My Journey As A Scroll Saw Pattern Designer #883: Gratitude

One of the best things about having two countries to call ‘home’ is that I get to celebrate two Thanksgivings. (This year I actually am on my third!)

I think that is appropriate, because (without trying to sound corny) I do have a lot to be thankful for. While things aren’t always perfect, I think I have a pretty good life. I am healthy, my kids are doing well and I am proud of both of them, I have a wonderful partner in Keith (both personally and professionally) and I am doing a job that I absolutely love. So what is there NOT to be thankful for?

Besides all of the above, I also have many exciting things to look forward to. This past year has brought many changes in my life and while most of them were good changes, the most important thing that has happened is that there are several new opportunities for me to explore. And that is exciting!

Today I am making the turkey dinner. Since I have come to Canada, I have held my own tradition and had a turkey dinner on the USA Thanksgiving every year. For those of you who don’t know (I didn’t know until I moved here) Canada celebrates their Thanksgiving early in October. I think that is one of the times throughout the year where I most feel the difference in living across the border in another country from where I was raised.

Thanksgiving always includes family, friends, football and good food. If nothing else, it is a good time to stop and be aware of all the good things in our lives that we are thankful for. By cooking this meal (and yes – there have been years when I cooked only for myself and the cats!) it reminds me not only of what I am thankful for at the present, but also of the memories of past Thanksgivings with my family, children and friends. I love how the house fills up with the aroma of turkey and stuffing. It brings back feelings of comfort and contentment and thinking back on those many Thanksgivings of the past help me relive in my mind the wonderful times and the amazing people that have touched my life, and all the while making new memories with those who are in our lives now. It all is good.

So off I go to begin preparing things. I want to wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving day, whether you are American or not. You have all been a wonderful part of my life and I am truly grateful that you are in it.

“Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more.” — Brother David Steindl-Rast

-- Contributing Editor, Creative Woodworks and Crafts, Sheila Landry Designs http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com "Knowledge is Power"