Category — thanksgivings project

The warmth of kerosene heat. The security of owning a home. A cord and a half of wood for the woodburner. My old, faithful car and the used engine that lives under the hood. Good fresh food spilling from my fridge and pantry.  Power, satellite tv and broadband internet. These are all things that I’ve taken for granted and lived without. I have been cold. I have been scared for my home. I’ve had no transportation of my own. I’ve gone to bed hungry, and I’ve played the “which utility can I live without” game. All within the last two years.

Today I am grateful for abundance. Not for materialistic things, not for excess, unlike the Thanksgivings of my past. Simple abundance. For feeling a little too warm and having to turn the heat down. For knowing that I have a few more leftovers than I can consume alone. For enough money to pay my bills and live a little. I will be as efficient as possible with my heater. I will take my leftover excess to friends and coworkers. I will be a good steward of my resources, because I’ve learned the hard way not to squander them. I’m thankful to have that opportunity.

My intangible assets are even more abundant. There is not enough room in my heart for all the love and support I receive from the people who surround me. The overflow is what feeds my sentimental nature. Resistance is futile; a girl can’t be anything but sentimental when she’s constantly overwhelmed by the affection of her family and friends. Opportunity. What an incredible blessing at this time in our economic history, to have an abundance of opportunity. To know that my dreams are in my grasp, that I have a chance to write on this world in permanent marker.

Today I’m thankful to be one of the luckiest girls in the world, and to have in abundance that which I have lived without.

Today, my lovelies, I’m grateful for YOU!

Tricia, my longest standing internet friendship, my comrade in arms, my secret squirrel.

Nikki, the only preacher’s wife in existence willing to associate herself with yours truly…

Mandy, the lovely and talented photographer.

Courtney, my sweet redheaded songbird and Queen of Navigating Knoxville…

The gorgeous lollygagger, who’s well timed care packages have been a soothing balm for my wounds…

Steve, who shares the prettiest parts of Alaska with us.

Mr. Apron and his lovely bride- both entertaining in their own unique ways (read: she is classy, he is funny).

Derek, our resident Velveteen Rabbit.

Kim, who is always awarding me something and helping to keep my ego inflated.

Stephanie, my bestie from the way back when. I’m so very grateful to have found her again.

The lovely LiLu-  All hail the Queen of TMI!

Maxie, who clearly rocks.

Angela is ten times as fun in person as she is online. She’s helped me become more a part of the local social media scene, and I love her.

Kelby, Queen Mommyblogger of Asheville Otherwise Known as @typeamom. A hero of mine.

Jen, a dear freader and a REAL AUTHOR.

The lovely MsDarkstar. This woman is always sending me good smellin’ stuff and helping me with BIG IMPORTANT THINGS and is always in my corner. She’s too hard on herself. I love her.

Nicopolitan. I just adore this guy. We just seem to “get” each other.

Vanessa, who has had a difficult year but marches onward. I’ve been sending you good vibes, darling. We’re going to have great years in 2010. Healthy and happy and sane. I just know it.

Princess Pointful, who takes a few precious minutes to write me a note when I most need to get one.

Mrs. Chasing Paradise. A girl after my own heart.

Just A Titch.  A great lady- I’m grateful she found me this summer.

Dani, who is just hilarious. Thanks for making me laugh till my sides hurt.

For the record, I don’t believe you can know a blogger until you’ve met them in person, but I’ve met my fair share of bloggers, and I’ve never been disappointed. I’ve always been delighted.

In his post, Derek said: “The words are chosen because they’re part of the voice, and the voice is something that found the author…something the whole construct has a measure of control over.”

I’ve been thinking about that statement since I read it, and I’ve decided that it is the perfect explanation for my gratitude. You, each of you specifically, and You, all of you collectively, have changed my perspective and in so doing, have changed my life.

This year has been racked with upheaval, loss and turmoil in my personal life. There have been times that the raw force of it brought me literally to my knees in pure sorrow, exhaustion and exquisite heartache. Still, at my lowest points I felt a basic comfort, an appreciation for the depth and intensity of my emotion, and of the situation, accompanied by a curious detachment.  A deep-rooted understanding that suffering is just another part of the human condition.

That, lovers, is a gift given to me by all of you. We’ve taught each other that in each life a little rain must fall, that people who have never held your hand will clutch their heart when they read about your life, and most precious of all, that we will reach out to one another in love, encouragement and solidarity.

I love you all, and I thank you for changing the way I see not only your world, but mine as well.