So Very Thankful

Today I'm excited because I got this T-shirt on resale recently.

It hits three sweet spots for me: 

1. It's about gratitude.

2. It's a peace sign.

3. It reminds me of Chic Fil A.

I'd have preferred a brighter color, but it feels fun

for the season of Thanks and Giving, for sure.

It makes me think about all of the stuff I'm thankful for:

Faith, family, friends, fellowship, food, fun.

Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

So to interweave my gratitude with Christmas,

I spent yesterday making this bejeweled decor

from my mom's treasured pins and pendants.

Since I don't wear much jewelry but just couldn't let these go,

I decided to create a way to preserve and enjoy her special pieces.

I bought a styrofoam cone, wrapped it in green duct tape,

started with the two stars, then began pinning the rest to the tree.

Each of these cherished gems tells her story:

her nursing pin from before she even married my dad, 

the 4-H pins she earned from being a member and then a leader,

the butterfly, pheasant and flower pins because she loved the outdoors,

the REAL seal because, as a farmer's wife, she valued dairy products,

the bowling pins because she was an accomplished bowler,

the angels, the crosses, the initial M for Marilyn,

the earrings, the holidays broaches, even a cardinal.

Each piece reflects the elegant essence of a quintessential 60's mom 

dressed up with an updo even as she dresses our Thanksgiving turkey.

I love how the tree turned out and how I felt mom's presence

as I was creating it. I was wishing I'd thought to make it

while she was still alive, because I think it'd make her smile!

Mom always wore a necklace, a wristwatch, and some rings!

As John and I look in the rearview mirror, 2024 has been pretty tough,

replete with significant losses, challenges, grief. Heavy sigh. So hard.

And yet, when we stay grateful, and focus on the good,

like the fact that we became grandparents this year,

then the waves of sadness are more easily managed.

We are blessed; it is, indeed, the truest love.

And since we know that gratitude is so good our wellbeing,

our family Thanksgiving Trek into the Hill Country

is my absolute favorite 25-year holiday tradition.

Next week can't come soon enough.

Until then, another gratitude is my butterfly garden;

have you ever seen a queen butterfly caterpillar?

They are absolutely gorgeous. And its chrysalis?

A beautiful rose color. I cannot WAIT until it emerges.

So very much to be so very thankful for; 

what has captured your heart today, dear reader?