Day 2 of Gratitude and Gifts: Thanksgiving

11 years ago my husband was given the gift of sobriety, although it didn't feel like a gift at the time.  It felt like a brutal, life-shattering slap across the face.  He lost his job, on the day before Thanksgiving, and in the aftermath of his coming clean about his addiction, he almost lost me.  Somehow we made it through, and somehow, for 11 (probably long sometimes) years, he's been clean.  I am so grateful for his twelve step program and for all of the other addicts who have helped him along the way.  I am so grateful for the immense power of gifts that slap you across the face and feel nothing like a gift.  I am grateful for learning and the freedom that comes from letting go of what's hurting you.

Happy Anniversary Mike.

29 Days of Gratititude

I've written about the 29 Gifts giving challenge and book, and what an amazing wonderful experience it is.  Today I'm beginning it again, along with 29 days of gratitude.  This seems like a perfect season for a focus on thankfulness.  So each day I will write about my gift to give and my gift of thanksgiving.


Day 1:  Today I woke up so thankful for my children, for everything they have taught me and the way they love me no matter what happens in our lives.  I told my childbirth class on Monday evening, "Don't let the stereotype scare you - teenagers are WONDERFUL."  They may not be cute and cuddly in the same way that newborns are, but they are such good listeners.  And they can make you laugh and teach you so much about being silly and being in the moment.  I am so grateful to be right where I am right now, a mom of two sleeping-in-late, fingernail polish and boy obsessed, sass-talking girls.

My gift for today - letting these two lovely sleep in on their day-before-Thanksgiving day off and trusting them to make the pies for tomorrow's celebration - chocolate pecan and Elvis, all by themselves.  Yum.

I'm also mailing off, with lots of love, a little baby hat for one of my sweet doula mama's second baby.  I wish I could hug her in person.

Here's what the hat looks like:

Only the color is a soft cream, like French vanilla ice cream.  I hope it keeps little Celeste nice and toasty warm.

Welcome home

I've been on a bit of a blogging hiatus but it's good to be back and starting my Monday with this post.

Our family took a little vacation to visit family in Park City Utah, celebrating my daughter's sweet 16th birthday while we were there.  I think it was one of our best vacations ever - even though we didn't even leave the house on many days.  We just hung out, cooked, ate, played games, watched the little ones chase each other through the house.  It was love filled and felt very full.  I woke up last Monday, back home in my own bed, feeling revived and just filled up with love and the good feeling of abundance that comes when you've been surrounded by those who love you.  Every morning since I've woke with the same feelings, and begun my day with some affirmations - Om Shanti, Om Mani Padme Um, Thank you God, May all beings know love.......

This last week brought a surprise visit from out of town friends and a nice long soak in the hot springs while we caught up.  I was also inspired listening to a talk by one of my favorite children's authors - Jeanne Duprau, author of the City of Ember series, which I'm in the middle of right now.  Jeanne spoke of writing about what you love, and big ideas that you never stop being curious about.  I'm not aspiring to a novel, but even a dabbler like me can be inspired by a master to write a little more, and hopefully, improve a bit.

Last night we had a dinner and Apples to Apples with old friends.  It feels so good to connect again.  And to enjoy Bella's dark chocolate cheesecake - amazing with friend Kim's brownies.  (I know that sounds like too much - but honestly, it was heaven).

Today I am working on some new Indian slow cooker recipes, baking bread, taking the dogs for a hike, and hanging out with Bella this afternoon.  She is beginning a new adventure and I'm so excited for her - more to come later about that.

This morning I want to end with a prayer of gratitude for one of my best friends in the whole world - our Lab-Kelpie mix Bear Cub, 12 years young and not quite himself these days.  I think he's losing his sight, and he's sore a lot, he doesn't follow me around all day like he used to.  Once upon a time there was just me and Buddy on the trail, and I could never ask for a more loyal friend.  He is good and sweet and tolerant.  For you Buddy - may you know love and happiness and comfort today.  May your heart be light.  I love you.