Happy Thanksgiving!

Yay! It's Thanksgiving! 

My favorite holiday! I love the non-commercial aspect of gathering friends and family over a big meal to give thanks. But, not only the gathering makes this time special; it's the beautiful season, too.

Evergreens and wisps of smoke from the fireplace scent the crisp air as we walk along paths in our woodland covered in autumn leaves. 

Without notice, the mind and body relaxes as birds sing sweetly about the beauty of this day. 

Our northwest coastal Oregon is receiving plentiful rain, with just enough days of sunshine mixed in to get outside to do a little garden cleanup.

As I finish some artwork to prepare for a nice, long holiday with family and friends, my heart grows larger re-counting the blessings God has so lovingly given. Many may not see little (or even big) blessings as they hustle to prepare the dinner in order to then scurry from store to store to find that special buy. 

But, I will savor this peaceful thanksgiving with pumpkins and dahlias on windowsills, a roaring fire, the table overflowing with the garden's bounty and not a piece of Christmas in site until the end of Thanksgiving weekend.