I'm So Thankful

Vera's hand and foot turkey (w/ added flowers)
will grace our table tomorrow.

Wishing everyone a "Happy Turkey Day"--my dream is that some day everyone (who eats turkey) will enjoy a bird that's led a happy, humane life.

I'm thankful for...

• Being able to put food on our Thanksgiving table and having people to share it with us.
• The local farmers, producers, winemakers, cheesemakers, etc. who work tirelessly to craft food worthy of eating.
• The growing number of farmers' markets in our city.
• A warm home in which to eat and live.
• A loving husband and bright, energetic child.
• Our family's health.
• Grandparents near and far.
• Having a good relationship with both my parents and my in-laws.
• Siblings who have managed to stay in touch no matter the physical distance between us.
• People who have faith in me.
• Reuniting (whether in-person or via social networking) with "old friends," especially those who can pick up where we left off.
• Friends who are amazingly persistent at pulling me out of the shell of my home--especially in the depths of winter--to hang out, bond, laugh.
• The amazing, supportive group of mamas I trust and admire within the Holistic Moms Network.
• Options for alternative healthcare and wellness.
• Having been healthy enough for a homebirth--the most empowering experience of my life thus far.
• My husband's opportunity to spend Fridays at home with our daughter nearly ever week.
• My talents that make it easier and more fun to maintain an urban homestead.  
• Knowing how to cook and bake.
• My love for reading and a mother who instilled that in me.
• My love for writing and a mother who reads all my stories.
• Growing up in a creative family.
• My growing (albeit little by little) patience.
• My employer for job flexibility, my co-workers for weekly camaraderie and occasional therapy.
• The people who've let me share my passion for preserving with them over the past several years of teaching classes.
• Friends who have given me opportunities for side gigs.
• Friends who have watched my child in exchange for preserves.
• Our spiritual community.
• The ability to be productive (...though still on my goals list is learning how to relax and unwind more easily.)
• Train travel.
• Bicycles.
• Living in a walkable neighborhood.
• Coffee!
• Chocolate!
• Vices that regularly get me through the day (see previous two bullet points) without doing too much damage to my body.
• A sweet child who likes to cuddle once in a while.  
• An honest husband, the realist to my idealist, who gives amazing advice and often brings me back down to Earth.

...and so much more.  I will think about all of these gifts in my life, especially tomorrow!  Peace be with you all this holiday.