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Miracles

I continue to be thankful for the things and people in my life. Not just in the month of November but throughout the year.

Thirty-six years ago at 3:34 am on a rainy November 27th morning I gave birth to my beautiful daughter, Jamie. I had no job and was taking on the job of a lifetime. I have not always made the right choices, nor have I been the best example, I have however done the best I could at any given time. There have been bumps along the way. I grew up as you grew up.

We were friends always, but you ultimately knew who was in charge. We argued but never went to bed angry. I allowed you to express your feelings. I encouraged you to try the things you love. Dance, gymnastics, and music.

We have always traveled. Even to exotic places. All over northern Michigan, to Florida, Canada, and St. Thomas. I hope we will continue to do that.

We enjoy eating. Our own food and in restaurants. I had fun at Iggy's even if the food did nothing for me. Aren't you glad you're not a picky eater?

You made me immensely proud when you graduated from college in May. I always knew you could do it if you put your mind to it.

You have provided me with a son-in-law and two beautiful children as well as a step-grandson and a granddaughter-in-law. 

Happy birthday Jamie Renee'. I love you more than you could possibly imagine. I suspect we have many more adventures still to come.

Love,

MOM

Again I have fallen behind

Let me go back----Thanksgiving I was blessed to be with family and friends. Two of my beautiful nieces and their respective mates,  a mother-in-law to one niece, and a friend to one nephew. A small intimate gathering with lots of food and good conversation.

I am thankful that it was only the last ten miles of my trip home on Friday I had snowy roads. Once again I was able to travel without a mishap.

I am very thankful for the friends, writers, and professionals who are doing advanced reads of my next book for review. They have been most helpful.

I am thankful for friends who take time out of their day to go to lunch with me. And was lucky enough to have another friend join us.

Yes, I am thankful for all of that.
TTFN

I am a bit behind

On my 30 days of Thankfulness I have fallen behind.

Yesterday I was thankful for clear roads and a safe travels. I actually made my way through the mountains without mishap. I was able to navigate my way around Washington D.C. only to be detoured just over a mile from my destination by a serious traffic accident. While I was not looking forward to thirteen hours in a car I was grateful for a safe arrival.

Today I am thankful for judges who can see through ruses and get to the truth. As he ruled in my favor. I am glad it it over.

I am once again thankful for my nieces. One who generously opened her home to me and one who has designed a logo for my new company. Yep, without them I'd be lost.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

TTFN

The Smells of Baking

There is nothing better than the smell of home baked goods. I don't care if it's bread, cookies, pies, or cakes.  It is the smell of safety. My grandmother was always baking something. My mom used to bake, more than she does now. I love to bake, but baking for one is no fun.

I don't know if it's the mixture of spices or just the aroma of whatever is baking, it just means home. Holidays are a big time for baking. This year for the first time in a long time I want to bake. I want to make cookies, and banana bread. I wan to bake pies and anything else I that crosses my mind. Maybe even make fudge. Those who know me, know this is out of character, because I try to avoid baked goods.

But for today, I am thankful for the wonderful aromas of home baked goods.

TTFN

Simple Things

Yes, I am thankful for the simple things in life. A walk in the woods or on the beach. Kicking up fallen leaves.     The wind in my hair. I like making things for others. Holding hands or cuddling are always nice.

Life doesn't have to be drama. It doesn't have to be difficult. Just look for the simple things. A flower, a bird, anything in nature. Skipping rocks or skipping rope.

I'm thankful for the simple things in life. A smile, or hello from a stranger can go a long way. Doing something nice for someone else is a boost to your own self-esteem.

TTFN

Storytelling

I am thankful for the ability to spin a yarn, tell a story, spark someone's interest. Words make the world go round. I know people who are gifted storytellers, but would never think to write a word down on paper. I know people who write stories and should not. I think those who can do both are doubly gifted.

Each time I finish a novel or short story I know a part of me goes with it. Every time I send it out to be read, I am tempting the rejection fates. I know not everyone who reads my books will like them. I also know my fan base is growing, which means I must be doing something right.

I thank God daily for the ability to arrange words to make things interesting to others. I know there is a reason I've played word games all my life. Words intrigue me. They are probably the most powerful weapon...for lack of a better word...people have.

What you speak can help or hurt. Choosing your words wisely is always the best. I am thankful, I can do this.

TTFN

Friends

I am thankful for the multitude of friends I have acquired over the years. While I don't see some as often as I'd like, I think about them.

I have friends I can trace back to kindergarten...yes, Louise, that would be you. Over the years we have moved in and out of each other's lives, but that doesn't mean I don't hold her dear to my heart. We shared those things that only small children can.

Then there are the impetuous friends I collected in my teen years. Some are still around (yes Shelley, you are still around albeit in another state), others have moved on. Those I care deeply about I can find on any given day. I keep in touch with a few. I've lost track of many. But they helped shape me into who I am.

College...that was a new and at times frightening experience. Guess what, it brought a whole new set of friends. Some I've not heard from since we graduated a lifetime ago. About a half dozen or so are still in my close circle of friends and though we don't get together as often as I'd like, I know if I needed them they'd be there. (Deb, Joan, Vicki, Sue....I know where you are).

Somewhere in all that I became an adult. I have friends from when I was first starting out as a single mom, in a new neighborhood. I cherish them. I became friends with neighbors, community members, and teachers. All of whom had an impact on my life. And if Nancy and Sally didn't meet me for lunch once in a while I think sometimes I'd still be lost.

Then there are the friends and colleagues I made in my teaching career. Some are parents, some are neighbors, some just worked with me in some capacity or another. This list is way to long for me to mention everyone, I know I'd leave someone off and I wouldn't want to do that.

Finally, there are those whom I've encountered in my life as an author. While they may only have made their way in briefly, I am honored to be counted  a friend, Jama, Kelsey, Ashely, Kortney, Cesya, Sherrice,...and that list goes on and on.

Never to be forgotten are the friends I've made in South Carolina, Mark, Megan, Joe, Jane, Linda, David, Karl, Kathy.....that list too is a long one. I am looking forward to seeing all of them again soon.

Yes, today and everyday, I am thankful for friends. While I profess to hate people, I know I'd be lost without my friends. God bless you each and everyone.
TTFN

Compassion

I am thankful for compassionate people and a community who has shown support for a young mother, whose baby girl is dying. The out-pouring of love, prayers, and general concern has been overwhelming. In this time of year when we are most thankful for families and friends, losing a loved one is hard. Losing a child is devastating. Losing an infant is horrendous.

I am so proud to be part of a community that can come together. I'm just sad that it always surrounds a tragedy. I'd like to see it happen every day. No other reason than we are all human. We all have feelings, and just a smile or friendly hello can make someone's day.

Today I am most thankful for people who demonstrate they have compassion. It's a vital part of human nature. It also shows me we are not a lost country as the media would have us all believe.

Many hugs, prayers, and blessings to the Parrish family in this terrible time.

TTFN

Siblings

Yeah, I'm thankful for my siblings. Being the oldest means I have tormented them all. It also means I get it back. I'm thankful I have them. They've taught me much about life.

While we have each traveled a different path we are always there for each other. We don't always agree. We still bicker and snipe at each other, but when it comes right down to it I know I can count on each of the them.

Love you all. I'm glad I'm the big sister.
TTFN

Warm Sunny Days

I am most thankful for warm, sunny days. I am a person who thrives in the sun. Getting a chance to walk in the sun in November without a jacket and still in my sandals. That to me is a bit of Heaven on Earth.

I appreciate the seasons, but know I suffer from SADS-Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome. I also know for me, if I am not careful it leads to depression. Since I don't like where depression takes me, I try to avoid it.

I feel energized when I have the chance to get out and walk. I prefer long walks in the woods or on the beach,(beach walking starts in just over seven weeks) but I settled for the strip mall in town today. I was on a mission to find something.(I did get part of what I was looking for). So, I parked at one end and walked to the other and back. I used to walk the strip mall because four times up and down was a mile. Today it was just vigorous walking once and back. Then I was off to WalMart, where they did not have the other item I was looking for. Ugh. I know where to get it though.

Today, I am most thankful for warm, sunny days, to walk.
TTFN