Well, here we are, almost a full week into November. Hard to believe. I’ve no idea why but fall somehow feels “over” (or, at least, like it is coming to an end) when November arrives. Instead of fall, it is now the “holiday season.” But a quick look out my window and it definitely still looks like fall. And feels like fall. Well, sorta. It does after the sun retires for the day, I suppose. The temperatures during the day, at least this week, have not exactly been fall but have felt almost spring like. No complaints from me, though. But, back to November. Holiday season, or no, I suppose our thoughts start to turn towards Thanksgiving once November begins. There are countless ideas, suggestions and prompts for focusing those thoughts on gratitude. For being more intentional with an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation for not only the things we have but the lives we are blessed to live.
With that in mind, I’m bringing back a few rather random and eclectic gratitude prompts that I used several used ago. I believe I found them, back in the day, on Pinterest. They are, for sure and for certain, in no particular order and are completely random. But, let’s give this a shot.
THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK. My senior friend, the one who spent three months in the rehab center earlier this year, celebrated her 91st birthday on Wednesday. She is home and doing really well. We bombarded her with cards and, all around, she seemed to have a lovely day. It is fun to listen to her memories! Another friend, who had the TIA episode about six weeks ago, was able to drive for the first time this past week. It was only about a mile (from her home to the neighborhood clubhouse) but it was a real milestone. She is doing so well with her recovery. Both friends are such tangible answers to prayers!!
SOMETHING THAT MAKES ME HAPPY. Putting out my Thanksgiving decor. That sounds a bit silly but, honestly, it just makes me happy. The dusting alone that comes with the task is enough to make me happy, but there are a lot of memories attached to the turkeys and pilgrims that I pull out of the bin each November. More than any of my other decor, I have had my Thanksgiving things the longest. Most since the kids were young. Unwrapping those pilgrims and finding just the right spot for them this year never fails to make me (and my husband) very happy:) I should have snapped a few photos. Ugh (blogger fail) but I will try and share something on Monday.
SOMEONE THAT MAKES ME SMILE. I have another senior friend (not the two mentioned above) who has the sweetest nature and the prettiest smile. Her husband is several years older than she and, recently, has needed more and more assistance. She is the sweetest helpmeet (pardon my old school word but I think it is a sweet one) and she always has such a good attitude. Honestly, she complains about nothing. I wish I could say the same about myself. I not only admire her but, I really enjoy her friendship and spending time with her. And, yes, she makes me smile!
A SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS THIS WEEK. Yesterday my husband (very) randomly suggested we go furniture browsing (very close but not exactly the same as furniture shopping!) We really need a new couch but we’ve had other priorities (think back to back to cruises – lol) lately. We’ve done well, I think, to be content with our rather imperfect couch – it was ruined by a certain grand dog that shall remain unnamed!! – but, truthfully, the couch is “the elephant in the room.” We so enjoyed looking at couches…and imagining what our room could look like again. We only made it to one store but I think we will go to one more today in order to do some comparison shopping. Comparison browsing??
Well friends. I think I will stop for now. There are several more random prompts but I will save those for next Friday. Thanks so much to each of you for stopping by so regularly – whether you leave a comment or not. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!