With all the chaos and horror in the world, we who are safe and healthy have much to be grateful for. I complain at times, often about limited time and the inability to write my stories. How petty that is despite how paramount it seems at times.
On this day I want to think about the simple things that make me feel whole and happy. Besides the obvious – a loving family and a roof over our heads – simple things like a beautiful sunrise, the sound of songbirds first thing in the morning, and even muffins baking in the oven make me smile and appreciate a given moment.
As a way to stand back and appreciate life more, we often take day trips. Our favorite haunt is any place upstate NY. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a trip to the Bronx Zoo or the Bronx Botanical Gardens. Because it was so beautiful and so recent, I’d like to share some images from our last trip to the Gardens.
We went there to see the Japanese Chrysanthemum exhibit. They were stunning. The tribute paid to these magnificent flowers is inspiring. The dedication in labor and time is hard to fathom, but the beauty of the effort is impossible to ignore.
After we viewed those awe-inspiring arrangments, we strolled the paths of the Gardens. Drying leaves crunched under our feet…
as water trickled over rocks in the river,
and ducks and geese cackled amongst themselves.
At times, we’d stand in place, not moving, just listening. The heavy sound of winter-quiet filled the space around us.
The air, so still, so crisp, teased us, made us think of crackling fireplaces and cedar scented candles. I thought of cozy evenings and pumpkin pie. I imagined happiness and peace for everyone everywhere.
I wish for that happiness. I hope for that peace. For me, for you. For everyone.
Happy Thanksgiving. May you have much to be thankful for now and always.
The flowers are stunning, the leaf-filled scenes serene. Thank you for sharing.
I, too, enjoy and appreciate simple things in life. Scents, sights, sounds especially of nature enrich our lives.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Linda
Debbie, your words and photos bring out meaning behind our tradition of giving thanks. I know you will have a special day with your family.
Linda,
I think it’s when we force ourselves to slow down and notice those things you mention that we are actually revived and recharged. Sometimes I think plowing ahead it best – through writer’s block and more. Other times I realize I have to take a break in order to keep going. These things make that so much easier. And sometimes, just looking at pictures I’ve taken of places that made me happy is enough to get me going again.
~Debbie
Kathleen,
Thank you so much. I did have a special day with my family. In fact, the entire weekend has been wonderful. It’s tradition in my home to set up our Christmas tree with lights on Thanksgiving evening. The next day is spent decorating it and the house, Saturday I wrap my gifts and set them under the tree and Sunday, we round up our kitties and take our annual Christmas photo. It’s the same thing every year but we never grow tired of it. In fact, it seems we can’t wait. 🙂
~Debbie