's windshield, and/or smile at everyone you come across. See, simple things.

3. Donate to a worthy cause or give to someone in need. There are countless charities out there looking for a little help. And, you don't have to give them money. You can donate clothes or household items, blood, or even your time. Or, if you personally know someone who needs a little help this holiday season, offer to cook them a meal or help out with chores around their house. 

4. Reach out to a friend you haven't heard from in a while. It's always nice to know that someone's thinking about you. And, it doesn't have to be much, a simple text or e-mail would work.

5. Give out compliments like they're candy. How long does it really take to tell someone that you like something about them? It can be their new haircut, their organizational skills, their ability to play the piano, whatever. I'm sure that hearing that you admire something about them will add a spring to their step.

6. Journal your blessings. Make a list of all the things you're thankful for. Seeing them listed on paper right in front of you makes them more concrete somehow. 

7. Don't complain. This is actually a gratitude practice I've only recently learned about, but I really love the idea. Why complain about little annoyances when there are so many people out there who have so little in general? I'm personally going to try to make this more of a habit.

8. Write and send thank you cards. In this age of electronic communication, getting a handwritten note in the mail is always such a thrill. You could absolutely make someone's day with a little note of appreciation.

9. Take nothing for granted. Think about all the conveniences you have in your life: the store down the street, an oven, clothes to stay warm, shoes on your feet, electricity! There are plenty throughout the world living without these basics that we commonly take for granted. 

10.  Recycle. Show a little love for the planet on which we live. It gives so very much to us, it's only right to give back. 

11. Forgive someone. Stop carrying that grudge. In fact, it probably weighs more on you than the person or company you're angry with. Let bygones be bygones.

12. Go outside, soak in some sun, take a deep breath, and be thankful for another day!

Now that you've got a few ideas on how to appreciate and pass on your blessings, let me share with you the top 12 things I'm thankful for (in no particular order).

1. My husband

2. My family

3. The means to pursue my passion for being creative

4. My health

5. Technology (most days)

6. Quiet moments that allow me to think

7. Snuggles from my pets 

8. Having food in my fridge/pantry

9. The beauty of nature

10. Living in a free nation

11. Living in one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen

12. Friends, both IRL and bloggy ones like you!

Since having more ways to spread and appreciate joy cannot be a bad thing, I'd love to know how you share your gratitude and count your blessings. Please share in the comments below!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

Thanksgiving Rambles

I'm writing this on Thanksgiving eve as my sweet potatoes bubble away on the stove so I can pre-make sweet potato casserole for tomorrow's big event. While I have a scant few minutes of down time, I thought I'd pop in with a rambling, pondering, things I've found lately pos.

First,

Now for the ramblings/pomderings
**I'm so tired of seeing commercials for shops that AREN'T going to be open on Thanksgiving. Like it's some big, special thing. It wasn't until last year (as I remember. . .could be fuzzy) a few shops decided to be open on Thanksgiving. And now these other shops are all, "Hey, look at us! We're going to do the same thing we've ALWAYS done, but now we want you to be proud of us for it." WTH!? It just bothers me.

** I was talking to my niece about 80s music and I realized that I know we call the 1920s the 20s and the 1970s the 70s, and so on. . .but what to we call the 2000s? The naughts? The zeros? The nothings? What about the 2010s? The tens? The teens? I'm baffled. anybody got a good answer?

** So, I'm hosting Thanksgiving at my house - for the first time EVER tomorrow. I'm so excited but shocked by the prospect that I think I've been in denial. I keep thinking it's not really going to happen and thus I haven't really been busting my butt to get anything done (I didn't start cleaning the house in earnest until today. I haven't made any decorations. And, I'm not super stressed about the food. . .well, not until I realized that I hadn't planned any munchies/relish tray/appetizers. Pat calmed me down and we came up with a plan) Anyway, in this whole semi-getting-ready process I've unpacked my good china (inherited)  that I've never eaten from and some stemware (also inherited) but then realized that Pat and I only have a single set of flatware. . .enough for four. We never inherited any flatware, we had to go shopping! And now that I feel like I'm starting to get everything handled, I kinda wanted to plan something insane and memorable just in case I never get to host again but am afraid that may be the cause of me never hosting again. This is going to be quite the experience. I kinda want everyone to wear pilgrim hats then go spread smallpox to the neighbors (since we're new to the neighborhood and all.) Anyway, wish me luck!

**I stumbled on this video the other day and just had to share. #4 is my favorite one for sure - Pat and I quote it all the time.


**My family has its own share of funny Thanksgiving moments. My favorite is probably the time my aunt went to give grace and said the Pledge of Allegiance instead. We tease her about it to this day.

** Finally, I have so very much to be thankful for. My heart overflows with love from my family and friends, a dream house over my head, and plenty of food in my kitchen. I wish for all of you the very best. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Jewelry for Upcycling and True Generosity

On Friday I stepped out the front door to find a big, heavy box on the front porch with my name on it. At first I was confused because I knew I hadn't ordered anything, and it was too heavy to be journaling 'happy mail'. It all became clear when I saw whose name was on the return label, my friend, Christine of One Kiss Creations!

She had mentioned a while back that she was gathering up some items for me. I didn't think much of it really, other than "How sweet of her!" However, the weight of the box told me it was much more than I had imagined.

Jeez Louise!! Look at all that bounty and beauty. I've got lots of pictures of what Christine shared with me so I'll try to keep my words to a minimum (TRY is the key word here, because it's hard for me not to exclaim and gush over all this awesomeness.) Oh, and clicking on the pictures should open a larger image for you.

There were TEN baggies jammed into the box

Here are the first two baggies I opened

A little closer look at some of the goodies

Baggies three and four held whole necklaces and loose beads with a few pendants

Baggie five contained several seed beads necklaces, while baggie six was full of loose beads

These little. . .gnomes/trolls/pixies caught my attention for sure. They are each clasping a quartz crystal

Baggie seven was full of chain in various forms

This glass pearl and rhinestone bracelet made me gasp at its beauty!

The eighth bag held various necklaces and an envelope of plastic pearls (love the ephemera)

In the ninth bag, I found a variety of jewelry and beads.

I purposely saved this bag for last as I knew it would be my favorite.

It was full of misc. jewelry findings, earrings, and pendants.

Almost all of it is something I know I can find a use for.

Look at all the sparkle and shine. How Christine parted with these, I'll never know.

Christine let me know in a sweet note (involving a dream she had about me) that I could do anything I wanted with her gift: use it, pass it on, donate it, toss it (WHAT!?). So, I've since gone though the baggies a second time to sort out what I know I won't use from what I could possibly use.

I swear, just sifting through these pretties was a rockin' good time. I've made a few piles of what to keep, not keep, and pass to a friend. Next will be dissembling and sorting by type. Oh, what fun you've blessed me with, Christine.

I don't even know how I'll ever say thank you enough for this truly generous gift. Christine makes some beautiful creations using seed beads and bead weaving, a skill I just don't have. I do recommend that you go check out Christine's blog, One Kiss Creations; follow One Kiss Creations on Pinterest;  and become a fan of the One Kiss Creations Facebook Page!

Thank you Christine for your generosity, kindness, and friendship. I feel truly blessed.

Menu from a Thankful Girl

It was a beautiful Autumn weekend here and we were able to spend some time with family watching football and socializing. It was glorious. I'm looking forward to a week full of similar blessings. I have so very much to be Thankful for. (Wow. . .I think I'm a little buzzed from my five mile bike-ride this morning. Whatever it is, I hope this elevated mood continues.)

I did have a little bit of difficulty getting through the menu for the week, but now that it's done I'm pretty excited about what's in store for us.

Breakfasts: Cereal/oatmeal/grits, Juice, Yogurt w/fruit & granola, Overnight french toast, Hashbrown baskets (meatless)

Lunches: Juice, Leftovers, Turkey sandwiches, Thanksgiving meal (other options: tuna noodles, cheese quesidillas, chicken salad pitas, soup w/grilled cheese)

Dinners: 

Rosemary balsamic chicken w/roasted cauliflower & green beans

Spicy peanut butter tofu w/brown rice & steamed broccoli

Three cheese mushroom and tortellini soup w/bread

Thanksgiving dinner

Chili (w/meatless crumbles) over rice

Sauteed shrimp w/boiled red potatoes & green beans

There's more Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Doesn't it all sound so yummy!? What are you looking forward to this week?

Gratitude

Per one of my goals for the year, I want to be more grateful for what I DO have in my life. I'm just starting on this trend really (I know, it's a bit late in the year. oops) so I haven't yet gotten in the habit of recording the many, many blessings I have in my life, but here's a start for this week.

Natural Neutral Bracelet - NEW

I'm Grateful For:
~ The patience of my husband when I'm more than a little grumpy.

~ My mini-break from my own beading/jewelry making endeavors that has given me some time to feel inspired again.

~ That darn Redbox app on my phone and iPad that tells me where I can go to get the movie I want and even lets me reserve it until I get there (so I don't have to go running all over town or hold up the line at the box.)

~ The fact that the biggest worries we've had this week have been splotchy internet, a frozen air conditioner, and a few other expenses that we handled. While those have been stressful and bothersome, it could be so much worse.

Fancy Free Necklace - re-listed

What are YOU grateful for this week?

Thankful Thursday: Christmas

I thought that for today I would gush a little about the gifts my husband gave me for Christmas since I haven't mentioned them yet. You may remember My Christmas List (part one) and My Christmas List (part two). I don't think Pat even bothered with list two. I suppose he wanted to leave the bead buying up to me. However, he relied heavily on list one for his shopping to say the least. You can use that post to find the links to most of these products.

On Christmas morning I was presented with four separately wrapped packages. These were the contents:

Metal punch

Liver of Sulfur Patina Gel

Renaissance Wax

Nine-piece tool set

I was elated, ecstatic, and happily content with these gifts. They were all needed and wanted and I couldn't wait to get to playing with them. While I was looking them all over, Pat exclaimed "OH wait. . .I think Santa left a few more in my office." He came back with TWO MORE packages.

In these I found:

Texture Hammer with nine interchangeable texture heads

Photo light box with two lights, a tripod, and background sheets that all pack away into a nice, compact case. This one is actually different than the one I linked to in my Christmas list post. This is a Square Perfect kit, but I can't seem to find a link to the exact product.

I took all of those pictures inside the photo box (with the exception of the one OF the photo box, obviously) and even without my photo editing software, I think they came out pretty well.


From the rest of the family I was also spoiled with a new houndstooth coat, a wand that acts as a remote control (super cool), some other crafting supplies, and all kinds of other fun stuff.
It was a VERY good Christmas!!

As I mentioned on Tuesday, I want to learn to be more grateful. Annette mentioned in the comments that she does a Thankful Thursday link-up and I thought that might be the perfect way for me to take some time to think about what all I have.

So, as material and weird as it is, I am thankful for a wonderful Christmas that was full of family, joy, and a really great haul! I'm looking forward to getting to play with all my new toys and becoming more proficient in my craft.


What are you thankful for today?