Gratitude and Joy
Since getting my studio set up, I have tried to make a point of sitting down each day to write a Joy list in my notebook. I light a candle and spend a little time journaling and making art. And during that time I jot down things that are bringing me Joy. I think it's important to notice those little Joys and to feel thankful each day for them.
There is so much to be thankful for. And not just because the calendar has rolled around to a certain Thursday in November.
Though, I am thankful for that, too. A thanksgiving with my family. No stress of driving anywhere. Plenty of time for slowly preparing food. For spending time together planning and then cooking and then eating.
Being here is such a Joy. I am grateful every day for that. Waking up in this house. Walking with the dogs in our new town -- long walks of discovery, sometimes with snow, sometimes with wind that burns our faces, often with sunshine. There is more sunshine here than in Cleveland and "sunshine" shows up on most of my Joy lists. Living in town and being so close to everything is a Joy, too. Walking over to the post office or library or even to the phone company with questions about our internet service is something that I'm fully enjoying.
And of course, being able to spend time with my parents whenever we want, holiday or not. For a specific reason or for no reason. For that, I am so very grateful.
I hope that wherever you are and whatever you are doing, you are surrounded by Joys and filled with love. Thank you for reading my blog and for all the encouragement and support and inspiration that you bring me each day.
p.s. I'm having a Colorful Weekend sale (I don't much like the term Black Friday, or the craziness of the phenomenon, either) in my Etsy shop. Use the coupon code GIVETHANKS to get 20% on any purchase.
There is so much to be thankful for. And not just because the calendar has rolled around to a certain Thursday in November.
Though, I am thankful for that, too. A thanksgiving with my family. No stress of driving anywhere. Plenty of time for slowly preparing food. For spending time together planning and then cooking and then eating.
Being here is such a Joy. I am grateful every day for that. Waking up in this house. Walking with the dogs in our new town -- long walks of discovery, sometimes with snow, sometimes with wind that burns our faces, often with sunshine. There is more sunshine here than in Cleveland and "sunshine" shows up on most of my Joy lists. Living in town and being so close to everything is a Joy, too. Walking over to the post office or library or even to the phone company with questions about our internet service is something that I'm fully enjoying.
And of course, being able to spend time with my parents whenever we want, holiday or not. For a specific reason or for no reason. For that, I am so very grateful.
I hope that wherever you are and whatever you are doing, you are surrounded by Joys and filled with love. Thank you for reading my blog and for all the encouragement and support and inspiration that you bring me each day.
p.s. I'm having a Colorful Weekend sale (I don't much like the term Black Friday, or the craziness of the phenomenon, either) in my Etsy shop. Use the coupon code GIVETHANKS to get 20% on any purchase.
my favorite day of the year. xo
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and your family Anne.
ReplyDeleteYour joy shines through your photos and writing, Anne. So glad for you! Counting my own blessings, too!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely, cheerful and full of gratitude post. Truly inspiring with joy. Pleasure to read it and it is always pleasure to visit your blog Anne. I am so glad that you are happy. Big, big hugs to you and much love
ReplyDeleteIts always a pleasure to visit your blog, Anne and read your joy lists because its clear that for you, its "thanksgiving" every week of the year. I'm glad you're enjoying your new home.
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