Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving – one day a year to be thankful – one thought on thankfulness and the other on the shopping bargains for Black Friday, now creeping into Thanksgiving itself.

I am particularly thankful for the unexpected time I have had with my son. Most of his life he spent building his career and dropping in for 24 hours a couple times a year. He came home for an extended time. It was an adjustment for me, but one that has taught me patience, tolerance and acceptance related to this fine man whose integrity is impeccable even if his eccentricity is a little daunting.

My mom will be visiting again this winter; she is 93 years young and a delight as a house guest. She just lost her lifetime friend and is feeling her age. I look forward to a busy winter schedule for the two of us that will help her remember how grateful we are for her good health and zest for life.

I planned to write “the great novel” and instead, I’ve written two novels so far. Both have had great reviews, a steady sales record, and opened up the world of writers and publishers with a side bonus: I am now a journalist for Southwest Spotlight, a local newsprint and online magazine that is growing rapidly with great respect for its professional reporting and local insights. If I had not written the novel, Ghost Orchid, I would not have received the invitation to write for the Southwest Spotlight. It takes me into the community and out of my comfort zone. I love it.

Fortunately, my income though modest is sufficient for a full life; and Florida offers many free venues of culture, dance, movies and entertainment. I enjoy the beaches, the Everglades, the weather, my gym membership and little side trips by car. I have a reliable car, a Hyundai, with good gas mileage and total reliability. That’s certainly something to appreciate.
Good friends round out my life and provide the support I need in good and bad times, times of joy and times of sadness. Fortunately, my health is good and I can enjoy activities with friends and the visits of relatives.

I cannot leave out the joy of love. I have known the agony and ecstasy of love with all its complications. I have experienced motherhood, a totally selfless challenge of joys beyond measure. I have traveled the world when I had the income and youth to revel in it, including three years sailing through the Caribbean islands in our own yacht. Though the person who stole my heart has recently changed course, no longer in my life; I am grateful for all the years of sharing our deepest thoughts and emotions and have no regrets.

I am also thankful for the marigold seeds that are blooming, the reliable lawn care, a comfortable though modest home, and a computer that gives me the freedom to share my Thanksgiving gratitude list on my web site. I am grateful for a fulfilling career and the education and training that keep me curious in an exciting world that changes faster with every passing day. Mostly, I am grateful for each sunrise that opens a sparkling new opportunity for vignettes of joy – and the chance to experience them in a country of opportunity and choices. Life is good.

11/21/2012

DK....

Bravo...........

" Happy Thanksgiving "....

Cheers.Joe....

DK,
Beautifully expressed. Have a Great Thanksgiving!

After what I went through about this time last year, I'm SOOOO very grateful God saw fit to give me more time on top of the dirt to spend with my bride and return me to being healthy again.

Going to be a little busy the rest of the day so I'll say it now in case I don't get another chance before tomorrow...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!

Happy Thanksgiving, All!

Kenize is not here yet so she will come on Saturday or Sunday.

I am so happy. We will have 10 people for dinner. We have a lot to be thankful for.



Correction--Kenize will come Tuesday or Wednesday

As eloquent as ever, D.K.

A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and to all of our colleagues here!

Victor

Well said, DK

Hope everyone who has been posting has a great day tomorrow and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here, posting and lurking - may your day be filled with love, friendship and good,healthy food.

I am not eloquent, but I am very thankful for all of you.

Eloquence is not so difficult; words from the heart are the challenge.