A Day to be Thankful

Thanksgiving is a day to think about all that life gives and remember the things we are grateful for all year long.  Life is a game and a journey filled with choices.  A choice to be thankful for all that is around us or a choice to covet the things we don't have.  I choose to appreciate all that I have, the experiences I've enjoyed and the friends and family that have enriched my life a long the way.

• I've had the opportunity to travel the world, seeing things many only dream of.......a brand new, new born rhinoceros milk for the first time in South Africa, the pink sand of Harbour Island, the Redwoods and Sequoias of California, spectacular mountains all over the West.  And of course the breath taking hands of Mother Nature and God painting the sky as the world lights up each morning and goes to bed at night.                                   

• I am one of the few girls in the world lucky enough to have married a man that is not just my husband, but my best friend.  The person I want to share each day and every new experience with.  The Mr. also gave me family that treats me with respect and graciousness.

• My life started with parents that taught me to be independent (much to their chagrin at times), and self sufficient.  They instilled integrity, honor, and strength in my being.....traits that have served me well in life.  Though we've certainly had our times we haven't gotten along over the years, and I'm probably not around as much as I should be, Mom and Dad are who I have to thank for being the grounded, resilient person I am today.

• Through hard work and at times sacrifice, we are able to live in a beautiful area, and have a nice home filled with the many hobbies we enjoy.  

• We have friends near and far, many who have become far more family than just friends.  Many have seen us at both our best and our worst.....and still stand by our sides.  They have shared our adventures as we navigate life.....some with a smile and some with a "You REALLY want to do that?" look on their face.  Some have given us a boot in the butt when necessary.  All have enlightened and supported us along the way.

• I have an awesome dog that loves me no matter my mood.   Casey is far more my kid than my dog, but nonetheless, she brightens my day continually and makes me laugh.  Ida just came to live with us and is the cuddler and lover that everyone needs at the end of the day.  Not everyone is as lucky as we are to have not one, but two dogs that are that "special" one.

This is just a short list of the many things I have to be grateful for on this fine, cold, a bit blustery, snowing Thanksgiving morning.  But hey, I get to enjoy all four seasons of the year and I am blessed to be sitting in a warm home watching the world wake-up and have the warm clothes in my closet when it's time to venture out.  It's true....A blessed life I have.