Time to Talk Turkey!

Photo by Peter Griffin. Click the photo to go to the original. It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. Just like our Southern neighbours, that means turkey, gravy, mashed 'taters', stuffing (or dressing depending on whether it's cooked in or out of the bird, I'm told), a veritable buffet of fattening desserts and treats, and a few moments to contemplate the things we are thankful for.

It's kind of sad, really, that most people's lives have become so chaotic that we only take a few minutes on special days, to remember the things we are grateful for. I try to make time every day to think about how lucky I am in my life, no matter how crazy things get.

My great failing comes in the form of not expressing that gratitude to others as often as I'd like.
So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm going to list a few here off the top of my head.

I am thankful for:

Parents who taught me that dreams are wonderful things to have, but hard work is what makes them come true.

A sister who, though we don't call each other nearly often enough, knows that I love her just the same, and always will, and who loves me back.

Family and friends who know I'm a strange chick, with a twisted sense of humour, an odd perspective on life, and a loud mouth that never seems to stop flapping, but love me anyway. ♥

A husband who mostly "gets" me, works two jobs so I can work from home and chase my dreams, and still makes time for family.

In-laws who don't just put up with me, but embrace me even in my craziness. lol

Two adorable little monsters, who drive me crazy, and remind me what the world looks like from innocent eyes.

Our little home that, while it's small and cluttered, is also cozy and full of love.

The means to provide our children all of the necessities of life, and plenty of "extras".

A homeland that provides us with freedom, health care, education and safety beyond the dreams of many of the world's population.

And as an author - I am grateful for:

Readers who give my words a chance to speak to them.

Reviewers who give honest feedback.

Fans who cheer me on.

Fellow wordsmiths who encourage and support me.

Editors with seemingly endless patience. Lol

Two brilliant cover artists who can apparently read my mind.

A publisher who not only has my back, but my front and both sides, too. ;)

Two bosses who are among the coolest, most generous, and most talented women I've had the pleasure to meet, in this lifetime.

Oh sure, I can gripe and moan with the best of them. I'm far from rich, far from famous, and I have my share of troubles. Beneath all the petty bitching and moaning, though, I'm well aware that I'm one very lucky woman.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!