Carole asked us to share a list of what we’re thankful for. I often write posts in my head (I know; I do just what I tell my students NOT to do) and revision happens when I type them out. Today revision happened when I got a text from Neal that said he’d been side swiped on a major highway near us. He said he was okay, but I don’t trust that kind of information to a text. So here’s my newly revised list:
1. I’m thankful Neal is not hurt. A quick phone call confirmed this for me. Every time I think of the words side swiped this afternoon, my heart races.
2. I’m thankful for my health. Between my bike crash and health issues throughout the summer and fall, I’m so glad to feel energetic and well again.
3. I’m thankful for my family. My parents celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this weekend, and it was a joy to sit at their kitchen table and chat with them and my sister during my visit.
4. I’m thankful for electricity. We were fortunate this year, but the wound from last year’s outage is still raw. My heart goes out to all who suffered in Sandy.
5. I’m thankful for abundance. Neal’s car is in the garage (he wasn’t driving it during today’s accident), and I thought about how anxious car repair bills made me when I was younger. There were times when money was so tight that the thought of a car repair would send me into an anxiety attack.
6. I’m thankful to work at a university. I love to learn. I love to be surrounded by others who love to learn. I can’t imagine a better environment to feed that passion.
7. I’m thankful for my friends. My online and in-person pals enrich my life so much. So, yeah, you, reading this? I”m thankful for you!
8. I’m thankful for my needle crafts. Knitting, crochet, weaving, embroidery, sewing: they’ve given me a creative outlet that has also led to an amazing social network (see #7).
9. I’m thankful to be a writer. Even when it is difficult and frustrating, there is nothing that I would rather do than use our beautiful language to share my imagination.
10. I’m thankful for all the love in my life. I feel surrounded by light a lot, and I know that is the love of my family and friends. Thank you for that lightness!
What are you giving thanks for this season?
I’m thankful that you and I got to know each other. I’m thankful that you were there for my Hannah when she was new at WSU and needed some help.
Oh,I really like number 10. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I write my blog posts in my head, too! They just start flowing and I run for the pen and paper, but sometimes they are fully formed before I write a word.
This year I am more aware than ever of how much I have to be grateful for–my novel getting accepted for publication, a writing biz that is going well, amazing family and friends, and health. I know there’s more, but that’s a start. Oh, and I’m so grateful that I’ve gotten to know you, Beverly! You are a delight.
PS–glad Neal is okay, too!