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i’m far from being an enlightened buddha-being, but i do actively try to live every day with gratefulness. i keep little lists all over the place (my mom is kind enough to hide away all those old journals when she finds them), and the grateful list has been something i’ve been jotting down since i was in junior high (other lists at the time: favorite tv shows, favorite songs, and most handsome boys in school). i love remembering the little things, and not feeling too silly to say i’m grateful for simple amazingness like pretty dinner forks and shiny paperclips.

this “attitude of gratitude” (hear that phrase in the larger-than-life tone of a Southern Baptist Preacher) has a power beyond my own, bringing little bits of light into every day. it’s gotten me though sickness and sadness and loss, and never let me forget that there is goodness around me worth looking for, worth striving for.

because it’s thanksgiving week, and because life is so sweet despite all the bumps and bruises, here’s a few to share…

[i am ever thankful for:]

~ my family. all of them. they are at the core of my heart, with me always.
~ this tribe of friends that nurture us, support us, laugh with us, sing with us, dance with us, share with us, cry with us, and allow us to be exactly who we are. (my friends are generous, kind, and very nice-looking too.)
~ the good health of my children. and my husband. and my parents. etc.
~ the baby-swing that has helped eliza nap (nearly) every morning for 10-months so mommy can have a little quiet-time.
~ my camera + knowing how to use it.
~ books, and the love of reading.
~ soft pillows and fluffy bedding.
~ bunches of lavender and daydreams of southern france.
~ cape cod and the national seashore.
~ southern california, and trips to remember.
~ road trips
~ my voice
~ morning coffee. afternoon coffee. a travel mug that doesn’t leak.
~ that super-smooth baby stroller our neighbors let us “borrow” until eliza outgrows it
~ maira kalman’s drawings and life-perspective
~ disneyworld
~ the calming smell of nag champa incense
~ memories of my grandparents (and -greats, and dear aunt bernie, too)
~ being able to sit down at the piano and play
~ being trusted
~ being able to trust others, and having a good instinct for who deserves it
~ the oxford comma
~ new york city
~ stephen sondheim
~ girl-y giggles
~ little girls in ballet shoes
~ the royal tennenbaums
~ marriage equality
~ lucky paperclips (they’re lucky because we find them everywhere, when we least expect it)
~ being myself, for better or for worse.
~ love. being loved.

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i’m so grateful for you, too, for reading this and being here and opening your heart. thank you, thank you, thank you. xoxo

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