I am always a little wary of the "Christmas season" as I find it to be one that does not bring out the best in people. Instead, I prefer the more low-key idea of thanksgiving as a season of lowered expectations and raised gratitude.
With our proximity to the U.S., where their Thanksgiving heralds the start of their holiday season, I've decided to use my Canadian Thanksgiving - the second Monday of October, to mark the opening to my "Thanksgiving season" which, this year, will span from Monday, October 13 through Thursday, November 27.
Last year, with the help of Cathy Zielske's 30 Days of Thankful templates and Artifact Uprising, I had a lovely book to recognize the season. The year before, again with the help of CZ, another book was made to celebrate the season. This year, I've gone further back into the archives as I do not want to limit my project to 30 (or 31) days as the season will, for me, contain 46 days. I have purchased Cathy's (limitless) digital kit from 2009.
I spend a lot of time firmly planted in my present and aware of all the things for which I am grateful. I enjoy this project each year as it gives me a tangible opportunity to record - in photos and words - what is the most important to me. Things have changed as my outlook and priorities have changed. These projects provide a nice reference point!
To get me started, I want to take a few moments to observe, absorb and record where I am. Now.
Surprise, a pic of me, today (well, Sunday, at Thanksgiving dinner.) Photo credit goes to my niece, Spencer:
A few pics of my life, currently:
Lots of orange, and gourds, and cooler weather. Bliss.
Our family room - a rare photo as it is tidy! Love this space.
I take these every day - in actual fact, I take over 30 pills each day. It's exhausting, but I do feel better.
And more of what I am most thankful for, every day:
Adventures with my family! Which always provides fodder for a story or two. In this case, 10 of us headed down to see "Wicked" at the Ed Mervish Theatre. We were a bit early and lucky for us the Hard Rock Café had terrible service - we ended up not being seated - which took us to The 3 Brewers next door. It was so good - service and food A+! My sister and I were holding our breath regarding "Wicked" as recent productions in Toronto have been less than marginal. I'm so happy that "Wicked" was wonderful! We topped off our day with most of our crew joined up with more family at Grazie for an always wonderful gastronomical experience before heading home. A very long, and very lovely, day.
