Giving Thanks

  I'm not exactly sure where this year went.  One day I'm deciding on Bernie or Hillary, and then, in what feels like moments later, we're almost a year in with Trump.  Along the way, Mother Nature became particularly wild and the country seems to have followed suit with an increase in crime,  mass shootings, and a growing insanity in Washington.  I also lost my mother earlier this year, so 2017 has been particularly rough.

  Yet, this is a time to reflect and give 'thanks'.  For the first time in forever, I see Thanksgiving as a reminder that there is still a lot to be thankful for.  It's not that I don't appreciate all the good people and things in my life, I very much do, and it's with that perspective that I gratefully embrace them and the beauty of this world.  This Thanksgiving has given me the gift of conscious gratitude.  No matter how rough the going or how bad the news, I will be sure to list a daily joy along with any sorrow.
  
   Since family is spread out in different parts of the country and we are not prone to the headaches of travel during the busiest travel time of the year, we opted to stay home with our pups and celebrate - which is fine with me - and if a wandering friend happens to pop in, well, that's better than any dessert.
   
   Wishing all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  I truly appreciate your support and love hearing from you when you take the time to send a note.   ❤️