Give Thanks…..

Happy Thanksgiving!

Everyone assumes Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because one of my amazing daughters was born on Thanksgiving 11 years ago (Happy Birthday, sweetie!!!). That does sparkle the day quite a bit, yet this day of feasting, family and football has always been one of the best days of the year for me!

A day set aside to capture those moments of gratitude we flit through the rest of the year — how cool is that? Do you go around the table and say “I’m thankful for….” If you didn’t get the chance, here’s a start.

I’m thankful for……

…. Chris and my girls every moment, glorious or mundane, of the past year
…. the entire family, Chris’ side & mine, and all the amazing times we’ve spent together
…. friends — whether emailing, phoning, texting, hanging on the porch in Gettysburg, mom-waiting (you know what I mean), volunteering, going back home — newly made or old faithfuls. Thank you all for being yourselves.
…. my research. OK, it sounds odd to phrase it like that, but the people, the archives, the subject, they all beg me to jump in deeper, explore a little farther, stretch out my ideas. What could be more wonderful for a researcher?
…. life’s joyous inter-connectedness?! You know, those moments when you meet someone, and they know the same stories you do; get the same jokes, too much fun!
…. strong women and the democratic process! History was made this year, it was liberating, exasperating, inspirational and ultimately an incredible validation for America!
…. Waterfalls. And rivers, and rainy afternoon hikes, and rain on the roof when I’m snuggling.
…. Books and movies that made me laugh, made me think — thanks!
AND
…. music — wowzers!!! What an awesome year it’s been. From the live shows I’ve seen (look for an upcoming post!) to the new artists I’ve discovered, this year has just jammed!!!

What goes on your list? Did you forget anything yesterday?

thank you 2008: I Think it’s Gonna Rain Today (Irma Thomas); Words (Anthony David & India Arie); Life is Wonderful (Jason Mraz); Your Move (Blackalicious); My Heart is Free (Tift Merritt); All at Once (Jack Johnson); Mr. Rock & Roll (Amy MacDonald); Fearless (Taylor Swift); For Love (Ringo Starr); Some Days you Gotta Dance (James Taylor — uniquely JT cover of the Dixie Chicks); I’m a Lady (Santogold); Tonight (the Afters); Pocketful of Sunshine (Natasha Bedingfield); Dancing Barefoot (Allison Moorer); Mercy (Duffy — her voice is completely amazing!); Aretha, Sing one for Me (Cat Power); I Should Have Known Better (She & Him — M. Ward & Zooey Deschanel); I Stand (Idina Menzel — from Broadway); All I Want to Do (Sugarland); Living Well is the Best Revenge (REM); Blue Ridge Mountains (Fleet Foxes); Six Days on the Road (Mudcrutch — Tom Petty’s 1st band, reunited); Rollin’ in my Sweet Baby’s Arms (the Grascals); and Thank You (Lizz Wright)

He who binds to himself a joy
Doth the winged life destroy.
He who kisses the joy as it flies,
Lives in eternity’s sunrise. –> William Blake

Take care,
Aly