The Cold Annual Thank You Note

Every year in the Cold, I like to take stock and think about all of the elements of my life – great and small – for which I’m truly grateful. Things like people who expand my worldview, places that visit me with a sense of well-being, awe, or thrill, or those itty-bitty curiosities that act as a sprinkle of pepper on our daily routines. Flavors and happenings which remind us that no matter where we are on our journey, we are still capable of feeling enchanted.My little enchantress

This is by far my favorite essay to write all year – if it can even be called an essay. It’s more of a list, one that I assemble over a period of days or weeks. But I aim to infuse a bit of poetry into it, take you on something of a magic carpet ride. To bring the spirit of Thanksgiving to you, no matter where you are in the world, and how grumpy or lost you may be feeling.

So, my dearest Cold readers, my fellow travelers, strap on your seat belts and get ready to give thanks. To come away from this inventory of goodness feeling lighter and heavier all at once, perhaps seeing the beauty in imperfection, and the imperfection in beauty, or simply reveling in being indelibly human.

Here we go.

I’m grateful for ideas. Ones that come and go like mayflies, or blossom long and fragrant, like English Lavender. Even the ones that turn out to be very bad ideas are worth a nod. Those, too, have helped me grow, look at a problem anew, and that’s the whole point of an idea, as far as I’m concerned.

I’m also grateful for our children’s friends. Their mischief, irony, A + triumphs, and capital T troubles, are a meaningful part of our lives. I’m honored they’re willing to share them with us, and hope they’ll always look back on their nights of hanging out, or pigging out at our abode with a special fondness.

Just hangin’

And I just love the scent of my dog’s, paws. Thank you, Barney! They smell like Fritos, popcorn, and fresh grass, all mixed together. I’m so charmed by the way he places them on my shoulders when I pick him up, as if we’re about to two-step at a Middle School dance.

Let’s not forget to add curly-headed dames to this tally. I’ve got two in my house (three, including myself). In literature, such women are daring, even dangerous. Think Emma Bovary, Jane Eyre, Katniss Everdeen, Claire Fraser, and Holly Golightly. As I watch my daughters mature, take on new adventures, I see bits and pieces of all of these women in them, and it makes me so excited to see how the stories of their lives will unfold.

Curly 1Curly 2

Gorgeous, brazenly colorful autumns, the sun and wind conspiring together to make a glorious day, and pictures taken by the Hubble telescope, all fill me with such a sense of wonder that I’m left agog. The infinitude of such scenes moves my spirit, offering me, if only for a brief time, an unshakeable belief in the existence of God.

Yet, I’m also grateful for doubt, for when agnosticism takes hold of me, because it keeps my faith alive. It forces me to revisit my rationale for belief and stops me from ever feeling smug or complacent.

The kindness of strangers – here’s another glimpse of pure virtue to be thankful for. Like the woman who pulled up next to me and my family when we were caught in a downpour on the streets of Charleston. She dug an umbrella out from her glove compartment, passed it to me from her window, and said, in her sweet, Southern lilt, “My goodness, take care! You need this far more than I do.”

Sincere apologies – given and received. They strengthen bonds thought to be broken, humble us, and give us hope for the future. Thank you to all who have said “I’m sorry” and meant it, as well as to those of you who have accepted my apologies.

Beautifully designed porcelain tea cups are so dainty and sturdy all at once. There’s nothing I would rather drink out of, except maybe a 1930s style martini glass. To that, I raise my chalice in thanks.

Happy Hour with vintage glasses

I’ll toast Bugs Bunny while we’re at it, too! How many characters withstand the test of time, and can make us laugh whether we’re three or one hundred and three? He’s the GOAT (that’s teen slang for Greatest Of All Time). And since we’re on the subject of slang, I’ll throw out some of my favorites from this generation’s phraseology. One’s that make me feel grateful to be in the know:

Basic – a boring, “normal” sort of person. As in, “She’s just so basic. I mean, she’s not even into Harry Styles!”

Dope – very cool, super. “That dress is so dope!”

Tea – gossip, as in “Okay, spill the tea. Did you kiss him?”

My curly-headed dames with straightened hair and attitude – plus slang.

For those few, lucky days we get to spend in our pajamas, I am much obliged! Preferably the flannel kind with cozy designs, like red checks or honeybees. Add to that a pair of furry socks, and we’re in business.

I had the good fortune of stepping down an old, wooden staircase, recently, too (although not in my pajamas). They were in a hundred and twenty year-old school house and were of the sort that shine and creak. I felt such a sense of gratitude for the timelessness, nostalgia, utility and simple elegance of the experience. Part of me wanted to run back up just to descend them again.

Hammocks, fairy lights, wild and hairy herb gardens, stone paths, statues of St. Joseph, and birdbaths all make up the kind of backyard I can live in. A space that’s graced by simple beauty with an aura of romance. I am thankful for every component except the mosquitos.

Can’t get much better than this.

Perfect recipes, peacocks, all phases of the moon, snow globes, spider’s webs, late night diners, bouquets of balloons, gas lanterns, fondue, stained glass, men who aren’t afraid of style, women who don’t think of men as something in need of fixing, fake-frosted, artificial Christmas trees, nunneries, Kafka quotes, french fries fresh out of the fryer, and water slides all make me damned happy to be alive, prompting me to smile, fist bump, even break into spontaneous dance moves from time to time. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Most of all, and it’s not even close, I’m grateful for simple connections with others. For the ability to love and be loved. For people like you.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.