20 november

this day started out full of tension and frustration - a situation at school that had me tied up in knots.  but i found the guidance and the grace to address it and release it, and i feel so much better tonight.

i haven't even begun to focus on the thanksgiving holiday, but i notice lately that at the end of each day i'm silently recounting the many things for which i feel thankful, and today is no exception.  the sun was shining.  the girl worked hard and succeeded on her first spelling test ever.  the sense of pride and accomplishment on her face after school.  an afternoon alone with my boy.  dear friends who graciously let me invite myself for dinner, even though their house is under construction.  the company and caring of those friends, and others.  my brownie recipe.  premium ice cream.  the good fortune of friends.  the beauty and inspiration that surround me everyday, even when i find it overwhelming.  that the gentleman behind me in line at the grocery store offered me his bonus card because i didn't have one.  unlimited long distance calling.  cut flowers.  health.  my family.  that we are warm, that we are well fed, and that we have each other on tension-filled mornings and on sunny afternoons.  we have each other.

Comments

[cloth.paper.string]

such grace, emily. thank you for sharing gratitudes, and for reminding me to reflect back on the day and for all that i am grateful for.

[Tara Thayer]

perhaps a week of gratitude is in order for me, too.
glad your hard day ended well...sometimes the good stuff seems as overwhelming as the bad. life is a lot.

[Karen at sew and sow life]

there is such fullness in the air at this time of year....

[erin]

thank you for sharing this. i need to write down all that i am thankful for as well. this is a good reminder.

[Stefani]

Beautiful reminder, Emily. Thank you for that!
I feel the need to sit down and make a list....

[Ann]

I appreciate the reminder. It's too easy to spend now (and the next five weeks) freaking out...

[melissa]

it's funny, but when life gets hard, I almost always find myself becoming more and more grateful. For the little things, for the big things. I am filled to the brim with gratitude.

[chez danisse]

I think of Thanksgiving and my thoughts immediately move toward cranberries and pumpkin pie. It's a day for giving thanks, of course, but I needed your reminder to position me on the thankful path--thanks.

[betsy]

Beautiful post, Emily. Full of important reminders. xo

[ani]

This makes me wish I had Tumblr so I could fave this post. I found myself thinking about my 'gratefuls' as I was reading about yours.

And I love the photo.