While others hurry to start decorating for Christmas, I’m slowly savoring a month of thanksgiving. A month of noticing little blessings all around me. Listening to scripture reading and prayer while I practice gentle yoga, working out the kinks of body and soul. The scent of cinnamon, cloves and ginger on my oatmeal.

All that we see is filled with blessings. -Walt Whitman

Clean clothes still warm from the dryer. The beauty of a single blossom backlit by sunshine. A long conversation with a good friend. Love filled hugs. Holding a hot cup of tea or coffee, letting it warm me inside and out. The delight of ordering and receiving business cards for my blog, promoting happy words and pretty pictures. The snuggly goodness of a pile of puppies.

Glorious sunshine

Filtered through flame colored leaves

Lighting up my heart

The happy anticipation of gathering with friends. Sharing my thoughts with those who understand. Walking through the woods and kicking up leaves. Line dancing while laughing. Not having to decide between pumpkin or pecan pie, but enjoying both. Being cozy, reading in bed. Wool socks and cardigans. Bowls of homemade soup. Fresh baked bread, slathered with butter.

The meditative quality of knitting in silence, cranberries popping as they cook, flannel pajamas, crunchy apples. These are just some of the things I’ll be savoring with gratitude. I’d be delighted to know a few things that make your gratitude list.